Borough Council

MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting Tuesday, December15, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. Special Note: This meeting will be held on Zoom.com; the public may submit comments on agenda items and non-agenda items to the Borough Manager via bace@stroudsburgboro.com prior to the meeting. The public is also invited to participate via livestream by following the link on the Stroudsburg Borough Facebook page. 1. Call to Order/Roll Call - Present were: Council Member Jim Evanisko, Council Member Boyd Weiss, Mayor Tarah Probst, Solicitor Joseph McDonald, Borough Manager Brian Ace Jr., Council Vice President Matt Abelland Council Member Erica McCabe. Absent was Council Member James Smith, Council President Anthony Lanfrank, Council Member Victoria DeVries A Quorum was present. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting, December 1, 2020 Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting, December 1, 2020, Second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 4. 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. Weiss to Accept Monthly Administrative Reports, Second by Mr. Evanisko. All in favor, Motion Carries. 5. Accept Unaudited November, 2020 Treasurer’s Report. a. Bank Account Balances b. Budget to Actual Report Motion by Mr. Weiss to Accept Unaudited November, 2020 Treasurer’s Report, Second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. Old Business 6. Consideration to approve the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for Shanti House as prepared by Cornerstone Consulting Engineers and Architectural, Inc. Mr. Nate Oiler advises Shanti House is requesting this be tabled. They are waiting for the traffic control plan that would be implemented during construction. The developer’sagreement and storm water agreement are still being drafted. Solicitor McDonald is working with Attorney Wolfe and they are making progress. Once we receive the recommendation from the Borough’s Engineer for action, Shanti House will ask Council for a letter of resolution to provide to their lender, which they are still searching for, to post a financial letter of credit. The details are listed in the November 30, 2020 letter. There is a waiver for the Borough to take action through January 21, 2021. Solicitor McDonald advises Attorney Wolfe would like to make additional changes to the developer and storm water agreements which raised questions on the EDU’s and capping fee, the client is requesting further clarification. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Table the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for Shanti House as prepared by Cornerstone Consulting Engineers and Architectural, Inc, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. A. Acknowledge receipt of a letter dated November 30, 2020 from Marc R. Wolfe, Esq. for Applicant, Shanti House, LLC., to Joseph P. McDonald, Jr., Esq., for the Borough of Stroudsburg.Motion by Mr. Weiss Acknowledge receipt of a letter dated November 30, 2020 from Marc R. Wolfe, Esq. for Applicant, Shanti House, LLC., to Joseph P. McDonald, Jr., Esq., for the Borough of Stroudsburg, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 7. Consider the Subdivision and Lot Consolidation of Alpha Recycling at 2 Katz Drive, upon recommendation by the Borough of Stroudsburg’s Planning Commission for a waiver of section 403.2.Q of the SALDO and subject to the review comments in RKR Hess’ letter dated November 9, 2020. Discussion about RKR Hess’ letter dated November 9, 2020 with Mr. Sean Policelli sharing his screen to view the plan. In addition, Mr. Nate Oiler advises the minor sub-division application subject to conditions in RKR Hess’ letter dated November 9, 2020. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve the Subdivision and Lot Consolidation of Alpha Recycling at 2 Katz Drive, upon recommendation by the Borough of Stroudsburg’s Planning Commission for a waiver of section 403.2.Q of the SALDO and subject to the review comments in RKR Hess’ letter dated November 9, 2020, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve the minor sub-division application subject to conditions in RKR Hess’ letter dated November 9, 2020, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 8. Consider the waiver requests of Sean Policelli for the Alpha Recycling Land Development plan, as recommended for approval by the Borough’s Planning Commission, for 2 Katz Drive. Mr. Nate Oiler advises this was discussed and tabled at the last meeting and we are ready for action. There were four modifications requests; Section 22-402.1, 22-615-1, 26-123-1, 26-124-C, 26-Appendix B as per the November 9, 2020 letter from Mr. Benjamin Katz, between the Borough and Alpha Recycling. Motion by Mr. Weiss to approve the waiver requests of Sean Policelli for the Alpha Recycling Land Development plan, as recommended for approval by the Borough’s Planning Commission, for 2 Katz Drive, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. Solicitor McDonald advises for items 7 and 8, the Borough needs to send letters out with all the conditions of the motions. 9. Status of portable ice rink placement. Mr. Ace advises we will not be able to set-up at Quaker Alley as there are too many rocks. The spikes used to set the rink up will not go through the rocks and it is unsafe to walk with skates on. We have looked at the 3rd Street park and Bryant park. Mayor Probst advises Principle Sodl was amenable last year setting up at the high school and she will reach out for approval. 10. Status of outdoor dining/take-out. Mr. Ace advises with the Governors shut down last Thursday he spoke to Anthony and Tarah and we bagged a meter outside of every eating establishment. Ms. McCabe advises there were many comments on Facebook about free parking on Main Street and to bag all the meters to support the businesses. Discussion as we have never done this and it would entail laying off Borough employees. 11. Status of Bike Rack Project. No updates. 12. Status of LERTA Ordinance. No updates. New Business 13. Consideration to Approve Change Order #1-Final in the amount of $1,706.25 for the Lee Avenue and Stokes Avenue Paving and ADA Ramps Project for additional concrete gutter milling. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Approve Change Order #1-Final in the amount of $1,706.25 for the Lee Avenue and Stokes Avenue Paving and ADA Ramps Project for additional concrete gutter milling, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 14. Consideration to Approve Payment Request #3 (Final) in the amount of $17,755.53 plus $1,706.25 (Change Order) for the Lee Avenue and Stokes Avenue Paving and ADA Ramps Project pending the receipt of the close-out paperwork. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve Payment Request #3 (Final) in the amount of $17,755.53 plus $1,706.25 (Change Order) for the Lee Avenue and Stokes Avenue Paving and ADA Ramps Project pending the receipt of the close-out paperwork, second by Mr. Evanisko. All in favor, Motion Carries. 15. Consideration to Adopt a Resolution of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Authorize a Subrecipient Agreement Between the Borough of Stroudsburg and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe to Accomplish the Scope of Services for the Stroudsburg Emergency Mortgage Assistance Grant Program of the FY-2020 Monroe County CDBG-CV Program. Motion by Ms. McCabeto Adopt a Resolution of the Stroudsburg Borough Council to Authorize a Subrecipient Agreement Between the Borough of Stroudsburg and the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Monroe to Accomplish the Scope of Services for the Stroudsburg Emergency Mortgage Assistance Grant Program of the FY-2020 Monroe County CDBG-CV Program, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 16. Consideration to Adopt a Resolution to Authorize Brian D. Ace, Jr., Superintendent of Streets Permission to Drive the 2019 Ford F-250 Pick Up Truck between the Borough of Stroudsburg and his residence. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Adopt a Resolution to Authorize Brian D. Ace, Jr., Superintendent of Streets Permission to Drive the 2019 Ford F-250 Pick Up Truck between the Borough of Stroudsburg and his residence, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 17. Discuss the placement of the Keystone Marker for McMichael’s Creek.Mr. Abell advises this involves donating $250 to the volunteer group who found and restored the post. Rotary Park was recommended. Motion by Mr. Weiss to recommend the placement of the Keystone Marker for McMichael’s Creek at Rotary Park with a cost of $250, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 18. Consideration to Approve 2021 Cost of Living Increases for fourteen (14) retirees. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve 2021 Cost of Living Increases for fourteen (14) retirees, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 19. Consideration to direct the Borough Manager to send letters of appreciation to the Monroe County Commissions for the CGI Communications Video of Stroudsburg Borough and to Blue Revolver and Netflix for the holiday lighting display on the 600 block of Main Street.  Motion by Ms. McCabe to direct the Borough Manager to send letters of appreciation to the Monroe County Commissions for the CGI Communications Video of Stroudsburg Borough and to Blue Revolver and Netflix for the holiday lighting display on the 600 block of Main Street and to the Pocono Visitors Bureau for monies donated for the ice rink and mural, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 20. Acknowledge receipt of a letter dated November 25, 2020 from Christine Miller, Clerical Supervisor, Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields Program to David Zenko, Alpha Recycling Hwy 80, Inc. re: Receipt of Remedial Investigation Report and Cleanup Plan for 2 Katz Drive. Solicitor McDonald advises the DEP is acknowledging this letter and they have 90 days to respond. Mr. Nate Oiler advises this is about the applicant removing soil and related to cleanup and required by MPDES. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Acknowledge receipt of a letter dated November 25, 2020 from Christine Miller, Clerical Supervisor, Environmental Cleanup and Brownfields Program to David Zenko, Alpha Recycling Hwy 80, Inc. re: Receipt of Remedial Investigation Report and Cleanup Plan for 2 Katz Drive, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries 21. Committee Reports A. Codes Committee –The next meeting is December 23rd at 3:30pm and will be continuing working on the developing of new Ordinances. B. Budget Committee– The Committee has not met. Council needs to respond about the emailed budget sent out. C. Parking Committee– The next meeting will be in January D. Recycling Committee - No Report E. Sewer Committee - No Report F. Street Committee– The Committee met and is working on the 5-point intersection reconfiguration, Mr. Guthrie will write a letter to Penn Dot. Mr. Ace will follow-up with RKR Hess on Street paving bond and paving costs. Neighborhood speed control and moveable radar signs or rubber speed bumps. Mr. Ace is researching costs. Is the Crosswalk art still on the table. Street opening degradation fees are good. PPL utility pole on Ann Street and also the light that is out on Thomas. There was a drawing about lines on Lower Main to help with speeding, Penn Dot would need to approve. ETA for Glen Park shared bike lanes, the cost would be $1,200. Taking back Main Street from Penn Dot, we spoke to the Mayor and Director of Public Works of Easton. Penn Dot is requesting we send a letter of interest and Penn Dot will forward to Harrisburg. Mayor Probst in 2021 will chair the Streets Committee. Motion by Ms. McCabe to send a drawing to Penn Dot about lines on Lower Main, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Weiss to send a letter to Penn Dot about taking back Main Street from 5th to 9th, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. G. Personnel Committee– We have been getting some resumes in and are waiting for Mr. Smith to be available to review. Mr. Scott Fiore’s agency is not available. Anyone interested should send their resume to Mr. Ace at the Borough.  H. Public Relations/Media Committee - The Committee met tonight. The mural is going up on Quaker Alley, thank you to the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau. We are working on Stroudsburg’s welcome signs. Working on the flags and are looking for additional Veterans flags for minority soldiers from WWI. We are looking to do flags for Pride Day and June tenth. Adam Courtney is new to the Committee and we are working on plans for 2021. The Netflix PR hit over 125K people in 2 days. I. Redevelopment Committee– The next meeting is tomorrow at 3:30pm and will be discussing Open Space Impact J. I-80 Expansion Task Force Committee– No Meeting but Kris Battle will be writing a letter to Penn Dot about the shortness in funding. K. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission– No Report Ms. Quinn will advertise 2021 dates for all Committees. Codes – meets the 4th Wednesday each month 3:30 Budget - doesn’t meet regularly Parking - meets the 4th Tuesday each month 4:30 Recycling– joint with East Stroudsburg Sewer – doesn’t meet regularly Streets - meets the 1st Wednesday each month 3:30 Personnel - doesn’t meet regularly Public Relations – meets at 6:15pm prior to the 2nd Council meeting each month Redevelopment - meets the 3rd Wednesday each month 3:30 I-80 Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation 22. Mayor’s Report – Mayor Probst has thanked everyone from Netflix, the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau has put out a Business Relief fund. The Fireman’s display began yesterday on Ann Street, it’s a good way to donate to the Fire Department. The businesses would like the Netflix lights to stay up throughout the winter. Mr. Ace advises the downtown lights are getting old, each time there is precipitation it takes 2 guys to re-lite each tree and its very time consuming. The Mattioli Fund does the flowers and would like Mr. Ace to reach out to Tricia at the Apple Tree to water the flowers, we would be paid. 23. Council Member Reports. No Reports. 24. Solicitor’s Report– Solicitor McDonald has one litigation item for Executive Session and needs Mr. Nate Oiler and Mr. Ron Kimes to join. 25. Manager’s Report - Mr. Ace advises Ms. Quinn sent out the updated Covid 19 procedures last week. We have quite a few people out and are going into the snow storm with some employees out. 26. Code Enforcement Officer’s Report. No Report 27. Street Superintendent’s Report. No Report 28. Approval of Bills on Warrants 201215. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve Bills on Warrants 201215, second by Mr. Evanisko All in favor, Motion Carries. 29. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items. Mr. Adam Courtney is asking if there is any update on 124 Lee Avenue, Rear. Solicitor McDonald advises this is a pending item and needs to be followed up. 30. Executive Session. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Adjourn to Executive Session at 8:01pm, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Re-convene Regular Session at 8:36pm, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 31. Adjournment Motion byMr. Weiss to Adjourn at 8:36pm, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries.