Borough Council

MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting Tuesday, June 19, 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 Jennifer Maier, Council Member Mark Connors and Council Member Patrick Maurath. Absent was Council Member Matt Abell. Quorum was present. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Public Hearing, an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Part 3, Section 15-316 Entitled, “Handicapped Parking Zones Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code by the Elimination of 624 Bryant Street as a Location for a Handicapped Parking Space. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to close Public Hearing, an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Part 3, Section 15-316 Entitled, “Handicapped Parking Zones Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code by the Elimination of 624 Bryant Street as a Location for a Handicapped Parking Space, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 4. Consideration to Adopt an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Part 3, Section 15-316 Entitled, “Handicapped Parking Zones Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code by the Elimination of 624 Bryant Street as a Location for a Handicapped Parking Space. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Adopt an Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Part 3, Section 15-316 Entitled, “Handicapped Parking Zones Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code by the Elimination of 624 Bryant Street as a Location for a Handicapped Parking Space, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 5. Public Hearing, 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”. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to close Public Hearing, 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, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 6. Consideration to Adopt 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”. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Adopt 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, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries 7. Public Hearing, an Ordinance Abolishing the Stroudsburg Borough Recreation Board and Deleting Stroudsburg Borough code Chapter One Section 321 through 329. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to close Public Hearing, an Ordinance Abolishing the Stroudsburg Borough Recreation Board and Deleting Stroudsburg Borough code Chapter One Section 321 through 329, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 8. Consideration to Adopt an Ordinance Abolishing the Stroudsburg Borough Recreation Board and Deleting Stroudsburg Borough code Chapter One Section 321 through 329. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Adopt an Ordinance Abolishing the Stroudsburg Borough Recreation Board and Deleting Stroudsburg Borough code Chapter One Section 321 through 329, second by Ms. Kochanski. Lengthy discussion ensued. Voting YES (Ms. Kochanski), Voting NO (Mr. Maurath, Mr. Connors, Mr. Smith, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Lanfrank), Motion Fails.  9. Public Hearing, Informational Purposes Only – Proposed Revision to Chapter 15, Part 2 entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Traffic Regulations”, addition of One-Way Streets. A. Sarah Street, one-way from 9th Street to 10th Street, West Mr. Woodrow Battle asking why the change is needed – Mr. Smith advises it is for traffic flow. Ms. Kris Battle suggests speaking to the business owners on the corner. B. 4th Street, one-way from McConnell Street and Main Street, East Ms. Kris Battle asking why the change is needed – Mr. Smith advises for public safety. It is hard for tractor trailers to make the turn and in doing so is damaging Borough property. Mayor Probst advises Penn Dot is recommending this change. C. Kane Street, one-way from Main Street to McConnell Street, West. Mr. Scott Mathieson from Jewell Appliance is not in favor of this change as cars/trucks can build up higher speeds and there is not a traffic light at Kane and McConnell. Lengthy discussion ensued including possibly turning 2nd Street into a one way. 10. Public Input for Agenda Items – no public input 11. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting on June 5, 2018. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to approve Council Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting on June 5, 2018, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 12. 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. Maurath to accept Monthly Administrative Reports, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 13. Accept Unaudited May, 2018 Treasurer’s Report. a. Bank Account Balances b. Budget to Actual Report Motion by Ms. Kochanski to Accept Unaudited May, 2018 Treasurer’s Report, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. Old Business 14. Status of remaining Municipal Building Renovation Project Loan balance, re: Fire Alarm System, Upgrade Reception Area. Ms. Maier advises we are proceeding with the purchase of the Fire Alarm system and are waiting to verify the pricing will be held since it’s been a while since it was originally submitted. We are waiting to hear from the contractor on the pricing for the reception area. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to purchase the Fire Alarm System from Simplex under $18K, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. New Business 15. Review Monroe County Planning Commission recommendations regarding “An Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 27 Zoning, Stroudsburg Borough Code of Ordinances Providing for New Definitions of Convenience Store and Gasoline or  Filling Station, Amending Chapter 27 Attachment 1, Table of Non-Residential Zoning District Use Requirements Chapter 27-701 Off-Street Parking and Providing Specific Use Standards for a Convenience Store and for a Gasoline or Filling Station”. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Review Monroe County Planning Commission recommendations regarding “An Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 27 Zoning, Stroudsburg Borough Code of Ordinances Providing for New Definitions of Convenience Store and Gasoline or Filling Station, Amending Chapter 27 Attachment 1, Table of Non-Residential Zoning District Use Requirements Chapter 27-701 Off-Street Parking and Providing Specific Use Standards for a Convenience Store and for a Gasoline or Filling Station”, second by Mr. Lanfrank. Mr. Kimes advises the language is from the applicant and was sent to the Borough’s Planning Commission and the County Planning Commission. The document was returned to the Borough with comments to clean up the Ordinance; this is the final version which the Planning Commission is recommending to Council. Motion withdrawn. 16. Consideration to schedule a public hearing regarding “An Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 27 Zoning, Stroudsburg Borough Code of Ordinances Providing for New Definitions of Convenience Store and Gasoline or Filling Station, Amending Chapter 27 Attachment 1, Table of Non-Residential Zoning District Use Requirements Chapter 27-701 Off-Street Parking and Providing Specific Use Standards for a Convenience Store and for a Gasoline or Filling Station”. Motion by Mr. Weiss to schedule a public hearing July 17, 2018 at 7:00pm regarding “An Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 27 Zoning, Stroudsburg Borough Code of Ordinances Providing for New Definitions of Convenience Store and Gasoline or Filling Station, Amending Chapter 27 Attachment 1, Table of Non-Residential Zoning District Use Requirements Chapter 27-701 Off-Street Parking and Providing Specific Use Standards for a Convenience Store and for a Gasoline or Filling Station, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 17. Consideration to authorize the Borough Manager to apply for grant funding for the electronic vehicle charge stations. Motion by Mr. Weiss to authorize the Borough Manager to apply for grant funding for the electronic vehicle charge stations, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor, Motion Carries. 18. Consideration of a Resolution to Authorize a Feasibility Study, Survey (survey cost not to exceed $3,500.00), and Schematic Design of a Pump Track at Glen Park. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve a Resolution to Authorize a Feasibility Study, Survey (survey cost not to exceed $3,500.00), and Schematic Design of a Pump Track at Glen Park, second by Mr. Maurath. Lengthy discussion ensued. Voting YES (Mr. Maurath, Mr. Weiss), Voting NO (Mr. Connors, Mr. Smith, Mr. Lanfrank, Ms. Kochanski), Motion Fails. Motion by Mr. Connors to instruct the representatives from the recreation committee to take the idea of a pump track park to SROSRC with acknowledgement of Council’s support and comment on locations for a Feasibility Study and if there are funds available, second by Ms. Kochanski. Lengthy discussion ensued including Ms. Maier advising we do not have a survey of Glen Park and Public Input from Mr. Jacob Morris showing support to the Borough Manager and Mayor and Ms. Kris Battle having concerns  with increased traffic and crime on local streets. All in favor with Mr. Weiss only Voting NO, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to ask the Borough Manager to survey the land at Glen Park not to exceed $3,500, second by Mr. Connors. All in favor, Motion Carries. 19. Consideration of a Resolution to Authorize a Feasibility Study for a Dog Park at Glen Park. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve a Resolution to Authorize a Feasibility Study for a Dog Park at Glen Park, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor, Motion Carries. 20. Consider the application of Ken Barthold, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the removal of siding at 821 Ann Street. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve the application of Ken Barthold, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the removal of siding at 821 Ann Street, second by Mr. Connors, All in favor, Motion Carries. 21. Consider the application of Anthony Jakubowski, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of gutters at 603 Thomas Street. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve the application of Anthony Jakubowski, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of gutters at 603 Thomas Street, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 22. Consider the application of Fred Kresge, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of roofing at 108 North Sixth Street. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve the application of Fred Kresge, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of roofing at 108 North Sixth Street, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor, Motion Carries. 23. Consider the application of Monroe County Transit Authority, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the placement of bus shelters along locations on Main Street. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve the application of Monroe County Transit Authority, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the placement of bus shelters along locations on Main Street, second by Mr. Maurath. There are a total of 5 bus shelters. All in favor, Motion Carries. 24. Consider the application of Timothy Grenko, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the removal of a brick retaining wall at 600 Thomas Street. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve the application of Timothy Grenko, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the removal of a brick retaining wall at 600 Thomas Street, second by Mr. Maurath. Lengthy discussion ensued. Motion Withdrawn. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to table the application of Timothy Grenko, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the removal of a brick retaining wall at 600 Thomas Street, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 25. Consider the amended application of David Lapoint, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the placement of a fence at 530 Main Street.  Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve the amended application of David Lapoint, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the placement of a fence at 530 Main Street, second by Mr. Maurath. All in favor with Mr. Connors abstaining, Motion Carries. 26. Discuss time limits for speakers. Ms. Maier advises per the document on having Public Input on agenda items first, a time limit per speaker is allowed but not mandatory. Time limits can be extended. The recommendation is 5 minutes, some towns allow 2-5 minutes. Solicitor McDonald advises writing a policy for consistency. Lengthy discussion ensued. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to direct staff to propose a policy, second by Mr. Weiss. Voting YES (Mr. Lanfrank, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Smith, Mr. Connors, Mr. Maurath) Voting NO (Ms. Kochanski). Motion Carries. 27. Committee Reports A. Codes Committee – No Report B. Finance Committee - No Report C. Parking Committee – Mr. Maurath advises there is a handicap meter on North 9th Street (meter 9) that is being requested by the new store owner of Baskets & More to change to a regular parking meter. Motion by Mr. Maurath to remove the handicap space on North 9th (meter 9) by Baskets & More and replace with a regular parking meter and schedule a Public Hearing July 3, 2018, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. Mr. Weiss and Mr. Maurath will be meeting with the County Commissioners to possibly utilize the County’s parking garage on weekends. D. Recycling Committee - No Report E. Sewer Committee - No Report F. Street Committee - No Report G. Personnel Committee – Mr. Connors advises the next meeting is June 28th at 4:00pm. We hope to meet the 4th Monday of the month. H. Public Relations/Media Committee – Mayor Probst advises Concerts in the Park will begin this Thursday. Monroe will be closed. Thanks to Ms. Maier and Ms. Quinn for sending information over for advertising. I. Redevelopment Committee - No Report J. I-80 Expansion Task Force Committee – Mr. Connors advises the next meeting is Tuesday June 27th at 6:00pm. There will be an advisory board meeting scheduled in September. K. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission – Mr. Weiss advises we met with SROSRC and have hired summer employees and 2 Pool Managers. 28. Mayor’s Report – I would like to thank the Fire Fighters for Thursdays night’s fire. When we have celebrations in Stroudsburg like Stroud fest, I would like to support area fire companies through fund raising. When will the language be ready for blighted buildings? Mr. Kimes advises no time frame but the Codes Committee is working on this currently. There is a ribbon cutting ceremony for the pocket park Friday June 29th at 4:00pm for anyone who donated to the park. Jack Muehlhan advised the lights in Lot 2 are on during the day. We have reduced pan handling over the last 2 weeks; please report any issues to SARP. 29. Council Member Reports Ms. Kochanski – I would like to commend the Streets Department for their work on Ann Street. Mr. Lanfrank – Nothing to Report Mr. Weiss – 4th Street is busy. There are 2 spaces alongside a bus stop with traffic going around. Mr. Maurath - Nothing to Report Mr. Connors – I will be attending the Association of Realtors Meeting on short term rentals this Thursday. Mr. Smith - Nothing to Report 30. Solicitor’s Report – I have been working with staff on the Net Tech contracts. There currently is one agreement which was signed by Mr. Brian Bond for the Droid phones. I would like to see the arbitration clause changed for the MPay2 mobile app agreement, otherwise no objections. There is no cost to the Borough for this agreement. I have no objections with the permit portal agreement. There is a one-time charge of $5,975 and a yearly recurring fee of $1,075 for hosting and licensing. Both fees were previously budgeted for. 31. Manager’s Report – We have been approached by Monroe County Economic Development Corporation for the property across from Wawa for a bus depot. My recommendation if this is going to happen is that we get something in return, for example: parking meters for the income, permit spaces for the income, a rain garden to prevent water run-off, EV charging stations. Lengthy discussion ensued. Motion by Mr. Weiss to send a letter to Monroe County Economic Development Corporation that we are not in favor of the project as presented and to include us in the conversations, second by Mr. Maurath. Public input from Ms. Ceil Yost advising the trail is feasible. Voting YES (Ms. Kochanski, Mr. Lanfrank, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Smith, Mr. Maurath) Voting NO (Mr. Connors). Motion Carries. Mr. Jacob Morris dropped information at the last Council meeting on having a law requiring generators at gas stations. The law varies by state but states the gas station should have the ability at their electric panel to hook a generator up VS. supplying a generator. It would be 1 generator for every 10 gas stations. The generators would need to be stored offsite and there needs to be a funding source to purchase generators or update the electric panels. We also spoke about the 911 website for downed trees. We as the Borough are not the 911 center but the County is the Regional 911 center and can take reports for tree issues and electric line issues. We have received confirmation from the Public Utility Commission and Met Ed, they will be attending the Council Meeting on July 17, 2018. I have reached out to the school to reserve the space which has been approved. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to hold July 17, 2018 Council Meeting at Stroudsburg High School and not in Council Chambers, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries.  We are in the process of sending the Grease Trap Model Ordinance out to businesses. **Solicitor McDonald left the meeting at 9:15pm. 32. Approval of Bills on Warrants 180619 Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve Bills on Warrants 180619, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries. 33. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items – Ms. Chynna Beisel who lives on the South Side of Sarah at 807 Sarah is requesting a residential parking permit. Motion by Ms. Kochanski to approve a residential permit for 807 Sarah Street, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. Mr. Jacob Morris would like to thank the Borough Manager, Mayor and Borough Council and is asking Council to ask the County and Emergency Management System to setup a template for a website citizens of Monroe County can use. Lengthy discussion ensued. We will put a message on our website to contact 570-992-9911 for downed trees. The Economic Development Authority has funded a grant for retail fuel stations in NJ. Would the Borough be interested in setting up a Building Resiliency Task Force Committee? Residents in Florida Nursing Homes have died due to hurricanes. Mr. Smith advises Mr. Morris to submit all ideas to the Borough Manager. Ms. Ceil Yost advises SROSRC have successfully opened both pools. Stroud Kids Camp begins this week and there is a new option to pay by week. There is an extension week available at Dansbury Park only. There is free breakfast and lunch available to any kids under the age of 18, Monday through Friday, partnered through East Stroudsburg’s School District and the Department of Education. When will the Skate Park be re-opening? Mr. Ace advises it was scheduled mid-July prior to the sewer issue on Ann Street. Mr. Ace advises the Skate Park was vandalized again this past weekend. The fence was torn apart, there is garbage all over. Mr. Scott Mathieson is requesting flags on Lower Main. Mr. Smith advises a letter was received for a block party on Scott Street between 8th and Stone. Council requests adding as an addenda item at the next meeting. Mr. Kimes advises we worked with the School District and Hanover Engineering and the foot bridge is open. 34. Executive Session, re: pending litigation – No Executive Session 35. Adjournment Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to adjourn at 9:55pm, second by Ms. Kochanski. All in favor, Motion Carries.