Borough Council

MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at 7 p.m. 1. Call Meeting to Order/Roll Call - Present were Council Members Joanne Kochanski, Council Vice President James Smith, Council Member Boyd Weiss, Mayor Tarah Probst, Solicitor Joseph McDonald, Council President Ken Lang, Borough Manager Brian Bond, Council Member Matt Abell, Council Member Mark Connors and Council Member Patrick Maurath. A Quorum was present. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Public Hearing was properly advertised. A. Consideration of a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 21, Streets and Sidewalks; Part 2, Sidewalks; §221, Use of sidewalks for display or advertising. Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Smith to close the Public Hearing of a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 21. All in favor, Motion Carries. B. Consideration to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 21, Streets and Sidewalks; Part 2, Sidewalks; §221, Use of sidewalks for display or advertising. Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Weiss to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 21, Streets and Sidewalks; Part 2, Sidewalks; §221, Use of sidewalks for display or advertising. All in favor, Motion Carries. C. Consideration of a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 4, Buildings; Part 2, Historic Preservation District; § 213.1.A.9 Application and Approval Procedures. Motion by Mr. Maurath, second by Mr. Weiss to close the Public Hearing of a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 4. All in favor, Motion Carries. D. Consideration of approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 4, Buildings; Part 2, Historic Preservation District; § 213.1.A.9 Application and Approval Procedures. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 4, Buildings; Part 2, Historic Preservation District; § 213.1.A.9 Application and Approval Procedures. All in favor, Motion Carries. E. Consideration of a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic; Part 3, General Parking Regulations §316.1.A Handicap Parking Zones Established. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Maurath to close the public hearing of a proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 15. All in favor, Motion Carries. F. Consideration to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 3, General Parking Regulations §316.1.A Handicap Parking Zones Established. Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Smith to approve an Ordinance amending Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 3, General Parking Regulations §316.1.A Handicap Parking Zones Established. All in favor, Motion Carries. 4. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to close Public Input. All in favor, Motion Carries. 5. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes from June 06, 2017 Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Abell to approve June 6, 2017 Council Meeting Minutes. Update Eric, residing at 708 Thomas Street to Eric, residing at 708 Scott Street. All in favor, Motion Carries.  6. Monthly Administrative Reports a. Permits Issued Report d. Fire Department Report b. Public Works Report e. Right-To-Know Report c. Parking Report f. Police Department Report (provided via email) Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Smith to approve the Monthly Administrative Reports. All in favor, Motion carries. 7. Accept Unaudited April Treasurer’s Reports: a. Actual to Budget b. Cash Balances Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to accept the Unaudited May Treasurer’s Report. All in favor, Motion Carries. Old Business 8. Chapter 27 Zoning changes update. Mr. Kimes provided Council with a handout he and Mr. Connors have been working on. It is in regards to definitions for 1st floor use in the C-2 zoning district and is asking Council to review and provide feedback. We have a more thorough definition on basement and building height. The language is to allow residential use on the 1st floor, similar to Shanty House. Currently the County Commissioners are satisfied with the language. If there are significant alterations we will need to go back to the County Commissioners. These definitions are tools we can use in our ordinances. Most of the language was taken from other municipalities. Solicitor McDonald advises we would need to authorize for a public hearing and would formally submit to the County Planning Commission for their review. Mr. Bond advises we would need to advertise twice. 9. Consideration of appointments of the Human Relations Commission. Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Smith to appoint Tanya Carmella-Beers and Cynthia Crowner to three (3) year terms, Erica McCabe and Storm Heter to two (2) year terms and Harold Cortright to one (1) year term effective today June 20, 2017 on the Human Relations Commission. Mr. Smith is questioning who will appoint a chairperson, Council or the Commission? We will wait to assign a chair, and will discuss with the trainer from the Commission. Solicitor McDonald advises we checked with the underwriters and looked at the definition of insured under the general liability. We are covered. Mr. Connors advises he is married to Cynthia Crowner. All in favor, Motion Carries. 10. Director of Public Works appointment. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to appoint Brian Ace Jr. as the Borough of Stroudsburg Director of Public Works effective June 20, 2017. Mr. Connors advises the Personnel Committee recommends Mr. Ace accruing vacation time based on his tenure with the Borough. All in favor, Motion Carries. New Business 11. Consideration of a request from Jesus Quiones to replace the rules signs at the Skate Park and to place sand in the volleyball pit at 3rd Street Park. Mr. Quiones is not in attendance. Mr. Smith would like the Borough to move forward administratively. Mr. Bond advises we will purchase the sand and Mr. Quiones will pay for the sign. Mr. Bond has also spoken to Ms. Acevedo from SROSRC and will be working to condense the rules sign. 12. Consider the application of Natasha Leap, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of fencing at 25 North Eighth Street. Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Smith to approve the replacement of fencing at 25 North Eigth Street as recommended by HARB. All in favor, Motion Carries. 13. Consider the application of Johnny Almonte, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of windows at 508-510 Scott Street. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Kochanski to approve the replacement of windows at 508-510 Scott Street as recommended by HARB. All in favor, Motion Carries. 14. Consider the application of Johnny Almonte, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of roofing at 508-510 Scott Street. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to approve the replacement of roofing at 508-510 Scott Street as recommended by HARB. All in favor, Motion Carries. 15. Consider the application of William Watkins, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of roofing to the building and accessory building at 46 North Sixth. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to approve the replacement of roofing to the building and accessory building at 46 North Sixth Street as recommended by HARB. All in favor, Motion Carries. 16. Solicitor’s Report – Thank Attorney Watkins for working with SARP and taking care of the nuisance property in South Stroudsburg. He stepped up to remove rubbish and criminal activity. Attorney Watkins advised over $1,000 was spent. We are continuing to work with SARP and the bank. Reached out to Mr. Ray Price on the 2 Borough properties. He is willing to meet with Mr. Bond and myself. I will remind him I have authority to take legal action. I have a personnel matter for Executive Session. Final activity for BTS land development and storm water agreement. Final plans are signed and recorded. They have delivered the letter of credit. Building permits are finalized. The site is fully demolished. 17. Mayor’s Report – 4th concert in the park this Thursday. Mayor Probst sent Mr. Bond an email for the traffic light Grant. Per Mr. Bond to apply we need to have an updated traffic study with an engineer’s estimate and a set of plans. Due to the intersection we will have to acquire more to the right of way. The commissioners are asking for a light at Park Avenue. Mayor Probst received a phone call from a resident on Bryant Street (up on the left) pertaining to the pot holes. Per Mr. Ace we will start repairing the pot holes. Mayor Probst asked about the restaurant on 9th with UGI issues. Per Mr. Bond, UGI is still working on Sarah. They have finished 9th and will start to mill and pave 6th, Scott, Thomas and King. Mr. Bond advised we advertised for the 2nd Street paving this past Thursday. It will include ADA ramps, curbing and underground drainage. Mr. Bond is hoping to complete by the end of May 2018. Sarah Street will go out for bid September 2017; it was delayed from June/July timeframe. Mr. Bond advises we were approved for the grant but cannot put it out to bid until we have the signed originals and procedures back. I am also hoping it will complete May 2018. Mayor Probst saw bike racks in the shape of bikes, Mr. Smith will follow up. Quaker and 6th is almost done, we have a meeting tomorrow. Are business owners permitted to weed the tree wells on Main? Mr. Bond would like to propose to “sponsor a tree well”. The Borough would come up with an approved list of plantings and provide the mulch for a business or resident interested. The person would maintain for a year. We would have a plaque put in the tree well with their name. The trees on 6th and Monroe are almost on the sidewalk. 18. Council Member Reports Ms. Kochanski – Nothing to report Mr. Smith – Have we heard anything on the Multimodal grant. Mr. Bond has not heard anything, we heard last year in September. With the trees in full bloom, street intersections are a hazard to see around. They are against the site distance ordinance. In the ordinance trees only are excluded, we are putting our residents at risk for injury. Another tree you cannot see around is at the hotel by Lenox and Park. I am  aware of 3 spots which are a big issue. I would like for Codes to address. Mr. Kimes advised there is a site triangle at intersections and anything in that area must be maintained at 30 inches high at street level. Mr. Kimes and Mr. Bond will advise Council and then Shade Tree. Mr. Weiss – Stop light at 4th, traffic report is showing a lot of accidents. Mr. Lang – Nothing to report Mr. Abell – Safety issues with a man hole by Ramsey, by the alley fence, there is only a traffic cone inverted and no cover. The Thomas Street house clean up there is a lot of garbage, broken windows, hanging shades. Do we have a list of dark corners we need lights. Ms. Kochanski and Mr. Ace compiled a list which will be addressed. Mr. Connors – What is the schedule for the LED light change. Mr. Ace advises there are 30-40 bad ballasts, we have 173 to install. We will install the old ones first. Mr. Bond advised $50K was budgeted this year and we were able to purchase half the lights. We are hoping to install the other half next year with decorative lights the following year. The Personnel Committee has 2 minor changes for the manual to address; sick leave policy and comp time policy. We can include these 2 items as new business for the next meeting. We need to add a part time position for a recycling worker, the Recycle Committee has requested as well. Mr. Bond advised we would use the part time position that would just go out on the pickup routes on full time days and Eric, our full time employee would move to the yard staff to enforce no commercial dumping, open for residents only and to stop individuals bringing in TV’s, furniture and garbage. We are planning to use the (2) guys from Career Link. We will utilize them for 2 months and can come up with a better job description. We compensate ½ the salary toward East Stroudsburg’s part time employee. East Stroudsburg has 2 full time employees and 1 part time employee vs Stroudsburg with only 2 full time employees. Motion to authorize Mr. Bond to do a survey on Recycling and the money we are losing Mr. Abell, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. We have not taken a payment in the last 3 years from Recycle. We leave $50K in the beginning of the year from the previous year in profit. In years past the municipalities would split anything over $50K. Last year we made $68K, we left the $9K profit in the account. The previous year the profit was $9-10K. The last time we took any money was 3 years ago where each municipality made $25K. In 2008 each municipality made $50-60K. Mr. Smith advises we have been working to make some improvements in processes. We cut $30K in mulch. We are trying to keep people from dumping and keep contractors out. Mr. Connors advises Stroud Township received a grant. Mr. Maurath – Parking Committee meeting last Friday. There is a request from Joe Johnson on Wallace Street to add a parking sign by his driveway. It would eliminate one parking spot. Motion to approve Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Smith. All in favor voting (YES – Mr. Maurath, Mr. Lang, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Smith), Voting (NO – Mr. Connors, Mr. Abell, Ms. Kochanski). Motion Carries. We have 2 Luke II pay stations but we will wait until the end of the year to see revenues and then we can determine if we want to add more stations. Underground Railroad, I spoke to the Historical Association. They are gathering information and will contact me. 19. Manager’s Report – Are we skipping the July 4th meeting? Motion to skip July 4th Council Meeting Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion to not have a Council meeting on Election Day Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. Pool Passes for Fire Department, Borough Employees, Borough Boards and Commission. Motion to approve pool passes Ms. Kochanski, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor except Mr. Lang and Mr. Smith. Motion Carries. Collective Bargaining Agreement will commence July 20th. Working with Mr. Weiss, Mr. Maurath, Mr. Smith and Mr. Ace. Sidewalk ordinance, I have been working with Mr. Kimes. The wording is verbatim from State College for notice and payment of the violation. You will have 7 days from the date of the notification to come in and pay the $25 fine. This would eliminate the Magistrates costs and fees. For  each subsequent fine it adds $25 until you reach $300, then it automatically goes to the Magistrate. We are looking to do the same for vegetative growth, weeds, litter, garbage and furniture. Motion to schedule a public hearing July 18, 2017 Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss. This would be effect Borough wide. All in favor, Motion Carries. I have spoken to Sherry Acevedo and have noticed an increase in trash at the parks. Stroud Township has instituted a fee for people utilizing Brodhead Creek Park, Pine Brook Park and Yetters Park. They are getting ready to do the same for Creek View Park. We may want to do the same for our parks. The park by the High School which has picnic tables and grills, there is no security and it’s free. People are dumping trash and burning diapers. The charge would be for non- residents. Have a personnel matter for Executive Session. 20. Approval of Bills on Warrants 170620. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to approve Bills on Warrant 170620. All in favor, Motion Carries. 21. Executive Session Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Ms. Kochanski to go into Executive Session at 8:12pm. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Smith to reconvene Council Meeting at 8:31pm. Motion to authorize Solicitor McDonald to submit a writ of summons against Frank Dickinson and upon verification of his coverage to Medicare he be dropped from the Borough’s health insurance coverage Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Connors. All in favor, Motion Carries. 22. Adjournment Motion to adjourn the meeting by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Maurath at 8:32pm. All in favor, Motion Carries.