City Council

Forty Fort Borough Council Meeting Minutes October 2, 2017 Call to Order Gavel Strike of President of Council Jeffrey McLaughlin, called tonight’s meeting to order. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance Reverend Lukesh led the Invocation and Mayor Andy Tuzinski led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call President of Council, Jeffery Mclaughlin, ordered Roll Call. Members in attendance were: President Jeffery Mclaughlin, Vice President Tom Murray, Deborah Troy, Ted Ritsick, Amy Craig and David Sieminski. Dominic Butchko was not present. Borough Mayor, Andy Tuzinski, Chief of Police, Daniel Hunsinger, Borough Manager, Bonnie Arnone, and Borough Secretary Brandy Fuller. Visitors numbered 5. There were no media at this meeting. President Jeffery Mclaughlin confirmed a quorum. An executive session was held immediately prior to this meeting to discuss the purchase of property and legal issues concerning a contract. There were no motions made during this meeting. Resident and Taxpayers comments and Petitions Judy Soroka of Dana Street voiced her concern regarding dismissal at the school. The parents are still parking and would like increased patrols to ticket them. The concern of increase signage in the tree lawns was also addressed. Scott Robins of Oneida Street voiced his concern over his neighbor’s dog barking all day long outside, with possibly no food or water. He was asked to call the police to file a complaint as it happens, so further action could be done. Frank Michaels of 71 Filbert Street wanted to compliment council on the fine job they are doing getting things done. He also wanted to compliment Chief Hunsinger with the patrols, he feels safe in his neighborhood, and the quick response time if you call 911. Mr. Michaels also commended Rick Kamus Director of Public Works, for all he is doing and also the Mayor. Mr. Michaels would also like to address a rumor that may go around regarding him wanting to be back on council, and some neighbors starting a write in ballot. He wanted to make council aware that he is happy where he is now, and does not want to come back to Council. Frank Michaels also had some questions regarding the Drop signal on Welles and Wyoming Ave. He was advised that the Highway occupancy permit had not been granted yet and it is still ongoing. He questioned what had happened regarding the Fire Department merger. He was advised that the contract had been extended for two years to give more time to work on it, and what is best for Forty Fort. Brian Thomas of 1124 Wyoming Ave asked when the Alley Paving projects were going to begin. He was advised they wouldn’t begin till next year. Consent Agenda for Administrative Issues Matters listed within the Consent Agendas 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. A. Approve minutes of the September 5, 2017 council meeting B. Approve August 2017 Treasurer’s Report C. Approve payment of all bills as presented D. Accept minutes and reports from the following: 1. Manager’s Time Sheets – 8/16/17 & 8/27/17 2. Code Enforcement Report – August Report 3. Kingston Fire Chief Report – August Report 4. Forty Fort Police Dept. Report – 8/4/17 – 9/18/17  5. Forty Fort Fire Chief Report – August 2017 6. Civil Service Commission – August meeting minutes 7. Manager Report for September 18, 2017 E. Acknowledge receipt of the following correspondence: 1. SPCA Correspondence A motion was made by Ted Ritsick to accept the Consent Agenda and seconded by David Sieminski. All were in favor Motion passed. Council Action Items 1. Hire James Shedlarski @ $13.00 for 15 hours per week to assist with Code Enforcement Issues. A motion was made by Tom Murray to Hire James Shedlarski at $13.00 per hour for 15 hours per week to assist with Code Enforcement Issues. It was seconded by Deborah Troy. All were in favor. Motion passed. New Business 1. LSA Grants for 2017 A list of items to apply for with the LSA Grant was discussed. Some items include: Dana Street Improvements, Borough Garage, Segment of bike trail into Edwards Landscaping, Grant to provide Engineering, and a fixed Radar Device. 2. Rick Kamus asked that Jonathan Mylott be given a raise from $10hr to $12 due to him receiving his driver’s license and becoming a great asset to the department. This will be discussed at work session. 3. A Committee was formed of Jeff McLaughlin, Tom Murray and Dominic Butchko, to negotiate a contract for the Street Department. A date for this meeting will be determined. Old Business 1. Luzerne County SPCA will be discussed at work session. 2. Second Budget meeting will be held Monday October 9, 2017 at 5PM. Announcements 1. Sealed bids will be accepted until 2PM on Friday, October 6, 2017 for renovations to the Forty Fort Pool. The bids will be opened at 2PM in Council Chambers. This meeting is open to the public. 2. The Highway Occupancy Permit has been received for the PENDOT multimodal grant which includes alley paving and exterior borough building renovations. The sealed bid will be received up to noon on Monday, October 23, 2017 at which time they will be opened in council chambers. This meeting is also open to the public. Adjournment A motion was made by Deborah Troy and seconded by Tom Murray to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor Motion was passed. Meeting was adjourned at 8:00PM. The next meeting of council will be a work session held on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 7:00PM in council chambers. Respectfully Submitted, Brandy Fuller Borough Secretary