Borough Council

STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES, AUGUST 4, 2020 A regular meeting of the Stroudsburg Borough Council convened via Zoom and was livestreamed through the Stroudsburg Borough Facebook page at 7:00 P.M. on August 4, 2020 with the following members present: Anthony Lanfrank, Council President; Matt Abell, Vice- President of Council; Erica McCabe, Council President Pro-Tem; James Smith, Council Member; Jim Evanisko, Council Member; Victoria DeVries, Council Member; and Boyd Weiss, Council Member. Also present were: Brian Ace, Jr., Borough Manager; Tarah Probst, Mayor; Joseph McDonald, Jr., Borough Solicitor; Jennifer Lyon, Stroud Area Regional Police Department Chief; Mary Pat Quinn, Executive Assistant; and Ron Kimes, Code Enforcement/Zoning Officer. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting, July 21, 2020 The minutes of the regular meeting on July 21, 2020 were approved as circulated on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Ms. McCabe. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain- 0) Solicitor McDonald reported that a question came up about the intent/category of the executive session that was held at the Borough Council meeting on July 21, 2020. He failed to state that the purpose of the executive session was to discuss an item that could have involved some confidential information that was part of an investigation that was underway. That matter is nearly concluded, and he will advise the Council when the matter is concluded, which should be by the next meeting. Amend the Agenda A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Abell to amend the agenda to provide flexibility allowing the discussion of agenda item 7 to take place first under new business. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Old Business Consider the application of Monroe County Commissioners, as recommended for approval and issuance by the Historic Architectural Review Board, for an addition and renovations to the Monroe County Courthouse at 610 Monroe Street Mr. Lanfrank reported that he received a letter via email dated August 3, 2020 from Timothy J. McManus, Esq. in connection with the aforementioned application. The Monroe County Commissioners requested that the pending application for Certificate of Appropriateness be tabled to the September 1, 2020 Borough Council meeting. The letter also provided for an extension of an additional 30 days for action by the Borough Council on the application. A motion was made by Mr. Abell, seconded by Mr. Weiss to table the matter until the September 1, 2020 meeting. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Status of Bike Rack Project Mr. Ace reported that he received a letter from Richard Schlamuss of the Monroe County Transportation Authority, and the bike racks should be finished in 12 weeks. Status of LERTA Ordinance Mr. Lanfrank reported that he reached out to Dr. Cosmas Curry and School Board member Tameko Patterson to schedule a meeting to discuss the LERTA Ordinance. He was advised that after the School Board and the Administration finish preparing the plans for opening school safely, they will be in contact with him to set up a meeting. Consideration to confirm that temporary signs can be used by the organizers of First Saturday Art Walks to direct the public to the art galleries and areas where art will be displayed Jody Singer and Mary Evanisko were present for this discussion. A motion was made by Mr. Abell, seconded by Mr. Weiss to approve the aforementioned request. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) New Business Consideration to schedule a Public Hearing for An Ordinance to Establish Regulations for the Use of Fireworks in the Borough of Stroudsburg A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Ms. McCabe to schedule a public hearing for consideration of the aforementioned Ordinance for the August 18, 2020 Council meeting. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Mr. Abell advised that the Ordinance will require some references to be inserted prior to publication. Consideration to schedule a Public Hearing for An Ordinance to Regulate Dog Barking and the Curbing of Dogs in the Borough of Stroudsburg A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Abell to schedule a public hearing for consideration of the aforementioned Ordinance for the August 18, 2020 Council meeting. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Mr. Abell advised that the Ordinance will require some references to be inserted prior to publication. Consideration to schedule a Public Hearing for An Ordinance of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Amend Chapter 19, Signs and Billboards, Part 1 Sandwich Board Signs, Section §19-103 1. E. Entitled “Design and Display Requirements” of the Stroudsburg Borough Code A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Abell to schedule a public hearing for consideration of the aforementioned Ordinance for the August 18, 2020 Council meeting. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Consideration to adopt a Resolution Authorizing the County of Monroe Board of Commissioners to Submit an Application for the Community Development Block Grant- Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Program Funds in the Amount of $64,913 on Behalf of the Borough of Stroudsburg The aforementioned Resolution was adopted on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Ms. DeVries. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Mr. Abell reported that he approached the School Board to see if the Borough could obtain a list of families in Stroudsburg Borough that would meet the income threshold who might need assistance with access to broadband/internet. He contacted Blue Ridge Communications to see what they offer. Currently they would offer installation and two months for free for families that qualify (a retail value of $312.60 after taxes); he has a call in to the supervisor and will ask if there may be a discount for a municipality. This concept was discussed at the July 21, 2020 meeting as an alternate program under the CDBG-CV application. Consideration to Authorize the Council President, Mayor and Borough Manager to Execute a Cooperation Agreement between the County of Monroe and the Borough of Stroudsburg for the Administration of the Monroe County CDBG-CV Program A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Mr. Abell to approve the aforementioned agreement. Mr. Abell asked if the administration portion of the grant is a percentage and does it correctly reflect the administrative work that goes in to the grant. He felt that it was a little high and that perhaps, the Borough could administrate the grant on its own. Mr. Ace will reach out to the Executive Director of the Monroe County Redevelopment Authority for that information. Mr. Smith asked if the public is aware of what the Council is voting on at meetings. He clarified the subject of the grant application: $15,968.00 for hand sanitizer stations, $37,261.00 for a mortgage assistance program, and $11,684.00 for program administration for a total grant request of $64,913.00. A discussion ensued regarding the agenda packets and their availability to the public prior to meetings. Solicitor McDonald will work on that with the staff. The motion was not carried. (1-yes Ms. McCabe; no-6; abstain-0) A motion was made by Mr. Abell, seconded by Ms. McCabe to table this matter to the August 18, 2020 meeting as old business. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Consideration to hire a part-time, temporary Parking Enforcement Officer at the minimum probationary rate of $15.80 for a 35-hour work week A motion was made by Ms. McCabe, seconded by Mr. Abell to approve hiring a part-time, temporary Parking Enforcement Officer at the minimum probationary rate of $15.80 for a 35- hour work week. Mr. Ace explained that two of the three Parking Enforcement Officers are out on short-term disability at this time. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Consideration to Approve a Request from Tobias Sabatine to 1) paint “Black Lives Matter” on the roadway around Courthouse Square, or 2) on 7th Street from Main Street to the crosswalk at Courthouse Square, or 3) to hang “Black Lives Matter” flags around town, or 4) to work with the Pocono Arts Council on a mural(s) to be painted in town A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Weiss to deny the request. A letter dated July 30, 2020 from Derrick Herrmann, P.E., Assistant District Traffic and Operations Engineer, PennDOT Engineering District 5-0 which states that Pennsylvania State regulations (MUTCD) painting any message on the roadway which would communicate a message to road users is not permissible on a roadway open to public travel. There were 94 comments (in favor of and opposed to painting the road) and questions through Facebook livestream from the public; Ms. McCabe read a number of them during the discussion. The motion was carried. (5-yes; 2-No Ms. McCabe and Ms. DeVries; 0-abstain) A motion was made by Mr. Abell, seconded by Ms. McCabe to refer Mr. Sabatine to the Public Relations/Media Committee to formulate an appropriate venue and a plan that would be brought back to Council. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Consideration to approve a request from Donte Stokes to paint mural(s) on either 3rd Street, North 4th Street, North 7th Street at Courthouse Square or North and South 8th Street A motion was made by Ms. McCabe, seconded by Mr. Abell to refer Mr. Stokes to the Public Relations/Media Committee to formulate a plan that would be brought back to Council. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Consideration to approve a request from Mehmet Barzev, Emergency Management Coordinator, to obtain certification through the International Association of Emergency Managers at the cost of $700.00 A motion was made by Mr. Abell, seconded by Mr. Weiss to approve the request from Mr. Barzev to obtain certification through the International Association of Emergency Managers t the cost of $700.00. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Consideration to take action on a recommendation of the Historical Architectural Review Board in connection with an application of John A. Young of MKSD Architects for an addition and renovations to the Jacob Stroud Mansion at 900 Main Street. The Historical Architectural Review Board meets on Monday, August 3, 2020 A motion was made by Mr. Abell, seconded by Ms. McCabe to table consideration of the aforementioned application until the August 18, 2020 meeting. The Council needs more time to review all of the documentation. It was noted that the 90-day period will expire on August 18, 2020. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Consideration to schedule a Public Hearing for An Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, Amending Chapter 15, Motor Vehicles and Traffic, of the Stroudsburg Code of Ordinances. This Ordinance will add 529 Thomas Street to §316 “Handicapped Parking Zones” A motion was made by Ms. McCabe, seconded by Mr. Weiss to schedule a public hearing for consideration of the aforementioned Ordinance at the August 18, 2020 meeting. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Consideration to approve a request from Tracy Tomlinson to conduct the Annual Scott Street Neighborhood Block Party from 12:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 29, 2020. The request also includes permission to close Scott Street from 7th Street to 8th Street A motion to approve the request was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Ms. McCabe. Mr. Abell expressed concern about social distancing at the block party and how that would be accomplished. Ms. McCabe rescinded her second on the motion. Mr. Smith rescinded his motion. A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Weiss to table consideration on this request until the August 18, 2020 meeting. The staff was directed to work with Mrs. Tomlinson on a plan for social distancing. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Committee Reports Codes Committee -Mr. Abell noted that the fireworks ordinance and the dog barking ordinance came from the Codes Committee as a recommendation to Council. The Committee is working on other topics that he will discuss with Council in the future. Budget Committee – no report. Parking Committee – Ms. McCabe advised that two parking enforcement officers are out on disability, so it is difficult to have a meeting this month. She advised that the compact car parking space on Lower Main Street just before Kitson Street was removed by Ordinance and the sign will be taken down. Recycling Committee – no report. Sewer Committee – no report. Street Committee –Mr. Smith advised that the Street Committee will meet on August 5, 2020 at 3:30 P.M. via Zoom.com. Mr. Abell asked about the status of the lane lines for Lower Main Street. Mr. Ace has not received any clarification from Penn DOT yet; he will follow up with Penn DOT. Mayor Probst asked about the status of the Borough’s Special Event Permit Application to Penn DOT in connection with the outdoor dining. Mr. Ace has not received their determination yet. Mr. Abell asked that the Street Committee follow up with the traffic consultant. Personnel Committee – no report. Public Relations/Media Committee – Mayor Probst advised that the Committee will meet at 6:30 P.M. on August 18, 2020 just before the next Council meeting. They will meet with Mr. Sabatine and Mr. Stokes. The Committee will be discussing alternate plans for Concerts in the Park. Redevelopment Committee –Mr. Abell advised that the Committee will meet on August 19, 2020 at 3:30 P.M. The proposed height ordinance has been sent to the Monroe County Planning Commission and the Stroudsburg Borough Planning Commission for review and recommendation. I-80 Expansion Task Force - Mayor Probst advised that there are no environmental reports from Penn DOT yet. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission – No report. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission – No report. Mayor’s Report Mayor Probst asked about the status of the light on Thomas Street. Mr. Ace reported that PPL has not done their hook up; he will follow up with them. The improvements that Met-Ed made seem to have been helpful through the recent storm; all of Main Street maintained power. Council Member Reports Mr. Smith asked if a Borough employee is monitoring Messenger through the Borough’s Facebook page. Mr. Lanfrank responded that he, Mayor Probst, Ms. McCabe, Ms. DeVries, and Mr. Evanisko (Council President and members of the Public Relations-Media Committee) have access to Messenger. A discussion ensued about the Borough’s Facebook page and Messenger. Ms. McCabe suggested that the Public Relations-Media Committee work on a formal public relations policy that would be brought to Council. Mr. Weiss reported that traffic is backing up on McConnell Street because only one of the three drive up lanes is open at Wells Fargo Bank. He is concerned that an accident will happen. Mr. Ace was directed to contact the bank about the issue and to follow up with the SARPD Police Chief. The public also commented on this dangerous situation. Solicitor’s Report Solicitor McDonald reported that he reviewed the agreement between CGI Video and the Borough which is the subject of a promotional video that CGI is doing for the Monroe County Commissioners. The Borough would be a component of that, and that component would be made available to the Borough if it was needed for the Borough website or social media. The Borough would have final editorial comment about its component before it is released. There is no cost to the Borough. There was a need for an executive session for two legal matters. Manager’s Report Mr. Ace had nothing to report. Street Superintendent’s Report Mr. Ace reported that John Schnatter moved to his previous position as a Municipal Worker A. The Street Superintendent position is being advertised again. Mr. Ace is supervising the Street Department in the interim. Approval of Bills on Warrants 200804 A motion was made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Weiss to approve the payment of Bills on Warrants 200804. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) Public Input for Non-Agenda Items Adam Courtney asked about the status of 124 R Lee Avenue. Mr. Kimes responded that the property has been referred to the Monroe County Redevelopment Authority Land Bank. A property on Scott Street was also referred to their office. Mr. Kimes will be meeting with the Land Bank Committee on August 6, 2020. Jeremiah Williams asked if he can plant flowers in the corner of the Pocket Park on 6th Street. He was referred to Mr. Ace. Ted Hoyt and Bruce Wayne expressed concern about the possibility of McConnell Street becoming a two-way street. Mr. Abell is reviewing a preliminary traffic study so that truck will not have to enter Lower Main Street to continue North on 5th Street. There is no proposal at this time. Executive Session, re: Legal matters A motion was made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Ms. McCabe at 8:51 P.M. to go in to an executive session for the purpose of discussing litigation. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) The executive session was concluded at 9:15 P.M. on a motion made by Mr. Weiss, seconded by Ms. McCabe. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0) There was nothing to report from the executive session. The meeting was adjourned 9:17 P.M. on a motion made by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Abell. The motion was carried. (7-yes; no-0; abstain-0)