Borough Council

STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES, JULY 17, 2018 A meeting of the Stroudsburg Borough Council was held on Tuesday, July 17, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. in the cafeteria of the Stroudsburg High School, 1100 Main Street, Stroudsburg with the following members present: Council President James Smith; Vice-President of Council Boyd Weiss; Council President Pro-Tem Joanne Kochanski; Councilman Patrick Maurath, Councilman Matt Abell, and Councilman Mark Connors. Also present were: Mayor Tarah Probst; Borough Manager Jennifer Maier; and Borough Solicitor Joseph McDonald, Jr., Esq. Staff members present were: Codes Officer Ronald Kimes; Assistant Codes Officer Andrew Lindauer; and Executive Assistant Mary Pat Quinn. Councilman Anthony Lanfrank advised of his absence prior to the meeting. Mr. Smith announced that citizens were welcome to complete complaint forms regarding their electrical outage experiences as MedEd customers. Representatives of MetEd and the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PUC) were present to speak with complainants and to offer assistance. Mr. Dan Searforce, a representative of the PUC, noted that his agency brought educational material for people to take with them that will explain the function of the PUC, the process involved in filing informal and formal complaints, and rate information. PUBLIC HEARING - “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” A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to open the hearing to the public for the aforementioned Ordinance. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. There were no questions or comments from the public. The public hearing was closed on a motion made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. ADOPTION - “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” A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Maurath to adopt the aforementioned Ordinance. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A. 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 “In Front of 29 North 9th Street” as a Location for a Handicapped Parking Space A motion was made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Maurath to open the hearing to the public for the aforementioned Ordinance. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. There were no questions or comments from the public. The public hearing was closed on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Maurath. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. ADOPTION - “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 “In Front of 29 North 9th Street” as a Location for a Handicapped Parking Space A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to adopt the aforementioned Ordinance. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Public Input for Agenda Items There were no comments from the public regarding the agenda items. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting on July 3, 2018 A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on July 3, 2018 as circulated. Mr. Smith abstained. The motion was carried with all eligible Council members voting affirmatively. Acceptance of Monthly Administrative Reports A motion was made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss to accept the following monthly reports for June, 2018: Permits Issued Report, Public Works Report, Parking Report, Fire Department Report, Right-to-Know Report, and the Police Department Report (provided to Council via email). The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Acceptance of Unaudited June, 2018 Treasurer’s Report A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Maurath to accept the Treasurer’s Report , which included the bank account balances and Budget to Actual Report as of June 30, 2018. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A. OLD BUSINESS Status of Municipal Building Improvements Ms. Maier reported that the contract for the fire alarm system for the Municipal Building has been signed. Simplex-Grinnell will be doing the project. A quotation in the amount of $16,000.00 was received for the upgrade of the reception area, which will provide security for the staff. NEW BUSINESS Budget Transfer Resolution A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Maurath to adopt the following Resolution. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. A RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH OF STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, AUTHORIZING TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR BUDGET PURPOSES WHEREAS, the Borough Council of the Borough of Stroudsburg (the “Municipality”), Monroe County, Pennsylvania, has considered the need to approve the following budgetary transfers for CY 2018:  From Meter Purchase (01-445-249) in the amount of $7,668.40 to Computer-Parking (01-445- 215) to cover Renewal Payments/e-Commerce Integration.  From Longevity-Parking (01-445-182) in the amount of $1,400.00 to Computer-Parking (01-445- 215) to cover ParkTech and Palm Tech2000 annual software license.  From Parking Overtime (01-445-183) in the amount of $300.00 to Computer-Parking (01-445- 215) to cover ParkTech and PalmTech2000 annual software license.  From Levee Maintenance (01-446-371) in the amount of $1,250.00 to Contribution to Brodhead Watershed Association (01-446-540) to cover a donation to BWA and a contribution to the Monroe County Conservation District for stream gage. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stroudsburg in the County of Monroe, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that the aforementioned transfers are authorized. Resolution to Authorize an Occupational Medicine Services Agreement w/Lehigh Valley Health The following Resolution was adopted on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. RESOLUTION OF THE STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL TO AUTHORIZE AN OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN STROUDSBURG BOROUGH AND LEHIGH VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK- POCONO FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE HEPATITIS “B” VACCINE SERIES TO “AT-RISK” EMPLOYEES AND VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS OF THE BOROUGH OF STROUDSBURG Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A.  WHEREAS, the Stroudsburg Borough Council has determined that the employees of the Street Department, Parking Enforcement Department, and Volunteer Firefighters may be at risk for contact with blood-borne pathogens in the performance of their duties; and WHEREAS, the Borough of Stroudsburg considers the health and safety of its employees and volunteer firefighters to be a priority; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stroudsburg in the County of Monroe, Pennsylvania that the Borough Manager is authorized and directed to execute the Occupational Medicine Services Agreement with Lehigh Valley Health Network-Pocono, dba Pocono Occupational Medicine, dated June 20, 2018, which provides a per vaccination cost of $70.00 plus an on- site service fee per person of $5.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the cost of the vaccination series, three (3) vaccines per person, will be expended from the Insurance Dividend Fund. Resolution to Authorize the Submission of a Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant The following Resolution was adopted on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski. Mr. Connors asked how the choice of sidewalk locations was determined and if the scope of the grant could include the installation of sidewalks where there are none. Ms. Maier explained that the Monroe County Transportation Authority will be providing nine (9) bus shelters which will be installed on Main Street and a few of the side streets. The sidewalks leading up to the proposed locations are in disrepair and need replacement. The grant supports transportation connectivity; therefore, the scope of work will only include the areas adjacent to the bus shelters. Mrs. Kochanski asked if the County and the Post Office are responsible for their own sidewalks. Ms. Maier confirmed that to be the case. RESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF STROUDSBURG IN THE COUNTY OF MONROE, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A MULTIMODAL TRANSPORTATION FUND GRANT APPLICATION WHEREAS, the Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and to ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and WHEREAS, the authorized use of the Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants is for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development; and WHEREAS, municipalities are among the list of eligible entities that are invited to apply for such funding; and WHEREAS, the Monroe County Transportation Authority will be installing nine (9) bus passenger waiting shelters in the Borough of Stroudsburg; and Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A.  WHEREAS the Stroudsburg Borough Council has determined that the sidewalks that are located between the bus shelter locations are in a state of disrepair that will impede safe access for pedestrians, bicycles, and persons requiring accessibility; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stroudsburg in the County of Monroe, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that the Borough Manager is hereby authorized and directed to submit a Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant on behalf of the Borough of Stroudsburg for funding to replace damaged sidewalks on the route between each of the bike shelters and also sidewalks one block in on either side of the Main Street Route thereby improving the multi-modal transportation for bicycles, pedestrians and to provide ADA accessibility. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Resolution to Authorize the Use of Traditional Bituminous Paving at Stroudsburg High School The following Resolution was adopted on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. RESOLUTION OF THE STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL TO AUTHORIZE THE STROUDSBURG AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TO UTILIZE TRADITIONAL BITUMINOUS PAVING TO OVERLAY THE EXISTING PERVIOUS CONCRETE PAVING AREA WHEREAS, the Stroudsburg Area School District installed a pervious concrete paving area as part of the Stormwater Management System for the High School improvements, and said improvements were included in the Land Development Plan approved by the Borough of Stroudsburg; and WHEREAS, the NPDES Stormwater Discharge Permit was reviewed by the Monroe County Conservation District and ultimately issued by the Department of Environmental Protection; and WHEREAS, the pervious concrete paving has deteriorated and requires repair; and WHEREAS, Reilly Associates, the engineering consultant for the Stroudsburg Area School District has provided excerpts from the original drainage plans and calculations to demonstrate that traditional bituminous overlayment will maintain a stormwater management system that is consistent with the requirements of the Stroudsburg Borough Stormwater Management Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Monroe County Conservation District has reviewed the proposed paving project and concurs that the project will remain consistent with the NPDES permit requirements; and WHEREAS, Nathan Oiler, P.E., the Borough Engineer of RKR Hess, a Division of UTRS, Inc., has reviewed the information and concurs that the paving plan is consistent with the Stroudsburg Borough Stormwater Management Ordinance requirements; Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A.  NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of the Borough of Stroudsburg in the County of Monroe, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that the paving plan prescribed by the Stroudsburg Area School District is approved. Authorize a Certificate of Appropriateness to Paul Simkulak for Exterior Alterations at 440 Main Street A motion was made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss to approve the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Paul Simkulak for exterior alterations at 440 Main Street as recommended by the Stroudsburg Borough Historic Architectural Review Board. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Authorize a Certificate of Appropriateness to Valentin Zaimov for Alterations at 630 Main Street A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Maurath to approve the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Valentin Zaimov for the replacement of doors and exterior alternations at 630 Main Street as recommended by the Stroudsburg Borough Historic Architectural Review Board. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Authorize a Certificate of Appropriateness to Timothy Grenko & Amanda Krantz for 600 Thomas Street A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Maurath to approve the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Timothy Grenko and Amanda Krantz for the replacement of walls and stairs at 600 Thomas Street as recommended by the Stroudsburg Borough Historic Architectural Review Board. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Reports Codes Committee – Mrs. Kochanski reported that there was no meeting. Finance Committee – Mr. Smith reported that there was nothing to report. Parking Committee – Mr. Maurath advised that there was nothing to report. Recycling Committee – Mr. Weiss advised that there was nothing to report. Sewer Committee –Mr. Weiss advised that there was nothing to report. Street Committee – Mr. Lanfrank was absent; there was nothing to report. Personnel Committee – Mr. Connors advised that the Personnel Committee is meeting quarterly; the next meeting is the fourth Thursday of September. Public Relations/Media Committee – Ms. Probst advised that Concerts in the Park are being held on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. “shine only” until mid-August. She noted that SROSRC will be providing the Borough with an update on the parks so that it can be put on the website. Redevelopment Committee – Mr. Abell reported that the County provided the Borough with a copy of a map depicting underutilized properties. The Borough Manager will be following up with local Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A. developers to begin discussions with them to see why they are not developing their respective properties. I-80 Expansion Task Force Committee – Mr. Connors reported that the Task Force will not meet in July and August. The next meeting is September 25 at 6:00 P.M., which will be after the Project Advisory Committee meeting that PennDOT set up. That meeting is scheduled for the morning of September 25. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission – nothing to report. Mayor’s Report – nothing to report. Council Member Reports – There were no other reports from Council members. Solicitor’s Report – Mr. McDonald reported that he is working with the staff at the input of Council and the Borough Manager to create incentives through possible ordinances that would help fill the empty buildings in town. He is reviewing the Pennsylvania Borough Code to ascertain if there is enabling authority in the interest of the health, safety and welfare of the public. Manager’s Report – Ms. Maier reported that the Street Department has been working on the sewers on Sarah Street in preparation for the paving project. A joint meeting with three other communities will be held on July 26 to begin discussions about a Comprehensive Plan. There is an inspection of the levee by the DEP on July 20. The revised Personnel Manual has been forwarded to the labor attorney for his input on a few items. The manual will be on the Council’s agenda for August 7. Ms. Maier will be meeting with the Multimodal Grant agency representatives on July 19 to discuss the subject of the Borough’s application and to get feedback from them. A meeting was held earlier in the day with Mr. McDonald and the Zoning staff to discuss the subject of blight. A follow-up meeting will be held on July 24. Approval of Bills on Warrants 180717 A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Maurath to approve the List of Bills on Warrants 180717. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items John Schnaitman, the owner of 825 Main Street, which is supplied power by PP&L Electric Utilities, and 525 Main Street, which is supplied power from Met Ed spoke about the loss of power at 525 Main Street on May 2, May 15, and May 22; power was out for a total of 12 days during that time period. He expressed concern for his tenants who lost work because of the outage. In addition to the power outages, there is a low voltage situation. He did have an electrician and an HVAC professional assess the situation, and there was nothing wrong in the building. After poor responses from MetEd, he did file an informal complaint with the PUC together with the details of the outages at his property. He would like the opportunity to make a choice between PPL and MetEd. Ms. Probst noted that her restaurant is supplied power from MetEd, and the outages have caused her to lose product and business as well as the loss of work for her employees. Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A.  Jack Muehlhan lives in Stroud Township and owns real estate in Stroudsburg Borough, all of which are supplied power from MetEd. He supported having a choice between PPL and MetEd. Ron Rovito, a tenant of Mr. Muehlhan, also expressed his displeasure with the service from MetEd. Joe McCabe, a resident of Stroud Township and also the Chairman of the Board of Directors for Burnley Workshop in Snydersville, which is also serviced by MetEd, spoke about the lack of meaningful information from the utility company. He urged MetEd to provide better information to its customers and to hire more employees to improve their service. Bill Martin stated that he retired from MetEd and spoke about the decrease in the workforce. He expressed opposition to underground electric utilities. David LaPoint, owner of the Sarah Street Grill, has MetEd. He also hopes for a choice between providers. PPL seems to handle their outages better. Dave Mumbauer, a resident of Totts Gap Road, also lost power from MetEd sixteen days since the beginning of this year. Eileen Lapping, a resident of River Road in Minisink Hills, expressed displeasure with MetEd. Duane Kerzic, a resident of Stroud Township, has a low voltage problem and also expressed displeasure with MetEd. George Russell, with a business in Smithfield Township on Business Route 209, expressed concern about poor communication from MetEd. Ms. Thomas, the business owner at 422 Main Street also expressed displeasure with MetEd. Dave Beck, a resident of Upper Mt. Bethel Township, is serviced by First Energy. He called for the immediate dismissal of the CEO of MetEd. Nick Nicholas owns Thai Orchid Restaurant in the Borough and spoke about the poor communication from MetEd and the issues with their website. Mr. Weiss noted that his home is supplied with power from MetEd. The power outages in the Borough are a real economic issue. Mrs. Kochanski expressed concern for the non-profit organizations that assist displaced residents during the power outages. The outages cause a hardship for these organizations who provide shelter 24 hours a day with limited donations and volunteers. Mr. Smith advised that the Council’s goal is to work with the PUC to get reliable electric service for the residents and business of Stroudsburg. He encouraged the public to attend the MetEd Open House at the ESU Innovation Center on August 8 from 3:00 and 8:00 P.M. Ms Maier added that if people do not see a change, that they should file complaints with the PUC. The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 P.M. on a motion made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Maurath. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A. Minutes prepared by: MPQ, E.A.