Borough Council

STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MARCH 19, 2019 MINUTES 1. The March 19, 2019 meeting of the Stroudsburg Borough Council was called to order at 7:00 P.M. by Council President, James Smith. The roll call was taken by Executive Assistant, Mary Pat Quinn; present were Councilwoman Joanne Kochanski, Councilman Anthony Lanfrank, Vice President of Council Boyd Weiss, Mayor Tarah Probst, Borough Solicitor Joseph McDonald, Council President James Smith, Borough Manager Jennifer Maier, and Councilwoman Erica McCabe. Councilman Matt Abell arrived at 7:05 P.M. Councilman Mark Connors was absent. Ron Kimes, Codes and Zoning Officer and Brian Ace, Superintendent of Streets were also present. 2. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Mr. Smith opened the hearing to the public for the following Ordinance: “An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend §15-303 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code Entitled, “Angle Parking/Head-On Parking Required on Portions of Certain Streets.” The Ordinance will remove the requirement for head-on and angled parking in Municipal Lots 1, 2, 3, and 5. Solicitor McDonald advised that the notice of public hearing was properly published in The Pocono Record in the issue of March 8, 2019 and notice of the public hearing and the Ordinance were forwarded to the Monroe County Law Library. There were no questions or comments from the public. The public hearing was closed on a motion made by Mr. Lanfrank, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend §15-303 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code Entitled, “Angle Parking/Head-On Parking Required on Portions of Certain Streets” was adopted on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 4. The following Proclamation was presented to Patrick Brady of the Stroudsburg Islamic Center by Mayor Probst. A number of Stroudsburg Islamic Center members attended the meeting for the presentation. PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the early pioneers of the Stroudsburg Islamic Center, Mr. Ahmed Abdel Al and his wife, Hyam started teaching children the foundation of the principles of Islam and the Qur’anic recitation during meetings at the Pocono Family YMCA and shortly thereafter at a rented space in Pocono Peddlers Village; and WHEREAS, a number of Muslim families who hailed from Egypt, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Bulgaria, Senegal, and Gambia moved to the Pocono Mountains to make the area their home; and WHEREAS, this group of people, comprised of entrepreneurs, educators, professionals and lay people sought to support and educate their families and others and to provide a place for prayer and reflection; and  WHEREAS, the Stroudsburg Islamic Center occupies a renovated picture frame factory on North 3rd Street in the Borough of Stroudsburg and the congregation continues to make improvements to the facility to suit the needs of its members; and WHEREAS, the Stroudsburg Islamic Center seeks to serve all persons who enter the facility by offering peace and fellowship in accordance with the principles of Islam and to offer the same to the community at large; and NOW, THEREFORE, I PROCLAIM that the Stroudsburg Islamic Center is a vital organization of the Borough of Stroudsburg that contributes to our mission of promoting diversity and support to all people. 5. The minutes of the Council meeting on March 5, 2019 were approved as circulated on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski. Mr. Smith abstained from voting. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 6. The monthly administrative reports: Permits Issued Report, Public Works Report, Parking Report, Fire Department Report, and Right-to-Know Report were approved on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Lanfrank. The monthly report from the Stroud Area Regional Police Department was provided to the Borough Council and the Mayor via email. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 7. The Treasurer’s unaudited report of the bank account balances and the budget to actual report for February 2019 was approved on a motion made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 8. Ms. Maier reported that the drawing for the fire alarm system in the Municipal Building is complete and has been given to the vendor. All of the cabinets for the reception desk have been received. Quotes are being sought for the carpeting and installation as well as painting the municipal offices. The mechanical engineer has prepared the plans for the HVAC system and will be meeting with the contractor to perfect the design. 9. Ms. Maier reported that the Mattioli Foundation is unable to financially support the bike rack project; however, the Monroe County Transit Authority will contribute $10,000.00 toward the project. The Authority will take care of the procurement; there is a $2,000.00 local match. 10. Proposed Ordinance – “An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend Chapter 15 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code Entitled “Motor Vehicles and Traffic”, Specifically §15-312, Penalties”. A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to set a public hearing for the proposed Ordinance at the next meeting of the Council on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. Ms. McCabe noted that the phrase, “during an official declaration by the Borough of Stroudsburg of a weather emergency” should be removed from the Ordinance. The Council previously decided that the new penalties will apply to all violations of the alternate side of the street parking regulations. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 11. A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to adopt “A Resolution of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Authorize Brian D. Ace, Jr., Superintendent of Streets of the Borough of Stroudsburg, Permission to drive the 2019 Ford F-250 Pick-Up Truck between the Borough of Stroudsburg and his Residence.” The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 12. A motion was made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss to adopt “A Resolution of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Authorize the Borough Solicitor to Prepare an Interlocal Agreement between the Borough of Stroudsburg and Stroud Township to Assist Stroud Township with Sewer Camera services by the Stroudsburg Street Department.” Mr. Weiss asked who would operate the camera. Ms. Maier responded that Stroudsburg Borough Street Department staff will operate the camera. Solicitor McDonald will determine a term to be incorporated into the agreement. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 13. A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to adopt “A Resolution to Direct the Borough Manager and the Superintendent of Streets to Explore the Options that are Available for the Purchase of New Dump Truck”. For clarification, the amount of the truck is capped at $139,600.00. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 14. A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to adopt “A Resolution of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Authorize the Purchase of a CT4000 ChargePoint Level 2 Commercial Charging Station”. Ms. Maier advised that the Borough has been awarded a $10,000.00 grant for the project. The charging station will be located on the outer side of the lower level of Lot 2. Two handicap parking spaces will be relocated as a result. Motorists using the charging station will pay for use of the electricity. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 15. A motion was made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss to approve the Stroudsburg Borough Safety Manual and the Stroudsburg Borough Snow and Ice Control Plan. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 16. A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to approve the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Todd Womelsdorf as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board for exterior alterations to the building at 330 Main Street. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 17. A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to approve the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Barry Cohen as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board for the demolition of a portion of the building at 609-611 Main Street. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 18. A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski to adopt “A Resolution of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Appoint a Department Fire Chief and Two Department Assistant Fire Chiefs”. Charles Frantz will assume the position of Fire Chief; Mehmet Barzev will assume the position of Assistant Fire Chief; and Michael Mignosi will assume the position of Assistant Fire Chief. All three candidates were present at the meeting. The Oath of Office will be administered to them by the Mayor at the next meeting of the Borough Council on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 19. The following Committee Reports were given:  Codes Committee – Mrs. Kochanski reported that the Code Committee met to discuss a Short- Term Rental Ordinance, Trash Screening Ordinance, and the Sidewalk Sale Ordinance. The Committee will make a recommendation to Council at a future meeting.  Finance Committee – Mr. Smith reported that the Finance Committee met and determined that it will be now be referred to as the Budget Committee. The budget preparation process will begin in August.  Parking Committee – Ms. McCabe had no new information to report.  Recycling Committee – Ms. Maier reported that County Waste continues to pick up single stream recyclables from its customers despite her written request in January that they comply with the Borough’s Recycling Ordinance and discontinue the service. The staff at Twin Boroughs Recycling Center also spoke with County Waste representatives. Ms. Maier will be turning the matter over to Mr. Kimes for enforcement.  Sewer Committee – Mr. Weiss had no new information to report.  Street Committee – Mr. Lanfrank reported that the Street Committee met with Jody Singer from the Pocono Arts Council to discuss the crosswalk project/competition. Mr. Singer will prepare some designs for Council’s consideration in April or May. The Committee would like to do a test run at the intersection of Sarah Street and North 7th Street. The traffic engineer will be present at the April meeting of the Street Committee to review the traffic count information that was gathered. The Street Committee is considering the possibility of recommending the purchase of a roller and a paver in the 2020 Budget so that the Street Department can do more of the street paving in house. The cost is approximately $12,000.00. A vendor would be hired for milling services. Mr. Smith expressed concern about paving by the Borough Street Department from a liability standpoint.  Personnel Committee – Mrs. Kochanski had no new information to report.  Public Relations/Media Committee – Ms. Probst reported that the Monroe County Commissioners approved the Borough’s request to use the vacant lot for Concerts in the Park from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Thursdays, May 23, 2019 to July 25, 2019. The information on the Borough’s Facebook page has been helpful for providing information to the public. A new business will be opening on or about May 28, 2019 where Sassy Fashions was located (next to Floods).  Redevelopment Committee – Mr. Abell reported that the Committee is examining the criteria in the overlay ordinance to encourage development of some of the vacant properties in the downtown. The group met with a developer to get input from the other side.  I-80 Expansion Task Force – Ms. Maier reported that the Borough Council directed her to send a letter to Julia Moore of AECOM regarding the Broad Street Bridge replacement. Ms. Moore would like to arrange a follow up conference call with representatives of the I-80 Expansion Task Force, a representative of HARB and Ms. Maier to discuss the project and the historic significance of the bridge. Mr. Smith asked if Penn DOT has supplied the information requested by Council that led to their determination that the expansion area is a “high traffic” area. Ms. Probst replied that the information was not received as of the last I-80 Expansion Task Force meeting; however, Kristin Battle and Mark Connors met with Congresswoman Susan Wild and Representative Maureen Madden, who are looking in to the matter. Ms. Probst added that there was a good response to the mailer. A majority of the respondents are opposed to the expansion of I-80. This information will be shared with the Borough’s representatives so that it ultimately gets to the Governor.  Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission – Mr. Weiss had no new information to report. 20. Mayor’s Report – Ms. Probst expressed appreciation to the Stroudsburg Fire Department and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department for what they do to protect the public. The downtown businesses are hosting “Ladies Night Out” on Thursday, March 21, 2019 between 6:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. along Main Street and Ann Street. 21. Council Member Reports – Mrs. Kochanski complimented Mr. Ace and his staff for the work that they are doing on the streetlights. The repair work had to be coordinated with PP & L, and it was a long process. 22. Solicitor’s Report – Solicitor McDonald noted that the zoning ordinance to provide for the regulation of medical marijuana facilities will be considered by the Borough Council on April 16, 2019. His office will prepare the summary for publication in The Pocono Record. Solicitor McDonald will represent the Borough at the Zoning Hearing Board meeting on March 20, 2019 at which time an application of Adams Outdoor Advertising will be considered for variance relief. The Borough has entered its appearance and its position against the variances. If the variances are denied, the applicant will submit a validity challenge to the Ordinance which will be heard in April. Solicitor McDonald attended the recent Codes Committee meeting that Mrs. Kochanski referred to earlier in the meeting. The Committee talked through the ordinance regarding the screening of trash cans, roll-off containers and dumpsters. The implementation of such a regulation is being considered from a HARB district standpoint as well. A Short Term Rental Ordinance from a township in Pike County is being used as a base ordinance and is being modified for a borough setting. 23. Ms. Maier announced that the First Saturday Art Walks will begin on April 6, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. The Pocono Arts Council will be hosting “Open Mike Night” on March 21, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. for poetry readings and a discussion about the future of the Council. She reminded Council that she is looking for a bio from each member for inclusion in the next Borough Newsletter. She asked Solicitor McDonald for an executive session to discuss a personnel matter regarding an agency that the Borough contributes to. Mr. Smith advised Council that he registered for a webinar through PSAB entitled, “Role of a Council President” which costs $45.00. A motion was made by Mr. Lanfrank, seconded by Mr. Weiss to approve the expense. Mr. Smith will share a link with Council members after the webinar in the event someone would like to listen to it. There were no comments from the public. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 24. Mr. Kimes confirmed that the Zoning Hearing Board meeting will be at 4:30 on March 20, 2019. There are four applications: 1) Adams Outdoor Advertising for the continuation of a hearing regarding variances for a digital billboard sign; 2) 75 Kautz Road for a variance to enlarge a house; 3) John Parker for a special exception for a proposed Convenience Store to be located at a former gas station on North 9th Street; 4) McDonalds Restaurant for a variance to install digital message boards as drive-thru signage. 25. Mr. Ace reported that the Mattioli Foundation is donating $5,000.00 toward the replacement of the lights in the decorative streetlights on Main Street and in Courthouse Square that belong to the Borough. The Street Department staff will be installing LED lights. Mrs. Kochanski suggested that Monroe County may wish to change their lights in the same manner; Mr. Ace will reach out to the County maintenance supervisor to share the information. A thank you letter will be sent to the Mattioli Foundation. 26. The bills on Warrant List 190319 were ordered paid on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mrs. Kochanski. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. 27. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items. There were no questions or comments from the public. 28. A motion was made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss to go in to executive session at 7:54 P.M. for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. A motion was made to conclude the executive session at 8:00 P.M. on a motion made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively. The Council discussed a matter involving personnel during the Executive Session. 29. The meeting was adjourned at 8:02 P.M. on a motion made by Mrs. Kochanski, seconded by Mr. Weiss. The motion was carried with all present voting affirmatively.