MINUTES

 

STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING

 

AUGUST 5, 2009

 

7:15 P.M.

 

 

1.                 Council President Kim M. Diddio called the meeting to order at 7:15 PM .   Borough Manager Barb ara K. Quarantello called roll.  Members present:  Ms. Diddio, Council Members Joanne Kochanski, Boyd Weiss , Jeff rey Ewen, and Matthew Abell. Members absent: Council Vice-President Neil Allen, Eric Scelza, and Mayor Charles Baughman.   Borough Solicitor Ralph Matergia 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 Amending the Initial Baseline Formula Level of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement Establishing the Stroud Area Regional Police Department:  There were no public comments.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Ewen, to close the hearing.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

b.                 Consider Approval of an Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg Amending the Initial Baseline Formula Level of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement Establishing the Stroud Area Regional Police Department:  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Weiss, to approve the ordinance.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

4.                 Public Input: 

 

Attorney McDonald was present on behalf of Siamsa Pub.  Siamsa would like to expand their outdoor table service until 12 Midnight.  A complaint was filed because the ordinance only allows table service until 10 PM.  The kitchen at the pub is open until midnight.  In the long term they would like the Borough to amend the ordinance to allow outdoor table service until 12 Midnight; in the meantime, they would like Council to allow Siamsa to have their outdoor tables until midnight for this season.  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Weiss, to refer this issue to the staff and Codes Committee for review of the different options.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Don Cofano of 36 Greenway Avenue complained to Council about the home at 1128-1130 Dreher Avenue .  He said they are operating a roofing business out of the home, and they are parking trucks on Garden Street .  Assistant Zoning Officer Ron Kimes stated he had received calls about this property as well as one written complaint he received on July 30.  He sent a letter to the property owner, and the vehicles with unhitched trailers were ticketed.  Mr. Matergia informed Mr. Cofano of the citation process and recommended we follow the procedure outlined in the ordinance and that we retain evidence such as photos, etc.

 

Dr. Donatelli of south Stroudsburg complained to Council about the potholes on Park Avenue , Broad Street , and Bryant Street .  Council informed him that we encourage PennDOT to keep up on their state-maintained roads, and we are trying to do the best we can on our own roads with the budget we have to work with. 

 

Thomas Shaw of 115 Broad Street had questions about a property near his home that is used as a professional office and whether it is a non-conforming use.  He feels the office and its clients have an adverse affect on the parking in the neighborhood.  Mr. Wilkins said at the time the non-conforming use was approved, there were four requirements the property owner had to meet in order to receive approval.  Mr. Wilkins discussed what the four requirements were, and Mr. Shaw said he feels some of them are being violated now, especially in regards to parking.  Robeson Street is always parked full.  Mr. Matergia described the procedure to develop a residential parking district on Robeson Street .

 

Eileen Austin of Dreher Avenue spoke to Council regarding the alley behind her house.  Discussion followed.  Mr. Matergia advised Mrs. Austin to hire a lawyer so she would understand her rights as a property owner as they relate to the alley.

 

5.                 Approval of Minutes:  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to approve the minutes from the Council meeting on July 16, 2009.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

6.                 Old Business:

 

a.       Consider Request of Jacob Stroud Corporation to hold the Local Flavor Festival on Saturday August 15, 2009, from 11 AM to 3 PM:  Sharon Bonawitz from the Jacob Stroud Corporation stated they are withdrawing their request to hold this event.  It may take place in the fall in conjunction with the Autos in Autumn event.

 

b.       Discussion of the Lumber Yard Property.  The option of swapping Borough owned property with property owned by Mr. Henning was mentioned.  Ms. Diddio noted parking for the residences of the Holland Threadmill is limited and perhaps adding additional spaces would be a possibility.  If the back exit is closed off we would need to discuss right of way options.  Refer to staff to discuss all options.

 

7.                 New Business:

 

a.       Consider Approval of SROSRC to Hire Anthony Trezza for a Lifeguard Position at $8.00 Per Hour:  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Weiss, to approve.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

b.                 Review of the Land Combination Plan and the Land Development Plan of Conahan-Weiss Investment Co. for the Pocono Ambulatory Surgery Center Property on Storm Street :  Zoning Officer Jeff Wilkins stated that the applicant has requested this application be tabled.  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Weiss, to table.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

c.                  Consider Authorization for Rose Consulting, Inc., to Conduct Telecom, Data and Utility Auditing and Consulting Services:  Mrs. Quarantello stated that there is no charge to the Borough for this service.  They will review the bills we are paying for phone and electric to make sure we are being charge correctly.  They will receive a percentage of what we are reimbursed if we have been overcharged.  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Weiss, to authorize this service.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

d.                 Consider Request of Greenway Avenue Residents to Install a Street Light at the End of Greenway Avenue :  Mrs. Quarantello stated that several homeowners on Greenway sent a letter requesting the light.  It is extremely dark at the end of the street, and people congregate there at night.  They play loud music and leave lots of litter behind.  She said there is already a pole there.  We simply need to contact MEM.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Weiss, to authorize the staff to proceed with having the light installed.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

e.       Consider Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for Sharon and Steve Braithwaite for Alterations to their Building at 514 Sarah Street :  Mrs. Quarantello noted that there was a vote of 4 – 2 at the HARB meeting to recommend approval for this applicant t o install new windows and roofing.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Weiss, to approve this Certificate of Appropriateness.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

f.                   Consider Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for Theodore and Mary Ann Kowalyshyn for New Building or Structure for their Property at 714 Sarah Street : Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Weiss, to approve this Certificate of Appropriateness.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

g.       Consider Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for Joshua and Margaret Blum for New Building or Structure to Their Property at 740 Ann Street :  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Weiss to approve this Certificate of Appropriateness.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

h.                 Consider Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for Anthony Iadevaia for Alterations to his Property at 831 Main Street :  Mrs. Quarantello noted that this applicant wishes to install new windows, doors, and trim.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Weiss, to approve this Certificate of Appropriateness.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

i.        Consider Request of Kathleen Kresge, 52 Broad Street , to remove the Handicap Parking Space on Colbert Street :  Mrs. Quarantello explained that Ms. Kresge is a new tenant, and it was the previous tenant who required the handicap space.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Weiss, to authorize advertising an ordinance to remove the space.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

8.                 Solicitor’s Report:  None

 

9.                 Mayor’s Report:  None

 

10.             Council Members’ Reports:

 

Mrs. Kochanski reported that the streetlight is not fixed yet on Eighth Street between Scott and Thomas.  She also stated that the light at Eighth and Thomas comes on but is not very bright.  Mrs. Quarantello said these would be reported.

 

Mrs. Kochanski asked if flags could be placed on the Inter-borough Bridge to honor veterans in all branches of the military.  Mrs. Quarantello said we would need to contact East Stroudsburg .

 

Mrs. Kochanski mentioned that a large truck damaged the sidewalk near St. Luke’s and also that the new sidewalk on Scott Street that is only two years old is already sinking.  Mrs. Quarantello said she would look into this matter. 

 

Mr. Ewen asked if a letter had been sent to PennDOT regarding the Seventh Street Bridge .  Mrs. Quarantello said it had and that the street department noticed there were surveyors working at the bridge. 

 

Mr. Ewen thanked Mr. Weiss for fertilizing the flowers.

 

Mr. Abell reported that there is a dead tree on Scott Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets.  Assistant Street Superintendent Brian Bond stated that it is on the list of trees to be removed.

 

Mr. Weiss reported that parking appears to be limited for the residents on Sarah Street because the Sheriff’s Department has 9 meters bagged.  Mrs. Quarantello stated we are aware of the situation. 

 

Mr. Weiss also stated that the new planters on Main Street are getting filled up with bags of garbage.  Mr. Matergia said that issue is being addressed.  He also noted the statue in Courthouse Square can’t be seen due to the planters placed there.

 

Mr. Weiss asked if we could put in a crosswalk on Main Street between Fifth and Sixth Streets.  Mrs. Quarantello said we have already approached PennDOT about that, and they won’t allow it because of the sight distance.  Mrs. Kochanski noted that East Stroudsburg has one where the road is just flat, and Ms. Diddio suggested asking Mr. Phillips how they were able to get approval for their crosswalk.

 

11.             Manager’s Report:  Mrs. Quarantello reported the COG EIT Tax Collector meeting is to be held on August 31, 2009.  COG wants to join forces with other municipalities.  If Eric Scelza cannot attend the meeting, Mrs. Quarantello will attend.

 

Mrs. Quarantello mentioned the 6th Annual Council of Governments Golf Tournament on September 10, 2009. 

 

Mrs. Quarantello mentioned the Monroe County Addressing Project will start to notify residents of their new addresses sometime the end of August or early September.  It could take up to 12 months to complete the process.

 

Mrs. Quarantello stated the Scott Street project requires a payment of $28,933.89 from the CDBG money.  The total cost of the project is $107,745.00.  Motion to authorize payment by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Weiss.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mrs. Quarantello mentioned 100 motorcycles will be passing through town on September 26, 2009 and again May 21-23, 2010.

 

12.             Approval of Bills:  Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to approve the bills on warrant #080509 and #080509A.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

13.             Adjournment:  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Abell, to adjourn.  Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.