Coolbaugh Township

Board of Supervisors

March 7, 2006 - Page 1 

The Coolbaugh Township Board of Supervisors March 7, 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 was Township Secretary Linda Frutchey. Township Solicitor Jerry Hanna was absent. 

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 February 21, 2006 Meeting Minutes 

Mr. Hutchins moved to approve the February 21, 2006 regular Meeting Minutes and dispense with the reading. Seconded by Mr. O’Boyle. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0. 

Mr. Frutchey requested a short Executive Session re: Litigation following the meeting. 

Proposal from BCM Engineers re: Phase 1 - Membrane Bioreactor System Design and Procurement 

Dave Kavitski, P.E. of BCM Engineers was present to discuss and explain the above referenced proposal. 

Mr. Frutchey moved to approve the proposal from BCM Engineers re: Phase 1 - Membrane Bioreactor System Design and Procurement for a sum not to exceed $48,000.00.  

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March 7, 2006 - Page 2 

Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion followed. Catherine Rodriguez, present in the audience, asked questions about the proposal, which Mr. Kavitski answered. The motion carried 5-0. 

Mr. Hutchins asked for a ten second break so he could confer with Mr. Kavitski.  

Upon return from the short break with Mr. Kavitski, Mr. Hutchins explained that the Board of Supervisors had held an Executive Session at 5:00 p.m. this evening to meet with Kenneth Fulford of K. L. Fulford Associates., Inc. regarding servicing the Waste Water Treatment Plant. All of the Supervisors were impressed with Mr. Fulford’s knowledge and credentials of WWTP operations.  

Mr. Hutchins made a motion to employ K. L. Fulford Associates, Inc. to handle the operation and maintenance of the Coolbaugh Township Waste Water Treatment Plant and to take immediate action to release Aqua America (formerly known as Suburban Environmental Services Company) from their present contract. Once Solicitor Hanna reviews and gives his approval of the K. L. Fulford proposal it can be signed. Seconded by Ms. Kelly. The motion passed 5-0.  

Actions/ Recommendations - Coolbaugh Township Community Partnership 

Ms. Kelly said she would be asking that action be taken this evening to appoint two representatives to serve on the Coolbaugh Township Community Partnership (CTCP) Advisory Group with the term ending on December 31, 2006. In the future she would like to see the appointments to the CTCP Advisory Group made at the Board of Supervisors Reorganizational meeting and would like to see staggered terms, as with the Planning Commission. Discussion followed. 

Ms. Kelly moved to appoint Clare Colgan to the CTCP Advisory Group with the term expiring on December 31, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. O’Boyle.  Discussion - Mr. Frutchey asked Ms. Colgan if she was going to get caught up with too much time attending all the meetings.  She replied no.  The motion carried 5-0. 

Ms. Kelly moved to appoint Valerie Vigliotti to the CTCP Advisory Group with the term expiring on December 31, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. O’Boyle.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Frutchey opposed). 

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Ms. Kelly moved to distribute the letter dated March 3, 2006, the 2006 Participation Form and a list of the meeting dates, which are April 19, June 21, September 20 and November 15, to the participants specified in the mailing listing.  Seconded by Mr. Zito.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0. 

Ms. Kelly motioned to approve the use of the main meeting room to hold workshops on May 15, June 19, September 18 and October 16, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. Zito.  Discussion - Mr. Frutchey questioned why a motion was needed as it was never done in the past.  Discussion followed.  The motion was withdrawn. 

Discussion of Spring and Fall Cleanup

Mr. Zito presented a framework for the 2006 Clean Ups. The Spring Clean Up would be modeled the same as last year and be held at the Road Department for two consecutive weeks beginning the first week in June on Thursday and Friday. 

The Fall Clean Up would be held in late September or early October on Thursday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for white goods and scrap metal, on Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m for land fill items and Saturday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. for land fill items. The Fall Clean Up would be held at A Pocono Country Place. 

Mr. Zito moved to hold the Spring Clean Up starting the first week in June for two consecutive weeks at the Road Department on Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Seconded by Ms. Kelly. Public comment was heard from Bob Sciarrone. The motion carried 5-0. 

Mr. Zito moved to hold the Fall Clean Up open to all township residents at A Pocono Country Place, in late September or early October on Thursday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for white goods and scrap metal, on Friday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m for land fill items and Saturday 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. for land fill items. Seconded by Ms. Kelly. A lengthy discussion followed. Karen White Property Manager at  APCP said they would be providing security and man power for the Clean Up and a blanket liability insurance policy. They will also  rope off the area and have 24 hour security at the site, etc. 

Mr. Frutchey expressed concerns regarding the lines of traffic impeding fire trucks and ambulances in the event of emergencies and who would be liable if something untoward occurred. He also asked about the fairness of this proposal to residents living in other developments who will have to drive even farther to get to a Township Clean Up in APCP.  

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Mr. Frutchey said that the Township has a recycling grant and work is being done on a long range solution to the clean up problems that would be convenient to all residents. Mr. Hutchins echoed Mr. Frutchey’s concerns. Ms. Kelly said that overall, she was in favor of a long term solution. Mr. Zito said the last clean up at APCP was successful and he would like to see it there. 

Further discussion followed regarding the pros and cons of Clean Ups and where they should be held. Public comment was heard from Alma I. Ruiz-Smith, Bob Sciarrone, Karen Green, Ken Booth, Jerry Teicher, Steve Planchock, Nancy Smith Knecht and Catherine Rodriguez. The motion was called and carried 3-2-0 (Mr. Frutchey and Mr. Hutchins opposed). Discussion followed in which Mr. Hutchins asked if the long term plan could be arranged and in place, would the Supervisors consider it in place of holding the Fall Clean Up in APCP.  Discussion followed.  Public comment was heard from Bob Sciarrone.   

Minor Subdivision to join lots 23, 24 & 25, Block A-86, Section 13, Arrowhead Lake - Property Owners - Robert & Susan Bachich 

Mr. Frutchey moved to approve the Minor Subdivision to join lots 23, 24 & 25, Block A-86, Section 13, Arrowhead Lake - Property Owners - Robert & Susan Bachich. Seconded by Mr. Hutchins. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0. 

Minor Subdivision to join lots 58 & 59, Section F, A Pocono Country Place - Property Owners - Charles & Kathleen Amato 

Mr. O’Boyle moved to approve the Minor Subdivision to join lots 58 & 59, Section F, A Pocono Country Place - Property Owners - Charles & Kathleen Amato. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. Discussion - none. The motion passed 5-0. 

Parks and Recreation Commission’s request to advertise for a part time summer Activities Director 

Clare Colgan apologized for the handout of information that listed the Activities Director / Counselor’s job duties, responsibilities, etc.  

Mr. Zito moved to authorize the Parks and Recreation Commission to place an advertisement for an  Activities Director / Counselor for the summer that will include the appropriate clearances. Seconded by Ms. Kelly.

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Discussion - Mr. Frutchey said he contacted Monroe County Recreation and was advised that there is a 6 week program from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Clear Run School.  Discussion -  Ms. Colgan said she had an appointment to meet with MC Recreation at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.  Discussion followed.  Mr. OBoyle asked that Clare be reimbursed for her mileage.  No objection was heard.  The motion carried 5-0. 

Pocono Mountain School District - Clear Run Elementary request for a waiver of the fees for the use of the Township Park for a picnic 

Before the Board was a Memo dated March 1, 2006 from Nancy Wallhofer, teacher of a Life Skills Class at Clear Run Elementary School in Tobyhanna, PA asking permission to hold a picnic at the Township Park on Friday, May 26, 2006 and requesting the Board to waive any fees that might be charged. Mr. O’Boyle moved to allow Nancy Wallhofer’s Life Skills Class from Clear Run Elementary School to hold a picnic at the Township Park on Friday, May 26, 2006 and to waive any fees involved. Seconded by Mr. Frutchey. Discussion - none. The motion carried 5-0.

Approval to Brendan Kerr and Frank Misuraca to proceed with an Eagle Scout Project: enhancement of the Pocono Mountain Ecumenical Hunger Ministry “Food Pantry” 

Before the Board was a letter received March 2, 2006 from Richard Naiko, Vice President of the Pocono Mountain Ecumenical Hunger Ministry asking for the Board’s permission to allow two Eagle Scout candidates from BSA Troop 91, Brendan Kerr and Frank Misuraca, to do their community project at the Food Pantry. The scouts propose to enhance the Pantry space by painting the walls and floors, installing new energy efficient lighting, adding new shelves and strengthening present shelves for storage space and updating office furniture. Mr. Naiko noted that the costs for the proposed improvements are the responsibility of the scouts and will not be passed on to the Township. 

Mr. Hutchins made a motion to approve the Pocono Mountain Ecumenical Hunger Ministry’s request to allow Eagle Scout candidates, Brendan Kerr and Frank Misuraca, to proceed with their Eagle Scout community project to enhance the“Food Pantry”, with the condition that all proposed improvements meet with the approval of Facility Manager Wayne Regan. Seconded by Ms. Kelly. Public comment was heard from Alma I. Ruiz-Smith regarding who provides insurance coverage. It was noted that the scouting organization usually provided insurance for these kinds of projects. The motion passed 5-0.

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Notification of “Coolbaugh Celebrates” Meeting 

Mr. Zito announced that the first meeting to plan “Coolbaugh Celebrates” would be held on Thursday April 13, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.  The Celebration would be held on Saturday, September 9, 2006.  Ms. Frutchey was directed to place the advertisement in the Civic Calendar. 

Current Obligations

General Fund                                $55,711.77

Building Code Fund (NEPA)         $  1,100.00

Escrow Fund                                 $  1,270.00

Sewer System Fund                       $     414.89                              

         Total Disbursements                           $58,496.66 

Mr. Frutchey moved to approve the Current Obligations.  Seconded by Mr. Hutchins.  Discussion - none.  The motion carried 5-0. 

Adoption of Township Resolution Number 05-2006 re: Working Supervisor 

Mr. Zito read Township Resolution #05-2006. Mr. Zito moved to adopt Resolution #05-2006 as presented. Ms. Kelly seconded the motion. Discussion - Mr. Hutchins said he will not be voting in favor of the Resolution and went on to explain that when he ran for Supervisor, he liked the fact that Coolbaugh Township had no Working Supervisors. He also said the pay for the Working Supervisor was just about cut in half, and it was clear that the Auditors did not follow the guidelines for the Supervisors wages as outlined in the Second Class Township Code.  Ms. Kelly said she has a lot of respect for all of the Supervisors and feels that no one will take advantage of the situation. However, when one of them is asked to look into something, then that Supervisor should be reimbursed for their time.  Public input was heard from Nancy Knecht, Kenneth Booth, Linda Frutchey, Jerry Teicher, Alma I. Ruiz-Smith, Bob Sciarrone, some not identified, etc.  The motion carried 3-2-0. (Mr. Hutchins and Mr. O’Boyle opposed). 

Mr. Zito moved to authorize each Supervisor to work up to fifteen (15) hours a week to perform clerical, administrative, managerial or maintenance tasks, with the condition that time sheets be filled out with a description of the work, and if the Supervisor works beyond 15 hours a week, it must come before the Board for approval.  Seconded by Ms. Kelly. 

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Discussion - public input was heard from Nancy Knecht,  Alma I. Ruiz Smith, Bob Sciarrone.  The motion carried 4-1-0 (Mr. Hutchins opposed). 

Other Business 

Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance request for Letters of Support 

Mr. Zito explained that Coolbaugh Township, with the help of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA), received assistance through the Municipal Technology Assistance Program (MTAP) and the Pennsylvania Small Towns Environment Program (PennSTEP) in the form of a subsidy grant to purchase two desktop computer systems, one laptop computer system, one laser printer and an external zip drive.  The Commonwealth’s proposed budget contains a significant cut in funds and will directly affect NEPA’s ability to offer programs to local governments for computer technology enhancement. 

NEPA is asking for our assistance to send a letter to Senator Mellow and Representative Scavello to encourage their support for the restoration of this type of funding.   

Mr. Zito motioned to send a letter to Senator Robert Mellow and Senator Mario Scavello requesting that they support the restoration of funding.  Seconded by Ms. Kelly.  Discussion - Steve Planchock suggested that a letter be sent to the Governor. Mr. Zito amended his motion and included sending a letter to the Governor. Ms. Kelly seconded the amended motion. The motion carried 5-0. 

Senator Robert Mellow - site for collection of used Cell Phones 

Mr. Zito announced that used cell phones can be dropped off at Senator Robert Mellow’s office in Mount Pocono.  If the cell phones can be refurbished, they will go to Women’s Resources or for battered men who can use them to call 911 in the event of an emergency.  

Public Input 

Bob Sciarrone - Asked the Supervisors to reconsider holding the Fall Clean Up in A Pocono Country Place due to the risks involved with traffic, PA DEP, etc.  He congratulated the Supervisors for the amount of time they give.