Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes

PARADISE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 20, 2020

Call to Order
Chair Konrath called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.   

Roll Call
Officials Present:
Gary Konrath – Chair                             John C. Prevoznik – Solicitor
Peter Gonze – Vice Chair                       Charles Unangst – Engineer
Reda Briglia - Supervisor                       Tina Transue – Secretary

Pledge of Allegiance
Konrath led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.   
                             
Public Comment Statement
Konrath 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.”
Konrath stated that the meeting is being recorded for the limited purpose of preparing the official minutes.

Approval of Minutes
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to approve the January 6, 2020 Board of Supervisors Organization meeting minutes as presented.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to approve the January 6, 2020 Board of Supervisors regular business meeting minutes as presented.
Motion carried 3-0.

Treasurer’s Report
Transue read the Treasurer’s Report.
Motion:  Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to approve the January 20 Treasurer’s Report as presented.
Motion carried 3-0.

Planning Commission Items
Cohen Law Group – Gonze stated that the Planning Commission Chairman Dave Brown was unable to attend as planned however he relayed his questions to Gonze. The Planning Commission requested permission to contact Cohen Law Group in a telephone conference to ask for clarity and guidance on drafting the Small Wireless Communications Ordinance.
Briglia suggested that a Supervisor also be present during the conference call. Gonze stated that he would be available to participate in the conference call.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Konrath to authorize Gonze to contact the Planning Commission to set up a conference call with Mr. Cohen of the Cohen Law Group and that a Supervisor should also participate in the conference call.
Motion carried 3-0.

Unfinished Business
Wyndham Hills – Konrath stated that the Township has been looking into alternate emergency exits for the Wyndham Hills Community in the case that the front entrance would be blocked off to traffic. Konrath explained that there appeared to be several easements in the records that may be used for this purpose. There is such an easement between Wyndham Hills and the Mortimer Subdivision also known as Green Chapel Lane. Charles Unangst, Hanover Engineering brought maps of the Wyndham Hills Community that showed the possible easements. The easement known as Cardinal Drive appears to be the best option for an emergency exit. Konrath stated he would have the Roadmaster go there and look at the easement for his thoughts on what the process would entail to make an emergency exit at that easement. Gonze stated that the homeowners in both developments on either side of the easement would need to be notified. Solicitor Prevoznik stated that the deeds to the house on either side of the easement should be pulled to verify the property lines and also the Township would need to have the easement surveyed.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to authorize Solicitor Prevoznik to research the deeds for the houses on either side of the easement on both Wyndham Drive and Green Chapel Lane.
Motion carried 3-0.
Kiosk – Transue explained that she received the design for the Kiosks for Paradise Discovery Park and Browns Hill Preserve and needed approval for the design.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to approve the design for the Kiosks to be installed at Paradise Discovery Park and Browns Hill Preserve.
Motion carried 3-0.
Report from BIU - Transue stated that she spoke to John Hudak from BIU in regards to BIU sending Building Code reports to Paradise Township in order to have them entered into Permit Manager. Gonze asked if the reports had all the information that the Township would like entered into Permit Manager. Transue stated that it had most of the information but not all. Konrath suggested that SFM Consulting be questioned as to what details they would like to see in a report before asking BIU for more details.

New Business
764 Red Rock Road – Resident James Harris spoke about issues concerning a house located at 764 Red Rock Road that is across the street from his house. Harris stated that the new owners of that house were up on the weekend of January 11 and 12 and were shooting weapons at targets on the property without proper backstops and setting off tannerite explosions for most of Saturday and Sunday. Harris also stated that the sight line in which they were shooting was along and toward Red Rock Road and also into the property behind them which is leased by Echo Farms Hunting Club. Harris submitted several complaint forms from other neighbors, to be forwarded to the Zoning Officer. Sharon Sterlacci, Jennifer Harris and Carol and Al Villoresi were also present to voice their concerns. A discussion ensued on target shooting on private properties within the Township. There was also discussion on how to proceediscussed.
Terry Martin – Mr. Martin presented a minor subdivision/lot consolidation plan for lands owned by Mr. Terry Martin and Paradise Brook Trout Company to the Board that was given conditional approval by the Planning Commission. Mr. Unangst shared his comment letter dated January 10, 2020 in regards to the Final Minor Subdivision/Lot Consolidation. Mr. Unangst stated that Mr. Martin made the revisions on the plans and that he received those revisions on January 16. It was determined that Mr. Martin should return with a plan td in regards to the property at 764 Red Rock Road. Solicitor Prevoznik suggested sending a letter to the State Police making them aware of the situation and sending a copy to the owners of the property as well.
It was further discussed that the Fish and Boat Commission should also be notified as they would have jurisdiction for shooting violations under the Game Code. Developing an ordinance which incorporates Gaming law standards to restrict the dangerous discharge of weapons was o show Lot 1 joined to an existing Paradise Brook Trout Company parcel by way of a joinder deed. Mr. Martin was also requesting waivers from Paradise Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Section 131-39 and Section 131-40.A.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to grant waivers from the Paradise Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance Section 131-39 allowing the plan to be drawn at a 1”= 100’ scale as opposed to a 1” = 50’ scale and also from Section 131-40.A. allowing the plan to be drawn at a 1”= 100’ scale as opposed to a 1” = 50’ scale.
Motion carried 3-0.
Unifirst Uniform Contract – Transue stated that the Unifirst driver left a Customer Service Agreement to be signed because the contract with Unifirst is currently up. Transue asked if the Board wanted her to look into other companies or continue with Unifirst. The Board directed Transue to speak to Mike Mader, Roadmaster to see if the roadcrew was happy with the uniforms and service and to proceed from there. Transue will discuss with the Roadmaster.
PPL Easement – Solicitor Prevoznik presented a Grant of Right-of-Way for a public utility easement for Ice Lake for PPl Electric Utilities. Solicitor Prevoznik explained that if the Board was in agreement with the easement it should be signed and sent to Barrett Township for their signatures also.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to sign the Grant of Right-of-Way for a public utility easement for Ice Lake for PPl Electric Utilities.
Motion carried 3-0.
Zoning Officer Attorney – Konrath stated that the Township does not have an attorney for the Zoning Officer. The law firm of Durney, Worthington and Madden with Hillary Madden as lead, has been contacted and is willing to serve in this role. Transue stated that she called Attorney Durney’s office for a rate schedule on Monday morning however she did not receive the rate schedule therefore the Board tabled the appointment until they received the said rate schedule.

Unfinished Business (Continued)
Civic Plus Agreement – Gonze stated that he received a finalized license and service agreement from Civic Plus to develop the Township’s new website.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to approve the finalized license contingent upon getting the agreement signed by Civic Plus first.
Motion carried 3-0.

New Business (Continued)
Board/Commission Vacancies – Gonze stated that he reached out to Joan Merli and she was interested in serving on the Planning Commission. Gonze nominated Joan Merli for appointment to the Planning Commission.
Motion: Konrath moved and seconded by Briglia to approve the appointment of Joan Merli for a term of six years to the Planning Commission replacing Joan Montgomery.
Motion carried 3-0.
Gonze stated that he spoke to Al Johnson about serving on the Board of Auditors. Gonze nominated Al Johnson for appointment to the Board of Auditors.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to approve the appointment of Al Johnson for a term of four years to the Board of Auditors.
Motion carried 3-0.
Short Term Rental – Gonze stated that he met with Judy Acosta, an associate with SFM Consulting. Ms. Acosta does a lot of work with Short Term Rentals and recommended contacting Host Compliance for information regarding identifying Short Term Rentals in the Township. Gonze also suggested doing a blanket mailing to the residents of the Township to make them aware that there are Short Term Rental Permits and Licenses that need to be obtained in order to have a Short Term Rental in the Township. Briglia stated another option is to publicize the Short Term Rental licensing requirement in the newsletter and also suggested sending out a template letter regarding licensing requirements for STRs to new home owners listed on the Deed Transfer List received by the Township at the beginning of each month. Solicitor Prevoznik suggested sending a copy of the Short Term Rental Ordinance along with the letter. Transue is to contact Host Compliance for more information. Gonze stated that Ms. Acosta suggested reaching out to the Pocono Mountain Visitors Bureau, because they were researching Short Term Rentals in the County, to see if they have a list.
Paradise Falls Lutheran Association – Gonze stated that Shawn McGlynn was looking into information he received that the Paradise Falls Lutheran Association may be selling parcels of land from the Association.
Potential Fire Alarm Ordinance – Gonze stated that he gave Logan Evans, PMVFC a copy of the sample Fire Alarm Ordinance that Solicitor Prevoznik supplied at a previous meeting and Mr. Evans had several questions and comments for the Board to consider if they move forward with said ordinance.

Unfinished Business (Continued)
Ski Haven Lake Estates Bridge – Gonze reported that Logan Evans forwarded a copy of a report by LaBella Engineering stating that the bridge leading into the development could withstand up to a 20 ton load. Mr. Unangst supplied photos of the underside of the bridge.
Pending further information from the Ski Haven Homeowner’s Association, the Board stands by their decision to not enter the Ski Haven Lake Estates with Township vehicles for the curbside pickup during the Township’s clean up events.

Reports
Solicitor – Solicitor Prevoznik stated that he emailed Jeff Belardi on January 17, 2020 regarding the to-do list that resulted from the October 7, 2019 meeting with Mt. Airy officials. Solicitor Prevoznik also reported he received an email from Jason Smith, Hanover Engineering stating that Dr. Browne reached out to Mr. Smith regarding reporting requirements for streamflow. Solicitor Prevoznik reported that Dr. Browne contacted Mr. Smith requesting that they do the flow monitoring for the year of 2019 and not for the year 2018. Jason Smith stated in his email he felt that that was reasonable.
Motion: Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to request the streamflow report for 2019 with the option to require the 2018 streamflow report if needed.
Motion carried 3-0.
Engineer – Engineer Unangst reported that the parts for the front security entrance are being manufactured at this time. Mr. Unangst received a call from Total Security Solutions stating that with the panic doors, the drilling of the doors and the ballistic material there would be an additional cost due to installing panic bars on the doors for a push bar release of the door in the case of an emergency. The Board discussed the options of putting the security bar on one of the doors or both doors with a cost ranging from three thousand dollars to six thousand dollars depending on the option taken.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to approve a change order to have both doors in the new security entrance outfitted with   panic bars to allow for easy exiting in the case of an emergency with the amount not to exceed six thousand dollars.
Motion carried 3-0.
Mr. Unangst reported that the Salt Shed Building should be finished within the next two weeks.
EAC – Konrath summarized the minutes from the EAC January 15 meeting.
Solicitor (Continued) – Solicitor Prevoznik reported on a letter he prepared to the Board in regards to Skelly and Loy’s contract in reference to the Paradise Stream Restoration Project. Solicitor Prevoznik also stated that there was an issue with the Land Owner Agreements associated with the project regarding a map that is to be attached to the agreements as Exhibit A when filed. Solicitor Prevoznik asked Transue to contact Skelly and Loy in regards to a map for the Land Owners that signed their contracts in 2016. Once the map from the year 2016 is received the Land Owner Agreement copies will be mailed to the Land Owners with the Exhibit A map attached.

Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to have Solicitor Prevoznik prepare a cover letter for Konrath’s signature to accompany his letter to the Board to be forwarded to Skelly and Loy for the proposed contract on Red Rock Road Stream Restoration.
Motion carried 3-0.

Correspondence/Miscellaneous
T-Mobile – The Township received a letter from T-Mobile asking to set up a meeting in regards to 5G solutions. The Board decided against a meeting at this time.
Grants – Transue updated the status of Red Rock Road Stream Restoration Project and the Seven Pines Project grants.
Eckert Seamans Letter - The Board discussed the letter received from Eckert Seamans in regards to a Slot Machine Nuisance Ordinance.
No action was taken.
Waste Authority Recycling Grant Meeting – Transue questioned whether either she or Ingrid should attend the Recycling Grant Meeting to be held at the Monroe County Municipal Waste Authority office at 10:00 a.m. on January 22, 2020.
Motion: Gonze moved seconded by Briglia to have either Transue or DeWitt attend the meeting on January 22, 2020 at 10:00am, located at the Waste Authority Office in Blakeslee.
Motion carried 3-0.

Other Business/Public Comment
There was no further business or public comment.

Adjournment
Motion:  Briglia moved and seconded by Gonze to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Motion carried 3-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Tina Transue
Secretary