`PARADISE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 5, 2008
Call to Order
Chair Keesler called the August 5, 2008 regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors to order at 4:32 PM at the Paradise Township Municipal Building.
Roll Call
Officials Present:
Dennis Keesler—Chair
Louise Troutman—Vice-Chair
Reda Briglia—Secretary/Treasurer
John Prevoznik—Solicitor
Robert Safin—Roadmaster
Dean Woodling—Sewage Enforcement Officer
Charles Unangst—Hanover Engineering
Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Keesler.
Public Comment Statement
Keesler read the public comment statement “Ladies and gentlemen, before the Board of Supervisors votes on any matter, the Board will allow for public comment on that particular item. If you wish to be heard at that time, please raise your hand, and you will be recognized.”
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Troutman to approve the June 17, 2008 minutes as presented which now includes the Woodland Road Public Hearing information.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Troutman moved and seconded by Keesler to approve the July 1, 2008 minutes as presented with the following corrections: June 17 minutes on Page 5 2005 Ford should read 2000 Ford (this motion was made on July 1 but inadvertently missed in the minutes) and on Page 3 the motions were tabled until July 15 not June 15.
Call to vote: Keesler-aye; Troutman-aye; Briglia (abstained-not present).
Motion: Troutman moved and seconded by Briglia to approve the July 15, 2008 minutes as presented.
Call to vote: Troutman-aye; Briglia-aye; Keesler (abstained-not present).
Bucket Truck Bid
Briglia stated that the purchase of a bucket truck was advertised in the Pocono Record on July 17 and 22. Briglia reported that three bids packages were supplied to potential bidders and that one bid was submitted. Briglia reported that Elaine Diaz and she opened the bid this afternoon at 1:00 PM as advertised. Opdyke Inc. bid a 2004 Ford F550 for $39,500.00. Solicitor Prevoznik reviewed the bid documents and stated that everything appears to be in order although he cannot verify that the cashier’s check for $3,950.00 is authentic. Solicitor Prevoznik stated that counterfeit cashier’s checks are becoming a problem. Safin verified that the truck specs meet the bid requirements.
Motion: Troutman moved and seconded by Briglia to award the purchase of the bucket truck to Opdyke’s for the 2004 Ford F550 with 114,430 miles.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Keesler to cut the check for $39,500.00 to Opdyke’s and obtain insurance for Safin to complete the purchase of the truck.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Keesler moved and seconded by Troutman for Safin to advertise the old bucket truck for sale.
Motion carried 3-0.
Reports
Roadmaster Report (Report on File)
Mr. Safin was present and read his report.
Briglia asked if the Township would need to press charges against the two minors apprehended on Friday for breaking into the “Roof”. The Board agreed to press charges if necessary.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Troutman to approve having the basketball court, pavilion area and municipal complex seal coated per the quote of $1200.00 to $1500.00 for the basketball court and pavilion area and $4,540.00 for the municipal complex by ACR Seal Coating.
Motion carried 3-0.
Sewage Enforcement Officer (Report on File)
Woodling was present and read his report.
Zoning Officer (Report on File)
Briglia stated that Brady reviewed the Zoning Officer’s report with her earlier today since Brady would not be present tonight.
Briglia reported on the planning issues starting on Item 4.a. regarding the Pocono Mountain School District new elementary school stating that Mr. Linder and Brady did a
site visit on July 31 and Mr. Linder would be submitting his report shortly. Briglia read Item 4.c stating that AMMRE Holdings, LLC has applied for a NPDES permit for their minor subdivision. Briglia read Item 4.d. regarding RGC Development. The Board discussed the review procedure for the planning module and land development plan. After discussion the Board agreed that Achterman Associates will continue to review the land development plan and Hanover Engineering will continue to review the planning module. Solicitor Prevoznik recommended that a letter be sent to Attorney Matergia, representing Greenspring Development, asking what authority Mt. Pocono Borough has to dump sewage into Paradise Township without a land development plan. Safin stated that he has concerns regarding Trinity Hill Road. Attorney Prevoznik recommended that Safin put his concerns in writing to be forwarded to Greenspring Development’s engineer. Briglia read Item 4.i regarding the Verizon cell tower conditional use permit. Solicitor Prevoznik stated that the decision has been completed. Briglia read Item 4.j. regarding the Cingular conditional use permit application and presented revised site plans to the Board for their review. Briglia read Item 4.k. stating that Lou Cozza would be present tonight to present a sketch plan for a subdivision off of Station Hill Road. Briglia read Item 4.l. stating that the Henryville Conservation Club, Inc. has submitted a conditional use permit application for a Fishing Club. The Board discussed a date for the conditional use application.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Troutman to advertise the public hearing for September 16 at 5:30 PM.
Motion carried 3-0.
Briglia continued to review the Zoning Officer’s Report regarding other zoning issues and read Item 5.c. regarding the ESRI software and training.
Motion: Briglia moved and Troutman seconded to rescind the previous motion for Pocono GIS to provide training for the ESRI software.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Briglia moved Troutman seconded to approve training for the ESRI software by Borton-Lawson.
Motion carried 3-0.
Briglia reported on item 5.d. regarding Holiday Glen. Solicitor Prevoznik will follow up with Brady on the continuing violation.
Briglia stated that Brady also submitted a proposed Certificate of Appreciation to Boy Scout Troop 89 for their work on cleaning up trash on Devils Hole Creek for approval.
Motion: Troutman moved and second by Keesler to send Troop 89 the Certification of Appreciation along with a thank you letter from the Board.
Motion carried 3-0.
Solicitor’s Report
Noorwood Estates
Solicitor Prevoznik presented the signed stormwater management agreements for Noorwood Estates.
Gilmore Associates
Solicitor Prevoznik reviewed the agreement from Gilmore Associates to provide project administration, coordination with Township and DEP for meetings, attendance at a meeting with DEP and Township representative(s) to work on a concept of proposed storm water improvements at the municipal complex.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Troutman to approve the proposed agreement.
Motion carried 3-0.
M & M Realty
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that he has spoken with Attorney Vinsko representing M & M Realty and that he will be contacting Briglia regarding the unpaid statements.
Executive Session
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that he had executive session items.
Unfinished Business
Intermunicipal Building Code Enforcement Program (IMBCEP)
Troutman reported that she attended the last IMBCEP work session. Troutman stated that a Hearing Appeals Board has been formed and Attorney DeStefano has been hired as their solicitor. Keesler read a paragraph from the July 17 work session regarding problems associated with Keesler presenting letters from Solicitor Prevoznik the night of the work sessions. Keesler stated that the letters were provided to the participating municipalities prior to the work sessions. There was further discussion regarding the IMBCEP hiring an attorney. Troutman presented a list of expenses incurred by Coolbaugh Township requesting payment of our portion of $264.56.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Troutman to pay the expenses of $264.56 from 2/17/07 to 7/2/08.
Motion carried 3-0.
Troutman stated that IMBCEP wants Paradise Township to stay in the intermunicipal agreement and agree to pay an equal share for an attorney for the IMBCEP. Solicitor Prevoznik has written several letters outlining the various problems with the intermunicipal agreement. After discussion the Board agreed to table further discussion and action until our next regular meeting scheduled for August 19.
Sketch Plan
Mr. Lou Cozza was present and presented a sketch plan for a conservation subdivision with 7 lots off of Station Hill Road. Sketch plans for the parcel has been before the Board numerous times in the past. Station Hill Road is a cul-de-sac and the sketch plan proposes a cul-de-sac off of Station Hill Road of approximately 3,700 feet. The Paradise Township SALDO requires a cul-de-sac not to exceed 1,500 feet. Mr. Cozza explained that his client would like to develop the property. After further discussion and review of the sketch plan Briglia stated that she could not see how the Board could approve this sketch plan when this Board and previous Boards have denied similar plans. There was discussion on Station Hill Road being extended as a loop back to Route 191. Mr. Cozza said that this would be very difficult due to the topography and wetlands. Keesler and Troutman agreed that this sketch plan should not be approved.
EMS Building – Stove, Refrigerator, and Propane Tank
Briglia stated that Mt. Airy has contacted her and requested that the Township purchase a stove and refrigerator and make arrangements for the installation of the propane tank.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Troutman to approve purchasing the stove and refrigerator and installing the propane tank.
Motion carried 3-0.
Safin stated he would follow up on the size of the propane tank needed.
Barrett/Paradise EMS
Troutman presented a list of requirements and goals with due dates for Barrett/Paradise EMS. The Board reviewed the list and approved presenting it to the Barrett/Paradise EMS.
New Business
Amerigas Propane Bid
Briglia stated that she had followed up on the propane bid awarded by Pocono Mountain COG. Briglia reported that H.J. Davis will charge to remove both of the 1,000 gallon tanks and the small tank at the roof. Briglia reported that Amerigas will not use the current tanks. Briglia stated that she has received a copy of a letter from Tobyhanna Township’s solicitor in which he informed Amerigas that Tobyhanna Township is rejecting their bid. Robbin Morgan was present and questioned why the tanks cannot just be left set. Jeff Evans was present and stated that Lake Naomi Club owns their tanks and any propane company will deliver propane. Briglia reviewed the cost of propane for 2007 and 2008 to date.
Motion: Keesler moved and seconded by Troutman to reject the bid from Amerigas through Pocono Mountain COG and keep our service with H.J. Davis.
Motion carried 3-0.
Mr. Evans was present and recommended that the Township check into purchasing their own tanks.
Pocono Heritage Land Trust
Carol Hillestad and Dawn Gorham were present. Dawn Gorham updated the Board on the Open Space Funds available and that she can help the municipalities throughout the purchasing process. Dawn Gorham stated that the County had sent out a letter to landowners with over 50 acres and have received numerous replies. Carol Hillestad will be reviewing and ranking the properties and will notify the Township when completed.
American Lung Association – Radon Testing
Keesler reviewed the letter from the American Lung Association requesting a survey be completed seeking information about how the municipality is approaching the issue of radon gas, ranging from educating citizens to applying policies for new residential construction. Briglia stated that she had spoken with Solicitor Prevoznik previously on this survey and she would recommend that the survey be forwarded to Guardian Inspection Services for completion.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Troutman to forward the American Lung Association survey to Guardian Inspection Services.
Motion carried 3-0.
PARC – Past Due
Briglia reported that PARC has not paid any invoices for Catherine Needham’s salary, benefits, or telephone and mischellaneous expenses for 2008. Ms. Needham was present and stated that DCNR has not reimbursed PARC for these expenses but expected to be reimbursed shortly. Keesler recommended that this be placed on the next agenda for follow up.
Cleaning Company
Briglia reported that there have been problems with the current cleaning company in respect to adequate cleaning of both the township office and the road crews’ lunchroom and office. Safin was present and stated that the lunchroom and office are not cleaned properly. Briglia presented an estimate from Maid with Perfection that Elaine Diaz obtained. Maid with Perfection’s quote is $270.00 which is less than the current cost of $300.00.
Motion: Keesler moved and seconded by Troutman to change cleaning companies.
Motion carried 3-0.
Township Wide Yard Sale @ Roof
Brady had asked that the Board discuss holding a yard sale at the Roof for township residents but Brady was not present tonight to discuss.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Keesler to table this until the August 17 meeting.
Motion carried 3-0.
Henryville Flyfishers Conditional Use Application
Keesler stated that this was scheduled for September 16 at 5:30 PM earlier this evening.
Correspondence/Miscellaneous
Monroe County Commissioners
Keesler read the letter from Suzanne McCool, Monroe County Commissioner. Suzanne McCool wrote to the Supervisors urging the Supervisors to Just-Say-No to revising our sign ordinance. Solicitor Prevoznik informed the public that currently Adams Outdoor Advertising is challenging the sign ordinance in Smithfield Township. The Board agreed not to take any action even though the letter is written on Monroe County Commissioners’ letterhead (although she states she is not representing the commissioners) and that there are many misstatements in her letter. The audience agreed that no further time should be spent on this.
CDL Class
Keesler stated that training for CDL supervisory personnel will be held on September 10 at the Borough of Stroudsburg. Keesler stated he would be attending. Briglia stated that she would attend and recommended that the roadmaster and assistant roadmaster attend. Briglia will follow through on registration.
LTAP Class
Keesler stated that a LTAP workshop is scheduled regarding bonding of roads. Solicitor Prevoznik stated he would check his schedule and possibly attend.
Household Hazardous Waste
Keesler read the information from the Monroe County Municipal Waste Authority regarding hazardous household waste collection on September 13 and 14.
Other Business/Public Comment
Police Task Force
Briglia stated that she has two additional items. Briglia stated that she had sent a letter to Barrett Township Board of Supervisors requesting participation through DCED for a regional police study. Briglia reported that she has received a letter from Barrett Township Board of Supervisors declining to participate. After discussion the Board agreed to request participation from Pocono Township Board of Supervisors.
PARC
Mr. Unangst stated that Hanover Engineering has visited Seven Pines Park and has met with Brick Linder. Mr. Unangst presented an estimate of $7,200.00 -- $7,500.00 to complete the engineering work for Phase 1A. Mr. Unangst also presented an estimate
for the engineering for the entire Seven Pines Park plan of $83,000.00 -- $92,800.00. The Board agreed to write to the other participating municipalities to receive permission to complete the engineering for Phase 1A and to request them to pay 1/3 of the cost for Phase 1A. This letter is needed to comply with the intergovernmental agreement. Briglia stated she would draft a letter and forward to Solicitor Prevoznik for review.
Municipal Waste Collection
Robbin Morgan was present and questioned why the Township is considering municipal waste collection. Mrs. Morgan explained that she recycles almost everything and only ends up with one bag per trash per month and feels that it is unfair to tax everyone the same rate for trash pick up no matter if it is 1, 2 or 4 bags. Keesler explained that the township is only in the researching aspect of municipal trash pick up and that we held a work session earlier this evening regarding this. Mrs. Morgan stated she could not make 4:00 PM work sessions. Keesler stated that we would be discussing this more at regular meetings. Mrs. Morgan stated that she feels it will not help solve the problem of trash dumping in Paradise Township.
Executive Session
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Keesler to adjourn the regular meeting and go into an executive session for real estate and personnel matters at 6:56 PM.
Motion carried 3-0
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Troutman to reconvene the regular meeting at 7:11 PM. Keesler stated that real estate and personnel matters were discussed in executive session.
Motion carried 3-0
Adjournment
There was no further business or public comment.
Motion: Troutman moved and seconded by Keesler to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 PM.
Motion carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Reda Briglia
Secretary