City Council

D R A F T (to be approved August 8th) The Regular Meeting of Dupont Borough Council was called to order at 7:00pm on Tuesday evening, July 11, 2023 by President of Council Stanley Knick Jr. Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Mr. Knick – Present Mr. Kowalczyk – Present Mr. Karkut – Absent Mr. Price – Present Mr. Jones – Present Mayor Elaine Lello – Present Stan called for an executive session for personnel. MOTION TO ADOPT THE MINTUES OF THE JUNE 13, 2023 REGUALR MEETING OF COUNCIL AND PLACE ON FILE Motion: Mr. Jones Second: Mr. Kowalczyk Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO ACCEPT THE CORRESPONDENCE PRESENTED. Motion: Mr. Kowalczyk Second: Mr. Jones Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO PAY THE BILLS PRESENTED. Motion: Mr. Jones Second: Mr. Kowalczyk Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO APPOINT THE PART TIME POLICE OFFICERS FROM JULY 11, 2023 TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL WITH NO GUARANTEE OF WORK: Bryan Besecker, Duane Saunders, Jennifer Polemitis, Christopher Fargione, Michael Sniscak, John Tamburello Motion: Mr. Price Second: Mr. Jones Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. REPORTS: Treasurer’s Report: Submitted by Albert B. Melone, Business Consultants General Fund - $215,852.46 Payroll Fund - $7,860.13 ARPA Fund - $ 104,678.95 Refuse Fund - $136,761.29 Sewer Fund - $349,680.29 Liquid Fuels Fund - $249,061.37 Police Pension Fund - $1,109,295.74 Special Fund - $127,343.54 Tax Collector’s Report: Submitted by Susan Gregory, Tax Collector Submitted check in the amount of $11,065.51. Balance Collectable end of month is $24,962.70. Mayor’s Report: None Police Report: Chief Doran read the statistical report for June as follows: criminal arrests-2; traffic citations issued-40; non traffic citations issued-2; appearances in county court-2; appearances in magisterial court-3; motor vehicle accidents-7; assist to ems/fire-4; assist to other police dept.-9; alarms- 3; thefts-3; vandalism-2; disorderly conduct-3; domestic reports-10; suspicious activity-5; dui arrest-1; assault/harassment-2; miscellaneous calls-19; building checks-80; code enforcement notice-31; Mileage: F150 – 45,226; Car #2 Explorer – 17,,331; Car #3 Explorer – 15,148. Magistrate Fines Collected: $1,478.07. Solicitor’s Report: None Engineer’s Report: (1) ADA Ramp project – Final payment request will be submitted and 2 year maintenance bond; (2) Walnut Street Stormwater Project final payment request will be submitted and 2 year maintenance bond; (3) H20 Project - Final inspection to be done, some more work has to be done. We did receive an extension to September 30th; (4) Growing Greener Grant – Stell is working on Lidy Creek in the area of Everhart/Holden; (5) Our office is out doing outfall inspections for the MS4 program; (6) Quail Hill project is ready to bid once approval is received from PennDOT.(7) DCED application under Multimodal for street paving is estimated at $2.35 million. (8) Borough Street paving project agreement is on the agenda tonight. Code Enforcement/Rental Inspection Report: Joe Jones reported 31 notice of violations were sent out. 12 are closed out for compliance. 14 remain open, 9 pending, and 5 quality of life tickets were issued. The Ipad is up and working. He is able to take pictures and document everything. Harry Smith from Pittston helped set up the ipad. He spent time down in Pittston City learning rental inspections and he will be ready to start next month. Crime Watch Report: Bob Price noted the June meeting discussed issues happening in town along with the Fourth of July Fireworks issue. Officer Salvo was here and talked about his experiences over the years with fireworks. The next meeting is July 25th at 7 pm and we hope to get more members attending. Council President’s Report: Stan reported the following: Trash to landfill – 67.14 tons; Comingle – 6.5 tons; Cardboard – 11.32 tons. Mileage: Packer – 69,323; Bucket Truck – 1,012; 6500 – 492; F550 – 46,675; Recycler – 40,137; Mack – 4,022; Green 3500 – 6,076; Black 3500 – 4,124; New Packer – 1,824. Stan reported an audit interview was held today with the County Controller and his staff, tax collector, council and mayor on the tax audit for 2022. From what he heard everything is well and no problems. Stan talked about the flooding issues from Sunday’s storm including Main by Rygiels, Lidy Road, Monroe Street. Patty, Eddie, Joe Jones and Bob Price were out there. Also talked about the code enforcement program and notices being sent out before fines are issued. How big or how small he will give notice. It was a long time coming, and we got this going. He is doing a great job so far. MOTION TO ACCEPT THE REPORTS: Motion: Mr. Kowalczyk Second: Mr. Jones Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 3 OF 2023 APPOINTING STAN KNICK AS SIGNER FOR PENNDOT MULTIMODAL GRANT AGREEMENT NO. 04R307 QUAIL HILL Motion: Mr. Kowalczyk Second: Mr. Jones Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO APPROVE AND SIGN PENN DOT MULTIMODAL GRANT AGREEMENT NO. 04R307 FOR QUAIL HILL DEVELOPMENT ROAD PAVING AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Motion: Mr. Price Second: Mr. Kowalczyk Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO APPROVE BIDDING OUT THE QUAIL HILL PROJECT ONCE THE SIGNED AGREEMENT 04R307 IS RECEIVED AND APPROVED BY PENNDOT Motion: Mr. Kowalczyk Second: Mr. Jones Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 4 OF 2023 TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION TO DCED MULTIMODAL GRANT FOR PAVING BOROUGH STREETS EVERHART, LACKAWANNA, WYOMING, PENN, HILLSIDE, ELM, SPRUCE, PINE Motion: Mr. Jones Second: Mr. Price Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO ENTER INTO A TRIAL PERIOD FOR THE MONTHS OF NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER OF SPLITTING A FIRE APPARATUS DRIVER WITH HUGHESTOWN BOROUGH AT A RATE OF $18 PER HOUR, FIVE DAYS A WEEK, EVERY OTHER WEEK AND TO HIRE FOUR PART TIME EMPLOYEES AND FOUR ALTERNATE PART TIME EMPLOYEES FOR THE TRIAL PERIOD. IF SUCCESSFUL DUPONT BOROUGH WOULD ENTER INTO AN AREEMENT FOR THE ENTIRE YEAR OF 2024 WITH HUGHESTOWN BOROUGH TO FUND HALF OF HE DRIVERS SALRY. DUPONT BOROUGH WOULD ONLY BE RESPNSIBLE FOR PAYING THE APPARATUS DRIVER FOR FOUR WEEKS OF THAT TRIAL PERIOD. Motion: Mr. Jones Second: Mr. Price Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. Stan explained the motion that Dupont and Hughestown and discussed shortage of driver Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm. We are willing to go half with Hughestown for a driver that will be at Dupont one week, Hughestown the next. They do have volunteers for nights and weekends. The pay is $18.00 per hour for that driver and we are splitting it with Hughestown. We can start here and move forward. Other towns are interested. Lou Posly asked where are these employees going to be stationed. Stan stated one week they will be one week at the hose company and the following week they will be at Hughestown hose company. Joey added they will also be helping with code enforcement and rental inspections. It will be one person on duty at a time. It is not a full time position. It will be four part time employees and four alternates. Lou said basically it is firemen waiting for a fire. Stan explained they will be doing code enforcement and rental inspections also during the shift. MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 6 OF 2023 APPROVING THE CODE APPEALS APPLICATION FEE $500 NON REFUNDABLE, DUE PRIOR TO APPEAL APPLICATION BEING ACCEPTED AND PROCESSED Motion: Mr. Jones Second: Mr. Kowalczyk Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 7 OF 2023 APPOINTING STAN KNICK AS SIGNER FOR PENNDOT MULTIMODAL GRANT AGREEMENT NO. 04R309 BOROUGH STREET PAVING PROJECT Motion: Mr. Price Second: Mr. Kowalczyk Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO APPROVE AND SIGN PENN DOT MULTIMODAL GRANT AGREEMENT 04R309 FOR BOROUGH STREET PAVING PROJECT Motion: Mr. Kowalczyk Second: Mr. Jones Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION APPROVE BIDDING OUT THE BOROUGH STREET PAVING PROJECT ONCE THE SIGNED AGREEMENT 04R309 IS APPROVED AND RECEIVED FROM PENNDOT Motion: Mr. Kowalczyk Second: Mr. Price Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO REQUEST FINAL PAYMENT FROM OCD FOR ADA RAMP PROJECT Motion: Mr. Kowalczyk Second: Mr. Jones Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. MOTION TO SUBMIT THE 2024 QUESTIONNAIRE TO OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Stan explained this can be for street paving, parks, demolition, and other eligible activities but goes by income. Dupont doesn’t have low to moderate income areas that qualify for paving. We may be able to use it for new fencing for the little league. We would have to reach out to them to clarify what can be done. Patty provided council with eligible uses. Patty mentioned a secure rear entrance for police department, but when she asked they said it is general construction and is ineligible. Motion: Mr. Kowalczyk Second: Mr. Price Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Karkut, Absent; Mr. Price, yes; Mr. Jones, yes. Motion Carried 4/0. Matters from Residents: Lou Posly – (1) Paving of Lidy at Hill intersection. Stan stated we will be calling for prices. (2) Jake Brakes on the Interstate- Noise Pollution is health hazard (3) Reach out to Secretary Carroll and Congressman Cartwright (4) Meeting in Dunmore regarding widening 81 – Bob Price attended the meeting. Lou did not see Bob there. Bob explained there were two meetings, one for officials and one for public. The projected start date of 2028 was discussed. (4) Boarded up house – Mr. Jones asked that he fill out the complaint form. He explained the officer is sending out notices or violations under the International Property Maintenance Code. The process is in place, fill out the form. Joe Cigan – (1) Working with Hughestown for Emergency Services is a step in the right direction (2) Status of Compliance Complaint at 124 Main Street (3) Interstate and Turnpike projects – Should send letters to legislators setting the groundwork for sound barriers for consideration during the two projects. The second stage of the widening project of 81 from Nuangola to the W-B mall. First is Dunmore to Davis Street. The turnpike beltway project connecting 81 to turnpike and the amount of trucking come up the turnpike and 81. Why not widening in Dupont. Mark mentioned the turnpike beltway project may affect that portion or is part of the overall plan. Stan will give Mike Carroll a call and discuss all concerns brought up this evening. Lou again brought up signage for no jake brakes. Chief Doran, Mark Kowalczyk discussed the signage being illegal or non enforceable referring to signs in Avoca coming down from the Petro. Erik mentioned federal highway. Mark said the state does maintain the highways, but they get federal funding. They have certain guidelines to follow. Trying to find a way no left hand exits, can’t affect a cemetary, affecting businesses was frowned upon. Penn DOT cannot do what they want on the highway, there are guidelines. Joe Cigan asked about the turnpike beltway project. Stan said that is still being worked on. Several properties may be affected in Dupont. Don Hudzinski – Thanked Council for moving emergency services forward – way of the future. Stan agrees it is the safety of the residents that is a priority. Don agreed that starting small and the trial period is the right way to see how it works out. Sharon Ziobro – (1) Ordinance for garbage in front of house all the time. Mr. Jones asked that she fill out the complaint form. Stan explained the ordinance says 24 hours before pickup date. (2) Mentioned the work Patty does around town. Alberta Warunek – Thanked Bob Price for being there when she needs help with anything. The past rain storm she did get flooded and the furnace she put in six months ago was affected. Matters from Council and Mayor: Mr. Jones – 18 open projects, Dupont is moving forward in the right direction. Great progress with code enforcement and rental inspections. It will clean up the town a lot and hold landlords and property owners responsible. Fire Department decision is big stepping stone, being proactive. Other towns are interested in getting in and asking about our code enforcement and rental inspection. Dupont leaders working together doing a great job. Mr. Kowalczyk – Addressed flooding issues on Penn Avenue and in considering paving Penn Avenue, should also consider adding drainage to help with the situation on Penn/Chestnut. Bob Naegele noted he will add drainage prior to submitting the grant application July 30th. Mr. Price - Noted that Congressman Cartwright brought millions of dollars to Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Talked about the flooding issues on 500 block of Penn Avenue and also 200 block of Lidy Road. Mark talked about being on site on Lidy Road with Mike from C-N-A office and discussed a curb. Maybe something can be done when they are paving in those areas. Patty noted she contacted Fortini and they will look at the area and provide an estimate. Thanked Alberta for kind words. Thanked everyone for helping out on Sunday. We get our hands dirty, not just legislate. Mayor Elaine - Food Drive is July 27th at 8:30 volunteers are needed to unload the truck and pack bags. Elaine read a note she received from judge Pierantoni commending the Borough for purchasing the land behind the senior housing complex. Everyone is working together for the betterment of the town. Things take time. Hopefully we can speed things up. Thanked everyone for job they do. Thanked the Police Chief and Police officers for their work, we have 24-7 coverage. That’s a definite. They don’t get enough thanks. Mr. Knick – Thanked residents for their interest in the town. Thanked Don Hudzinski for coming forward with the issues facing the fire department to ensure the town has fire service all the time. Thanked everyone for working together. Motion to Adjourn. Respectfully submitted, Adopted and Approved Patricia McDonald Stanley Knick, Jr. Secretary Council President