MINUTES

 

Stroudsburg Borough Council Meeting

 

Thursday, April 21, 2011 - 7:15 PM

 

  1. The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. Roll Call was taken by Barbara K. Quarantello. Present were: Kim Diddio, Eric Scelza, Matt Abell, Joanne Kochanski, Neil Allen and Boyd Weiss. Mayor Baughman and Solicitor, Ralph Matergia, were also in attendance. Council member, Jeff Ewen, was absent.

 

  1. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

 

  1. There were no members of the public in attendance for public input at this time.

 

  1. Approval of Council Meeting Minutes from 4-6-2011 ; motion made by Joanne Kochanski to approve; seconded by Matt Abell; motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Monthly Administrative Reports: motion by Matt Abell to approve the reports as submitted, seconded by Eric Scelza; motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Treasurer’s Reports for January 2011: motion made by Eric Scelza to approve; seconded by Joanne Kochanski; motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Old Business:

 

    1. Ironman Triathlon – report offered by Rich Adler of the Ironman Triathlon group. All is proceeding smoothly. They have 1,500 athletes from all around the world registered for this event; 45% of them are from Pennsylvania . Mr. Adler provided an updated handout to Council members for their review. The bike route has been modified from earlier submissions where Route 80 and 209 join; this is reflected in the handout provided. The Pennsylvania State Police are in the process of reviewing the submission and will provide their approval at the appropriate time. The finish line of the event has been changed slightly to end heading east on Main Street , towards the Sherman Theater, in order to take advantage of the “Oktoberfest” being planned at the same time. Rich Berkowitz was in attendance and concurred with this statement. The Ironman group needs a formal approval letter from the Borough in order to obtain their Certificate of Insurance. Motion made by Eric Scelza and seconded by Matt Abell to provide this letter, as requested. Motion passed unanimously.

 

    1. Will Daskal of the Pocono Mountain Arts Group presented a précis of the group’s annual event, scheduled for July 2, 2011 . The art show runs from 10a-4p, and they require one hour prior to opening and one hour after closing for set-up and clean-up. The only parking they need is on Seventh Street from Main to Courthouse Square . They requested meter bags; the Borough will provide them at no cost to the group. The Borough parking enforcement officers will bag the meters the night before. Motion made by Joanne Kochanski and seconded by Eric Scelza to allow the meter bags to be placed as stated. Motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. New Business:

 

    1. The March of Dimes walk scheduled for Saturday, April 30th, was approved. Motion made by Eric Scelza, seconded by Matt Abell; motion passed unanimously.
    2. The Council authorized the advertisement of an Amended Ordinance for changes to House Numbering. The public hearing on this matter will be held at the next Council meeting on May 4, 2011 .
    3. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed Garbage Ordinance as it relates to “closed containers.” This matter was referred to the Council “Codes Committee” for further review and action.
    4. Council authorized advertisement of an Amendment to the Ordinance under Chapter 15, Part 3, § 131 regarding the tow-away zone timing. The current Ordinance conflicts with the remaining code. Motion made by Eric Scelza, seconded by Joanne Kochanski to approve the advertisement for public hearing; motion passed unanimously.
    5. Certificate of Appropriateness for alterations at 913 Main Street (Monroe County Bar Association) was approved, based on the HARB recommendation. Motion made by Boyd Weiss, seconded by Joanne Kochanski; motion passed unanimously.
    6. Council approved advertisement of a change to the Outdoor Café Ordinance regarding the number of outside dining seats allowed. Public hearing to be held as soon as advertisement has been effected. Motion made by Joanne Kochanski, seconded by Matt Abell; motion passed unanimously.
    7. Council discussed a letter request from Barry Lynch of Galmay Corporation to store outdoor tables overnight on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant, as was done last year. Council member Joanne Kochanski reminded Mr. Lynch that it was allowed last year because the floors of the restaurant were being replaced. Mr. Lynch indicated that he has no indoor storage space and must transport the tables nightly to a storage unit in East Stroudsburg . Discussion ensued on possible alternatives. Council agreed that he would not be allowed to keep them out on the sidewalk. Agreement was unanimous. No motion made.
    8. Council approved request from Pocono Arts Council for street closure and free parking for the annual “Art on Main ” exhibit scheduled for May 14, 2011 . Motion made by Boyd Weiss and seconded by Joanne Kochanski; motion passed unanimously.
    9. Certificate of Appropriateness for windows and vinyl siding at 814 Monroe Street (Paul Gibson) was approved, based on the HARB recommendation. Motion made by Matt Abell, seconded by Eric Scelza; motion passed unanimously.
    10. Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations at 700 Main Street (Galmay Corporation) was approved, based on the HARB recommendation. Motion made by Boyd Weiss, seconded by Matt Abell; motion passed unanimously.
    11. “Earth Hour” as proposed by Burgail Morrow of HeartSphere was discussed. The event is scheduled for Friday night, May 22, 2011 , from 8:30 -9:30p. It involves people standing on Main Street , holding candles, to raise awareness of the need for conservation of electricity. The event organizer also hopes that businesses will turn their lights off during this hour and serve dinners by candlelight. Council questioned why the last-minute notice. It was explained that no permission needed to be granted until the organizer decided to include musicians playing on the sidewalks for atmosphere. This is a free event; no money is changing hands. The organizer hopes to have a good turnout and a better planning process in place next year. Motion made by Joanne Kochanski and seconded by Eric Scelza to approve the request; motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Solicitor’s Report – NONE

 

  1. Mayor’s Report – NONE

 

  1. Councilmembers’ Reports:

 

    1. Matt Abell reported that 538 Scott Street has a tremendous amount of garbage stacked up outside and that it has been that way for weeks. Ron Kimes will handle this complaint.
    2. Mr. Weiss reported that two lights are out in Lot #5. Brian Bond, of the Street Department, reported that the bulbs have been ordered and will be replaced. Mr. Weiss also asked about the replacement of the missing pole; Mr. Bond said that is planned for replacement this season, along with curbing in various areas. Mr. Weiss asked for a status on the street sweeper. The Borough Manager reported that the Borough is waiting for a price on the repairs needed and that she has been in contact with the Bortek repair department about it.

 

  1. Manager’s Report:

 

    1. Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center has requested a six-month extension on the bagging of parking meters at the construction zone. Council approved this extension.
    2. The Borough received a dividend check from Small and Son in the amount of $6,787.49 as a result of good claim history for 2006. There is money remaining to be paid for 2006, 2007, and 2008; however, none will be paid for 2009 due to the fire truck incident.
    3. The Borough Manager (Barbara K. Quarantello), Borough Engineer (Nate Oiler), John Motts of the Monroe County Conservation District, and Brian Bond (Street Department) met at Highland Drive and Bryant Street to review the damage that exists at the stormwater box in that location. The box is undermined and the Conservation District requires repairs to the area because that is a high-quality water area. The Engineer is working up an estimate and will provide that in time for the next meeting on May 4, 2011 . This situation must be dealt with quickly.
    4. There is a “Safe80” meeting scheduled for Friday, April 29, at 11a at the Pocono Township Municipal Building . The Borough Manager questioned whether any of the Council members would be interested in attending, and possibly having a prep meeting the day before. She will solicit responses via e-mail on this. In addition, there is a meeting with PennDOT on Wednesday, April 27, at 1p, at the Borough building for the Seventh Street Bridge project. Again, the Borough Manager asked if any of the Council members would be interested in attending.

 

  1. Howard Whidden of Club Court asked the Council if the public would have any input on the re-addressing. He stated that he never got a letter about his change of address and he is having difficulty with postal deliveries. Ron Kimes of the Zoning and Codes Office said that Jeff Wilkins, Borough Zoning and Codes Officer, was acting as liaison between the Borough and the postal service and the Control Center . He will ask Mr. Wilkins to contact Mr. Whidden to discuss the matter further.

 

  1. Approval of bills on Warrant 110421; motion made by Boyd Weiss and seconded by Eric Scelza; motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Executive Session called for at 8:08 PM ; motion made by Joanne Kochanski and seconded by Matt Abell; motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Motion to reconvene into regular session made by Joanne Kochanski at 8:40 PM; seconded by Eric Scelza; motion passed unanimously.

 

  1. Motion to adjourn by Joanne Kochanski, seconded by Matt Abell; motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.