Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors September 20, 2005 - Page 1
The Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors, September 20, 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 September 6, 2005 Regular Meeting Minutes
Mr. Hutchins moved to approve the September 6, 2005 Regular Meeting Minutes and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.
2005 Monthly Reports
Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company Chief Bill Weimer was present to go over the August 2005 Monthly Report for the Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company (CTVFC) as follows: there were 3 dwelling fires, 3 automatic fire alarms, 1 vehicle fire, 1 assist other fire companies, 1 wires down/pole fires, 3 vehicle accidents and 6 miscellaneous calls for a total of 18 calls. A total of 164.53 man hours were expended on the 18 calls, and 372.51 man hours were spent on drills and training. $175,000.00 was the estimated dollar value on buildings/vehicles involved in fire and $25,000.00 was an estimated dollar loss due to fire.
Chief Weimer noted that the fire company appreciated being present at “Coolbaugh Celebrates”.
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He also said the fire company was thankful to Joe Darlak for letting them use the site of the former Tobyhanna tavern for their Haunted House, which is a major annual fund-raiser. He asked the Board if two Township employees, Captain Jim Frutchey and Assistant Engineer Charlie Fitzhugh, could each have some time off, even if it is only a half day, to teach and drive during a Fire Prevention, Fire Safety program at the schools. Chief Weimer also requested that the Supervisors declare a Burn Ban from October 1st through the 1st day of winter. Discussion followed.
Mr. Hutchins made a motion to institute a Township Burn Ban starting October 1 through the first day of winter (December 21, 2005) with “No Burn Ban” signs to be posted by October 1, 2005, and that the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Department, surrounding townships and Property Owners Associations be contacted with this information. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. A lengthy discussion followed. Public comment was heard from Walt McGrath and Steve Planchock. The motion was subsequently withdrawn and Chief Weimer was advised that he could proceed with the Burn Ban.
A request for relief until November 4, 2005 from the Township’s Sign Ordinance and any permits and fees related to the fire company’s Haunted House fund-raiser was also made. Discussion followed. Mr. Washenik moved to relieve the CTVFC of any sign restrictions, permits or fees until November 4, 2005. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.
In other discussion, Mr. Weimer was asked what sort of profits the fire company made during “Coolbaugh Celebrates”. He said he would check into it and report back at the next meeting. Mr. Frutchey informed the Board that the panel in the power room blew up on the evening of September 19, 2005, and it was suspected that a defect in the siren may have caused the problem. A certified electrician will have to be called in and it is estimated that the problem will be costly to correct.
Monroe County Road Task Force Mr. Frutchey reported that he attended the MC Road Task Force meeting held on September 6, 2005, and that PennDOT is trying to complete some of the proposed paving and guide rail projects, etc.
Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services Mr. Zito reported on the financial status of the PMREMS, including data on total income, net surplus, projection of income, subscriptions, etc. The next meeting of the PMREMS will be held at Tobyhanna Township on Thursday, October 13, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.
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Pocono Mountain Regional Police Mr. Frutchey read the Summary of Activities for the PMRPD for the month of August 2005 as follows: 1379 complaints, 71 accidents, 176 criminal arrests, 217 traffic arrests, 167 traffic warnings, 28 ordinance arrests for a total of 1450 calls within the area covered by the regional police, which includes Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock and Coolbaugh Townships and the Borough of Mount Pocono.
Joe Meno’s complaint about lack of Zoning and SEO enforcement at the Bolus Property
Before the Board was a Findings and Conclusions Report prepared by Township Zoning Officer Todd Schollhammer and SEO/Alternate Zoning Officer Tim Kresge regarding the Bolus Property on Pocono Road, Pocono Summit in Coolbaugh Township, plus aerial photos from 1985 and 2000.
A lengthy discussion followed about the report, the various issues associated with the claims of both Mr. Bolus and Mr. Meno, whether the matter should be referred to the Zoning Hearing Board, etc.
Mr. Washenik made a motion to turn the Bolus property matter over to the Zoning Hearing Board for a determination of a non-conformance issue. Seconded by Mr. Zito Discussion ensued regarding photos presented for the Board’s review and public comment was heard from Mr. Bolus, Mr. Meno, Steve Planchock and Walt McGrath. The motion was called and did not carry 2-3 (Mr. Washenik and Mr. Zito voted yes, and Mr. Frutchey, Mr. Hutchins and Mr. Lockwood voted no). A lengthy discussion followed.
Extension request - Pocono Mountains Industries Minor Subdivision Plan
Mr. Hutchins made a motion to grant an extension on the Pocono Mountains Industries Minor Subdivision Plan until December 20, 2005, per the applicant’s request. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.
Mario and Maryann Scavello Minor Subdivision Plan
Mr. Hutchins moved to approve the Mario and Maryann Scavello Minor Subdivision Plan. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. Discussion - Mr. Washenik asked if this was the normal type of lot joinder. Dan Ferguson, present in the audience, explained the subdivision procedure used with this plan. The motion carried 5-0.
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Minor Subdivision Plan to join lots 13 & 14, Block A-86, Section 13, Arrowhead Lake - Property Owner - Thomas Kurzeja
Mr. Hutchins made a motion to approve the Minor Subdivision Plan to join lots 13 & 14, Block A-86, Section 13, Arrowhead Lake - Property Owner - Thomas Kurzeja. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.
Minor Subdivision to join lots 318 & 319, Section K, A Pocono Country Place - Property Owners - Nigel and Sharon Van Gronigen
Mr. Zito moved to approve the Minor Subdivision to join lots 318 & 319, Section K, A Pocono Country Place - Property Owners - Nigel and Sharon Van Gronigen. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.
Authorization re: Wiley Parcel Site Acquisition - Active Use Regional Lands
Hire a Real Estate Appraiser Mr. Frutchey made a motion to hire Tom McKeown to appraise the 32.6 acre Wiley parcel. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion followed regarding the purchase price being $120,000.00, if it appraises for that much, that the property will be part of the Open Space and Recreation plan adopted by Coolbaugh, Tobyhanna and Tunkhannock Townships in 2002, etc. Public comment was heard from Alma I. Ruiz-Smith. The motion carried 5-0.
Contract for a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment Mr. Frutchey made a motion to contact Tina Drake of MEA, Inc. to contract for a Phase I Environmental Assessment. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.
Execute the Contract Discussion ensued as to whether it was necessary to pass a motion to execute the contract. Mr. Washenik moved to execute the contract to purchase the Wiley property for $120,000.00. Seconded by Mr. Zito. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.
Discussion - 2006 Gypsy Moth Cooperative Spray Program
Before the Board was information from Monroe County Vector Control regarding the above referenced program. Mr. Washenik suggested scrapping the Fall Clean Up and using those funds to offset the $40,376.00 cost for the 2006 Gypsy Moth Cooperative Spray Program. Discussion followed regarding the assessments done in the affected areas, and public comment was heard from Alma I. Ruiz-Smith, Steve Planchock, Walt McGrath, Library Director Ann Shincovich and Werner Frank. Board of Supervisors September 20, 2005 - Page 5
Mr. Hutchins moved to approve the $40,376.00 for the 2006 Gypsy Moth Cooperative Spray Program with the monies coming from appropriate line items #400.500, #400.600 and #400.700 after discussion with the Township Treasurer. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Public comment was heard from Joyce Hanby of Hemlock Campgrounds. The motion carried 5-0.
Authorization to Solicitor Hanna to sign Petition to Release $15,000.00 Cash Bond - Tobyhanna Camp Corporation
Mr. Frutchey moved to authorize Solicitor Jerry Hanna to sign the petition to release the $15,000.00 cash bond to the Tobyhanna Camp Corporation. Seconded by Mr. Washenik. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.
Authorization to Solicitor Hanna to sign the Joint Stipulation of Facts re: Borough of Mount Pocono/Geisinger Tax Appeal
Mr. Washenik made a motion to authorize Solicitor Jerry Hanna to sign the Joint Stipulation of Facts re: Borough of Mount Pocono/Geisinger Tax Appeal. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion followed in which Solicitor Hanna explained the tax appeal. Public comment was heard from Walt McGrath. The motion carried 5-0.
Authorization to engage a separate attorney to handle the Public Hearing for the Proposed Zoning Amendments requested by the Pocono Community Church, Inc. Solicitor Hanna asked that the above referenced matter be tabled until the next regular meeting of the Board scheduled for October 4, 2005. Discussion followed. Mr. Frutchey moved, per Solicitor Hanna’s suggestion, to table the authorization to engage a separate attorney to handle the Public Hearing for the Proposed Zoning Amendments requested by the Pocono Community Church, Inc. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Further discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.
Minimum Municipal Obligation for 2006:
Coolbaugh Township Non-uniform Pension Plan - $79,370.92 Mr. Frutchey moved to approve the Coolbaugh Township Non-uniform Pension Plan in the amount of $79,370.92. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. A brief discussion followed regarding the pension figures being projections rather than actual. The motion carried 5-0.
Pocono Mountain Regional Police Non-uniform Pension Plan - $2,285.11 Mr. Lockwood made a motion to approve the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Non-uniform Pension Plan in the amount of $2,285.11. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. The motion carried 5-0. Board of Supervisors September 20, 2005 - Page 6
Pocono Mountain Regional Police Pension Plan -$151,415.82 Mr. Lockwood moved to approve the Pocono Mountain Regional Police Pension Plan in the amount of $151,415.82. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. The motion carried 5-0.
Public comment was heard from Steve Planchock, Walt McGrath and Cliff Otto.
Current Obligations
General Fund - $109,456.66 Escrow Fund $ 3,290.00 Sewer Fund - $ 14,988.03
Total Disbursements - $127,734.69
Mr. Lockwood made a motion to pay the Current Obligations in the amount of $127,734.69. A brief discussion followed. The motion carried 5-0.
Authorization to advertise “Sale of 1997 International Single Axle Plow Truck”
Mr. Lockwood moved to authorize the advertisement of the “Sale of 1997 International Single Axle Plow Truck”. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion followed regarding whose truck will be replaced. Public comment was heard from Steve Planchock. The motion passed 5-0.
Line Painting on Echo Lake Road
Discussion followed regarding a Memo from Road Foreman Neil Hay about the line painting recently done on Echo Lake Road and the responses from Interstate Road Management regarding the placement of these lines. A lengthy discussion followed, in which it was suggested that the lines could be corrected in the spring and the instructions put in writing to avoid any confusion.
Mr. Hutchins moved to pay the line painting bill. Seconded by Mr. Lockwood. Public comment was heard from Cliff Otto and Steve Planchock. The motion carried 4-1 (Mr. Washenik opposed, because he thought Interstate Road Management should bear the responsibility of correcting the problem now).
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Other Business
Pocono Mountain Public Library Interest in Township Land Library Director Ann Shincovich was present to read a letter addressed to the Board of Supervisors from Allen Pope, Jr., President of the Library’s Board of Trustees. The letter expressed an interest in purchasing property on the Township’s municipal center grounds to build a new library. Discussion followed about purchasing the existing building, that the land being considered by the library was also a possibility for a new local post office, etc. Ms. Shincovich pointed out the benefits of having the library on the municipal center grounds and noted that research showed renovating the present library would be more costly than building a new one.
Mr. Washenik made a motion to direct the Township Secretary to send a letter to the Pocono Mountain Public Library Board of Trustees saying that Coolbaugh Township is positively interested in keeping the library on the municipal center grounds. Seconded by Mr. Zito. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0.
Hazleton Oil & Environmental, Inc. - Request to collect waste oil Before the Board was a letter from the above referenced company expressing an interest in collecting waste oil at the township cleanup. Discussion followed regarding concerns about what might happen after the cleanups with people continuing to drop off oil, etc. It was determined that no action would be taken on this matter.
Installation of Traffic Signal at Summit Avenue/Commerce Street Mr. Hutchins announced that the installation of the above referenced traffic signal will begin this week.
Budget Work Sessions Mr. Frutchey moved to authorize the Township Secretary to advertise Budget Work Sessions on Thursday, September 29, Wednesday, October 12 and Wednesday October 26, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion followed about keeping people who were running for office and Township Auditors informed of the dates and to provide them with materials, etc. The motion carried 5-0.
Public Input
Dan Ferguson - thanked the Supervisors for the excellent job that was done on the Historical Association building with the painting, windows, etc. He noted that they contracted to have the building cleaned on the inside for $2,000.00. Mr. Ferguson was asked how the Historical Association did with their fund-raising at “Coolbaugh Celebrates”. He said he would get back to the Board regarding the profits they made at the event.
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Ann Shincovich, Pocono Mountain Public Library Director - reported that the library made $500.00 during their book sale at “Coolbaugh Celebrates”.
Alma I. Ruiz-Smith - reported that she picked up the grant check for the celebration from the Pocono Arts Council and gave it to Mr. Washenik who passed it along to the Township Secretary. Mrs. Frutchey confirmed that the amount of the grant check was $1,181.00.
Bernadette Bruno - from APCP asked about the paving project, how many miles of road were done, etc.
Joe Meno - brought up additional questions and complaints regarding the Bolus property. A lenghty discussion followed: Mrs. Frutchey was directed to have the Zoning Officers respond in writing to Mr. and Mrs. Meno within seven days (copy to the Board’s Read File) addressing the following: (1) Was a Township Zoning Permit issued for the shed? Did Guardian Inspections issue a permit? Has a Certificate of Occupancy been issued? (2) Does the shed meet the setback requirements in that Zoning District? (3) Does the outside area lighting conform to the regulations of the Township Zoning Ordinance (there appears to be a glare from the lighting). (4) Confirm whether the sign on the Bolus property is in conformance to the Township’s Sign Regulations. Discussion followed.
Board of Supervisors Executive Sessions
Mr. Frutchey announced that an Executive Session was held on Tuesday, September 6, 2005 at 9:15 p.m. re: Pending Litigation, and that an Executive Session re: Pending Litigation was held this evening at 6:00 p.m.
Adjournment
With no further business before the Board, Mr. Lockwood moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. The motion carried 5-0. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:56 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Linda Frutchey James H. Frutchey, Jr. Township Secretary Board Chairman |
Revised - 07/03/08 08:07 PM |