CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY 17,2022 CALL TO ORDER: President Rinaldi called the meeting of the Clarks Green Council to order at ROLL CALL: Secretary Culbertson conducted roll call. The following were present: Mr. Toms, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Curran, and Mr. Rinaldi were physically present while Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. Williams, Mayor VISITORS: CSPD ChiefYarns, Mary Moore, Anabella Begley, Rick Williams, George Parker, Clarks Green Zoning & Code Enforcement Officer, James Waters, Mike Walsh, Tony Bernardi, LaBella Associates, Josh Mitchell, Fran McAndrew, 110 Nelson St., Ben Freda, Abington. Journal and APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Rinaldi entertained the motion to accept the minutes oft the October 20, 2021 Council meeting. Mr. Toms motioned, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. Curran and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. President Rinaldi entertained the motion to accept the minutes of the November3, 2021 Council meeting. Ms. Igoe motioned, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Curran, Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. Toms, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. President Rinaldi entertained the motion to accept the minutes of the January 3, 2022 Council meeting. Mr. Curran motioned, seconded by Mr. Toms. Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. Toms, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Curran and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. Mr. Williams abstained stating he did not review the minutes since he did not see them included with the other minutes on the distributed email. PUBLIC COMMENT: Jim Galdieri, 102 Squirrel Run, informed Council ofl his water drainage problem on his property stating the water is coming from his neighbor's sump pump located at 100 Squirrel Run. Rick Williams, 208 Maple St., presented to Council questions concerning the land development property at 251 East Grove St. stating there was no public hearing. Mr. Rinaldi stated the Planning Commission met last week. Solicitor Weinschenk said the Planning Commission reviewed the land development plans for the construction of an office building that was presented by Tony Bernardi, LaBella Associates. Solicitor Weinschenk further explained why there was no requirement for a public hearing and the Planning Commission meetings had been advertised. Mr. Rick Williams expressed some concerns with the former Mayor of Clarks Green being the chairman of the Planning Commission. Mr. Williams urged members of Council to appoint John Arcangelo to the open seat on Council noting he had served on Council in previous years along with being treasurer. Fran McAndrew, 1101 Nelson St. had some concerns with her property and the new office building plans for East Grove St. and wanted to see some plans. Mr. Rinaldi stated Project Engineer Tony Bernardi will be discussing the land development with visuals later in the agenda. POLICE REPORT: CSPD Chief Yarns briefly reviewed the monthly police report stating it was a relatively quiet month. CSPD ChiefYarns stated he is still waiting for the delivery oft the two (2) new police vehicles and the body cameras will be online March 3rd. CSPD Chief Yarns stated they had received another Aggressive Driving Grant which will be implemented in March. MOTIONS: Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to appoint Murphy, Dougherty and Co., as the Borough's auditor. Mr. Curran motioned, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms, Mr. Curran, Ms. Igoe, Ms. Wanchisen and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to designate FNCB Bank, NBT Bank, People's Bank and Wayne Ban as depositors for the Borough. Ms. 7:01 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Barrasse and Solicitor Weinschenk attended electronically. Frank Lesnefsky, The Times-Tribune. Igoe motioned, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Toms, Ms. Wanchisen, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Curran, Mr. Williams and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to appoint Paula Thompson as the Assistant Secretary /Treasurer for the Borough. Mr. Williams motioned, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Mr. Curran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. Williams and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to appoint Olga Trushina to the Shade Tree Commission, term ending December 31, 2027. Ms. Wanchisen motioned, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. Williams, Mr. Curran and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi had a question for Solicitor Weinschenk in regard to a motion to appoint Mary O'Brien as the Real Estate Tax Collector for the Borough stating previous minutes show that voting on the appointment ofareal estate tax collector. Solicitor Weinschenk stated a motion is not necessary since she has been elected. Mr. Rinaldi asked another question to the Borough's solicitor which was brought to attention by Mr. Williams which was ifofficial action needs to be taken for the officers' to be signatories on the Borough's bank accounts. Solicitor Weinschenk stated he has been the Solicitor at the Borough for many years has not seen such a resolution. He stated he did review Pennsylvania's Borough Code and stated the Treasurer for the Borough is in charge of the expenditure ofthe Borough's funds. Mr. Rinaldi entertained to motion appoint someone to Council vacancy from the five (5) applications that the Borough had received. Ms. Igoe motioned to appoint Bill Egan to the Council vacancy position, seconded by Mr. Toms. Ms. Wanchisen questioned who ofthe applicants who had applied for the vacancy are currently attending this meeting. Ms. Wanchisen told Council if these applicants wanted to be on Council they should have been attending the meeting. Mr. Rinaldi stated the applicants had not been asked to attend the meeting sO we should not hold that against them. Mr. Rinaldi stated there are two (2) that are attending. Mr. Williams and Ms. Wanchisen voted no. Mr. Toms, Mr. Curran, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi welcomed Mr. Egan to Council. Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to contract building cleaning services for 2022 to CleanRite Co., Inc. at $90a day. Ms. Igoe motioned, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Toms, Ms. Wanchisen, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Curran, TREASURER'S REPORT AND BILL APPROVAL: Mr. Rinaldi reviewed the distributed Budget VS. Actual report noting the new format showing percentages comparing balances to last month and last year. The Treasurer's report was presented by Mr. Rinaldi and filed for audit. Current fund Mr. Williams and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. balances are as follows: General Fund Checking Capital Fund Money Market ARPAE Fund Checking Sewer Fund Checking Sewer-E FNCB CD #200278057 Sewer-1 FNCB CD #200469681 Sewer Wayne Bank CD #80021603 Sewer- Wayne Bank CD #80044088 State Funds Checking Total Checking/Savings $ 444,587.96 96,433.30 27,945.85 416,956.74 76,897.02 76,412.18 53,047.27 50,000.00 121,937.77 1,364,218.09 $ Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to accept the Treasurer's report and ratify the payment oft the bills. Mr. Toms motioned, seconded by Mr. Curran. Mr. Toms, Mr. Curran, Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to make the quarterly AAJRB payment for 2022 in the amount of$1,437.75. Ms. Igoe motioned, seconded by Ms. Wanchisen. Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. Toms, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams, Mr. Curran and Mr. Rinaldi votedin favor. Mr. Rinaldi told Council in receiving this first invoice from AAJRB a question was raised how the payments were calculated asking ift the latest 2020 Census figures were used for the calculations as questioned by the previous council finance chair. SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Mr. Rinaldi opened the floor for the review oft the Planning Commission recommendation for the 251E. Grove St. development plan. Solicitor Weinschenk said the Planning Commission reviewed the land development plans for the construction of an office building that was presented by Tony Bemardi, LaBella Associates, along with the plans for the reconfiguration oft the parking area noting that'sa major improvement in the safety ofthis particular development. Solicitor Weinschenk stated the office building meets the requirements ofthe zoning ordinance and the Planning Commission recommended approval from Council with three (3) conditions. The first condition was the highway occupancy permit for work within the right-of-way of] East Grove St. issued by PennDot and that has been met. The second condition was that ARWA and DEP issue all necessary sewage connections. The third was that the plans have a sealed certification ofaPA registered land surveyor. Mr. Parker had no additional comments. Mr. Bemardi reviewed the proposed development plan using visuals which aided in identifying what is new or different in the existing building. Mr. Rinaldi expressed the concems from McAndrew's residence on Nelson St. involving their access to their property. Mr. Bemardi stated access would not be affected. Ms. McAndrew asked who she can direct some questions to conceming this development. Mr. Rinaldi stated she can call the Borough's Zoning Officer for the requested information. Solicitor Weinschenk reminded Ms. McAndrew that Council might approve this development plan tonight so, ift there are any questions it would be better if she asked them tonight. Mr. McAndrew stated there are yellow flags in their front yard. The property owner, Mr. Walsh stated since they are putting light posts in the parking lot the utility companies needed to mark the properties to prepare for digging. The McAndrews' stated they believe their questions have been answered thanking everyone along with noting the date of construction which will be ASAP depending on the weather. Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to approve the Land Development Plan: for 251 E. Grove St. with two (2) conditions. Condition #1 all necessary approvals and permits from ARWA and DEP and Condition #2 certification and seal by a PA licensed professional land surveyor to the Land Development Plan. Mr. Toms motioned, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Mr. Curran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Ms. Wanchisen, Mr. DISCUSSION POLICE REGIONALIZATION: Mr. Rinaldi told Council Clarks Summit Councilman, Joshua Mitchell contacted him about participating in a study to explore regionalizing multiple police departments in the Abingtons. Mr. Rinaldi stated he had invited Mr. Mitchell to attend the February Council Meeting to explain and answer questions conceming the proposed regionalized police force. Mr. Rinaldi reminded Council that Clarks Summit and Clarks Green Boroughs have COMMITTEE CHAIR ASSIGNMENTS: Mr. Rinaldi told Council the previous Council members will continue with the 2021 chair assignments with the new Council members chairing the following: MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor Barrasse welcomed the new Council members wishing them the best in their new career in helping the residents oft the great Borough of Clarks Green. Mayor Barrasse informed the new Council members they will need to complete the required FEMA Certifications noting these are necessary for the Borough to qualify ifa Declaration of an Emergency is declared. Mr. Barrasse asked that all emails sent regarding the meeting be published under Public Comment along with a letter that had been delivered to the Borough by John Earley addressing why the Mayor's report is buried at line 14 ofthe meeting's agenda noting for years the Mayor's report was paired with the Police Chief's reports. Also, Mayor Barrasse expressed his concem with the agenda and his report placement stating in his opinion the placement was a personal vindictive move. Mayor Barrasse kindlyrequested the Council President to place the mayor's report in front of the police report. Mayor Barrasse told Council he is looking forward to the discussion with Mr. Mitchell regarding the regionalization of the police force and noted several residents have contacted him on this Williams and Mr. Rinaldi voted in favor. entered into a five (5) year police contract. James Curran, Finance Committee and Courtney Wanchisen, Health and Safety. regionalization encouraging Council to open the doors of communication. Mr. Rinaldi told Council a four (4) years ago the Borough spent hundreds of dollars with Mr. Barrasse asking Solicitor Weinschenk to explain to him the powers of the Council President in regard to the agenda. Solicitor Weinschenk asked Mr. Rinaldi ifhe would like him to report on what he reviewed on the police contract and the responsibility under the contract ofthe Mayor. President Rinaldi asked the Solicitor if the mayor requested his review. Solicitor Weinschenk stated in the police contract all monthly and all EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. Rinaldi announced Council will be going into Executive Session to discuss the 2021 Finance Committee's recommendation for employees' compensation for 2022 and/or appropriate compensation for service in 2021. Executive session started 8:31 P.M. ending 8:40 P.M. PERSONNEL: Mr. Rinaldi entertained a motion to increase all Borough employees' compensation for the year 2022 at an increase rate of3% retroactive from January I, 2022. Ms. Igoe motioned, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Curran, Mr. Toms, Ms. Wanchisen and Mr. incident reports will be submitted to the Mayor. Rinaldi voted in favor. OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Rinaldi briefly discussed ARWAsmonhlysmein, MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Rinaldi entertained the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Toms motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:54] P.M., seconded by Mr. Curran. All in attendance voted ini favor. Ghuts Jdanne Culbertson, Secretary/Treasurer CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA lanuary17,2022 7:00PM 1. Call To Order and Pledge of Allegiance- - President Rinaldi 2. Roll Call-Secretary Culbertson 3. Motions to approve the Council Meeting Minutes: October 20, 2021 - November3,2021 - January y3,2022 4. Public Comment 5. Police and/or Fire Report 6. Appointments: A. Borough Auditor- Murphy-Dougherty B. Borough Depositories- - FNCB Bank, NBT Bank, People's Security Bank, Wayne Bank -, Assistant Borough Secretary/lreasurer Paula Thompson D. Shade Tree Commission. Appointment-Term 2022 to December 31, 2027. (Current Rep Olga Trushina) E. Real Estate Tax Collector- Mary O'Brien 7. Motion to fill Council' Vacancy for unexpired Council Term ending December. 31, 2024. 8. Motion to contract for Borough Building Cleaning Services for2022. 9. Review of Borough Financials Budget VS. Actual Report and Motion to pay bills. 10. Motion make quarterly AAJRB payment. 11. Review of Planning Commission Recommendation and vote on approvalofD Development Plan for 251 E. Grove 12. Discussion on contact from CSB Councilperson Josh Mitchell regarding potential Police Regionalization. 13. Committee Chair Assignments. Previous Council Members will continue with 2021 assignments with James Street-S Solicitor Weinschenk and ZO George Parker. Curran assigned Finance Chair and CourtneyV Wanchisen Health and Safety Chair. 14. Mayor's Report. service in 2021. 15. Executive Session to discuss employee compensation for 2022 and/or other appropriate compensation for 16. Motion to approve 2022 Employee Wages rates and/or additional employee compensation for 2021. 17. Old Business discussion 18. New Business discussion. 19. Motion to Adjourn. NOTE TO VISITORS: Please sign the attendance sheet and indicate if you wish to observe the meeting or to address Council, stating the agenda topic on which you would like to comment. Thank you.