City Council

BOROUGH OF CLARKS SUMMIT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 2024 The February 2024 Borough Meeting was conducted on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. The meeting was held in Borough Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 304 South State Street, Borough of Clarks Summit, County of Lackawanna and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Council members in attendance were Ms. Gerrie Carey, Mr. Frank Besten, Ms. Roni Lopez, Mr. Robert Sheils, Ms. Kathleen Simrell, Mr. Steve Guza, Mr. Joshua Mitchell, Mayor Harry Kelly, Solicitor Andrew Krowiak. Borough Manager Ms. Virginia Kehoe was absent. MEDITATION: President Carey PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: President Carey 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: President Carey+ Roni Lopez made the first motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Steve Guza, vote was 7-0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Carey 9/6/23 Regular Council Meeting 9/27/23 Council Work Session 10/4/23 Regular Council Meeting 10/25/23 Council Work Session 11/1/23 Regular Council Meeting Bob Sheils made the first motion to approve all of the above minutes, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was 7-0. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT & INPUT: President Carey Janine Port spoke to council about her neighbors, the Hunters, about issues she continues to have with them. 4. POLICE REPORT: Mayor Kelly • Purchase of police vehicle: • Ransom Twp Police Services: This should be ready by March to vote on. • Personnel Issue: Chief Yarns stated that one of the police officers, Nelson Morales was convicted of an M-1 stalking charge which disqualifies him to be a police officer in Pennsylvania. He also has a PFA hearing. Chief Yarns asked council to consider terminating his employment. Frank Besten made the first motion to terminate Nelson Morales from the Clarks Summit police department immediately, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was 7-0. There is still paperwork to complete on this. Chief Yarns stated that Officer Tim McCoy resigned. Page 1 of 3  5. BIDS & QUOTATIONS: President Carey 2014 DODGE RAM 3500: Josh Mitchell made the first motion to accept the bid for the 2014 Dodge Ram 3500 sold on Municibid for $11200, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was 7-0. 1990 GRAVELY TRACTOR: Josh Mitchell made the first motion to accept the bid for the 1990 Gravely Tractor sold on Municibid for $700, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was 7-0. 1990 BILLY GOAT VACUUM: Josh Mitchell made the first motion to accept the bid for the 1990 Billy Goat Vacuum sold on Municibid for $180, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was 7-0. 6. BOROUGH TREASURER’S REPORT: JANUARY 2024 President Carey Bob Sheils made the first motion to approve the treasurer’s report, seconded by Kathleen Simrell, vote was 7-0. 7. VENDOR PAYMENTS TO BE RATIFIED: JANUARY 2024 Kathleen Simrell made the first motion to pay the bills, seconded by Steve Guza, vote was 7-0. 8. OLD BUSINESS: President Carey Sewer Report – JANUARY: Jenn Basalyga stated that we are getting ready to proceed with the water shut off. There were 193 delinquent letters sent out, at this point there are about 30 accounts that have not contacted the borough concerning their delinquent bill. There are only 2 payment plans. • Civil Service Exam update: There is a list available, this was tabled. • TCC Committee: Bob Bennett made the first motion to approve Bob Bennett to the TCC Committee, seconded by Steve Guza, vote was 7-0. • Vacancy Board: Bob Bennett made the first motion to approve Bob Bennett to the Vacancy Board, seconded by Steve Guza, vote was 7-0. 9. NEW BUSINESS: President Carey 10. SOLICITORS REPORT • Ordinance 2023-03 Pave Cut Ordinance • PUC finding: Solicitor Krowiak stated that there was a digging incident with Frontier last April 11. CORRESPONDENCE: Page 2 of 3  Robin Vellis: Virginia Kehoe received an email from Robin Vellis. He lives at 630 Sunset. He is asking for a payment arrangement. Jenn Basalyga stated that he came the day before the shutoff. Notices went out back in December 2023. There are no specifics asked for a payment arrangement. Council reviewed Mr. Vellis’s account sheet showing payments made in the past which were mostly delinquent. Council agreed to a payment in the amount that is delinquent through January 2024. Bob Sheils mentioned an issue with a gentleman who has a wheelchair and has trouble getting around on the street due to the amount of tar on the road. The DPW and Virginia Kehoe will take a look at that. • Shannon Brown – Noise: Council discussed Mr. Browns’ concerns. Josh Mitchell stated that he is comfortable with the current restriction of 10pm-7am. Solicitor Krowiak will review the current noise ordinance to see if there should be any changes. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS: President Carey • Prior- 1/2/24 Contracts • During- N/A • Subsequent- N/A ADJOURN: President Carey Roni Lopez made the first motion to adjourn, seconded by Josh Mitchell, vote was 7-0. Page 3 of 3