City Council

FORTY FORT BOROUGH, 1271 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 Council Meeting Minutes for June, 6 2016 Call to Order The gavel strike of President of Council, Jeff McLaughlin, called tonight’s meeting to order. Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance Reverend Lukish lead in Prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call President McLaughlin ordered Roll Call. Members in attendance were: President Jeff McLaughlin, Dominic Butchko, Deborah Troy, Thomas Murray, Charles Rick Kamus, and Frank Michaels. Dorothy Craig was absent. Also present were, Borough Mayor, Andy Tuzinski, Borough Manager, Bonnie Arnone, Borough Secretary, Brandy Eggert, Borough Solicitor, Jack Haley, Borough Engineer Representatives of Quad3, Rich Kresge and Carl Schimmel. Visitors present numbered 8. A member from the Times Leader was present. President confirmed a quorum. Consent Agenda for Administrative Issues Matters listed within the Consent Agenda have been referred to members of the Borough Council for reading and study, are considered to be routine and will be enacted by one motion of the Council. If separate discussion is desired, the item may be removed from the Consent Agenda by Council action. The Resolutions listed below were submitted to the Borough Council for review and will be adopted by one motion. Motion made by Mr. Kamus to enact the following Consent Agenda: 1. Motion to approve the minutes of the Regular meeting held on May 2, 2016 2. Motion to approve the minutes of the work session held on May 13, 2016 3. Motion to pay all bills 4. Motion to accept the following minutes or reports of: A. Mayor/Police Dept. B. Forty Fort Fire Chief C. Copy of Call list for 2016 D. Kingston Fire Chief E. Code Enforcement Officer F. Civil Service Commission G. Shade Tree Commission H. Safety Committee  FORTY FORT BOROUGH, 1271 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 Council Meeting Minutes for June, 6 2016 I. WVSA Meeting minutes J. Manager Time Sheets K. Paving Project progress meeting minutes L. West Side COG report 5. Correspondence 1. BCO Resume 2. Kingston FF Fire letter 3. Luzerne County Boro/Twp. invitation Motion was seconded by Tom Murray. President McLaughlin asked Council if anyone would like any of the items removed for discussion from the Consent Agenda. No Council Member asked for any items to be removed from the Agenda. All were in favor. Motion passed without dissention. Report of Chief of Police and Mayor The Chief of Police, Daniel Hunsinger could not be present at tonight’s Council meeting. Mayor Tuzinski reported that the Fireworks Display on May 28th 2016, was the sole expense of the May Brance Company. There was a nice crowd and the Forty Fort Police Department assisted with traffic. They also assisted in the Lions Club 5 Mile race, with approximately 500 registers, and Memorial Day Parade on May 30th. Things went smoother this year with only some minor kinks. Jeff Coslett the newly appointed Police officer is now officially certified and is being trained. Officer Smith also received training in Standardized Field Sobriety for DUI and Checkpoints. The Pool opened on June 4th and there was a very good crowd. They sold on that day 75% in Family Memberships from what was sold all last year. This is the 80th year of opening the pool. The pool was purchased for just under 25,000 in 1935 and the Borough contributed 11,000. Mayor Tuzinski thanked the Public Works Dept., Bonnie and Brandy for getting the pool up and running also, Rick Kamus for fixing a valve in the middle of the week, not doing so would have delayed the opening of the pool. He appreciates everyone’s efforts. Last year Council waved the Pool Party Fees for Youth Organizations solely affiliated with Forty Fort. Example being, Cub scouts, Girl scouts and Little league. Mayor Tuzinski asked council to wave the Fees again this year and he, out of his Salary, will pay the Lifeguards. Motion was made by Dominic Butchko 1st, and Tom Murray seconded. All were in Favor. Motion carried without dissention. We also had the Color Run by Geisinger. The Mayor stated we have been very busy the past couple weeks. The Mayor is working on getting crosswalk signs for 4th St and River St. Also, Butler, Cayuga and Oneida. A total of 8 signs would be needed for before and after the crosswalk. Unfortunately due to Pendots unfunded mandates these signs have to be purchased, and he is working on getting them at little or no charge. The Chief of Police and officers are looking into a program to step up patrols in those areas. Finally, grass is an issue. We have absentee landlords who do not take care of their property. Some areas will just not get done and Mayor Tuzinski would like to sit down and speak with Rick Kamus, Public works,  FORTY FORT BOROUGH, 1271 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 Council Meeting Minutes for June, 6 2016 and Bonnie regarding a fee schedule if our DPW has to do it. The president asked that the ordinance for the height of grass be pulled and given to everyone. He then thanked the Mayor for his report. Report of Borough Manager Borough Manager, Bonnie Arnone stated that the pool opened on Saturday, June 4, 2016 and everything seemed to go very well. We have 12 lifeguards this year, five returning guards and seven new guards. Clare Winton is our head lifeguard this year again and she is working very well with the new guards. Due to her absence last week and our new secretary/treasurer not having access to the bank reconciliations, we do not have a treasure’s report for this meeting. The reconciliations will be done by weeks end and a treasure’s report will be e-mailed to everyone. She did, however, prepare a profit and loss report for councils review. Mayor Tuzinski added that Nancy Likos of Dennison Advocates, Thanked Bonnie and Jeff for all their hard work with the Sanitary Authority. Report of Borough Engineers Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation Project The Contractor, Mr. Rehab, Inc. is preparing final documentation. Project Manager Drew Park has been in the hospital and his company has promised to finalize and forward the paperwork as soon as possible. Bernie Banks of American Asphalt has contacted PennDOT to schedule a final inspection of the pave work on River Street. Paving Project Work The project is approximately 50% complete with most ADA ramps, storm water inlets and manhole frames and covers constructed. Bituminous pavement is to follow in the coming months. See attached project progress meeting minutes from May 23, 2016. The Contractor has recently submitted his first application for payment in the amount of $435,925.50. Multimodal Grant Project A contract for the design and permitting necessary to advance the project to the bidding and construction phases has been prepared, reviewed and executed between Forty Fort Borough and Quad Three Group, Inc. Quad Three will commence topographic survey of the associated street areas, and notify their traffic consultant to begin evaluation of the traffic signal located for Wells and Slocum Street. Residents and Taxpayers Comments and Petitions Sandra Liguori of 5 Sunset Court. Mrs. Liguori voiced her concern of a neighbor’s fire pit. The police and Mayor took care of it, but she would like to follow up. Mrs. Liguori passed around a picture of horrible  FORTY FORT BOROUGH, 1271 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 Council Meeting Minutes for June, 6 2016 smoke consuming the backyard. She stated that the flames are well above a 6ft fence, and they are burning garbage and other stuff. She stated they are not using for recreational purposes. Mrs. Liguori stated she has health issues and her kitchen has filled up with enough smoke that at one time she thought her pies were burning. Mayor Tuzinski stated that he did get in touch with the property owner and got them to comply with the ordinance and will stay on top of it. Fire Chief Jim Shedlarski also told Mrs. Liguori that he would give her his direct cell phone number and if it should happen again to call him. It was also said to put the ordinance regarding fire pits back in the newspaper as a reminder for the residents. Karen Martinelli of 1609 Wyoming Ave stated that she and surrounding neighbors along with the Police are being pestered by a nuisance rental property. The Police are doing a wonderful job and always professional when called, but she feels bad that they get called there so often. She recommended to look into Edwardsville 3 strike rule. Mayor Tuzinski stated that council already stated they want to fix the problem. Research has to be done so we don’t get sued and also with the knowledge that the ACLU states that such ordinances violate tenants’ rights. It will be looked into. Cheryl Seelock of 1621 Wyoming Ave voiced the same concern as Karen Martinelli being she has a shared driveway with this property which is in her deed. She has problems with the children riding their bikes on her property and afraid they will get hurt. When told not to, she is always met with problems. Rick Kamus suggested putting No Trespassing signs up on her property so it can be properly enforced. Rob Swaback of 15 Susquehanna Ave had concerns of the placing and changes of No parking signs. He questioned the formula as to how they are placed. Also, Mr. Swaback asked why the sign took up the whole block on River St. and Rutter Ave towards Edwards Landscaping. He feels that something isn’t right. If someone could just please check to see if the signs were placed right. Engineer Rick Kresge answered and showed Mr. Swaback how and why they are placed. Mr. Swaybacks’ second concern was that he noticed street signs were taken down and put on American Asphalts property. He would like to know what is being done with them. Council stated that they will look into it. Bob Howell of 458 River St voiced concerns over the No Parking signs pointing the wrong way on River St. His wife is handicapped and they can no longer park on the street. They do have a driveway and there is parking across the street. Mr. Howell also voiced concerns of all the dump trucks going up and down River St. and putting holes in the road across from him. President Jeff McLaughlin stated that it would be looked into and if anything unlawful is being done it will be fixed. Chris Grymko of 15 East Turner St. initially said that he is happy the roads are getting paved. His question or concern was he is aware that according to Quad 3’s report. Susquehanna and Turner are being fully rebuilt with sub base and re topped. He spoke with an American Asphalt worker and he said that Turner St. was actually only getting Mill and top only. His concern is that Turner St. will not be done properly and  FORTY FORT BOROUGH, 1271 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 Council Meeting Minutes for June, 6 2016 fall apart in three years instead of lasting for 20. Mayor Tuzinski stated that we are trying to do a lot with little, but that a fair medium will be put on the road so it does last for quite some time. Mayor Tuzinski is convinced Mr. Gymkos’ grandchildren will be riding their bikes on the road. General Business Consent Agenda Motion was made by Deborah Troy to adopt the General Business Agenda for discussion and seconded by Dominic Butchko. All were in favor. Motion carried as follows: 1. Acceptance of Alan Brezinski resignation as zoning officer 2. Hire Emily Alvarez, Corrine Smith, Kaelee Kane, Michael Featherstone, Adam Mahler and Emily Easton as lifeguards for 2016 season. 3. Accept resignation of crossing guard, Maria Anderscavage General Business 1. Opening of sealed bids for Pool Restoration There was only one bid for the Pool which was due on Friday June 6, 2016. The bid was by 21st Century Pool and Spas from Vestal NY. The bid was $77,449.00. Bonnie Arnone suggested that it be tabled until the work session to discuss it further. 2. USDA Paving Project Pay Requisition #1 - $398,832.95 A motion was made by Rick Kamus and seconded by Frank Michaels. All in favor. Motion passed 3. Hire Rebecca Zavada as crossing guard for Dana St. school post $9.25 per hour A motion was made by Rick Kamus and seconded by Deborah Troy. All in favor. Motion passed 4. Hire Joshua Zavada as summer hire for street department $10.00 per hour This motion was tabled for further discussion. 5. Owens Street Drainage work – Change Order #3 of Paving Contract in the amount of $16,229.00. A motion was made to not accept the change order by Rick Kamus and seconded by Dominic Butchko. President Jeff McLaughlin called a roll call. All were in favor but President Jeff Mclaughlin. Motion passed 5 to 1. 6. Hire Brandy Eggert as Borough Secretary / Treasurer A motion was made by Rick Kamus and seconded by Frank Michaels. All in Favor. Motion Passed. 7. Hoyt Library Donation request  FORTY FORT BOROUGH, 1271 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort, PA 18704 Council Meeting Minutes for June, 6 2016 A motion was made to Donate to the Hoyt Library. A brief discussion of what to give was had and an amount of $100 was decided upon. Motion was made by Frank Michaels and seconded by Dominic Butchko. All in favor. Motion passed. New Business and Open Discussion 1. Speed and Crosswalks on River Street 2. Parking restrictions caused by paving project. 3. Vacancy in Code Enforcement – application due 6/10/2016 4. Solicitor update on changes to rental inspection ordinance 5. Solicitor update on changes to Three Strikes Ordinance 6. Open meeting rules require to be more specific on exceptions Mayor Tuzinski stated that Chief Hunsinger requested that new firearms be purchased for the Police Department. They would need 9 firearms and have a trade in value of $1900 with the old firearms. A motion was made by Frank Michaels to accept this request and Deborah Troy seconded. All were in favor. Motion passed. Executive Session President McLaughlin stated that Contract negotiations for the Fire Dept. and administration discrepancy along with Code Enforcement and personal issues will be discussed. Council adjourned for Executive Session at 9:40 PM. Motion to Adjourn Council convened at 11:00 PM from Executive Session. A motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Butchko and seconded by Mr. Murray. All council was in favor of this motion. The next meeting will be a council work session on June 20th, 2016 beginning at 7:00 PM in council chambers. Respectfully Submitted, Brandy Eggert Fuller Secretary/Treasurer