Borough Council

MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call – Present were: Council Member Joanne Kochanski, Council Member Anthony Lanfrank, Council Vice President Boyd Weiss, Mayor Tarah Probst, Solicitor Joseph McDonald, Council President James Smith, Borough Manager Maier, Council Member Matt Abell, Council Member Mark Connors and Council Member Patrick Maurath. Quorum was present. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Public Input for Agenda Items – Mr. Norm Solotruk would like to thank the Mayor for the stop sign at Scott and Stone. 4. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting on May 15, 2018. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve Council Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting on May 15, 2018, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. Old Business 5. Status of remaining Municipal Building Renovation Project Loan balance, re: Fire Alarm System, Upgrade Reception Area. Ms. Maier received 2 quotes for the fire alarm system, $18K and $37K. We will add to the next agenda to purchase the fire alarm system for $18K. I drew the plan for cabinetry and the foyer area and am waiting for pricing. New Business 6. Consideration to schedule a public hearing for a Revision to the Designated Handicap Parking Ordinance to remove the 624 Bryant Street location. Motion by Mr. Weiss to schedule a public hearing for a Revision to the Designated Handicap Parking Ordinance to remove the 624 Bryant Street location, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor, Motion Carries. 7. Consideration to schedule a public hearing to Amend the Sewer Ordinance with the Addition of Regulations for the Installation and Maintenance of Grease Traps. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to schedule a public hearing to Amend the Sewer Ordinance with the Addition of Regulations for the Installation and Maintenance of Grease Traps, second by Mr. Weiss. Ms. Maier advises there are a lot of issues with grease. Public Works should not be responsible to correct. Grease is flushed down with hot water or enzymes. This Ordinance would allow a plumbing inspector, Streets Supervisor or Codes Officer to enter an establishment, inspect and require an upgrade if needed. It only applies to businesses. The businesses will be educated. We will publicize in the upcoming newsletter. All in favor, Motion Carries. 8. Consideration to schedule a public hearing for An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend Chapter 15 Entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Part 2, Section 15-206, “Traffic Regulations, Stop Intersections” – Reinsert stop intersection at Bell Terrace and Scott Street. Motion by Mr. Weiss to schedule a public hearing for An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend Chapter 15 Entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Part 2, Section 15-206, “Traffic  Regulations, Stop Intersections” – Reinsert stop intersection at Bell Terrace and Scott Street, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 9. Consideration to reschedule a public hearing for an Ordinance to Abolish the Recreation Board, Section 1-321 through 1-329 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code of Ordinances. Motion by Mr. Weiss to reschedule a public hearing for an Ordinance to Abolish the Recreation Board, Section 1-321 through 1-329 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code of Ordinances, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Maurath to advertise for a Public Hearing June 19, 2018 for agenda items #6 (Revision to the Designated Handicap Parking Ordinance to remove the 624 Bryant Street location), #8 (an Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend Chapter 15 Entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Part 2, Section 15-206, “Traffic Regulations, Stop Intersections” – Reinsert stop intersection at Bell Terrace and Scott Street) and #9 (an Ordinance to Abolish the Recreation Board, Section 1-321 through 1-329 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code of Ordinances) and to advertise for a Public Hearing July 3, 2018 for agenda item #7 (Amend the Sewer Ordinance with the Addition of Regulations for the Installation and Maintenance of Grease Traps), second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 10. Consideration to Authorize a five-year lease agreement for a 2019 F-550 Truck and a 2019 Hino 338 Dump Truck and Plow through ESSA Bank and Trust at a rate of 3.99%. Motion by Mr. Weiss to authorize a five-year lease agreement for a 2019 F-550 Truck and a 2019 Hino 338 Dump Truck and Plow through ESSA Bank and Trust at a rate of 3.99%, second by Mr. Abell. Mr. Connors requested a need statement & research into used vehicles prior to the next purchase. All in favor, Motion Carries. 11. Consideration of approval of Change Order #1 for the Second Street Improvement Project-Extension of time only. Motion by Mr. Abell to approve Change Order #1 for the Second Street Improvement Project-Extension of time only, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 12. Consideration to approve Payment #4 for the Second Street Paving and ADA Ramp Improvement Project to Northeast Site Contractors. Motion by Mr. Abell to approve Payment #4 for the Second Street Paving and ADA Ramp Improvement Project to Northeast Site Contractors, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 13. Consideration of a Resolution to transfer the balance of the Sinking Fund #2, Police Building/Parking Deck to the Debt Service Fund per Auditor recommendations. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve a Resolution to transfer the balance of the Sinking Fund #2, Police Building/Parking Deck to the Debt Service Fund per Auditor recommendations, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 14. Consideration of a Resolution to authorize the sale of the 1996 Ford Econoline E250 to the Borough of East Stroudsburg. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve a Resolution to authorize the sale of the 1996 Ford Econoline E250 to the Borough of East Stroudsburg, second by Mr. Maurath. Ms. Maier advises this was originally purchased by Stroudsburg Borough and Stroud Township, each at 50%. Stroud Township is researching  if they are looking for any re-imbursement from the sale. Stroud Township has not contributed to ongoing maintenance and have given verbal authorization to sell. All in favor with only Mr. Weiss voting YES, All other Council Members Voting NO, Motion Fails. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to table, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 15. Consideration of a Resolution to authorize the destruction of Parking Department documents that have met the PA Records Retention requirements. Motion by Mr. Maurath to approve a Resolution to authorize the destruction of Parking Department documents that have met the PA Records Retention requirements, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 16. Consideration of a Budget Resolution Transfer. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to approve a Budget Resolution Transfer, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor, Motion Carries. 17. Consideration to promote Stephen Frailey to Municipal Worker B at a rate of $20.87 per hour as recommended by Brian Ace, Superintendent of Streets. Motion by Mr. Weiss to promote Stephen Frailey to Municipal Worker B at a rate of $20.87 per hour as recommended by Brian Ace, Superintendent of Streets, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 18. Consideration of a Proclamation to acknowledge East Stroudsburg University 125th Anniversary. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve a Proclamation to acknowledge East Stroudsburg University 125th Anniversary, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor, Motion Carries. 19. Consideration to approve an Occupational Medicine Services Agreement between Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Borough of Stroudsburg for the administration of the Hepatitis B Vaccination Series to the Street Department Personnel. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to approve an Occupational Medicine Services Agreement between Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Borough of Stroudsburg for the administration of the Hepatitis B Vaccination Series to the Street Department Personnel, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to investigate pricing between Lehigh Valley Health Network and St. Lukes Hospital for the Fire Department and optional employees, second by Mr. Weiss. Ms. Maier advises the vaccine is required for protection. All in favor, Motion Carries. 20. Consideration of a request from Brodhead Watershed Association for Stroudsburg Borough to renew its membership and to authorize a contribution for sponsorship. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve a request from Brodhead Watershed Association for Stroudsburg Borough to renew its membership and to authorize a contribution for sponsorship at the Steward rate of $500, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 21. Consideration of letter of interest received from Eric Scelza regarding the vacancy on the Planning Commission (four-year term). Ms. Maier advises this position was previously advertised. Mayor Probst is recommending we advertise again. Motion by Mr. Weiss to table, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor, Motion Carries. 22. Committee Reports A. Codes Committee – Ms. Kochanski advises the committee met and discussed Short Term Rental Model Ordinance, Medical Marijuana Model Ordinance, recycling, garbage and dumpster placement and blighted properties. B. Finance Committee – No report C. Parking Committee - Mr. Maurath advises the committee met and discussed moving 2 handicap spots from the Lot on South 6th and Ann. Motion by Mr. Maurath to move 2 handicap spots from the Lot on South 6th and Ann to the upper Lot 2, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. The committee spoke about turning 4th Street into a one way and Ms. Maier will speak to Aarons and Wells Fargo. Short term unmetered parking spaces will be installed on the bank side of the street. The 2 spaces open in the Lot on South 6th and Ann can be utilized for the Electric Vehicle Charging Station; we are looking into DEP and AFIG grants. Mr. Rovito would like the 15 minute meter in front of his store on South 6th changed to a regular meter. Motion by Mr. Maurath to change the 15 minute meter in front of his store on South 6th to a regular meter, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. The committee spoke about residential permits in the Hill, South and West districts. Currently each district gives a one hour courtesy for free parking; we would like to change to residential parking only. Lengthy discussion ensued. Motion by Mr. Maurath to remove the one hour courtesy for residential permits, second by Mr. Maurath. All Council members opposed. Motion fails. D. Recycling Committee – Mr. Weiss advised the committee met and advised we are not bringing in a lot of money. Garbage is being turned in along with recycling. There have been complaints about insufficient advertising when the center is closed. We are looking to collect fees from contractors for brush along with specific hours for drop off. East Stroudsburg Borough will contact Stroud Township to see if brush can be brought to Stroud Township. We are not required to have mulch as a recycled item. E. Sewer Committee – No meeting but we are currently working on the sewer issue at Ann and 5th and Ann Street is currently closed. F. Street Committee – Mr. Lanfrank advises the committee met and spoke about looking at speed signs attached to a pole that is solar and children at play signs.  The committee discussed roads and bonds. Ms. Maier advised Mr. Ace put together a 10 year listing with quantities and forward over to the Borough’s engineer for costs; so we would be able to complete as they come up each year. Mr. Lanfrank provided Council with a diagram to turn 4th Street into a one way from McConnell to Main and to turn Kane Street into a one way from Main to McConnell. Ms. Maier advises we have not found any information on giving prior approval to Penn Dot. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to turn 4th Street into a one way from McConnell to Main and to turn Kane Street into a one way from Main to McConnell and to schedule a public hearing June 19, 2018, second by Mr. Weiss. Lengthy discussion ensued. All in favor with Mr. Connors voting NO. Motion Carries. The committee discussed turning Sarah Street between 9th and 10th into a one way toward 10th. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to turn Sarah Street between 9th and 10th into a one way toward 10th and hold a Public Hearing June 19, 2018, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. G. Personnel Committee – Mr. Connors advises there was no meeting but is appreciative of the Borough Manager taking over some Personnel Committee issues. H. Public Relations/Media Committee – Mayor Probst advises Concerts in the Park begins June 21st from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, Shine only. Anything the Borough advertises to forward to the Mayor to post online. I. Redevelopment Committee – Will meet June 12, 2018 at 3:15pm. J. I-80 Expansion Task Force Committee – Mr. Connors advised that he and Kris Battle attended Penn Dot’s Advisory Committee meeting. Penn Dot wants to do this project right and has responded to our issues. 6 lanes are still in play. The next meeting is scheduled for September with a public meeting the end of the year. K. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission – Mr. Weiss advises the committee met informally, we are trying to set up a meeting for the Dog Park and Bike Park in Glen Park. 23. Mayor’s Report – Businesses with Met Ed are not happy and some may lose their insurance due to the recent power outages. We are trying to secure a larger venue for a Council Meeting to have Pennsylvania’s Utility Commission (PUC) in attendance. Mr. Joe Johnson is waiting for his approved parking on Wallace Street. Thank the Streets Department for their efforts in cleaning all the storm debris. Jim Hutchinson from St. Luke’s donated additional funds to the pocket park at Quaker Alley. People are commenting they like what Borough Council is doing especially with blighted properties and streets. 24. Council Member Reports Mr. Maurath – Lower 2 deck in the back corner has homeless people and drug addicts. Ms. Maier will place a camera in the lot and we will increase Lot maintenance from 2 days a week to 3 days a week. Mr. Connors – Nothing to Report  Mr. Abell – Would like to thank the Streets Department. The Ann Street project would have cost us approximately $500K if sent out to bid, the Streets Department will complete for approximately $80K. Ms. Kochanski – Streets Department has done a fantastic job with the LED lights. Mr. Lanfrank – The bike committee met and have a few designs to price out for bike posts. Mr. Weiss – Thank the Streets Department for all their hard work. Mr. Smith – Baskets have been placed on Main Street. The thank you letters were requested at last Council meeting and were sent to the Mattioli Fund and MCTI. 25. Solicitor’s Report – Solicitor McDonald advises he has reviewed the license and services agreement for the mobile application. From a legal standpoint it is valid. We may want to stipulate the arbitration clause be in the local court. I have prepared a draft of an Ordinance to formally abandon the Recreation Board, it can be advertised. The Convenience store amendment has been submitted to the Planning Commission for review and has not been advertised. It’s been sent back to the County for clarification; possibly schedule a July 3, 2018 Public Hearing. Ms. Maier and I attended an assessment appeal for 613-617 Main Street; the issue is whether the adjoining owner has suffered a catastrophic loss and there is an investigation on the adjoining property. The permit portal agreement still needs to be reviewed. 26. Manager’s Report – Ms. Maier advises she is researching that we are a designated opportunity zone and how we can benefit. I met with Brodhead Creek about the Super Fund Site. I will be meeting with the County about helping with a grant for sidewalk improved access to bus shelters and bike posts. 27. Approval of Bills on Warrants 180605. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve Bills on Warrants 180605, second by Mr. Maurath All in favor, Motion Carries. 28. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items – Mr. Jacob Morris was in attendance and provided Council with a Power Outage Prevention handout for possible adoption. Mr. Morris would like Council to establish a website to report downed trees and issues with power lines. Mr. Smith advises Mr. Morris to forward information to Ms. Maier. 29. Executive Session No Executive Session 30. Adjournment Motion by Ms. Kochanski to adjourn at 9:30pm, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries.