Borough Council

MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting Tuesday, June 18, 2019 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, Borough Manager Maier, Council Member Mark Connors, Council Member Matt Abell and Council Member Erica McCabe. Absent was Council President James Smith. A Quorum was present. Ms. Kochanski, Pro Tem is running the meeting in place of Council Vice President Boyd Weiss at his request. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend Chapter 1, Part 5 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code Entitled, “Nonuniformed Borough Employee Pension Plan”. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to close Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend Chapter 1, Part 5 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code Entitled, “Nonuniformed Borough Employee Pension Plan”, second by Mr. Abell. Solicitor McDonald advises this was advertised in the Pocono Record with sufficient time. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Adopt An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend Chapter 1, Part 5 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code Entitled, “Nonuniformed Borough Employee Pension Plan”, second by Mr. Lanfrank. Mr. Ronald Bittner, CPA of Girard Municipal Pension Services was present and advises the 3 sections to be amended are included in this Ordinance. All in favor, Motion Carries. 4. Public Input for Agenda Items. No Public Input. 5. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting, June 4, 2019. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Approve Council Meeting Minutes for Regular Meeting, June 4, 2019, second by Mr. Abell. 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. Lanfrank to Accept Monthly Administrative Reports, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 7. Accept Unaudited May, 2019 Treasurer’s Report. a. Bank Account Balances b. Budget to Actual Report Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Accept Unaudited May, 2019 Treasurer’s Report, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. Old Business 8. Status of remaining Municipal Building Renovation Project Loan balance, re: Fire Alarm System, Upgrade Reception Area. Ms. Maier advises the carpet has been delivered, painting has started, when the painting is complete the carpet will be installed and then the cabinets will be installed. Ms. Maier  advises we are getting pricing for 2 security doors and diamond plate. Ms. Maier advises she has received a proposal from the Engineer who completed the drawings for the Fire Alarm System to do the bidding and negotiation for the Fire Alarm System and HVAC, Ms. Maier will have that information for the next meeting. 9. Status of Bike Rack Project. Ms. Maier advises we are waiting for MCTA. 10. Consideration to employ Parliamentary Procedure. Lengthy discussion ensued. Motion by Ms. McCabe to direct to the Personnel Committee, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. New Business 11. Consideration to adopt a Resolution to Revise the Right-to-Know Request Fee Schedule. Motion by Ms. McCabe adopt a Resolution to Revise the Right-to-Know Request Fee Schedule, second by Mr. Connors. Ms. Maier advises there are minimal changes and this was recommended by the Pennsylvania Office of Records. All in favor, Motion Carries. 12. Consideration to adopt a Resolution to Revise the Fee Schedule for Use of the EV Charging Station. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to adopt a Resolution to Revise the Fee Schedule for Use of the EV Charging Station, second by Ms. McCabe. Ms. Maier advises we were looking to charge $1.00/per hour but that didn’t include overtime or a grace period, we will get income from the overtime charges. Ms. Maier is recommending changing to 75 cents per hour, some other municipalities are free or charging 50 cents per hour. All in favor, Motion Carries. 13. Consideration to adopt a Resolution to release fire escrow funds to Phillip Joyce, named insured of 4 Bell Terrace. Motion by Mr. Abell to adopt a Resolution to release fire escrow funds to Phillip Joyce, named insured of 4 Bell Terrace, second by Ms. McCabe. Mr. Kimes advises the building is secure and the escrow funds can be released. All in favor, Motion Carries. 14. Consideration to adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Borough Manager to Prepare an Application for a DCED, CFA Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Grant to Fund the Purchase of a Pool Liner, Pool Stairs, Pool Heater, Air Conditioning Unit for the Lifeguard Room, New Roof Membrane for the Pool House and Paving the Parking Lot. Motion by Mr. Abell to adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Borough Manager to Prepare an Application for a DCED, CFA Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Grant to Fund the Purchase of a Pool Liner, Pool Stairs, Pool Heater, Air Conditioning Unit for the Lifeguard Room, New Roof Membrane for the Pool House and Paving the Parking Lot, second by Mr. Lanfrank. Ms. Maier advises after the grant application was submitted the grant agency contacted me and advised as opposed to us receiving a $250k grant and contributing 15% they want us to contribute $43,125 toward the construction cost which would be included in next year’s budget. All in favor, Motion Carries. 15. Consideration to adopt a Resolution to Establish a Fee for the Use of the Chargepoint Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. This is a duplicate item to #12. 16. Consideration to adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Borough Manager to Prepare an Application for a 2019 Hotel Tax Grant to Fund Winterfest, Stroudsburg Arts Festival, Halloween on Main, Snowmen of Stroudsburg, and First Saturday Art Walks. Ms. Maier advises Mr. Jody Singer and Mr. Jim Evanesco have requested Stroudsburg Arts Festival be added to this grant. Mr. Eric Diemer was here to speak about the Christmas Tree Lighting and adding to the grant as well. Lengthy discussion ensued. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Borough Manager to Prepare an Application for a 2019 Hotel Tax Grant to Fund for $27,200.00 for Winterfest, Stroudsburg Arts Festival, Halloween on Main, Snowmen of Stroudsburg, First Saturday Art Walks and the Christmas Tree Lighting, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 17. Consideration to approve a request from the Pocono Arts Council to close North 7th Street at Main Street to and including Monroe Street from 6th to 7th Street on July 6, 2019 for the Stroudsburg Arts Festival; request for meter bags. Motion by Mr. Abell to approve a request from the Pocono Arts Council to close North 7th Street at Main Street to and including Monroe Street from 6th to 7th Street on July 6, 2019 for the Stroudsburg Arts Festival; request for meter bags, second by Ms. McCabe. Mr. Jody Singer advises last year there were over 2,000 people who attended with about 30 vendors scheduled, The Pocono Arts Council will provide their insurance certificate. Ms. Michele St. Andre advises this would be a continuation from the Farmers Market. All in favor, Motion Carries. 18. Consideration to approve the placement of Pride Flags on Main Street. Motion by Ms. McCabe to approve the placement of Pride Flags on Main Street, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 19. Consideration to approve a request from Michelle St. Andre for permission to allow the Main Street merchants to conduct sidewalk sales on Saturday, July 20, 2019 in conjunction with “Christmas in July”. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to approve a request from Michelle St. Andre for permission to allow the Main Street merchants to conduct sidewalk sales on Saturday, July 20, 2019 in conjunction with “Christmas in July”, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 20. Consideration of a request from Go Collaborative to place Snowmen of Stroudsburg in existing tree wells along Main Street from November to March each year. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to approve a request from Go Collaborative to place Snowmen of Stroudsburg in existing tree wells along Main Street from November to March this year, second by Ms. McCabe. Mr. Jody Singer was in attendance. Mr. Ace is concerned salting could be an issue. All in favor, Motion Carries. 21. Consider the application of Janet Catina, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of roofing at 310-312 Wallace Street. Motion by Mr. Abell to approve the application of Janet Catina, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of roofing at 310-312 Wallace Street, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 22. Consider the application of William Cannell, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for a porch style roof at 203 North Sixth Street.  Motion by Mr. Abell to approve the application of William Cannell, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for a porch style roof at 203 North Sixth Street, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 23. Consider the application of Mark Connors, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the installation of doors and roofing 525 Main Street. Motion by Mr. Abell to approve the application of Mark Connors, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the installation of doors and roofing 525 Main Street, second by Mr. Lanfrank. Voting YES (Ms. Kochanski, Mr. Lanfrank, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Abell, Ms. McCabe), Mr. Connors abstained. All in favor, Motion Carries. 24. Consider the application of Mark Connors, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of a door and the installation of a canopy at 825 Main Street. Motion by Mr. Abell to approve the application of Mark Connors, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of a door and the installation of a canopy at 825 Main Street, second by Ms. McCabe. Voting YES (Ms. Kochanski, Mr. Lanfrank, Mr. Weiss, Mr. Abell, Ms. McCabe), Mr. Connors abstained. All in favor, Motion Carries. 25. Consider the application of Dan Lichty, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for fencing and gutters at 114-116 North 6th Street. Motion by Mr. Abell to approve the application of Dan Lichty, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for fencing and gutters at 114-116 North 6th Street, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 26. Consider the application of Donald Johnson, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of siding, trim, gutters, and downspouts. Motion by Mr. Abell to approve the application of Donald Johnson, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for the replacement of siding, trim, gutters, and downspouts, second by Mr. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 27. Committee Reports. A. Codes Committee - No Report B. Budget Committee - No Report, Ms. Maier will begin meeting with department heads this week C. Parking Committee – Ms. McCabe advises the meeting is scheduled tomorrow D. Recycling Committee - No Report E. Sewer Committee - No Report F. Street Committee – Mr. Lanfrank advises the Committee met prior to tonight’s meeting and would like to add to the next agenda the 2 approved designs for the crosswalk paintings, the cost is approximately $5,000, we will have the exact cost for the next meeting. The approved designs are a fire truck going across Sarah and the Stroudsburg PA design going across 7th.  G. Personnel Committee – Mr. Connors advises the next meeting is scheduled Thursday June 27th at 4:00pm, the primary agenda item is to review Ms. Maier for last year and goals for this year. H. Public Relations/Media Committee – Mayor Probst advises to reach out to Ms. McCabe to post to the Facebook page, the event must be within the Borough or be a benefit to the Borough. I. Redevelopment Committee – Mr. Abell advises the Committee met with a contact from New Jersey, Mr. George Capobagli who Ms. Maier helped bring in, he gave us great insight to factors that motivate developers to work on projects. Mr. George Capobagli mentioned the Lerta tax abatement we are considering for 5 years; he suggested a longer term. Ms. Maier looked into and 10 years is the maximum time frame. Motion by Ms. McCabe to have Ms. Maier explore with the County and School Board 10 years opposed to 5 years for Lerta, second by Mr. Connors. All in favor, Motion Carries. Mr. Abell advises the Committee is working on 2 Ordinance changes, looking to tweek the overlay district to become more developer friendly, decrease the minimum square footage for dwelling units to reflect life style living changes and Adaptive Re-use Ordinance to give vacant building new uses. Mr. Connors would like the Planning Coming to be alerted to the possible changes. J. I-80 Expansion Task Force Committee – Mr. Connors advises we met with Senator Mario Scavello, he was not dismissive of our concerns and we presented our best arguments. It’s coming down to 6 lines wide vs 4 lines wide vs all our other issues. Senator Mario Scavello advises the 6 lines are supposed to go out to Rt. 380. Senator Mario Scavello advises the 6 lines are going to be planned for immediately, if we back off the issue of 6 lanes, the issues we have with Dreher Avenue, West Main Street and Route 611 could be accommodated. Mr. Connors advises we want to see the timeline for the 6 lines and we could consider that compromise. Ms. McCabe advises Palmer Twp. on Route 248 the township fought and won. K. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission – Mr. Weiss advises SROSRC is interviewing for the new director, summer programs are about 85% full. 28. Mayor’s Report. Mayor Probst wishing a Happy belated Father’s Day and welcome back to Mr. Ron Kimes. Mayor Probst advises Thursday nights has ladies’ night, Concerts in the Park, open mic at Renegade and the First Art Walk begins July 6th. Mayor Probst advises her neighbor is Mr. Brian Boitano, Olympic figure skater, if we were able to put up an ice-rink he would do a dedication ceremony, the cost could be under $5,000 and asked if this could be on the next agenda. Mayor Probst advises the article on the Ramsey school and having the permission to speak on behalf of the YMCA. 29. Council Member Reports Ms. Kochanski – Ms. Kochanski advises the Pennsylvania Senate just passed a bill effective in 60 days; if a bid is sent out twice with no response, we can find a vendor directly and continue with the purchase. Mr. Lanfrank - No report Mr. Weiss – Mr. Weiss advises Lower Main is a raceway. There have been birdhouses nailed to Borough trees. Mr. Abell - No report Mr. Connors – Mr. Connors advises we need to update our Sign Ordinance.  Ms. McCabe – No report 30. Solicitor’s Report. Solicitor McDonald advises a letter was sent out last month to Simplex and their bid being over the threshold, we have not received any response yet. Solicitor McDonald advises the Zoning Hearing Board is meeting tomorrow and will be discussing Chapter 2 for Adams Outdoor; previously the Zoning Hearing Board denied the variance request for poster size sign on the Counterman property, this is challenging the Borough’s Ordinance for no more than 300 square feet. 31. Manager’s Report. Ms. Maier has no report but is currently working on 2 grant applications. 32. Code Enforcement Officer’s Report. Mr. Kimes advises there is a vacancy for an architect on the HARB Committee and the Planning Commission is short 2 members. 33. Street Superintendent’s Report. No report but Mr. Ace advises the 2 trucks were received. 34. Approval of Bills on Warrants 190618. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Approve Bills on Warrants 190618, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 35. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items. Mr. Teddy Moscellar and Ms. Darleen Moscellar were in attendance and are residents in the Borough at 202 Park Avenue, they are here to discuss the changing direction of Barry Street per the March 5th minutes, initially Barry Street went toward Park Avenue, now the direction is toward Broad Street. There are unforeseen issues since the switch, GPS is showing the wrong directions. The speed of the traffic has increased and its unsafe for children. Trucks are knocking down cable lines. Mr. Ace will be putting up signs for local traffic only and no trucks, he is waiting for materials to come in. Ms. Kochanski advises this will be referred back to the Streets Committee. Ms. Edith Ellis and Mr. Ed Van Why were also in attendance to discuss Barry Street. 36. Executive Session. No Executive Session. 37. Adjournment Motion by Ms. McCabe to adjourn at 8:28pm, second by Mr. Connors. All in favor, Motion Carries.