Borough Council

MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting Tuesday, October 17, 2017 at 7:00 P.M. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call - Present were: Council Member Joanne Kochanski, Council Vice President James Smith, Council Member Boyd Weiss, Solicitor Joseph McDonald, Council President Ken Lang, Interim Borough Manager Mary Pat Quinn, Council Member Matt Abell, Council Member Mark Connors and Council Member Patrick Maurath. Absent was Mayor Tarah Probst. A Quorum was present. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items. Mr. Jacob Morris residing in Monroe County wanted to thank Council again. He has been working with Mr. Maurath on the Underground Railroad. There is a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian currently at Northampton Community College in Tannersville. It will be ending mid-December. He would like to move it to Stroudsburg. Mr. Lang advises to work with Mr. Maurath. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Maurath to close Public Input. All in favor, Motion Carries. 4. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes from September 19, 2017. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Ms. Kochanski to Approve Council Meeting Minutes from September 19, 2017. All in favor, Motion Carries. 5. 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. Weiss, second by Mr. Smith to Approve Monthly Administrative Reports. All in favor, Motion Carries. 6. Accept Unaudited September Treasurer’s Reports: a. Actual to Budget b. Cash Balances Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Abell to Approve Unaudited September Treasurer’s Reports. All in favor, Motion Carries. Old Business 7. Memorialize approval given to Stroudsburg High School to conduct the Annual Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 13, 2017 (Rain Date: Saturday, October 14, 2017). Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to approve a request from Stroudsburg High School to conduct the Annual Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 13, 2017 (Rain Date: Saturday, October 14, 2017). All in favor, Motion Carries. New Business 8. Consideration of a Resolution to authorize Budget Transfers within the Recycling and Parking Departments.  Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Smith to approve a Resolution to authorize Budget Transfers within the Recycling and Parking Departments. All in favor, Motion Carries. 9. Consideration of a Resolution to authorize a revision of the Municipal Winter Traffic Services Supplemental Agreement. Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Ms. Kochanski to approve a Resolution to authorize a revision of the Municipal Winter Traffic Services Supplemental Agreement. All in favor, Motion Carries. 10. Consideration to close Courthouse Square for the Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, November 24, 2017 between 4:30 P.M. and 8:30 P.M. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Ms. Kochanski to approve a request to close Courthouse Square for the Annual Tree Lighting on Friday, November 24, 2017 between 4:30 P.M. and 8:30 P.M. All in favor, Motion Carries. 11. Communication from Monroe County Planning Commission re: Short-Term Rental Model Ordinance. Ms. Quinn received a communication from the Monroe County Planning Commission. They are sending information and a model ordinance to all municipalities in Monroe County. Mr. Kimes will review further. 12. Consideration to advertise an Ordinance to establish no parking on Tuesday from 2:00 – 6:00 A.M. on the west side of Fourth Street. Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Weiss to advertise an Ordinance to establish no parking on Tuesday from 2:00 – 6:00 A.M. on the west side of Fourth Street. Ms. Quinn will advertise a public hearing. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to advertise a Public Hearing for November 21, 2017. All in favor, Motion Carries. 13. Consideration to appoint Tanya Carmella-Beers as the Chairperson of the Stroudsburg Borough Human Relations Commission. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Abell to appoint Tanya Carmella-Beers as the Chairperson of the Stroudsburg Borough Human Relations Commission. All in favor, Motion Carries. 14. Consideration to appoint Mehmet Barzev as Emergency Management Coordinator. Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Smith to appoint Mehmet Barzev as Emergency Management Coordinator. This was a recommendation by Chief Seip. All in favor, Motion Carries. 15. Consideration to authorize Tanya Carmella-Beers to execute the Memorandum of Understanding between the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Stroudsburg Human Relations Commission. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Smith to authorize Tanya Carmella-Beers to execute the Memorandum of Understanding between the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Stroudsburg Human Relations Commission. All in favor, Motion Carries. 16. Consideration of the application of Jenifer Berger and Debra Davis, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for replacement of roofing at 220 North Eighth Street. Motion by Mr. Connors to deny the application of Jenifer Berger and Debra Davis, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for replacement of roofing at 220 North Eighth Street. No 2nd. Motion fails.  Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Smith to approve the application of Jenifer Berger and Debra Davis, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for replacement of roofing at 220 North Eighth Street. Lengthy discussion ensued in reference to the slate roof. All in favor voting YES (Mr. Maurath, Mr. Lang, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Smith, Ms. Kochanski), voting NO (Mr. Connors, Mr. Abell). Motion Carries. 17. Consideration of the application of William Clark, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for exterior alterations to the accessory structure at 1003 Main Street. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Abell to approve the application of William Clark, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for exterior alterations to the accessory structure at 1003 Main Street. All in favor, Motion Carries. 18. Consideration of the application of Christ Episcopal Church, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of roofing at 205 North Seventh Street. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to approve the application of Christ Episcopal Church, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of roofing at 205 North Seventh Street. Mr. Ken Corcoran was in attendance. Lengthy discussion ensued. All in favor, Motion Carries. 19. Consideration of the application of Christ Episcopal Church, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the demolition of an accessory structure at 618 Sarah Street. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Maurath to approve the application of Christ Episcopal Church, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the demolition of an accessory structure at 618 Sarah Street. Lengthy discussion ensued. All in favor with Mr. Connors voting NO. Motion Carries. 20. Susan Randall, Downtown Manager of the East Stroudsburg Community Alliance to discuss the Hometown Hero Banner Project. Ms. Randall has withdrawn the request. 21. Solicitor’s Report – The October 3rd Council Meeting which was cancelled included a Public Hearing for an Ordinance on zoning definitions; this will need to be re-advertised at the next meeting scheduled November 21st. Motion to advertise for a Public Hearing Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Abell to authorize a Public Hearing November 21st. All in favor with Mr. Connors voting NO. Motion Carries. There are 2 items for Executive Session. One for litigation and one for personnel. 22. Mayor’s Report – No report as the Mayor was not in attendance. 23. Council Member Reports – Ms. Kochanski – Nothing to Report Mr. Smith – I have spoken to local vendors on the bike racks. One of the price quotes came in at $20K. I will bring samples to Council. We are looking for 20 racks with 4 used as reserve. Have a Real Estate item for Executive Session. Mr. Weiss – Racetrack on Lower Main. 18 wheeler trucks going over the sidewalks and storm drains. Some are turning left from the right lane. At the 5 points corner the trucks turning left are going over the sidewalks and center cement divider. Lengthy discussion ensued in getting Penn Dot involved. Mr. Lang advises Ms. Quinn will invite Penn Dot to address Council. Mr. Lang – Congratulate Chief Lyons. Mr. Abell - I have drawn up a letter to East Stroudsburg’s Borough Council. Motion by Mr. Connors, second by Mr. Abell to send the letter to East Stroudsburg’s Borough Council. All in favor voting YES (Mr. Connors, Mr. Abell, Mr. Lang, Ms. Kochanski), voting NO (Mr. Maurath, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Smith). Motion Carries. I have reviewed the Zoning Ordinance for the C-2 district and currently it would allow a drive thru restaurant on Main Street. I am requesting we review the C-2 language to add a category for drive thru restaurants. There is currently a category for a drive in restaurant. I feel drive thru should be prohibited in the C2 district from KFC to the bridge just before Wawa. Dunkin Donuts was previously grandfathered in. Motion by Mr. Connors, second by Mr. Abell for Mr. Kimes to craft language to prohibit drive thru restaurants in the C-2 district and have ready for the next Council Meeting. Lengthy discussion ensued. All in favor, Motion Carries. We need poop bags at Ramsey. There is a shopping cart in the 600 block of Scott Street. Mr. Connors – Rt. 80 task force is moving well. We are looking at the details of individual intersections and individual ramps. Next meeting is October 24th. We are reaching out to different stakeholder groups. Broadhead Creek Water Shed, Monroe County Planning Commission, Representative Maureen Madden has routine meetings with Penn Dot. There will be a Penn Dot Public Hearing meeting December 5th at 6:00pm, we want a lot of people to attend. The Personnel Committee has met with a Human Resource Specialist for assistance with the Borough Manager search. We are looking at full costs. Nancy Hess submitted a full proposal at $12K. I looked at other consultants, 20% annually for the 1st years’ salary. Lengthy discussion ensued. Mr. Connors would like to advertise broadly in all of these places and engage Nancy Hess and her partner to help us. We need to establish a budget, it can range up to $10K of assistance. I would recommend to spend $1K to start with the initial workshop. We should make a motion to give Nancy $1K to determine what is needed next to move forward. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Smith to advertise a Special Council Meeting for November 21st for one hour prior to the next meeting. All in favor, Motion Carries. The leadership conference was valuable. Topic of what is happening to Borough’s, small communication devices in the right of way. I feel we should be against this. Mr. Maurath – I met with Mr. Jacob Morris. Next Tuesday October 24th there is a meeting for the Freedom Trail within the Borough of Stroudsburg and Monroe County. Meeting is at the Pocono Chamber of Commerce on Main Street.  Glen Park has a large homeless population. The park is in multiple municipalities. When will be ready with the preliminary budget. 24. Manager’s Report – Spoke to the Mayor about an email from Smithfield Township. We can prepare a resolution for the next meeting in reference to opposing HV1620 . Chief Seip has been asked to participate in the Barrett Township Halloween parade Sunday October 29th. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Ms. Kochanski to allow the Fire Department to take a truck to the Barrett Township Halloween Parade. All in favor, Motion Carries. We reached out to the Mattioli Group. They will be funding the Christmas Tree lighting and repairs to the tree wells. Mr. Ace and I will work with Ralph Matergia. A few months ago Council discussed concerns with poor visibility at some corners in the Borough. Mr. Bond took an ordinance from another municipality and tailored it to Stroudsburg. It was sent to the Monroe County Planning Commission. Mr. Kimes and Mr. Ace would like to go out and identify problem intersections. Mr. Smith would like to look at alleyways too. Our 2016 Audit Report prepared by Kirk Suma was a good audit. 2016 was a transition year with 3 new staff members including myself. We fully converted in the Fall from Fundware to Quick Books. I would like to publically thank my fellow Borough employees for all their support. Mr. Lang will have a letter prepared from Council to the 3 employees. Rabbi Salkow extends his appreciation to Council for approving 2 parking spots for the Jewish Resource Center in Lot 3. Black Cat Speed Apparatus. When looking to lease this model we were advised we can only lease a lesser model. Chief Lyons advised they have received their 2 Black Cat units. We can use theirs and would be the 1st municipality to use the apparatus. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to use the Black Cat Apparatus from SARP. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Connors, second by Mr. Smith to rescind prior motion to purchase the Black Cat Apparatus. All in favor, Motion Carries. 25. Approval of Bills on Warrants 171003. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Maurath to approve Bills on Warrants 171003. All in favor, Motion Carries. 26. Approval of Bills on Warrants 171017. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mr. Maurath to approve Bills on Warrants 171017. All in favor, Motion Carries. 27. Executive Session. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Ms. Kochanski to move into Executive Session at 8:14pm. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion to reconvene Council Meeting 8:55pm. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to declare the Stroudsburg Borough Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 27 of the Borough’s Code of Ordinances or portions of it substantively invalid and direct the  Solicitor and staff to prepare a resolution for Council’s consideration and action, with recommended specific findings within thirty (30) days pursuant to §609.2. Procedure for Municipal Curative Amendments of the Municipalities Planning Code. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss for a Special Meeting November 7, 2017 at 7pm to address Municipal Amendment. Motion dead. Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Ms. Kochanski to advertise a Special Meeting for Tuesday November 14, 2017 at 6:00pm. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Connors, second by Mr. Weiss to authorize the hiring of a special Legal Consultant with a $2,500 limit to be managed by Solicitor McDonald and the hiring of a special Zoning Consultant with a $2,500 limit to be managed by our Zoning Officer. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Connors, second by Mr. Abell not to re-schedule November 21, 2017 Public Hearing for Zoning definitions and put back on hold. All in favor – Voting YES (Mr. Connors, Mr. Abell, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Smith), Voting NO (Mr. Maurath, Mr. Lang, Ms. Kochanski). Motion Carries. 28. Adjournment. Motion by Mr. Smith, second by Mr. Weiss to adjourn at 9:05pm. All in favor, Motion Carries.