Borough Council

SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Continuation from Monday, April 12, 2021 To Tuesday, April 20, 2021 7:00 P.M. 1. Consideration to approve the intent of the Brodhead Creek Regional Authority to allow Sanofi to discharge wastewater within a range between 6.0 and 9.0 which is consistent with the Sewer Treatment Agreements of the Wastewater Municipalities. Motion by Mr. Smith to Re-Convene the Special Meeting, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. Discussion about the meeting with BWA who has no issues between BCRA and Sanofi. There is no evidence this will cause environmental issues and this would bring us into range. The Sewer Committee should look into the rate percentages. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve the intent of the Brodhead Creek Regional Authority to allow Sanofi to discharge wastewater within a range between 6.0 and 9.0 which is consistent with the Sewer Treatment Agreements of the Wastewater Municipalities, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 2. Adjournment. Motion by Mr. Smith to Adjourn Special Meeting at 7:06pm, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. MINUTES Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting Tuesday, April 20, 2021 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 lkopp@stroudsburgboro.comprior 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 James Smith, Council Member Boyd Weiss, Mayor Tarah Probst, Solicitor Joseph McDonald, Council President Anthony Lanfrank, Borough Manager Lawrence E. Kopp, Council Vice President Matt Abell, Council Member Victoria DeVries and Council Member Erica McCabe. Quorum was present. 2. Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Hearing and Consideration to Adopt An Ordinance Amending the Stroudsburg Borough Zoning Ordinance, Stroudsburg Borough Code Chapter 27, Attachment 1 Table of Non-Residential Zoning District Use Requirements Changing Existing Land Uses from Special Exception (SE) to Permitted (P), Adding or Changing the Title of Certain Land Uses, and Amending the Zoning District Schedule Where Uses Appear. Solicitor McDonald advises this was properly advertised. Motion by Mr. Abell to Close An Ordinance Amending the Stroudsburg Borough Zoning Ordinance, Stroudsburg Borough Code Chapter 27, Attachment 1 Table of Non-Residential Zoning District Use Requirements Changing Existing Land Uses from Special Exception (SE) to Permitted (P), Adding or Changing the Title of Certain Land Uses, and Amending the Zoning District Schedule Where Uses Appear, Second by Mr. Weiss All in favor, Motion Carries. Motion by Mr. Abell to Adopt An Ordinance Amending the Stroudsburg Borough Zoning Ordinance, Stroudsburg Borough Code Chapter 27, Attachment 1 Table of Non-Residential Zoning District Use  Requirements Changing Existing Land Uses from Special Exception (SE) to Permitted (P), Adding or Changing the Title of Certain Land Uses, and Amending the Zoning District Schedule Where Uses Appear, Second by Mr. McCabe.Lengthy discussion about coin operated car wash (item 13) and warehousing (item 23) uses in addition to making changes by special exception and not by permitted right within the specific district. Mr. Abell will bring back to the Codes Committee and advises this is a living document and can continually change. Public input by Kerri Manning. All in favor Voting YES with Mr. Smith and Mr. Weiss Voting NO, Motion Carries. 4. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting, April 6, 2021. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Approve Council Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting, April 6, 2021, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 5. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes for the Special Meeting, April 12, 2021. Motion by Mr. Abell to Approve Council Meeting Minutes for the Special Meeting, April 12, 2021, second by Mr. Evanisko. All in favor Voting YES with Mr. Smith, Ms. DeVries and Ms. McCabe Abstaining. 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. Smith to Accept Monthly Administrative Reports, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 7. Accept Unaudited March, 2021 Treasurer’s Report. a. Bank Account Balances b. Budget to Actual Report Motion by Ms. McCabeAccept Unaudited March, 2021 Treasurer’s Report, second by Mr. Smith. All in favor, Motion Carries. Old Business 8. Consideration to Approve the Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for Shanti House as prepared by Cornerstone Consulting Engineers and Architectural, Inc.The applicant filed a Waiver of Borough Decision Deadline through May 31, 2021. 9. Consider the quotations received for the Main Street banners. Motion by Mr. Abell to Approve Quote #3from Ali Graphics (option B @ $750) for the Main Street banners, second by Mr. Evanisko. All in favor, Motion Carries. 10. Consideration to Approve a request from Muscle Inc. Gym to conduct a powerlifting meet on Sunday, June 27, 2021 in Courthouse Square as a fundraiser for Special Olympics.Request withdrawn; Muscle Inc. has decided to move forward with a smaller charity event in their gym. 11. Consideration to Approve a request from the Pocono Chamber of Commerce LGBTQ Business Council to hold the 2021 Pocono PRIDE Festival on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 12:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. in Courthouse Square and for the placement of Progressive PRIDE Flags along Main Street during June, 2021. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Approve a request from the Pocono Chamber of Commerce LGBTQ Business Council to hold the 2021 Pocono PRIDE Festival on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 12:00 P.M.  to 5:00 P.M. in Courthouse Square and for the placement of Progressive PRIDE Flags along Main Street during June, 2021, second by Mr. Weiss. All paper-work has been submitted. All in favor, Motion Carries. Public input from Michael Moreno. 12. Consideration to Approve the closure of Monroe Street between 6th Street and 7th Street from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. for First Saturday Art Walks. Motion by Ms. McCabeto Approve the closure of Monroe Street between 6th Street and 7th Street from 5:30 to 8:00 P.M. for First Saturday Art Walks, second by Mr. Weiss. All paper-work has been submitted. All in favor, Motion Carries. Public input from Mary Evanisko. 13. Consideration of a Request from Infinity Auto Spa for a reduction of $138.60 in the sewer usage fee for the first quarter of 2021 due to a burst pipe. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Approve a Request from Infinity Auto Spa for a reduction of $138.60 in the sewer usage fee for the first quarter of 2021 due to a burst pipe, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 14. Status of Bike Rack Project. Mayor Probst advises the first bike rack was installed today at the corner of 8th and Main and will be on the local news stations tonight. 15. Status of LERTA Ordinance. Mr. Lanfrank advises he and Larry Kopp sent information to Dr. Curry. The School District still does not want to meet to discuss, they are concerned they will lose tax dollars. New Business 16. Consideration of BCRA’s April 16th, 2021 Owners Meeting and an offer to examine the potential of acquiring Stroudsburg Borough’s Wastewater Collection system. Mr. Lanfrank suggests sending this to the Sewer Committee. Mr. Smith advises the BCRA Commission should have Council presence. Solicitor McDonald advises the Borough Engineer should be included at the Sewer Committee meetings. Motion by Mr. Smith toAuthorize Solicitor McDonald to gather information on the legality of who is authorized to be on the Commission, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 17. Consideration to Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Destruction Specific Records in Accordance with the Municipal Records Act of January 18, 1968 (P.L. 961, NO. 428). Motion by Mr. Smithto Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the Destruction Specific Records in Accordance with the Municipal Records Act of January 18, 1968 (P.L. 961, NO. 428), second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 18. Consideration to Approve permit-free Yard Sale Days from Saturday, May 29 to Monday, May 31, 2021. The Annual Bulk Drop-Off/Clean Up at the Borough Shed will be Saturday, June 5, 2021. Motion by Mr. Weiss to Approve permit-free Yard Sale Days from Saturday, May 29 to Monday, May 31, 2021. The Annual Bulk Drop-Off/Clean Up at the Borough Shed will be Saturday, June 5, 2021, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 19. Consideration to Approve a request from the Monroe County Bar Association to conduct the Annual Law Day Race on Sunday, May 16, 2021.  Motion by Ms. McCabe to Approve a request from the Monroe County Bar Association to conduct the Annual Law Day Race on Sunday, May 16, 2021, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 20. Consideration to Approve a request from East Stroudsburg University to hang the ESU flags on the lampposts from August 1 to November 30, 2021. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Approve a request from East Stroudsburg University to hang the ESU flags on the lampposts from August 1 to November 30, 2021, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 21. Consideration to Approve a request from Richard Berkowitz, President/CEO of the Sherman Theater, to hold the annual Stroudfest Community Festival on September 4, 2021. Discussion on paperwork submitted and Covid guidelines for an outside event.Richard Berkowitz advises the insurance certificate is on file. Motion by Mr. Abell to Conditionally Approve a request from Richard Berkowitz, President/CEO of the Sherman Theater, to hold the annual Stroudfest Community Festival on September 4, 2021, second by Mr. Smith. All in favor, Motion Carries. Public input from Michael Schroeder. 22. Consideration to Authorize the Borough Manager to forward the feedback from PennDot regarding the “Five Points Intersection Project” to the Borough Engineer for review and recommendation. Motion by Mr. McCabeto Authorize the Borough Manager to forward the feedback from PennDot regarding the “Five Points Intersection Project” to the Borough Engineer for review and recommendation, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries. 23. Consider the Application of Evelyn Pagan, as recommended for approval by the Historic and Architectural Review Board, for the installation of fencing at 709-711 Scott Street. Motion by Mr. Abellthe Application of Evelyn Pagan, as recommended for approval by the Historic and Architectural Review Board, for the installation of fencing at 709-711 Scott Street, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. 24. Consideration to Approve a new form, “Application for Event/Assembly Permit”. Motion by Mr. Smith to Approve a new form, “Application for Event/Assembly Permit”, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 25. Committee Reports A. Codes Committee– Mr. Abell advises the next meeting April 28th B. Budget Committee– No Report C. Parking Committee– Ms. McCabe advises we are waiting to hear back from the County if they want 2 additional spaces on Sarah Street. The next meeting will be April 27th. D. Recycling Committee - No Report E. Sewer Committee– Mr. Lanfrank advises a meeting date will be set. F. Street Committee– Mayor Probst advises the Committee met April 7th. The Committee discussed waiting on the 5 points intersection; we are waiting to hear back from Penn Dot about the light at 8th and Thomas; we are speaking with RKR about ADA ramps and paving cost project; we began using battery powered speed detectors. For the turn back on Main Street, Solicitor McDonald is trying to get more information from The City of Easton’s Solicitor and Brian Ace will talk to Easton’s Public Works Manager. We are working on the art for Crosswalk signs; Concerts in the park were approved to have in Courthouse Square between 6:00pm to 8:00pm. We are working on signage for the flower tree wells. Larry is putting together a form for residents who need the sidewalk tree pruning. The next meeting is May 5th. G. Personnel Committee - No Report H. Public Relations/Media Committee– Mayor Probst advises the Committee is working on Juneteenth and pride flags. The banners were approved tonight. We are pricing a Plaque for the underground railroad. Concerts in the park is approved. Adam is working on an Antique car show. The Borough newsletter is done. I. Redevelopment Committee– The next meeting is tomorrow at 3:30. J. I-80 Expansion Task Force Committee– Kris Battle advises she met with the Governor’s office and did a drive thru with Tom Caffrey pointing out ourmain 5 issues. He was impressed with our discussion and will take back to the Governor and will try and set up a meeting with us included. Tarah and I met with Senator Kain from the Transportation Committee and his representative, he likes to get behind injustices. We also met with Senator Casey’s representatives. They do not like to go up against Penn Dot but these are safety issues. Rosemary Brown, Maureen Madden and Mike Carroll on the Transportation Committee will also be having meetings and will include us. K. Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission - The next meeting will be April 27th. 26. Mayor’s Report– Mayor Probst would like to thank the Public Works department for installing the bike racks. We have been busy with Committee reports. Stroudsburg Borough will be on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer this Sunday. 27. Council Member Reports Ms. McCabe- Advises Mayor Probst was named as one of the 100 most influential people in the Lehigh Valley. I would like to thank Tarah for all the work she does for our community. Mr. Smith – Would like automated or coin operated car wash in all districts but the residential and C-2 districts updated in the Ordinance passed earlier tonight. Mr. Abell will add to the next Codes agenda. Mr. Smith would like to discuss a walking trail/track around Glen Park. This could fall under either to Re-development or SROSRC; Ms. McCabe will bring up to SROSRC. 28. Solicitor’s Report– Solicitor McDonald advises he will have a recommendation for Stiff Oil’s request for next week’s Codes Committee meeting. Solicitor McDonald will continue to work on the Solid Waste Ordinance. The County Landbank is not pursuing the Thomas Street property. Council may want someone to reach out to the County Landbank for the reason of denial. The Lee Avenue property is under a court order; the owner would like Mr. Kimes to set up an inspection for this Thursday afternoon. The oral argument was heard for Adams Outdoor, there was a 3-member panel and the decision can take a few months. 29. Manager’s Report– Mr. Kopp has been meeting with community leaders, going through job descriptions for personnel,working on performance reviews and looking at the last 4 years of financials. 30. Code Enforcement Officer’s Report– No Report 31. Street Superintendent’s Report - No Report 32. Approval of Bills on Warrants 210420. Motion by Mr. Smith to Approve Bills on Warrants 210420, second by Mr. Weiss. All in favor, Motion Carries. 33. Public Input for Non-Agenda Items. Michael Schroeder would like Council to explore accepting payments online for permit fees through the Borough’s website opposed to paying only in person. Mary Evanisko had a question of not only the certificate insurance but filling out new forms too. Francesca would like to re-schedule the flash mob for May 9th at 1:00pm. Motion by Mr. Smith to Re-schedule the flash mob for May 9th at 1:00pm, second by Ms. McCabe. All in favor, Motion Carries. Kris Battle asked if lines can be painted in McConnell Street by Palumbo’s and McDonald’s. Mr. Ace advises once the weather get warmer, we can start painting. 34. Executive Session. No Executive Session 35. Adjournment. Motion by Ms. McCabe to Adjourn at 8:33pm, second by Mr. Abell. All in favor, Motion Carries.