MINUTES

STROUDSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING

MAY 20, 2010

7:15 PM

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 Vice-President Neil Allen, Council Members Joanne K ochanski, Boyd Weiss , and Matthew Abell. Eric Scelza arrived at 7:16 PM.  Members absent:  Jeff rey Ewen. Borough Solicitor Ralph Matergia and Mayor Charles Baughman were also in attendance.

2.                 The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

3.                 Public Hearings and Adoptions:

a.       Public Hearing to Receive Comments for the Possible Activities to be Undertaken and Submitted in the F.F.Y. 2010 CDBG Application:  Ms. Diddio opened the hearing.  There were no public comments.  Motion by Mr. Weiss, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to close the hearing.  Motion passed unanimously.

b.       Adoption of a Resolution of the Borough of Stroudsburg Approving and Authorizing Submission of the F.F.Y. 2010 CDBG Application:  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to approve.  Motion passed unanimously.

c.       Public Hearing on a Proposed Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg Amending Part 2 of Chapter 21, Street and Sidewalks, by Amending and Adopting Regulations Providing for Seasonal Outdoor Dining Use of Public Sidewalks through a License Process:  Ms. Diddio opened the public hearing.  There were no public comments.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to close the hearing.  Motion passed unanimously.

d.       Consider Approval of a Proposed Ordinance of the Borough of Stroudsburg Amending Part 2 of Chapter 21, Street and Sidewalks, by Amending and Adopting Regulations Providing for Seasonal Outdoor Dining Use of Public Sidewalks through a License Process:  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to approve.  Motion passed unanimously.

4.                 Monthly Administrative Reports:  Mrs. Kochanski asked about the reports of vandalism noted on the Street Department Report, including the 82 stop signs stolen since last August.  Sgt. Kimmins from the Stroud Area Regional Police Department said the officers are patrolling, but cameras would be helpful.  Motion by Mr. Scelza, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to approve the reports.  Motion passed unanimously.

5.                 Public Input:  None

6.                 Approval of Minutes:  Motion by Mr. Scelza, second by Mr. Weiss, to approve the minutes from the meeting on May 5, 2010.  Motion passed 5 – 0, with Mr. Abell abstaining.

7.                 Treasurer’s Report:  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to accept the Treasurer’s Report.  Motion passed unanimously.

8.                 New Business:

a.                  Consider Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Marc Wolfe to Demolish the Entire Building at 718 Monroe Street :  Attorney Marc Wolfe was present to discuss this issue.  Mr. Weiss asked if people should be allowed to let a building in the HARB district sit for 30 years without any maintenance and then tear it down.  Mr. Matergia stated that there is no ordinance that requires that a building be occupied.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness to Marc Wolfe for demolition of the building at 718 Monroe Street .  Motion passed unanimously.

b.                 Consider request of Tristan Buckley to perform a display of classical conjuring, including feats of prestidigitation on public sidewalks on Main Street :  It was the consensus of Council to refer this request to staff for review.  Mr. Matergia stated that the sidewalks on Main Street are not owned by the businesses; they are owned by the Borough.  Mr. Matergia reviewed the ordinance with Zoning Officer Jeff Wilkins and recommended referring the request to staff to review and develop a policy to be followed during events. 

c.                  Consider Request of the Housing Authority of Monroe County for 20 Family Pool Passes at Half Price:  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to approve this request.  Motion passed unanimously.

d.                 Consider Approval of Free Pool Passes for Borough Employees, volunteer Firemen, Council Members, Board and Committee Members:  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Scelza, to approve the passes, which can be obtained at the Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission Office on Day Street.  Motion passed unanimously.

e.                  Discussion of the Borough of Stroudsburg’s Possible Involvement in Making Public Access Television a Reality in Monroe County :  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Scelza, to table this issue until more information is available.  Motion passed unanimously.

f.                   Consider Approval of the Proposed Regional Parks Vendor Policy Adopted by the Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission:  Mr. Abell asked if the Borough will get a portion of the fees collected, and Mrs. Quarantello said we will.  Discussion followed.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to approve.  Motion passed unanimously.

g.                 Discussion of the Pocono Township Sewer Forcemain Permit Submission:  Council discussed this issue; no action was required. 

h.                 Consider Approval of the Purchase of a Flash Cam880K Motion Activated Camera Package from Q Star Technology:  Mrs. Quarantello summarized the features of this camera system, which was recommended by Niki Tourscher from the Stroud Region Open Space and Recreation Commission.  It is a solar camera.  When its beam is broken, a light comes on and a recorded voice is played.  It has 12 megapixels and has a shatterproof lens.  It can be used at the Third Street Park , the Glen Park, the skate park, and behind the pool.  Mr. Weiss suggested in the future that we should budget a fixed amount for the skate park damage.  When the money runs out, we should close it for the rest of the year.  Mr. Abell asked about using CDBG funds, and Mrs. Quarantello stated the DCNR money would have to be returned to the state if the skate park is closed.  It may be the same if CDBG money is used.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza, to approve this purchase.  Motion passed unanimously.

i.                    Consider Approval of Personnel Policy Changes Regarding Leave of Absence and Sick Leave:  Mrs. Quarantello stated that Benecon reviewed our policies, and these were some of the changes they recommended.  Motion by Mrs. Kochanski, second by Mr. Scelza to approve.  Motion passed unanimously.

j.                   Consider Approval of the 2010 Summer Pool/Park Employee List and Rates of Pay:  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Scelza, to approve.  Motion passed unanimously.

k.                  Consider Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Matt Abell for New Building or Structure at his Property at 304 Wallace Street :  Motion by Mr. Scelza, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to approve.  Motion passed 5 – 0, with Mr. Abell abstaining.

l.                    Consider Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Joseph Shay for New Building or Structure at this Property at 600 Sarah Street :  This is for adding a fence to his property.  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to approve.  Motion passed unanimously.

m.               Consider Approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to Joseph Shay of JTS Properties for New Construction/Renovation to his Property at 759 Main Street :  Assistant Zoning Officer Ron Kimes distributed pictures of the proposed renovation.  It was noted that HARB unanimously recommended approval.  Motion by Mr. Abell, second by Mr. Scelza, to approve.  Motion passed unanimously.

9.                 Solicitor’s Report:  None.

10.             Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Baughman thanked the Street Department for painting the crosswalks in south Stroudsburg. 

11.             Council Members’ Reports: 

Mrs. Kochanski noticed that the sewer bill for the Kautz Street pump station is lower this month.  She said she is concerned about how many stop signs we are losing – 82 since August and 8 in one weekend alone.  She also asked what can be done about stray cats in the Borough.  Ms. Diddio suggested addressing it in the Codes Committee.  Mr. Weiss asked Mr. Wilkins to check into cat ordinances from other towns. 

Mr. Scelza said he thinks the street department should prioritize painting the crosswalks at the Ramsey School .  Mr. Scelza said he is concerned about the overhang at 564 Main Street (Main Street Appliance) because it is not lit at night.  It was the consensus of Council to direct Mr. Matergia to look at what can legally be done about the unlit overhangs on Main Street .

12.             Manager’s Report:  Mrs. Quarantello said the Fire Chief has requested one parking space for use by the chiefs only.  She said she could write an ordinance amending Chapter 15, Subsection 309 to add the space on Sarah Street located across the street from the fire department where there is currently a yellow curb. Street Superintendent Tim Ace checked the area and has determined there is enough room to allow for the additional parking space and maintain the amount of yellow curb as need from the stop sign.

13.             Approval of Bills:  Motion by Mr. Scelza, second by Mr. Abell, to approve the bills on warrant #100520.  Motion passed unanimously.

14.             Executive Session:  None.

15.             Adjournment:  Motion by Mr. Scelza, second by Mrs. Kochanski, to adjourn.  Motion passed unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.