MINUTES

STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING

DECEMBER 2, 2009

7:15 P.M.

1.                 Council President Kim M. Diddio called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM .   Borough Manager Barbara K. Quarantello called roll.  Members present:  Ms. Diddio, Council Vice-President Neil Allen, Council Members Joanne Kochanski, Jeffrey Ewen, Eric Scelza, and Matthew Abell. Members absent:  Council Member Boyd Weiss and Borough Solicitor Ralph Matergia.  Mayor Charles Baughman was also in attendance.

2.                 The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3.       Public Hearing:

a.       Public Hearing on a Proposed Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg that Amends the Zoning Ordinance to Add Regulations and Definitions Related to Commercial Communications Towers and Antennae and to add a Process for Conditional Uses:  There were no comments from the public.

b.       Consider Approval of a Proposed Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg that Amends the Zoning Ordinance to Add Regulations and Definitions Related to Commercial Communications Towers and Antennae and to Add a Process for Conditional Uses:  Zoning Officer Jeff Wilkins noted that the Monroe County Planning Commission has recommended changing the section of the ordinance that relates to the fall zone and the height of any proposed tower.  Discussion followed. Council felt that any changes to the ordinance could be made in the future.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Abell, to approve the ordinance.  Motion passed unanimously.

4.                 Public Input:  None

5.                 Approval of Minutes:  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to approve the minutes from the Council meeting on November 19, 2009.  Motion passed unanimously.

6.                 New Business: 

a.                  Consider 2010 Budget:  Mrs. Quarantello reviewed the budget with Council.  She noted that the budget includes a 3.5 mil increase because many of the revenues will be lower in 2010, such as EIT, transfer tax, and interest income.    Many expenses will be higher, like electric bills, health costs, and our share of the police budget.  The police budget alone uses 26 mils of real estate tax.  Mr. Scelza stated the general fund is down by $10,000 because of the decrease in revenues.  He also praised the Borough’s staff for doing a good job in 2009 in spite of cutbacks made last year.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Allen, to authorize advertising the 2010 budget and tax ordinance.  Motion passed unanimously.

b.                 Consider Donation to the Alliance to Stop I-80 Tolling to Encourage State Leaders to Repeal Act 44:  After a brief discussion, Council took no action on this matter.

c.       Discuss Increase in Parking Rates and Sewer Rates:   Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to authorize advertising an ordinance to increase expired meter fines to $7 and the late fee for expired meter tickets to $30.  The ordinance should also increase late fees for tickets for vehicles registered in New Jersey an additional $12 due to the fee we are charged by the New Jersey DMV.  Motion passed unanimously.  Ms. Diddio suggested forming a Parking Committee.

d.       Consider Authorization to Advertise an Ordinance Removing Parking on the North Side of Main Street from Pocono Creek to Elizabeth Street :  Motion b Mr. Scelza, second by Mr. Abell, to authorize advertisement.  Motion passed unanimously.  Mrs. Quarantello noted that the parking restriction would not take effect until March 1, 2010.

7.                 Solicitor’s Report:  None

8.                 Mayor’s Report:  None

9.                 Council Members’ Reports:  Mrs. Kochanski noted that the lights on Main Street in Stroudsburg are nicer than the ones she saw in Bethlehem , PA.

10.             Manager’s Report: 

a.                  Mrs. Quarantello noted that the tree for Eighth Street has been ordered.

b.                 She also presented a request from Bernadette Ewen to be nominated to serve on the Eastern Monroe Public Library Board of Directors.  The nomination has to come from the Council President.  Ms. Diddio said she would nominate Mrs. Ewen.

c.                  Mrs. Quarantello stated the Fire Department has requested permission to have their annual Christmas display on Ann Street .  They would like to have 14 meters bagged from December 10 through December 29.  The Street Superintendent will have to deliver barricades.  Motion by Mr. Scelza, second by Mr. Abell, to allow the 14 meters to be bagged for the display.  Motion passed unanimously.

d.                 Mrs. Quarantello reported that the Recycling Committee voted to close the center for drop-off only from December 24, 2009, through January 11, 2010, for yearly maintenance of equipment.   Curbside pick-up will continue.

e.                  Mrs. Quarantello stated that Council’s reorganizational meeting needs to be held the first Monday of the new year.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to authorize advertising the reorganizational meeting for January 4, 2010, at 7:15 PM.  Motion passed unanimously.

f.                   Mrs. Quarantello stated that the Planning Commission has agreed to review our sign ordinance.  It was the consensus of Council to send the ordinance to the Planning Commission for review.

11.             Approval of Bills:  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to approve the bills on warrant #091202.  Motion passed unanimously.

12.             Executive Session:  None.

13.             Adjournment:  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to adjourn.  Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8 PM.