Coolbaugh Township

Board of Supervisors

June 7, 2005 - Page 1

The Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors June 7, 2005 Regular Meeting was held in the Township Municipal Center, in building #3, at 5550 Memorial Boulevard, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.

Call To Order

Mr. Frutchey called the meeting to order at approximately 7:00 p.m. and led those in attendance in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Roll Call

Supervisors present for the meeting included: James H. Frutchey, Jr., Robert B. Hutchins, Richard R. Lockwood, Gratz Washenik and Robert M. Zito.  Also in attendance were: Township Solicitor Jerry F. Hanna and Township Secretary Linda Frutchey.

Statement on the Agenda:  The Public will be given an opportunity to speak on each agenda matter.  Public Input is considered at the end of the meeting for other issues.

Approval of May 24, 2005 Meeting Minutes

Mr. Hutchins made a motion to approve the May 24, 2005 Meeting Minutes as presented and dispense with the reading.  Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. 

Discussion - Mr. Washenik asked that the words “said the Zoning Permit had expired and” in addition to the word “further” on page 8, last paragraph be removed.  No objection was heard to the request.  The motion carried 5-0.

Presentation of banner from the Pocono REACH After School Learning Center

Chairman Frutchey moved on to the next Agenda item as no one was present at this time.

Application for a Deer Control Permit by Tobyhanna and Coolbaugh Townships on behalf of the Lake Naomi and Timber Trails Communities

Jeff Evans, Property Manager for Timber Trails Property Owners Association, was present to explain that only a municipality could apply to the Pennsylvania Game Commission for the Deer Control Permit.  Tobyhanna Township is expected to sign it at their next meeting.

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June 7, 2005 - Page 2

Discussion followed.  Mr. Hutchins motioned to sign the Deer Control Permit Application for the Pennsylvania Game Commission for the 2005/2006 season. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Public input was heard from Steve Planchock. The motion carried 3-2-0 (Mr. Washenik and Mr. Zito opposed).

Traffic Signal Plan - State Route 196 & Echo Lake Road

Pastor Dennis Bloom, Chuck Niclaus of Niclaus Engineering, William Shillinger, Esq., an attorney with Anders & Massington, LLC and Peter Terry, an engineer for Benchmark, were present on behalf of the access issues associated with a minor subdivision being proposed by Dennis and Gricel Bloom (a previous Minor Subdivision application for the Blooms was withdrawn at the beginning of the year at their request).  A lengthy discussion followed. Pastor Bloom made a request to access his property through the signal at Echo Lake Road and SR 196.  Mr. Shilling asked for approval to sign the PennDOT Traffic Signal Plan. 

Mr. Lockwood moved to conditionally approve the plan for the Traffic Signal, with the condition that an Agreement is worked out with our Township Solicitor and Township Engineer, which will be subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors. The Agreement should include financial arrangements, responsibility for construction, preparation of specifications and bidding documents, perpetual maintenance, granting of an easement to the Township for the location of certain devices, the Township’s right to perform future modifications, liability issues, termination of the Highway Occupancy Permit, a temporary turn-around, etc.  Once approved, the Agreement will have to be recorded at the Monroe County Courthouse.  Seconded by Mr. Frutchey.  A lengthy discussion followed.  Public input was heard from Cliff Otto, Alma Ruiz-Smith, Steve Planchock, and Cathy Rodriguez.

Following this discussion, Mr. Lockwood withdrew his motion.  Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. It was the consensus of the Board of Supervisors that the Agreement should be worked out listing the aforementioned items. Pastor Bloom indicated that it would take approximately four (4) weeks. 

Presentation of banner from the Pocono REACH After School Learning Center

Cynthia Cochran-Carney, Director of the Pocono Reach After School Learning Center, Liz Pemberton, Jeff Wilder and several children presented a beautiful banner to Coolbaugh Township. The banner was made by the children of Reach with the assistance of Tobyhanna artist, Liz Pemberton. Ms. Cochran-Carney said the banner was in celebration of their first year serving the children and youth of Coolbaugh Township and was given in appreciation to the Board and the Coolbaugh Township Community Partnership. Each of the Supervisors expressed their gratitude for the beautiful banner. 

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Request for an extension - Route 196 Storage Buildings Land Development Plan

Mr. Lockwood made a motion to grant the extension for the Route 196 Storage Buildings Land Development Plan until September 20, 2005.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Hiring two employees for the DPW

Mr. Frutchey moved to hire Charles Fitzhugh at a rate of $12.00 per hour and Marshall Pope at a rate of $10.50 per hour. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - Mrs. Frutchey was asked that they go through the normal procedures for getting their physical, drug testing and background check. Mrs. Frutchey asked that their 90 day waiting period to receive health benefits be waived. No objection was heard to the request. Mr. Washenik said he would be abstaining from voting on the matter, as he was disappointed that the Board did not interview the applicants. The motion carried 4-0-1 (Mr. Washenik abstained).

Proposal from the Heating People in the amount of $4,337.94 for the  repair of Boiler in Building #2.

Before the Board was a Proposal from “The Heating People” in the amount of $4,337.94 to repair Boiler #1. In order to repair the leaks, the boiler must be disassembled, all gaskets replaced, etc., then the boiler must be reassembled, the hydrostatic test performed, followed by start-up and adjustments for proper operation. The price includes all materials, labor, and PA Labor & Industry inspections required to repair the leaks between the sections.  If section replacement is necessary, a quote will be provided per section.

Mr.  Hutchins made a motion to accept the Proposal from “The Heating People” in the amount of $4,337.94 for the repair of boiler #1 in building #2. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. 

Discussion - the question was raised as to why three quotes were not obtained, because the quote is over $4,000.00. Solicitor Hanna pointed out a section of the Second Class Township Code that precludes the Township from having to follow that procedure. It was also pointed out that this company has the service contract for the boilers, etc. Public input was heard from Steve Planchock and Cliff Otto. The motion carried 5-0.

Consideration of Bid Award for Replacement Windows for Township Building #1

The Bid for the replacement windows for Township Building #1 (Historical Association) was advertised in the Pocono Record on May 14 and May 21, 2005 with a bid opening on June 2, 2005.

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One bid was received from Pella Products, Inc. in the amount of $19,046.77 (does not include the installation of the windows).

Before the Board was a June 6, 2005 memorandum from Township Engineer Russ Kresge advising that the bid is complete and responsive, recommending that the contract be awarded to Pella Products with the condition that the window sizes be verified by the vendor, as required in the contract documents.

Mr. Washenik moved to approve the Bid from Pella Products in the amount of $19.046.77.  Mr. Lockwood said he would second the motion as long as it included that the window sizes be verified by the vendor.  Mr. Washenik agreed.  No further discussion was heard.  The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Hutchins opposed).

Consideration of Bid Award for Driveway Relocation at Garden Gate Center

The Bid for the Driveway Relocation at the Garden Gate Center was advertised in the Pocono Record on May 14 and May 21, 2005 with a bid opening on June 2, 2005. One bid was received from Locust Ridge Quarry in the amount of $39,786.00.

Before the Board was a June 6, 2005 memorandum from Township Engineer Russ Kresge advising that the bid from Locust Ridge Quarry is significantly higher than anticipated, and exceeds the prevailing wage threshold of $25,000.00. Mr. Kresge recommended that the bid not be accepted and that the project be rebid with prevailing wages.

Mr. Frutchey moved to reject the bid from Locust Ridge Quarry in the amount of $39,786.00 due to needing to bid with prevailing wages. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Mr. Washenik asked about the Township personnel doing the work. Discussion followed about the reasons why the job could not be done using Township personnel. Public input was heard from Steve Planchock. The motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Hutchins motioned to direct Russ Kresge Township Engineer to re-bid the project.  Seconded by Mr. Frutchey.  Discussion - none. The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Washenik opposed).

Consideration of Bid Award for Addition to Salt Storage Building

The Bid for the Addition to the Salt Storage Building was advertised in the Pocono Record on May 14 and May 21, 2005 with a bid opening on June 2, 2005. One bid was received from Park Lane Construction in the amount of $89,700.00.

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Before the Board was a June 6, 2005 memorandum from Township Engineer Russ Kresge advising that the bid from Park Lane Construction appears to be complete and is consistent with the estimate. Mr. Kresge recommended that the contract be awarded to Park Lane Construction in the amount of $89,700.00.

Mr. Hutchins made a motion to award the bid for the addition to the salt storage building to Park Lane Construction in the amount of $89,700.00. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood.  Discussion followed about the Community and Economic Development Grant that is currently being processed through State Senator Robert Mellow’s office in the amount of $25,000.00 for funding assistance for construction of a building necessary to house and maintain recycling equipment.  Public input was heard from Steve Planchock and Alma Ruiz-Smith.  The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Washenik opposed).

Current Obligations

General Fund                         -           $539,022.33

Sewer Fund                                       -           $  12,375.62

Total Disbursements            $551,397.95

Mr. Lockwood moved to pay the Current Obligations. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey.    Discussion - it was noted that $427,642.63 is being paid out of the General Fund to Pocono Mountain Regional Police for the quarterly payment. 

Mr. Washenik noted that Panko Reporting has an invoice for $541.55 for the Lowe’s Conditional Use Hearing and there is still one more hearing. He asked about reviewing our Fee Schedule.  Discussion followed.  Public Input was heard from Steve Planchock. The motion carried 5-0.

Other Business

Council of Communities

An announcement was made that the Council of Communities meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, 2005 was canceled. It was determined that the next meeting would be on Wednesday, July 13, 2005.

Township Fee Schedule

Mr. Washenik made a motion to have the Administrative Staff do a study (with the surrounding municipalities) to see if our present Township Fee Schedule is sufficient to handle rising costs and report back to the Board.

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Beautification Committee

Before the Board was a letter from Kay Kinsley requesting that a portion of the triangle in front of the Salvation Army between old Route 940 and new Route 940 be prepared by Township personnel to plant flowers. Discussion followed regarding the traffic signal project that will start soon at that location, potentially disturbing the proposed site for beautification. It was suggested that it may be better to do this beautification project next year.  Mrs. Frutchey was directed to contact Ms. Kinsley about the matter.

Illegal Dumping at the Township Road Department & Recycling Bins

Discussion followed about the illegal dumping that is going on behind the Road Department building on Laurel Drive. Mrs. Frutchey was directed to contact Dean DeLong at the Monroe County Waste Management Authority to request the cameras that were promised when we agreed to have the recycling station at the site.  He should be made aware that the Township may consider getting out of the agreement if we do not get the cameras. 

Installation of windows in the Township Historical Building

Discussion followed about looking into the installation of the windows in the Historical Building, as the Bid award to Pella did not include this work. It was agreed that the matter would be reviewed. 

Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company

Mr. Hutchins noted that the volunteer firemen have been extremely busy and moved to approve having Township personnel assist the volunteer fire company in mowing the lawn at station #1, subject to fire company approval. 

Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - Joseph O’Boyle noted that the lawn mowing is one of the junior firemen’s responsibilities and asked that a letter be sent prior to doing anything as it will have to be discussed. Public input was heard from Steve Planchock, Cathy Rodriguez  and Alma Ruiz-Smith. The motion carried 5-0.

Heating Oil Bid

Mr. Frutchey motioned to approve allowing the Township Volunteer Fire Company to piggy back with the Heating Oil Bid through the Council of Governments for the purchase of their fuel, as this would be a considerable savings for them through Stiff Oil Company (award of COG Bid). Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Public Input was heard from Steve Planchock. The motion carried 5-0.

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June 7, 2005 - Page 7

Public Input

Jim Frutchey - expressed thanks to Pocono Springs Water Company for their generosity in providing water to the residents of A Pocono Country Place during their emergency this past weekend, when PAWC warned residents in the Main Section not to use their tap water, due to possible contamination by an unknown petroleum product.

Cathy Rodriguez, Ken Booth, Werner Frank, Ronnie Frank, Alma Ruiz-Smith, Jerry Teicher - commented on the recent water problem in A Pocono Country Place. Mr. Frutchey and Mr. Washenik were thanked for their time and help given on behalf of the residents affected by the water emergency.

Alma I. Ruiz Smith  - asked if a dialogue could be started regarding a low power radio station or a private channel on cable TV for a way to get communications out to residents living in Country Place. Mr. Zito volunteered to contact Blue Ridge Cable TV.

Joe O’Boyle - suggested having a message board at the main gate of Country Place.

Board of Supervisors Executive Sessions

Mr. Frutchey announced that the Board of Supervisors held an Executive Session on Tuesday, May 24, 2005  at 9:50 p.m. re: Pending Litigation. There were two Executive Sessions held this date at 4:00 p.m. with Solicitor Hanna re: Lowe’s Conditional Use Hearing and at 6:00 p.m. re: Pending Litigation.

Adjournment

With no further business before the Board, Mr. Frutchey moved to adjourn the meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:03 p.m.

Respectfully submitted:

Linda Frutchey                                                            James H. Frutchey, Jr.

Township Secretary                                                    Board Chairman