Coolbaugh Township

Board of Supervisors

February 21, 2006 - Page 1

The Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors, February 21, 2006 Regular Meeting was held in the Township Municipal Center, in building #3, at 5550 Memorial Boulevard, Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania.

Call To Order

Mr. Zito called the regular 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: Robert M. Zito, Joseph O’Boyle, James H. Frutchey, Jr., Robert B. Hutchins and Lynn Kelly.  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 Meeting Minutes

Mr. O’Boyle  made a motion to approve the minutes of February 7, 2006 as presented and dispense with the reading.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc./ Pocono Star Properties, Inc. Lot Consolidation  Plan

Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse/Preliminary Land Development Plan

Before the Board was a memo from the Township Planning Commission recommending that the request for an extension until April 18, 2006 be approved for the Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc./ Pocono Star Properties, Inc. Lot Consolidation  Plan and the Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse/Preliminary Land Development Plan , as the applicant waives the benefits of deemed decision through that date.

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Mr. Frutchey moved as per the Planning Commission’s recommendation to grant the extension to April 18, 2006 on the Lowe’s Home Centers, Inc. Lot Consolidation Plan and the Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse Preliminary Land Development Plan.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Pocono Mountains Industries Minor Subdivision

Before the Board was a letter dated February 21, 2006 from Charles (Chuck) Leonard, Executive Director for Pocono Mountains Industries requesting that the Minor Subdivision be withdrawn. 

The Board noted the letter.  No action was required to be taken by the Board of Supervisors.

Adoption of Amendment to the Township Code of Ordinances #97, Chapter 10, Health & Safety, Part 1 - storage of motor vehicle nuisances; nuisances prohibited

Mr. Zito pointed out that the Board of Supervisors have been reviewing the amendment to Chapter 10, Health & Safety, Part 1 - storage of motor vehicle nuisances; nuisances prohibited for the past year. 

Mr. Hutchins moved to adopt the Amendment to the Township Code of Ordinances #97, Chapter 10, Health & Safety, Part 1 - storage of motor vehicle nuisances; nuisances prohibited.  Seconded by Mr. Zito.  Discussion - Ms. Kelly raised the concern about how the amendment would effect the Township’s Volunteer Fire Company as they use junk cars for training.  Mr. Frutchey explained that the cars are there for a short period while they are being used for training and extrications.  He will discuss the matter with the Zoning Officer to see if it would be necessary to get a temporary permit, etc.   The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. O’Boyle opposed).

Parks and Recreation Commission’s request to  hold an Easter Egg Hunt at the Township Municipal Park and advertise for a part time summer Activities Director

Clare Colgan, Chairperson for the Parks and Recreation Commission, was present to discuss the requests.

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A motion was made by Mr. Zito to allow the Parks and Recreation to hold an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, 2006 on the grounds of the Township Municipal Park.  Seconded by Ms. Kelly.  Discussion - Mr. Hutchins raised the question as to whether we should be calling the event an “Easter Egg Hunt”.  Discussion followed.   Mr. Zito and Ms. Kelly amended the motion to remove the word “Easter”.   Discussion followed about the cost of the event.  Ms. Colgan  said this is the first time for such an event and requested $500.00.  The motion was amended again to put a cost of an amount not to exceed $500.00.  Ms. Kelly seconded the amended motion.   The motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Zito read the advertisement for the part time summer activities director prepared by the Parks and Recreation Commission. 

For purposes of discussion, Mr. Zito moved to authorize the advertisement for a part time Activities Director.  Seconded by Mr. O’Boyle.  Discussion followed about seeing a plan of action, job description, what activities would occur, hours of operation, volunteers, Act 34 with residency verification, Act 151 clearances, health clearance, etc.  It was suggested that the Monroe County Recreation Commission be contacted to see if they could attend the next Parks & Recreation Commission to give details on how to start a Youth Day Program.  Ms. Colgan said she would contact them for information.  The motion was withdrawn.  It was the consensus of the Supervisors to discuss the matter at their March 7, 2006 meeting.

2006 Monthly Reports

Monroe County Road Task Force

Mr. Frutchey gave a verbal report from a meeting of the MC Road Task Force he attended on Tuesday, February 7, 2006.  He reported that Jim Decker and he were nominated as Co-Chairmen and Bob Gress as Secretary.  The Task Force also discussed the 2006 projects and costs involved.  The plans for improvements for better drainage and fixing the pot holes on State Route 196 were also discussed.  The next meeting of the MC Road Task Force will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. in Stroudsburg.

Pocono Mountain Regional Emergency Medical Services

Mr O’Boyle attended the PMREMS meeting held on Wednesday, February 9, 2006 and gave a verbal report on their discussions. 

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He noted that the staff is clearing up billings, as they are doing this in-house rather than sending the billings to an outside firm.  The staff is spending countless hours, and they are to be commended for doing an excellent job. Subscription forms have been updated for distribution in April.  Pocono Mountains Industries is going to be contacted to discuss a new entrance to the ambulance building on Route 611. Mr. Frutchey suggested that PMREMS send a letter with their subscription notice regarding subscription dues \ donation and explain that the dues give you a reduced rate if you need the ambulance service.    Discussion followed.  The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 9, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in Tobyhanna Township.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police

Mr. Zito and Mr. Hutchins attended the PMRPC meeting on Tuesday, February 14, 2006.  Mr. Zito presented the summary of the January 2006 monthly Report as follows: 1308 complaints, 95 accidents, 118 criminal arrests, 288 traffic arrests, 234 traffic warnings and 9 ordinance arrests for a total of 1403 within the area covered by the regional police, which includes Tobyhanna, Tunkhannock and Coolbaugh Townships and the Borough of Mount Pocono.  Mr. Hutchins said that Jim Frutchey and Bill Bourke were presented with plaques of appreciation for their services while being members of the PMRPC.

Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company (2005 year end report, January 2006 report and list of officers)

Fire Chief Bernie Harrison read off the end of 2005 report for the number of calls as follows: 4 structure fires, 40 dwelling fires, 6 chimney fires, 60 automatic fire alarms, 10 vehicle fires, 87 vehicle accidents, 16 assist other companies, 3 dumpster / trash fires, 11 brush fires, 92 wires down/pole fires, 4 search and rescue, 11 extrications, 74 miscellaneous for a total of 419 calls.

He read off the January 2006 report for the number of calls as follows: 2 dwelling fires, 7 automatic fire alarms, 2 vehicle fires, 10 wires down/pole fires/trees down, 15 vehicle accidents, 1 extrication and 2 miscellaneous for a total of 39 calls.

Mr. Harrison read off the officers list for 2006. 

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Request for funds from the Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company  re:  delivery of new KME 2006 Pumper

Mr. Zito read the letter from the Executive Committee of the Township Volunteer Fire Company regarding the replacement of the 1989 American Eagle Attack Pumper.  The matter was discussed at the Proposed Budget for 2005 and 2006.  The volunteer firemen were requesting consideration for funds to help pay for the new KME Attack Pumper at a cost of $379,000.00 which is due upon delivery around the end of March.

Mr. Hutchins moved to authorize the release of $300,000.00 from the Emergency Services Fund to the Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company upon delivery of the KME Attack Pumper.  Seconded by Ms. Kelly.  Discussion followed about the 1989 American Eagle Attack Pumper being put up for sale once they take possession of the new truck.  Mr. Harrison said they hoped to get approximately $70,000.00 for the sale of the 1989 pumper.  The motion carried 5-0.

Request for purchase of Dynapac Asphalt Roller Model CC122  in the amount of $25,600.00 through the PA State Contract (General Services Contract #2420-02)

Mr. Zito said the purchase of the asphalt roller was discussed during the 2006 Proposed Budget.  Discussion followed.

Mr. Frutchey moved to authorize the purchase of the Dynapac Asphalt Roller Model CC122  in the amount of $25,600.00 through the PA State Contract (General Services Contract #2420-02) out of Account Code 438.700.  Seconded by Mr. O’Boyle.  Discussion - Mr. Frutchey clarified that the purchase included a 3 year warranty and they were getting $4,000.00 for the trade of the 1991 LeeBoy Towable Asphalt Roller.  The motion carried 5-0.

Mr. Frutchey said that a trailer to tow the roller is expected to be obtained through the Recycling Grant.

Addendum to the Commercial Lease Agreement between Coolbaugh Township and Guardian Inspection Services, Inc.

Before the Board was a Guardian Inspection Services Lease Outline prepared by Mr. Zito for discussion purposes.

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The outline stated that the 1021 square foot space will be rented for $12.77 per square foot, plus $2.73 per square foot for utilities, per month.  The initial rate per month will be $1,320.49 (prior rate was $1,275.00 per month).  This rate is to be adjusted annually by the CPI Index each November for the following January.  Discussion followed about keeping the square footage at $11.50 which was the same for the District Court and the Tax Collector. The rate from 2005 to 2006 represents an increase of $45.49 per month. This amount will be owed retroactively for each month paid at the old rate, going back to January 1, 2006.

Mr. Zito moved to offer Guardian Inspection Services, Inc. the amended lease for a period of one year starting in January 2006 at a rate of $12.77 per square foot for rent and $2.73 per square foot for utilities for a monthly rate of $1,320.49 or $15,845.92 annually.  Seconded by Ms. Kelly.  Discussion followed about keeping the rate for the square footage for all the rentals the same.  The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Frutchey opposed).

Adoption of Township Resolution #04-2006 re: Fees

Mr. Zito read the proposed changes in the Fee Resolution as follows: added Township Code of Ordinances hard-bound copy at $150.00, Sewage Permit Application from $250.00 to $300.00, Zoning Amendment\Zone Change Request from $500.00 to $600.00, added Hearing before the Building Code Board of Appeals $450.00, Hearing before the Zoning Hearing Board (as defined in Chapter 27, Zoning, Section 1303) from $250.00 to $450.00, Variance and Special Exception from $250.00 to $600.00 and added Conditional Use Hearings at $1,250.00, plus additional engineering review fees if necessary.

Discussion followed.  Mr. Hutchins moved to adopt Township Resolution #04-2006 with the changes of the Sewage Permit Application fee remaining at $250.00 and the Public Hearing before the Building Code Board of Appeals at $450.00 so that it is consistent with other hearings.  Seconded by Mr. Zito.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Current Obligations

General Fund                                                $109,115.81

Building Code Fund                                        $       993.82

Sewer System Fund                              $  20,553.45

Total Disbursements                             $130,663.08

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February 21, 2006 - Page 7

Mr. Frutchey moved to approve the Current Obligations in the amount of $130,663.08.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0.

Other Business

Laurel Drive and Lakeside Drive Underpass

Mr. Frutchey said he contacted Attorney Larry Malski of the Lackawanna Railroad Authority to request a meeting to discuss the letter we sent in November of 2005 regarding the current problems at the underpass on Laurel Drive - requesting that the graffiti on the walls be removed, and noting damage to the siding of the Laurel Drive underpass, due to an oversized vehicle hitting it, and rocks falling at the Laurel Drive and Lakeside Drive Underpass.  Mr. Malski and two foremen met with Mr. Frutchey last Thursday to discuss the problems.  They are waiting to hear from their insurance company, as they have filed a claim due to the oversized vehicle going through the Laurel Drive underpass.  Mr. Malski agreed that the damaged metal facing will be repaired. The graffiti on the metal portions will be removed when they repair the bridge plates. Installing a guard rail on top of the overpass and restoring the faces of the underpass were matters also discussed.  The Lakeside Drive underpass was also examined regarding possible widening of that structure.  Mr. Malski said that grant money is available for upgrading railroad structures, and he is going to get a cost estimate to do that project.  Mr. Frutchey explained that the Township needs to provide information on the width that we would like it to be, and then we can discuss giving the job of securing a grant for the improvement to the underpass to Dagmaris Cabezas of CTCP.  Discussion followed.

Request for a one year extension to Monroe County Open Space re: for Phase II Funding

Mr. O’Boyle, Chairman for the Township’s Environmental Advisory Council, asked that a letter be sent to the Monroe County Open Space Coordinator requesting an extension of one year (December of 2007) for Phase II funding of open space monies.  Discussion followed about looking into several parcels and more time to finalize the negotiations.

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February 21, 2006 - Page 8

Open Space Project - Wiley Property 

Mr. Zito announced that a closing for the second Open Space Project known as the Wiley Property was held this evening.  The property was paid for by Monroe County Open Space funds.  He went on to explain that the property is located behind the maintenance building on Laurel Drive and the 32.56 acre parcel will be kept as open space. 

Letter sent to Pocono Mountain School District

Lynn Kelly said she spoke to a  Pocono Mountain School District bus driver who told her that the letter the Township sent  re: concerns about how the school busses exit the Clear Run campuses without stopping and driving at unsafe speeds along Echo Lake Road was photocopied and posted in several places for the bus drivers to see.

Public Input

Bob Sciarrone - thanked the board for sending the letter to the School District. He also requested that the principals of Arcadia provide another means of egress if they should move forward with another phase of their project. Mr. Sciarrone went on to voice concerns regarding unsightly properties in A Pocono Country Place.  Discussion followed regarding the Zoning Officer and Guardian Inspection Services working on a few of the properties in the community.

Cindy DisPasquali - said A Pocono Country Place hired a Dog Warden to handle the stray dogs running in the community. They are also looking into whether to construct a kennel to hold the dogs and asked if the Township has any restriction against putting one up.  Several residents not identified discussed the problem. They were advised that this matter should be discussed with their Association’s Board of Directors.  Discussion followed about the Pennsylvania Leash Law, etc.  Mrs. Frutchey was directed to discuss the matter with the Township Zoning Officer so he is aware that he could get phone calls about the matter.

Board of Supervisors Executive Sessions

Mr. Zito announced that the Board of Supervisors held an Executive Session on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. re: Legal Issues. A subsequent meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. re: Possible Litigation.