CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 16, 2021  CALLTO ORDER: President Barrasse called the meeting oft the Clarks Green Council to order at ROLL CALL: Secretary Culbertson conducted roll call. The following were present: Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Mr. Williams, Mr. Barrasse, Mayor McGraw and VISITORS: George Parker, Clarks Green Zoning Officer, Ben Freda, CSPD Chief Yarns, Glenn Button, 218N. Abington Road, Frank and Theresa Marciano, Nelson and Michaela Morales, 2241 N. Abington Road, Mayor Herman Johnson, Gerrie Carey, Kathleen Simrell and Bob Sheils, Clarks PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Glenn Button addressed Council with his conçern about the 221 N. Abington Road property which was recently sold stating he had heard that this beautiful historic house was to be torn down and replaced with a cluster development noting his concern for water runoffif built along with water pressure and requested to be notified if there will be any upcoming zoning hearing board meetings. Mayor McGraw stated at the moment nothing is scheduled. Ms. Theresa Marciano addressed Council with the same conçerns and stated North Abington Road traffic issues will increase along with possible water issues on neighboring properties on the other side of the street. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor McGraw informed Council a Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for. June 23at7P.M. to review the sketch plan submitted by 927 Summit Realty for the proposed development of the 251-255 East Grove Street property. Mayor McGraw reported a demolition permit application has been submitted for the 101 N. Abington Road property. ChiefYarns briefly reviewed the monthly report stating it was a quiet month and reported the vascar lines have been painted. Mr. Rinaldi thanked ChiefYarns for his assistance in working with the Borough'sDPW HEALTH & SAFETY: Dr. Cochran briefly talked about the current Covid-19 updates along with the recent variants that have been reported stating people still need to be very careful. Dr. Cochran discussed a 2022-2026 Police Service Agreement proposal from Clarks Summit Borough stating he feelsi it is very fair along with the Safety Committee. Dr. Cochran told Council he would like to clear up some comments that have circulated in the public regarding the Health and Safety Committee. Dr. Cochran stated the Health & Safety Committee negotiated with Clarks Summit Borough fora proposed five year police contract stating he did not believe in defunding the police and we have not done anything without authority. Council Members Igoe, Toms and Rinaldi stated they had not been provided with a copy ofthe proposed Service Agreement. Dr. Cochran proceeded to read the agreement: This Year (2021) Current Pay $86,322, 2022 $86,322 (no increase remains the same as 2021), 2023 $88,912 (3% increase), 2024 $91,579 (3% increase), 2025 $94,326 (3% increase) and 2026 $97,156 (3% increase) total $458,295(12%6). Dr. Cochran stated the Safety Committee would like to see the percentage go down to 10% noting the committee has been quite happy with the service provided by Clarks Summit. Mr. Barrasse agreed and added even though our current contract ends December 31, 2021 Clarks Summit would like tol hire a full-time police officer and would like to have some kind of commitment from Clarks Green SO that is why the Safety Committee started negotiating early. Mr. Rinaldi asked when Council authorized entering negotiations for an extension since it never came before Council. Councilman Rinaldi motioned to accept the proposal from Clarks Summit  7:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Solicitor Weinschenk.  Summit Borough.  crew in painting the crosswalks.    Borough for police services for the next five (5): years starting January 1,2022 through December 31, 2026; 2022 $86,322 (no increase remains the same as 2021), 2023$ $88,912 (3% increase), 2024 $91,579 (3% increase), 2025$94,326 (3% increase) and 2026 $97,156( (3% increase), seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Williams, Mr. Hughes, Dr. Cochran and Mr. Barrasse voted no. Mr. Rinaldi, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Toms voted yes. Mr. Hughes stated he could not accept this proposal and the Safety Committee would present a counter offer: 2022 no increase remains the same as 2021, 2023 (2% increase), 2024 (2% increase), 2025 (3% increase) and 2026 (3% increase). Mr. Rinaldi questioned the basis oft the counter offer. Mr. Hughes stated it is to save money for the Clarks Green residents. Solicitor Weinschenk told Council there are no other changes to the agreement other than the dollar amounts. Dr. Cochran motioned the counter offer proposal 2022 $86,322 no increase remains the same as 2021, 2023 $88,048 (2% increase), 2024 $89,809 (2% increase), 2025 $92,503 (3% increase) and 2026 $95,278 (3% increase), seconded by Mr. Hughes. Mr. Rinaldi asked Dr. Cochran if he had looked at other police contracts and what were the percentages in determining this counter proposal and what is the projected savings. Dr. Cochran stated he did not look at any other contracts and at the moment did not have the amounts for the projected savings. Mr. Barrasse stated that the counter offer, the first three (3) years would save approximately $860. Mr. Barrasse reminded Council that they also have a contract with Clarks Summit Fire Company, which we try to help them financially as well with contributions. Mr. Rinaldi stated the analogy was not correct since the state law requires Council to provide one (1)mil. Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse voted yes. Mr. Toms, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Rinaldi voted no. Mr. Hughes motioned to authorize the Safety Committee and Dr. Cochran, Chair to negotiate with Clarks Summit Borough within the parameters of the counter offer proposal, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Williams, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Barrasse voted SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Solicitor Weinschenk stated he had nothing specific to report but reminded Council two (2) remaining municipalities must adopt the respective SAPA Ordinance by the PUBLIC WORKS: Mr. Rinaldi reported the bid proposal advertisement for the 2021 Paving Project has been placed and the proposals will be open and determined whether to accept them or not at the July Council meeting. Mr. Rinaldi informed Council the crosswalks at the intersection of Abington Road and Fairview Road has been painted. Mr. Rinaldi announçed a DPW laborer will be leaving his position at the Borough. Solicitor Weinschenk asked as a private citizenifthere are any plans in painting the street signs. Mr. Rinaldi stated he will check into ita and reminded Council ofthe unique ARWA: Mr. Rinaldi reported the internet provider of the plant changes from Frontier Communications to Lackawanna Wireless. Mr. Rinaldi told Council the Board accepted the financial audit bid proposal from Kohinski & Company for 2021 in the amount of $6,800, 2022 at $7,000 and 2023 at $7,000. Mr. Rinaldi informed a usage plan for the Authority's cameraing equipment has been drafted from Director Elliott and will be distributed to the municipalities ift they are interested in using ARWA's camera system. Mr. Rinaldi announced Mr. John Pullo has be appointed to the Board GEORGE PARKER, ZONING REPORT: Mr. Parker asked Council ifthey had any questions on his distributed monthly report. Mr. Rinaldi asked ifaj permit was issued to the house located on the corner ofHall and Clark St. noting they had a roof's underlying replaced. Mr. Parker stated no. TREASURER'S REPORT AND BILL APPROVAL: Mr. Hughes reported on the checking account balances with comparisons to last month and last year. The Treasurer's report was presented  yes. Dr. Cochran, Mr. Rinaldi and Ms. Igoe voted no.  June 30th date naming Scranton and Dunmore.  nature along with the number of the Borough's sign posts.  representing Clarks Summit Borough.  by Mr. Hughes and filed for audit. Current fund balances are as follows:    General Fund Checking Capital Fund Money Market Sewer Fund Checking Sewer - FNCB CD #200278057 Sewer-) FNCB CD #200469681 Sewer - Wayne Bank CD #80021603 Sewer- = Wayne Bank CD #80044088 State Funds Checking Total Checking/Savings  $  486,137.00 106,402.84 352,354.85 51,715.99 51,258.31 53,047.27 50,000.00 121.866.30 1,272,782.56  $  Mr. Hughes reported the State funds are down $40,000 compared to a year ago explaining we had expensed all ofour paving expenses. Mr. Hughes told Council the Capital account is down $22,000 due to expensing the Borough #1 truck. Mr. Hughes informed Council the FNCB CD #057 will be maturing June 23" and additional $25,000 will be added from the Sewer Fund Checking account with a year maturity date. Mr. Hughes reviewed the monthly expenses. With no questions from Council Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Mr. Rinaldi to accept the Treasurer's report and ratify the payment ofthe bills. Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Rinaldi, and Mr. Barrasse votedi in favor. Mr. Hughes told Council the sewer delinquencies amount is $41,790 and we have collected as oftoday $1,771. Mr. Hughes informed Council seventeen (17) letters have been sent to the delinquent accounts and received payments in full or part from five (5). Ms. Igoe suggested that at least eight (8) accounts should be placed with liens and even publish their names in the newspaper. Ms. Igoe stated maybe these residents need to be embarrassed and then they will pay their bill. Ms. Igoe stated you just counter offer the police contract by a small percentage and you have over $41,000 in sewer delinquencies and you are not doing anything to persuade them to pay. Mr. Hughes motioned to contribute the budgeted amount of $2,000 to the Abington Community Library, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse BUILDING AND GROUNDS: Mr. Toms motioned to purchase two (2) lawnmowers for use at the Borough building, seconded by Mr. Rinaldi. Mr. Hughes questioned why two (2) lawnmowers are needed and Mr. Toms stated two (2) DPW laborers can cut the grass at the same time and this was recommended by the DPW laborers. Mr. Hughes, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse voted no. Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Toms and Ms. Igoe voted yes. Mr. Hughes stated the Borough does not have an enormous amount of grass to cut. Mr. Barrasse agreed. A discussion took place concerning the old current lawnmower in regard to making it salvage. Mr. Hughes suggested to use it until it could not be fixed anymore and this will be the second lawnmower. Mr. Hughes motioned to purchase a lawnmower not to exceed $500, seconded Ms. Igoe. Mr. Toms, Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Dr. Cochran, REFUSE & RECYCLING: Ms. Igoe told Council of an incident involving County Waste not picking up all the trash from a resident who was planning to move out of the area noting the property PERSONNEL: Mr. Williams reported the plastic sheeting structure will be taken down in the Borough's front office and asked Mr. Rinaldi to arrange for the removal with the DPW crew. Mr. Williams talked about the resignation letter from Mr. Radle stating he was an asset to the Borough. Mr. Williams told Council ads will be placed in the Scranton Times, Abington Journal and the Indeed EXECUTIVE SESSION: Mr. Barrasse announced Council will be entering in an executive session starting at 8:30P.M. The Council meeting resumed at 9:14 P.M. Mr. Barrasse suggested to Council this meeting should be recessed to next Wednesday at 6. P.M. Mr. Barrasse explained Clarks Summit  voted in favor.  Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor.  was located on Clark Street,  website for his replacement.    Borough will be meeting tomorrow night to discuss our police contract counter offer and depending what takes place at that meeting we can be ready to vote ifthey propose another offer. RECESS: Mr. Barrasse entertained the motion to recess the meeting. Ms. Igoe motioned to recess the meeting at 9:30P.M to Wednesday, June 23, 2021 @6P.M., seconded by Dr. Cochran. All of RECONVENED: President Barrasse reconvened the meeting of the Clarks Green Council on. June ROLL CALL: Secretary Culbertson conducted roll call. The following were present: Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Mr. Barrasse, and Mayor McGraw. Mr. Williams and  Council voted in favor.  23, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Solicitor Weinschenk participated via ZOOM.  VISITORS: No visitors.  MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Barrasse entertained the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Dr. Cochran to adjourn the meeting at 6:05 P.M. Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor.  G Culltion Joatne Culbertson, Secretary/Treasurer    CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCILMEETING Agenda VIA ZOOM June 16,2021  1. CALLTO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE-I President Joe Barrasse  2. ROLLCALL-S Seeretary Joanne Culbertson 3. MOTION TO ACCEPT MINUTES- Not available  4. PUBLIC COMMENT  Visitors should approach the podium and state their name and address. Comments limited to 3 min.  5. MAYOR's Report Mayor McGraw, Police Report- Clarks Summit ChiefChris Yarns 6. HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE- Dr. Cochran Police contract and proposal 7. SOLICITOR'S REPORT- Mr. Weinschenk 8. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE- Mr. Rinaldi  9. ARWA - Mr. Rinaldi  10. TREASURER'S REPORT AND BILL APPROVAL- Mr. Hughes  11. FINANCE COMMITTEE- Mr. Hughes Financial reports & Sewer delinquencies Contribution to the Abington Community Library 12. BUILDING & GROUNDS-Mr. Toms 13. REFUSE & RECYCLING COMMITTEE-Ms. Igoe 14. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE- - Mr. Williams  I5. OLD BUSINESS 16. NEW: BUSINESS  17. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE-Mr. Williams DPW Position, Executive Session for Personnel Matters  18. ADJOURNMENT  NOTETO VISITORS: Please sign the attendance sheet and indicate if you wish to address Council, stating the agenda topic  on which you would like to comment. Thank you.