City Council

FORTY FORT BOROUGH COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 19, 2012 The November work session of the Forty Fort Borough Council was held on Monday, November 19, 2012 at the Forty Fort Borough Building with V‐P of council, Frank Michaels, presiding. V‐P Michaels called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM with the following council members present: Dorothy Craig & Robert Craig. Karen Martinelli was present via telephone. Excused absent were Joseph Chacke, Charles Rich Kamus & Betty Mascelli. Also present were Mayor Boyd Hoats, Manager Barbara Fairchild & Secretary Bonnie Arnone. Presentation was given to council by Steven Stahl regarding a proposal for health care benefits for borough employees covered by health insurance. Emergency Management Coordinator, Andy Tuzinski, stated that several residents have received notification of denial for their Flood Insurance in error. Mr. Tuzinski reported that this was due to an administrative error on the part of FEMA and it has been corrected. Presentation by Mark Voyton, Quad 3 Engineers, outlining the finding of their televising of the sewer system. His recommendation is to repair approx. 40% of the lines with a slip line system where possible with complete restoration where absolutely necessary. Their estimated cost for this project is 3.5 million dollars. He further stated that the USDA is now offering 2.75% interest loans for such projects with an estimated yearly payment of $148,592.00 for 40 years. The possibility of WVSA offering monetary assistance was also discussed. Rob Mericle, of Mericle Real Estate Co., presented to council his proposal for an illuminated message board at the intersection of Welles, Rutter Ave. & Cross Valley exit ramp. He assured council that the message board would not cause any visual distraction to motorists as it meets PENDOT standards for such signage. They have filed an appeal following a denial from the Luzerne County Zoning Board. Discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons of such a sign. Resident, Robert Swaback, 15 Susquehanna Ave., Forty Fort, expressed his concerns for the aforementioned signage stating that this intersection is dangerous already and nothing distracting should be placed there to take motorists eyes away from the roadway. Mayor Hoats thanks Barbara Fairchild for her help in coordinating the recently held Santa Claus Parade which he stated was a success with many residents present. Council will meet again in the near future for a special meeting for general purposes and discussion of the 2013 budget. That meeting date will be announced. The next regular council meeting will be held on Monday, December 3, 2012 beginning at 7:30 PM at the Borough Hall. Meeting was adjourned at 9:55 PM. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Arnone Secretary