Board of Supervisors Business Meeting Minutes
PARADISE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 21, 2019
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 Jason Smith – Hanover Engineering
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. A public comment period will be held at the end of the regular agenda for any other business.”
Konrath stated that the meeting is being recorded for the limited purpose of preparing the official minutes.
Mt. Airy #1, LLC
Konrath continued the work session discussion regarding the Operations and Maintenance Plan for Greenway Land and Common Facilities Revision. The work session minutes are attached to the minutes as Exhibit 1. The following items were discussed during the regular Business Meeting:
7. Discharge Management Plan (Continued from the Work Session) (Pages 10 & 11) -- The DMP is to be updated, annually, to optimize discharge and meet the requirements of the current PA DEP Dam Permit, based on data collected to date. Currently the revision states that a detailed description of the tower gate adjustments will be included in the annual reporting to the Township. Smith was instructed to revise the requirement to include monthly reporting of gate management, along with the stream and lake station monitoring data and management activities. Smith is also to review the dissolve oxygen information with Dr. Frank Browne. The request by Dr. Browne to revise this section to reduce Township requirements related to compliance with the PA DEP Dam Permit were discussed. The Board determined that the Plan must reference the current DEP Dam Permit requirements which must be met. There was discussion that Dr. Browne had previously stated that he could calculate by the streamflow for Station 2 by adding the discharges from the lower pond and the wastewater treatment plant to the streamflow recorded at Station 3, and that this information would be included in the annual reporting. Smith also noted that Dr. Browne had explained at past meetings that the flows for Stations 1 and 2 could and would be calculated based on stream gage measurements being collected. The Board will discuss this further with Dr. Browne and Mount Airy and potentially include it as part of the revised Greenways Operations and Maintenance Plan.
8. Smith will clarify requirements for monitoring of dissolved oxygen at the stream stations.
9. The log for the management of the lake outlet tower gates is to be provided to the Township, monthly, along with stream and lake station monitoring data and management summary.
10. Vegetation Management – Smith to revise, accordingly, to require treatments for targeted invasive species and algae blooms within 10 days of occurrence/monitoring observation. Smith to clarify when replacement plantings are to be used following other treatment methods.
11. Riparian Buffers – Smith noted that buffers have been marked and planted, as agreed. The riparian buffers need to be maintained, with reporting on condition and management included in the Annual Greenway Land Monitoring Report. It was noted that buffer maintenance and management is also part of other requirements, such as the Environmental Management Systems and Audubon Certification. The sentence stating that all buffers shall be fully established by June 30, 2023 will be checked by Solicitor Prevoznik to verify that is the correct date. Smith noted that five (5) years of monitoring for planting establishment is standard with state and federal guidance for mitigation, and therefore is a reasonable requirement of the Plan.
12. Wastewater Treatment Plant – Smith noted that the new NPDES permit is still not approved and issued.
13. Boundary Signs (See Work Session Minutes-Exhibit 1)
14. Nature Trails – Smith to add required reporting intervals. Hanover Engineering shall review Appendix B of the Plan to ensure consistency with the approved trail plans, making appropriate revisions to Appendix B.
15. Audubon Certification – Noted that it was approved and must be maintained indefinitely.
16. General Operations (See Work Session Minutes-Exhibit 1) – Smith to revise plan to include minimum requirements and standards for compliance and reporting. Items such as recycling, reuse of towels/sheets, water conservation, etc., will be included along with other applicable EMS items.
17. Annual Report – Smith to revise to state that timetables are to be established and approved by the Board for all recommendations made in the annual reporting provided to the Township.
Smith noted that monthly stream station data now includes both daily average temperatures and maximum instantaneous daily stream temperature, as reported by Dr. Browne. Chapter 93 water quality standards are based on maximum temperatures.
Smith noted that the monitoring equipment at Station 3 had gone temporarily off-line during late November but was returned to service by December 10.
The noted changes in temperature from Station 1 to Stations 2 and 3 were discussed. The Township would like to better understand why Station 1 temperatures were higher, noting potential significant groundwater inputs, Mount Pocono wastewater treatment plant discharge, etc.
Approval of Minutes
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to approve the January 7, 2019 Board of Supervisors organization minutes as presented.
Motion carried 3-0.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to approve the January 7, 2019 Board of Supervisors regular meeting minutes as presented.
Motion carried 3-0.
Work Session Items
Mt. Airy #1, LLC
Solicitor Prevoznik recommended that Mt. Airy #1, LLC be reminded that the Discharge Management Plan Report is due by the end of February and that a work session should be scheduled for March with Mt. Airy #1, LLC. Briglia will inform Mt. Airy #1, LLC that the plan is due by the end of February and schedule a work session for March 18, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.
Treasurer’s Report
Briglia submitted the Treasurer’s Report.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to approve the treasurer’s report as presented.
Motion carried 3-0.
Unfinished Business
To Do/Discussion List
After discussion, Briglia was instructed to add the salt mixing building to the list. Improved security was discussed for the municipal building.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath to approve Hanover Engineering to prepare plans to enhance security at the municipal building.
Motion carried 3-0.
Solicitor Prevoznik stated that a new agreement with the Friendly Community Center should be drafted to include the requirements of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement (ICA). Solicitor Prevoznik inquired if a separate bank account has been opened for social services per the ICA. Briglia stated that a separate bank account has been opened and payments are made to the Friendly Community Center through the social services account.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath for Solicitor Prevoznik to draft a new agreement containing the requirements for the ICA.
Motion carried 3-0.
Briglia stated that she is currently looking at the web pages through the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS). Briglia will have Tina Transue attend a class on the web sites at the PSATS Convention, if available.
Solicitor Prevoznik reported that a telephone conference call was held on January 17, 2019 with the Cohen Law Group regarding the Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance. Solicitor Prevoznik stated that a draft Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance would be submitted to the Township in late February for review.
Sewage Enforcement Officer
Konrath stated that Jake Schray, Hanover Engineering, is requesting either remote access to Permit Manager or to make a replica of Permit Manager on his laptop. The Board approved Jake Schray setting up remote access with Jason Farr, Supertech. Briglia will contact both Jason Farr and Jake Schray to facilitate setting up remote access to Permit Manager.
Briglia stated Jake Schray and her discussed the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Annual Report for Reimbursement. The annual report is due each year by March 1. However, no reimbursements have been paid for several years by DEP.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Konrath for Hanover Engineering to complete the DEP Annual Report for Reimbursement.
Motion carried 3-0.
The Board reviewed the revised sewage disposal fee information submitted by Jake Schray. Briglia stated she would draft a revised fee schedule for the Board’s approval.
New Business
Union Negotiations
Briglia reminded the Board that it is time to start the union negotiations. Konrath will contact Mike Mader, Union Steward, to discuss their requests.
Planning Commission Items
Grange Road Subdivision
Mr. Unangst explained that this will be going back to the Paradise Township Planning Commission for review specifically for the Planning Module.
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to table the waiver requests until the Paradise Township Planning Commission reviews the Planning Module and makes a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
Motion carried 3-0.
Reports
Solicitor – Solicitor Prevoznik stated that he has nothing further to report.
EAC/Open Space – Konrath asked if the Board had any questions on the EAC meeting minutes dated January 16, 2019. There were none.
Engineer – Mr. Unangst stated that he has been in contact with Cleveland Brothers regarding the generator. Mr. Unangst has requested a quote on a new engine. Mr. Unangst stated that he is waiting to hear from Price Brothers regarding the generator for the Pocono Mountain Volunteer Fire Company. Mr. Unangst also reported that the site visits for the salt mixing shed and highway occupancy permit for Paradise Discovery Park have been completed.
Correspondence/Miscellaneous
There was no correspondence/miscellaneous for tonight’s meeting.
Other Business/Public Comment
Gonze inquired if there was any further action on the request from Barrett Township to install a radio antenna at Monsignor McHugh. Briglia stated that Mike Mader was going to speak with John Seese from Barrett Township for further information.
Adjournment
Motion: Gonze moved and seconded by Briglia to adjourn the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
Motion carried 3-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Reda Briglia
Secretary
Exhibit 1
PARADISE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
WORK SESSION MINUTES
JANUARY 21, 2019
5:00 P.M.
A work session of the Paradise Township Board of Supervisors was held at the Paradise Township Municipal Building, 5912 Paradise Valley Road, Cresco, PA.
PRESENT: Gary Konrath, Peter Gonze, Reda Briglia, Charles Unangst, Jason Smith and Solicitor Prevoznik.
Konrath called the work session to order at 5:14 p.m.
Mount Airy #1, LLC
Operation and Maintenance Plan for Greenway Land and Common Facilities
Jason Smith distributed the latest draft of the revised Operation and Maintenance Plan for Greenway Land and Common Facilities, along with e-mail correspondence from F. X. Browne, Inc., and a supplemental map of the greenway boundary sign locations (provided by F. X. Browne, Inc.) Smith noted that the original revisions were provided by F. X. Browne, Inc., which were then revised by Hanover Engineering and sent back to F. X. Browne, Inc., with that version being accepted to date and in consideration of requests outlined in the accompanying e-mail message from Frank Browne. The following is a summary of discussion points that followed:
7. The title page will provide a Revision Date instead of stating “2018 Update.”
8. Boundary Signs (map and Page 13) -- Smith submitted a map showing the boundary signs installed by Mt. Airy #1, LLC along the boundaries of the Greenway Lands. The Board is requesting that the boundary signs be placed at 150’ to 200’ intervals along the Greenway Lands by April 1, 2019, as part of the proposed plan.
9. Introduction (Page 1) -- The original Operation and Maintenance Plan for Greenway Land and Common Facilities will refer to the Monroe County Recorder of Deeds Book and Page Number for the recorded easement – to be provided by Briglia.
10. Implementation – Environmental Management Systems (EMS) (Page 5) -- Smith stated that this paragraph now includes the hotel, casino, and all supporting facilities. After discussion on the Environmental Management Systems, Smith will include a template/outline of an Environmental Management Systems, along with minimum standards and requirements.
11. Lake Monitoring and Management (Pages 5 & 6) -- Smith reported that “and Management” has been added to the header for Lake Monitoring. There was discussion on the treatment of the lake for algae and invasive species. Smith will include specific standards and timeline for treating algae and invasive species, which the Township can randomly inspect, subject to verification by the Board of Supervisors/Township, with monthly reports on conditions and management activities to be provided by Mount Airy from May through September.
12. Table 1 – Smith noted that Alkalinity was added to the parameter list, sample numbers were revised to be consistent with the current program, analytical methods were updated to current standards, and Minimum Detection Limits were updated per analytical methods.
13. Discharge Management Plan (DMP) (Pages 10 & 11) – Smith to review entire section and provide any additional updates, noting that the original DMP was created and approved early in 2018. The revised DMP is due the end of February 2019.
Adjournment
Konrath adjourned the work session at 6:02 p.m. and opened the regular meeting. Konrath stated that the Board would continue discussion at the regular meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Reda Briglia, Secretary