City Council

BOROUGH OF CLARKS SUMMIT BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2024 The March 2024 Borough Meeting was conducted on Wednesday, March 6, 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, Borough Manager Ms. Virginia Kehoe, and Solicitor Andrew Krowiak. MEDITATION: President Carey PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: President Carey 1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: President Carey Josh Mitchell made the first motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was unanimous 7-0. 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Carey 11/29/23 Council Work Session 12/6/23 Regular Council Meeting 12/27/23 Council Work Session 1/2/24 Reorganization and Regular Council Meeting Steve Guza made the first motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Frank Besten, vote was 7-0. 3. PUBLIC COMMENT & INPUT: President Carey Phyllis Zampella, 1 Hickory Lane, discussed the problems with Hickory Lane. She is requesting to have this road paved. Ms. Kehoe asked Ms. Zampella to email the pictures to her and she can forward them to Council. Hickory Lane is not on the paving list. The paving list comes from the roads that are used the most. She asked about the railroad and what kind of freight is being transported. Council suggested reaching out to the railroad company. Council does try to ensure that dangerous material do not to through Clarks Summit. The railroad company is not obligated to tell the borough what’s being transported. Ms. Zampella asked about a tax cap. There is not. 4. POLICE REPORT: Mayor Kelly Police Chief Chris Yarns discussed being understaffed especially for the overnight hours. Frank Besten stated that he thinks police officers should not be alone when on duty. There should be 2 officers on at a time. 5. BIDS & QUOTATIONS: President Carey Page 1 of 3  Hemlock St Manhole Replacement – Stafursky Paving $19,350.00: Bob Sheils made the first motion to approve the above project, seconded by Steve Guza, vote was 7-0. 6. BOROUGH TREASURER’S REPORT: FEBRUARY 2024: Roni Lopez made the first motion to approve the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Kathleen Simrell, vote was 7-0. 7. VENDOR PAYMENTS TO BE RATIFIED: President Carey FEBRUARY 2024: Frank Besten made the first motion to pay the bills, seconded by Josh Mitchell, vote was 7-0. 8. OLD BUSINESS: President Carey Sewer Report – FEBRUARY: Ordinance 2024-01 – Pave Cut Ordinance: Bob Shiels made the first motion to advertise this ordinance, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was 7-0. 9. NEW BUSINESS: President Carey • Resolution 2024-02 – CDBG: Kathleen Simrell made the first motion to pass Resolution 2024-02, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was 7-0. • Resolution 2024-03 – CDBG: Steve Guza made the first motion to pass resolution 2024-03, seconded by Kathleen Simrell, vote was 7-0. • IPMC appeal panel: Ms. Kehoe stated that the appeal panel would hear the appeal of a building inspection if they don’t agree with the inspector. We need three people and between the three communities, South Abington, Clarks Green and the Clarks Summit Borough. One person from each community could make up the appeal panel. • Resolution 2024-04 - PA One Call: Frank Besten made the first motion to approve Resolution 2024-04, seconded by Roni Lopez, vote was 7-0. 10. SOLICITORS REPORT • PUC finding: Solicitor Krowiak stated that there will be a court date to dispute the $2,500 fine for failure to comply with the dig site. Bob Sheils asked Solicitor Krowiak about the Ransom contract. Solicitor Krowiak stated the two main issues. First was the issue with what rate they would pay and they want to be involved in scheduling that officer along with Chief Yarns. Ransom needs to give Council something in writing. Ransom wants a 3 year contract. 11. CORRESPONDENCE: Page 2 of 3  • Hibble: Solicitor Krowiak is looking to see if any easements were filed for the draining ditch with PennDOT. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS: President Carey • Prior- N/A • During- N/A • Subsequent- N/A ADJOURN: President Carey Roni Lopez made the first motion to adjourn, then go into Executive Session, seconded by Steve Guza, vote was 7-0. Page 3 of 3