MINUTES

STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING

OCTOBER 15, 2009

7:15 PM

1.                 Council Vice-President Neil Allen called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM.  Borough Manager Barb ara K. Quarantello called roll. Members present:  Mr. Allen, Council Members Joanne Kochanski, Boyd Weiss, Matthew Abell; Jeff rey Ewen arrived at 7:16 PM, and Eric Scelza arrived at 7:20 PM.  Borough Solicitor Ralph Matergia and Mayor Charles Baughman were present. Members absent: Kim M. Diddio, Borough Council President

2.                 The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3.                 Public Input: 

Carol Kopenhaver of 214 Collins Street spoke to Council regarding issues involving the Greek Festival held twice a year in her neighborhood. Her concerns included vandalism, gang presence, alcohol use, parking problems and overall unsavory conditions during the Festival.

Ms. Kopenhaver also requested that the street parking on her block be moved back to the same side of the street as parking on the other blocks. Council Vice-President Neil Allen indicated that the Borough staff would look into the problem.

4.                 Approval of Minutes:  Motion by Joanne Kochanski to approve the minutes of the Borough Council meeting held on October 7, 2009; seconded by Matt Abell. Motion passed unanimously.

5.                 Monthly Administrative Reports:  Motion by Boyd Weiss to approve the Monthly Administrative Reports; seconded by Matt Abell. Motion passed unanimously.

6.                 Treasurer’s Report:  Motion by Boyd Weiss to approve the Treasurer’s Report; seconded by Joanne Kochanski. Motion passed unanimously.

7.                 Old Business:

a.       Discuss Middletown Place: Attorney Matergia reported that the matter had settled. Borough Manager Barb ara K. Quarantello read a letter from Middletown Venture’s attorney, Geoffrey S. Worthington, thanking Council for their willingness to hear the issue on such short notice and for their willingness to work with his client towards a prompt and sensible resolution.

b.       Consider Authorization to Advertise the Cell Tower Ordinance: Council discussed authorizing the advertising of the cell tower ordinance. Council Member Boyd Weiss expressed concern over the allowed height as stated in the ordinance and asked Council to restrict cell tower height to no more than one hundred and fifty (150’) feet. Council members weighed in on the pros and cons of restricting the height and agreed that the height shall be no more than one hundred and fifty (150’) feet. The ordinance will be revised and then advertised. Mr. Weiss made a motion for this change, and it was seconded by Jeff Ewen. Motion passed unanimously. Mrs. Quarantello indicated that the hearing on adoption of the ordinance would occur at the Council’s first meeting in December, as thirty days are needed for advertising prior to a hearing. In addition, the proposed ordinance must be presented to the Monroe County Planning Commission and the Borough Planning Commission for review.

c.       Consider Lease with Verizon Wireless to Place a Cell Tower on Borough-Owned Property: Discussion was held on the proposed lease presented by Verizon for leasing Borough property for the erection of a cell tower. The proposed economic terms as presented were unacceptable to the Borough. Solicitor Ralph Matergia will draft a letter to Verizon indicating that the Council would like to see a “balloon test” done in the area prior to any decision. Council may also entertain the idea of soliciting input from area residents prior to a final decision. Property values, the height of the proposed tower, and acceptable remuneration to the Borough are all to be considered in negotiating a lease with Verizon.

d.                 Consider Awarding the Bid for paving Fulmer Avenue and Bryant Street :  Mrs. Quarantello informed Council that a bid from Hanson Aggregates Pennsylvania, LLC, for paving was the only bid received on this project. It was in the amount of $73,306.80, which was far less than the estimate.  The project includes paving of Fulmer Avenue from Eighth Street to 282’ west of Wallace Street and paving Bryant Street from Club Court to 556’ east of Highland Drive .  She recommended Council approve awarding the bid as soon as possible. The work must be completed by October 31, 2009, in order to utilize liquid fuels funds. Eric Scelza made a motion to approve the bid and make the award; the motion was seconded by Joanne Kochanski and passed unanimously.

8.                 New Business:

a.       Consider Approval of a PLGIT Procurement Card for Office Use: Mrs. Quarantello presented information to Council regarding a PLGIT Procurement Card. This card operates in a similar fashion to a debit card and would be kept in the Borough office and controlled with the procedures currently in place. It would be used only when a vendor does not accept purchase orders or when a discount is offered with the use of a card. Eric Scelza made a motion to approve obtaining the card; Joanne Kochanski seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

b.       Consider Authorization to Send a Letter to Stroudsburg Schools and Businesses Regarding the Diesel Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act:  Council discussed sending letters to the Stroudsburg Area School District and area businesses regarding the State regulation against idling diesel engines. Joanne Kochanski moved to approve the sending of the letters; Boyd Weiss seconded the motion; it passed unanimously.

c.       Consider Authorization to Advertise Amending Part 2 of the Ordinance Governing Snow and Ice Removal from Sidewalks:  The Borough will advertise amending Part 2 of the Ordinance governing snow and ice removal from sidewalks. Joanne Kochanski moved to approve the advertisement; Boyd Weiss seconded; it passed unanimously.

d.       Consider Request of the United Veterans Organization of Monroe County to hold a Veteran’s Day Ceremony in Courthouse Square : Council considered the request from the United Veterans Organization of Monroe County to hold a Veterans’ Day ceremony in Courthouse Square on Saturday, November 7, 2009. A motion was made by Joanne Kochanski to approve the request; motion seconded by Eric Scelza; motion passed unanimously.

9.                 Solicitor’s Report:  Mr. Matergia informed Council of an appeal by the Shanti House from the Zoning Hearing Board decision on the height of a proposed building on Main Street . Appellant’s attorney, David Williamson, has requested a meeting with Council during an Executive Session to discuss possible solutions prior to a formal appeal. Council agreed to meet with Attorney Williamson.

10.             Mayor’s Report: None

11.             Council Members’ Reports:

Neil Allen reported that the Brown Street sign is bent.

Boyd Weiss questioned whether the voting machines that will be used in the Borough are compliant with ADA requirements. Input from Council members indicates that the machines can be adjusted to accommodate any needed height changes.

12.             Manager’s Report:  Mrs. Quarantello asked if any Council Members were interested in attending the annual COG dinner. Mr. Weiss may be attending; he will let Barb ara know within 24 hours.

13.             Approval of Bills:  Motion by Eric Scelza, seconded by Matt Abell, to approve the bills on warrant #101509 and warrant #10/15/09.  Motion passed unanimously.

14.             Executive Session:  Council moved to Executive Session at 8:09 PM to discuss two property issues. Motion by Eric Scelza, seconded by Matt Abell to reconvene in regular session at 8:22 p.m.

Attorney Matergia reported that he had sent a letter to Garry S. Taroli, Esq., the attorney for Eileen and Jeff Austin about concerns they have regarding the alley adjacent to their property. Discussion followed.

15.     Adjournment: Motion by Jeff Ewen, seconded by Matt Abell, to adjourn.  Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.