Borough Council

MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting Tuesday, November 19, 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, Interim Borough Manager Quinn, Council Member Matt Abell and Council Member Mark Connors. Absent were: Council President James Smith and Council Member Erica McCabe. A Quorum was present. 2. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 3. Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section 15-207 Entitled, “Gross Weight Limits Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code”. The Ordinance will allow school or public transportation buses in excess of three tons to travel on North Tenth Street from North Ninth Street to Main Street. Ordinance #1059, which was adopted on October 18, 2018, set the restriction. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Close Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section 15-207 Entitled, “Gross Weight Limits Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code”. The Ordinance will allow school or public transportation buses in excess of three tons to travel on North Tenth Street from North Ninth Street to Main Street. Ordinance #1059, which was adopted on October 18, 2018, set the restriction, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Adopt An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section 15-207 Entitled, “Gross Weight Limits Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code”. The Ordinance will allow school or public transportation buses in excess of three tons to travel on North Tenth Street from North Ninth Street to Main Street. Ordinance #1059, which was adopted on October 18, 2018, set the restriction, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 4. Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section §15-207 1. Entitled, “Gross Weight Limits Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code. The proposed Ordinance will establish a gross weight limit on Bryant Street, Clermont Street, Robeson Street, and Barry Street between Park Avenue and Broad Street. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Close Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section §15-207 1. Entitled, “Gross Weight Limits Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code. The proposed Ordinance will establish a gross weight limit on Bryant Street, Clermont Street, Robeson Street, and Barry Street between Park Avenue and Broad Street, second by Mr. Abell. Ms. Ceil Yost inquired about signage and enforcement and was advised signs would be posted and SARP should be called for enforcement. Local delivery trucks are allowed but not tractor trailers. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Adopt An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section §15-207 1. Entitled, “Gross Weight Limits Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code. The proposed Ordinance will establish a gross weight limit on Bryant Street, Clermont Street, Robeson Street, and Barry Street between Park Avenue and Broad Street, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 5. Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section §15-202 1. Entitled, “Speed Limits Established” of the  Stroudsburg Borough Code. The proposed Ordinance will reduce the speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph on certain Stroudsburg Borough streets. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Close Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section §15-202 1. Entitled, “Speed Limits Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code. The proposed Ordinance will reduce the speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph on certain Stroudsburg Borough streets, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. Discussion: Mr. Lanfrank advises the Streets Committee is recommending this Ordinance be denied. The Committee would like to look into purchasing a radar sign which can be moved along with painting STOP across the road with stop bars and to fix inconsistency speeds within the Borough. In doing research, what slows people down is psychological. On Reisch Road in Stroud Township, there are “Your Speed Is” signs with the speed limit sign below. To change all the speed limit signs would not be cost effective. The Committee will meet again December 3rd . Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Deny An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, Part 2, Traffic Regulations, Section §15-202 1. Entitled, “Speed Limits Established” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code. The proposed Ordinance will reduce the speed limit from 25 mph to 15 mph on certain Stroudsburg Borough streets, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 6. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting, October 15, 2019. Motion by Mr. Abell to Approve Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting, October 15, 2019, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor voting YES (Mr. Lanfrank, Ms. Kochanski, Mr. Abell, Mr. Connors) with Mr. Weiss Abstaining. Motion Carries. 7. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for the Special Meeting, November 7, 2019. Motion by Mr. Abell to Approve Council Meeting Minutes for the Special Meeting, November 7, 2019, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 8. 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 Approve Monthly Administrative Reports, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 9. Accept Unaudited October, 2019 Treasurer’s Report. a. Bank Account Balances b. Budget to Actual Report Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Accept Unaudited October, 2019 Treasurer’s Report, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. Old Business 10. Status of remaining Municipal Building Renovation Project Loan balance, re: Fire Alarm System, Upgrade Reception Area. Ms. Quinn advises Ken Reese from the Street Department has finished the punch list items and only the laminate countertop is remaining. The contractor came in and took measurements and we are waiting for the proposal. Mr. Kimes, John Schnatter and Nick Hawker from the Streets Department and I met with representatives from Barry Isset; they are doing the plans for building electrical work, EV charging station and the exhaust fan/shower/eye wash station which we previously received a grant. 11. Recommendation from the Borough Solicitor on the Solar Trash Can bid review and contract edits. Mr. Nick Jenner was in attendance from Big Belly. Solicitor McDonald advises Council previously approved the solar trash cans back in September; garbage cans are tandem and individual for recycling. Attorney Anderson on behalf of Big Belly has responded to my questions and I am approving the contract. Mr. Nick Jenner advised Council the trash cans have GPS installed in case of theft. The tandem cans weigh 600 lbs., single cans weight 300 lbs., they are solar powered and send a message if they are in a different location. An alert will be sent to the Street Department when full. There is a one-year warranty on all parts and there is a customer service team for questions via phone and local technicians available. 12. Continue the discussion regarding a recommendation from the Redevelopment Committee to revise §27- 501 of the Stroudsburg Borough Code entitled, “Area and Bulk Requirements”. Mr. Abell advises we met with members of HARB for feedback and they are 100% supportive and understand their role in looking over design applications from applicants for the overlay; we reviewed the language line by line. The Committee met and we increased the distance requirement from 500 feet to 1,000 feet radius where parking would take place. Mr. Abell attending the Planning Commission meeting last night and advises they were positive about the Ordinance with 2 members being skeptical that this would not provide the needed change. Mr. Abell advises the Committee feels the Ordinance is ready for both the Borough and County Planning Commissions and then to advertise for Public Hearing. The purpose of this Ordinance is to generate funding. Solicitor McDonald advises we need to give the Planning Commissions a 30-day window. Motion by Mr. Abell to forward the Ordinance to both Borough and County Planning Commission for review and to schedule a Special Meeting December 19, 2019 at 5:00pm, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 13. Status of Bike Rack Project. Mr. Lanfrank advises he met today with Ms. Quinn and Mr. Ace and we are working through the process and will budget monies next year; MCTA is contributing monies too. 14. Status of proposed LERTA Ordinance. Mr. Abell advises Mr. Lanfrank forwarded examples of other Municipalities Lerta’s; some Municipalities have different schedules for the School and County. Mr. Abell has drafted discussion about Lerta for the School Board to review and will forward to Solicitor McDonald to review and forward to the School Board. The Borough’s Lerta will remain the same and will include residential. The School can determine the length of term, percentage of tax deductions and whatever schedule they want, they can exclude residential. Mr. Abell advises we will invite the School Board to the Committee meeting. Motion by Mr. Abell to forward the proposed Lerta Ordinance to the School Board for consideration and invite to meet with the Re-development Committee before December 13th, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 15. Status of proposed ice rink. Mayor Probst advises the County is allowing us to use the property used for Concerts in the Park at Monroe and 6th. It will be smaller at 30 X 60, it’s free and safer. The location at 8th and Main would be a bigger size but would cost us $1,500 rent per month. We will need to provide insurance to the County. Mr. Greg Christine is the contact at the County. Motion by Mr. Connors to pursue the opportunity to place an ice rink on the property owned by the County along with providing insurance, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries.  Stroudsburg student Kristen Graham was in attendance, she is in Mr. Yarnall’s Civic class. New Business 16. Consideration to Adopt a Budget Transfer Resolution. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Adopt a Budget Transfer Resolution, second by Mr. Abell. Ms. Quinn advises $1,000 from snow and ice to parking meters and $200 Shade Tree General fund to purchase new trees. All in favor, Motion Carries. 17. Consideration to Approve Payment Request #1 from Barker and Barker for the King Street, Oak Street and Queen Street Paving and ADA Ramps Project. Motion by Mr. Lanfrank to Approve Payment Request #1 from Barker and Barker for the King Street, Oak Street and Queen Street Paving and ADA Ramps Project, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 18. Consideration to Approve Payment Request #1 from Barker and Barker for the 1st Street Paving and ADA Ramps Project. THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED. 19. Consideration to Approve a proposal in the amount of $17,250.00 from Kirk, Summa and Company, LLP. for the preparation of the 2019 Annual Financial Statements/ Audit of the Borough of Stroudsburg. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve a proposal in the amount of $17,250.00 from Kirk, Summa and Company, LLP. for the preparation of the 2019 Annual Financial Statements/ Audit of the Borough of Stroudsburg, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 20. Consideration to Approve the purchase of Cyber Liability Insurance through Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America in the amount of $3,482.00 for $1 million of coverage through 1/1/2021. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve the purchase of Cyber Liability Insurance through Travelers Casualty and Surety Company of America in the amount of $3,482.00 for $1 million of coverage through 1/1/2021, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 21. Consideration to Approve a Resolution of the Stroudsburg Borough Council Supporting Safety Improvements of the Route 80 Project 17 M, Opposing Certain Elements of Proposed Designs and Urging Support from Officials and Project Designers to Reconsider and Modify Proposed Designs. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve a Resolution of the Stroudsburg Borough Council Supporting Safety Improvements of the Route 80 Project 17 M, Opposing Certain Elements of Proposed Designs and Urging Support from Officials and Project Designers to Reconsider and Modify Proposed Designs, second by Mr. Abell. Discussion about the I-80 Committees list of issues. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Abell to encourage the County Commissioners, County Municipal Partners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey to Adopt this Resolution and send to the state, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 22. Consideration to Adopt a Resolution to remove Jennifer Maier as a contact on the PLGIT Fire Apparatus Account. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Adopt a Resolution to remove Jennifer Maier as a contact on the PLGIT Fire Apparatus Account, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 23. Consideration to Approve the 2020 Budget for Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve the 2020 Budget for Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 24. Consideration to Approve a request from Reverend Douglas Moyer for the issuance of 8 visitor parking passes for Christ Episcopal Church at 205 North 7th Street and a waiver of the associated fee. The visitor passes are given to senior citizen volunteers of the church. Motion by Mr. Abell to Approve a request from Reverend Douglas Moyer for the issuance of 8 visitor parking passes for Christ Episcopal Church at 205 North 7th Street and a waiver of the associated fee. The visitor passes are given to senior citizen volunteers of the church, second by Mr. Connors. All in favor, Motion Carries. 25. Consideration to Authorize “Stop the Bleed” Training for the Stroudsburg Borough Street Department and to offer the opportunity to the Street Department of the Borough of East Stroudsburg to participate. The training will be provided by Mehmet Barzev, the Stroudsburg Borough Emergency Management Coordinator. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Authorize “Stop the Bleed” Training for the Stroudsburg Borough Street Department and to offer the opportunity to the Street Department of the Borough of East Stroudsburg to participate. The training will be provided by Mehmet Barzev, the Stroudsburg Borough Emergency Management Coordinator, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 26. Consideration to Approve a request from the Pocono Bike Company for the use of the parking garage for bike riding. Mr. George Hallis, owner of Pocono Bike Company was in attendance. The business has been open about 2-years and tries to create community by hosting several rides over the summer. In January there is a ski race weekend at Camelback. The club has been using the Lower Parking Deck at 6th and Ann for adult tricycles racing Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 7:30pm; people of all ages attend. This weekend music was played and the Police were called. Mr. George Hallis would like permission to use the Lower Parking Deck. Discussion of the number of parking permits sold and the number of cars in the lot. Mr. Abell recommends contacting the County next year to possibly use Courthouse Square. Motion by Mr. Abell to Approve a request from the Pocono Bike Company for the use of the parking garage for bike riding, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Connors to refer the Streets Committee meet with the biking community, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. Mr. Matt Arnold with the Pocono Bike Club was in attendance to thank Borough Council and the Mayor for support with Glen Park as 6 events were held. There has been a lot of smash and grab vandalism to vehicles at Glen Park. Mr. Matt Arnold is asking if surveillance cameras be placed at Glen Park; the Club can put money toward the cameras. Ms. Kochanski advises we will refer to the Park & Recreation Committee as Ms. Ceil Yost was also in attendance. Discussion about the park being in multiple Municipalities. The Club is also interested in donating a bike work station to the Borough. 27. Committee Reports. A. Codes Committee – Ms. Kochanski advises the next meeting is Monday, December 2 nd at 9:30am. B. Budget Committee – Ms. Quinn advised that we received the certified assessed values and will have the budget finalized by the December 3rd meeting. C. Parking Committee – No Meeting D. Recycling Committee – No Meeting E. Sewer Committee – No Meeting F. Street Committee – Mr. Lanfrank advised the Committee met prior to tonight’s meeting. The Committee will meet December 3rd at 6:00pm and will discuss the Multi Modal Grant and Bank Alley. G. Personnel Committee – Mr. Connors advised Tristar has been screenings candidates via phone, the Committee will schedule a meeting to review the applicants. The Committee will also talk about Pirate Code for the new Council. H. Public Relations/Media Committee – Mayor Probst advises the media is updated on everything. In the spring we will start to organize Concerts in the Park. I. Redevelopment Committee: Recommendation from Redevelopment Committee to request that Council consider revisions to 27-501 “Area and Bulk Requirements” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code. Mr. Abell would like to thank everyone for their support. J. I-80 Expansion Task Force Committee – Mr. Connors advises we are still in outreach mode through the end of the month and Penn Dot is accepting feedback in regards to the environmental assessment reports they put out. K. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission – Ms. Ceil Yost is confident in the new Director, Ms. Autumn Arthur; a Recreation Associate was recently hired. 28. Mayor’s Report – Mayor Probst would like to thank all the Committees as we are moving in the right direction. Thanks to Mr. Kimes for sending out Blight letters. Send anything related to promoting the downtown to the Stroudsburg and Mayors Facebook pages. Some upcoming events are the Tree Lighting, Small Business Saturday, Snowmen of Stroudsburg and the Ice-Skating Rink. There are a few new businesses who have signed leases. The Mayor was at the Entrepreneur dinner at ESU last night. 29. Council Member Reports. There were NO Council Member Reports. 30. Solicitor’s Report – Solicitor McDonald has 2 items for Executive Session, one Real Estate and one Litigation. 31. Manager’s Report - No Report 32. Code Enforcement Officer’s Report - No Report 33. Street Superintendent’s Report - No Report 34. Approval of Bills on Warrants 191119. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve Bills on Warrants 191119, second by Mr. Connors. All in favor, Motion Carries. 35. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items. Ms. Ceil Yost inquired about the delinquent property on Park Ave as there are transients living in the garage behind this property. Ms. Ceil Yost’s property is behind this garage. The Police have been called and they advise not to approach and to call each time the transients are seen. Besides being an eye sore there is now a physical threat. Ms. Ceil Yost has called the property owner who resides in NJ and will forward the phone number to Mr. Kimes. Mr. Kimes advised certified letters have been sent to the owner but the letters have been refused, the property can be posted. Discussion about entering the house. Captain Gasper advises probable cause is needed to enter the house. Solicitor McDonald advises it would be best to obtain a court order to enter the house. 36. Executive Session, re: Real Estate. Motion by Mr. Weiss to adjourn to Executive Session at 8:31pm, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Abell to re-convene to Regular Session at 9:06pm, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries. 37. Adjournment Motion by Mr. Abell to Adjourn at 9:07pm, second by Mr. Lanfrank. All in favor, Motion Carries.