CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES MAY 19,2021  CALL TO ORDER: President Barrasse called the meeting ofthe 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, and Solicitor Weinschenk had technical difficulties joined the meeting approximately at 7:34 P.M. Mayor McGraw joined the meeting at 7:17 P.M. Mr. Toms had experienced technical difficulties several different times during APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Barrasse entertained the motion to accept the minutes oft the April 21, 2021 Council meeting. Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Mr. Hughes, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Rinaldi and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. VISITORS: George Parker, Clarks Green Zoning Officer, Ben Freda, Abington Journal, Don Melia, 200 Squirrel Run, Christina Wolfe, 314 Crest Drive, Courtney Wanchisen, 235N. Abington Road, Sarah Cremer, 102 Greenbrier Drive, Olga Trushina, 216 Glenburn Road and CSPD Chief Yarns. PUBLIC COMMENT: Don Melia, 200 Squirrel Run, addressed Council concerning the water problem along with erosion on his property located adjacent to the Mount Meadows development noting his property is separated by a man-made swale and iti is fed directly from a eighteen (18) inch corrugated pipe from the Mountain Meadows development which is fed by two (2) storm drains from that development. Mr. Melia stated he had contacted South Abington Township Borough Manager, Dave O'Neil about this issue but was told it was not the Borough's responsibility. Mr. Melia stated he is currently working with George Parker, Clarks Green Zoning Officer noting a proper swale needs to be constructed. Mr. Rinaldi stated the Borough will need determine ift the Borough has legal standing to compel South Abington Township to rectify this issue. Mr. Barrasse stated the Borough will try to help but first the Borough needs verify the property boundaries and Borough lines along with legal ramifications. Christina Wolfe, 314 Crest Drive, stated she wanted to voice her opinion that the next Council meeting should be held in the Borough's chambers. Courtney Wanchisen, 235N. Abington Rd., addressed Council agreeing with having in-person meetings and expressed her desire to be appointed as the Clarks Green representative for the AAJRB noting the opening has not been filled for quite some time. Ms. Wanchisen told Council she is clearly qualified and committed for the position since she volunteers on a regular basis noting she has already recruited the musical groups for the Hillside Park's Summer Concert Series for this season and currently working on the sponsors. Olga Trushina, 216 Glenburn Rd., expressed her interest in joining the Shade Tree Commission to share her talents and passions for trees. Ms. Trushina told Council she had moved here specifically for the surrounding trees and the walkability of the neighborhoods. Sarah Cremer, 102 Greenbrier Dr., expressed her desire to volunteer to serve on the AAJRB as a representative from Clarks Green noting she has spent time at Hillside Park as well as volunteering, Mr. Barrasse thanked all volunteers for MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor McGrawj just questioned when a telephone pole was to be replaced due to a recent accident on E. Grove St. and Chief Yarns did not have a date at this time stating he will bei in contact. Chief Yarns briefly reviewed the monthly report. Chief Yarns told Council he had received approval from the Dept. of. Justice for the body camera purchases. Chief Yarns announced  7:03 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  the meeting.  their interests to serve the community.    additional part-timers have been hired and are in training. Chief Yarns told Council by the end of. June PUBLIC WORKS: Mr. Rinaldi reported he has distributed cost estimates for the 2021 Paving Project. Mr. Rinaldi told Council there are two (2) spots that need surface repair to keep them from deteriorating on a yearly basis consisting of the 100 block of Possum Way the main part of the Paving Project along with two (2) alternates which is the intersection of Armstrong Avenue and Evans Street. Mr. Rinaldi pointed out the difference between the two (2) alternates stating it is just the square yards ofthe pavement, Alternate one (1) is 280 yards and Alternate two (2) is 450 yards. Ms. Igoe motioned to authorize the Borough's engineers to prepare and advertise the bid package for the 2021 Paving Project, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Williams informed Mr. Rinaldi about a sidewalk concern located at 218 Hall St. Mr. Rinaldi stated he will have the DPW foremen check it out and SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Solicitor Weinschenk introduced Resolution No. 5of2021.  a full-time officer will be hired.  noted determination will depend upon ifit is private property or not.  RESOLUTION No. 5 of 2021 Borough of Clarks Green Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania ADOPTION OF 2021 HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN  WHEREAS, the Borough ofClarks Green, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania is most vulnerable to natural hazards which may result in the loss oflife and property, economic  hardship, and threats to public health and safety, and  WHEREAS, Section 322 ofthe Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (DMA 2000) required State and local governments to develop and submit for approval to the President a mitigation plan that outlines processes foridentifying their respective natural hazards, risks, and  vulnerabilities, and  WHEREAS, the Borough of Clarks Green acknowledges the requirements ofSection 322 ofDMA 2000 to have an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan as a prerequisite to receive  post-disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds, and  WHEREAS, the Lackawanna County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan has been developed by the Lackawanna County Department of Planning and the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency in cooperation with other county departments and representatives of  Clarks Green Borough, and  WHEREAS, a public involvement process consistent with the requirements ofDMA 2000 was conducted to develop the Lackawanna County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan, and WHEREAS, the Lackawanna County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan recommends mitigation activities that will reduce losses to life and property affected by natural hazards that  face the County and its municipal governments,  NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Borough Council of Clarks Green  as follows:    1. The Lackawanna County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan is hereby adopted as the official Hazard Mitigation Plan of the Borough of Clarks Green; and 2. The respective officials and agencies identified in the implementation strategy oft the Lackawanna County 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan are hereby directed to implement  the recommended activities assigned to them. ADOPTED, this 19th day of May, 2021  ATTEST: /s/Joanne Culbertson Joanne Culbertson, Borough Secretary  BOROUGH OF CLARKS GREEN Is/J Joseph Barrasse Joseph Barrasse, Council President  Ms. Igoe motioned to accept Resolution No. 5 of2021, seconded by Mr. Williams. Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams, Mr. Rinaldi and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Solicitor Weinschenk reported the new Scranton-Abingions Planning Association will be effective only ifit's adopted by the other communities naming the City of Scranton, Dunmore Borough and Waverly Township. Solicitor Weinschenk told Council the grant only goes to June 30th and these three (3) remaining municipalities must adopt the respective Ordinance by the June 30th date. Solicitor Weinschenk stated litis discouraging ift the Ordinance doesn't go through. Solicitor Weinschenk reported there is a meeting tomorrow with all the participants in the SAPA committee. Mr. Barrasse asked if we can apply for an extension. Solicitor Weinschenk stated that it is up to Lackawanna County since they have two (2) different grants that funded $150,000 for the study. ARWA: Mr. Rinaldi reported Kohanski & Company reviewed ARWA's 2020 Audit with the Authority which was approved by the Board. Mr. Rinaldi informed Council the Authority approved la contract for alum at the rate of$1.066 per gallon from USA CLO located in Baltimore, Maryland. Mr. Rinaldi reported the Authority approved a contract with Waste Management in the amount of$64.53 per month for five (5) years. Mr. Rinaldi told Council ARWA's internet provider has been changed to Lackawanna County Wireless. Mr. Rinaldi informed Council, Harry Jenkins, Clarks Summit 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  representative on the Board had resigned for health reasons.  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  $  451,877.56 106,397.74 416,428.19 51,715.99 51,258.31 53,047.27 50,000.00 121.856.62 1,302,581.68  $  Mr. Hughes reported the General Fund Checking account increased by $85,000 due to the collection of Real Estate Taxes. Mr. Hughes briefly reviewed the checks that had been written out for the month of April. Mr. Hughes presented the Budget VS. Actual comparing balances on the report to amounts from last year. Mr. Hughes reported increase collections in Real Estate and' Transfer taxes, Wage Taxes along with Sewer collections stating total income increased by $60,000. Mr. Hughes told Council in    regard to expenses there is an increase in sewer by $23,000 stating camera work was done. Mr. Hughes told Council net income had increases from $152,000 compared to $226,000. With no questions from Council Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Dr. Cochran 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 voted in favor. Mr. Hughes motioned to renew FNCB CD#057 not to exceed fifteen (15) months and add $25,000 from the Sewer Fund Checking account, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Hughes stated the Borough had a donation request from the Abington's Rotary for their fireworks display but since we had not contributed in the pass Irecommend not BUILDING AND GROUNDS: Mr. Toms told Council that everything is fine at the Borough building informing Council the de-humidifier in the basement had been replaced. REFUSE & RECYCLING: Ms. Igoe told Council she had nothing to report.  contributing towards it this year.  HEALTH & SAFETY: Dr. Cochran had nothing particular with Clarks Green noting there are still a lot of worries with the world. He also noted good news regarding the percentage of vaccinations within our County. Dr, Cochran asked Solicitor Weinschenk ifCouncil agrees to in-house meetings, "can we require the public to wear masks ifnot vaccinated or vaccinated in the Borough building?" PERSONNEL: Mr. Williams reported the plastic sheeting structure that had been placed in the Borough's front office for safety due to the COVID-19 virus will remain in place for a few more GEORGE PARKER, ZONING REPORT: Mr. Parker asked Council ift they had any questions on his distributed monthly report and there were no questions from Council and Mayor McGraw. Mr. Barrasse thanked Mr. Parker for introducing Olga Trushina to Council along with her interest in OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Hughes motioned to appoint Sarah Cremer as Clarks Green's representative to the AAJRB, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Toms, Mr. Rinaldi, and Ms. Igoe expressed their feelings on this appointment motion and the fact Ms. Wanchesen had applied weeks before Ms. Cremer expressed interest. Dr. Cochran stated he felt fortunate to have two (2) people interested in volunteering and are both very well qualified. Mr. Barrasse stated a number ofappointees by Council have been Council Members. Dr. Cochran noted Ms. Wanchesen, who is volunteering after the results ofthe recent primary election quite probably going to be a future Council Member and which is why he is supporting Sarah Cremer. Mr. Rinaldi told Council Co-Chair member of the AAJRB, Mark Spatz was attending the meeting and reminded everyone an email from Mr. Spatz was sent to all of Council recommending Courtney Palmer Wanchisen for the open representative position. Mr. Rinaldi stated Council should give each volunteer the courtesy to discuss the candidates before a motion is put on the table. Mr. Rinaldi motioned to table the motion ofappointing Sarah Cremer as representative to AAJRB until after a discussion, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Rinaldi, Ms. Igoe voted yes. Mr. Toms was muted and could not vote. Mr. Hughes, Mr. Williams, Dr. Cochran and Mr. Barrasse voted no. The motion did not carry. The original motion to appoint Sarah Cremer as the representative to the AAJRB, was motioned by Mr. Hughes, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Rinaldi stated he would like to make a statement on the appointment of Sarah Cremer before roll call is taken, Mr. Barrasse asked Solicitor Weinschenk on this request. Solicitor Weinschenk stated since there was no discussion on the original (first) motion you can entertain discussion on that motion. Ms. Igoe briefly discussed the history of Courtney Palmer Wanchisen's: submittal ofher interest in volunteering for the AAJRB noting she has been actively volunteering noting she has setup this year's concert venue for the  Solicitor Weinschenk replied absolutely.  weeks. Dr. Cochran stated he agrees.  joining the Borough's Shade Tree Commission.    Hillside Park. Mr. Rinaldi read a letter address to Council May 19, 2021 from Mark Spatz, Co-Chair OfAAJRB, strongly asking Clarks Green to consider Courtney Palmer Wanchisen for appointment noting her volunteer efforts and that she brings a valued perspective on the facilities for the future of the Abingtons. Mr. Rinaldi stated he had a conversation with Ms. Cremer in the afternoon and found out she had expressed her interest in volunteering in an email that was sent in the last week to ten (10) days. Mr. Rinaldi stated this is the same email that he had asked Mr. Barrasse to clarify since the last meeting and had not received any response. Mr. Rinaldi stated this is roughly a month after Ms. Wanchisen' 's submission ofinterest letter. Mr. Rinaldi stated at this point he believed Council was showing a lack of respect for a lifelong resident by not even entertaining a discussion before a vote noting this is typical of the majority on Council. Mr. Barrasse told Council he had several complaints and has been pointed out by Mr. Rick Williams that this Council is self-serving since some members are representativeymembers to Commissions and other Boards. Mr. Barrasse stated he had a discussion a few weeks ago with Mr. Risse and was told both candidates are more than qualified. Mr. Barrasse thanked all of Clarks Green's volunteers for their services. Dr. Cochran, Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Barrasse voted yes. Mr. Rinaldi voted no. Mr. Toms was experiencing technical difficulties. Mr. Hughes motioned to appoint Olga Trushina as representative to Clarks Green's Shade Tree Commission, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Williams, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi thanked Ms. Trushina in behalfo of the community in volunteering to serve stating we have been for twelve (12) years in Tree City USA. NEW BUSINESS: Ms. Igoe motioned the regular Council Meeting for the month of. June 2021 and all Work Sessions and all remaining Council Meetings of2021 will be held in-person and also have availability to participate by ZOOM and ladvertised in the Abington Journal, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Williams, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Hughes Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor, Dr. Cochran asked that non-vaccinated individuals will be required to wear mask. All of Council agreed and will be stipulated in the advertisement. Mr. Barrasse complemented the members ofCouncil for being safe and stated it is better to error on the side of safety than not. Mr. Barrasse told Council he is looking forward of seeing everyone in person next month. Ms. Igoe motioned to allocate funds not to exceed $1,000 to purchase additional flags and the necessary hardware to install them in the Borough, seconded by Mr. Hughes. Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi motioned the Borough purchase wreaths for the VFW for Memorial Day services. Ms. Igoe amended the motion to allow annual purchases of wreaths for the Memorial Day services at the VFW and Veteran's Park, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms and Mr. Barrasse. Mr. Rinaldi asked that the minutes reflect the great service performed by Denise Wylie and Christina Wolfe in manning the polling place short-handed in yesterday's election. Mr. Rinaldi stated in behalf oft the MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Barrasse entertained the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Ms. Igoe to adjourn the meeting at 8:36P.M. All in attendance  Mr. Barrasse expressed his thanks for her volunteering.  community I would like to thank them for their service. All of Council agreed.  voted in favor.  Secretary/Treasurer  f    CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING Agenda VIA ZOOM May 19,2021  C CALLTO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- President Joe Barrasse  2. ROLLCALL-Seertary Joanne Culbertson 3. MOTION TO ACCEPT MINUTES- April 21st, 2021.  4. PUBLIC COMMENT  Visitors should state their name and address. Comments limited to 5min  5. MAYOR's Report- Mayor McGraw. Police Report- Clarks Summit ChiefChris Yarns SOLICITOR'S REPORT- Atty. Weinschenk Resolution to Adopt 2021 Hazard Mitigation Plan 7. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE- - Mr. Rinaldi Motion for Bid Package Proposals & Advertisement  8. ARWA- Mr. Rinaldi  9. TREASURER'S REPORT AND BILLAPPROVAL- Mr. Hughes Renew FNCB CD #200278057 Maturity date 6/23/2021 add $25,000 11. BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE- Mr. Toms 12. REFUSE & RECYCLING COMMITTEE- Ms. Igoe Ratification ofAdditional Flags and bases 13. HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE- Dr. Cochran 14. PERSONMELCOMMITTEE - Mr. Williams 15. ZONING REPORT- George Parker 16. OLD BUSINESS 17. NEW BUSINESS 18. ADJOURNMENT  10. FINANCE COMMITTEE - Mr. Hughes  Appointment to AAJRB & Shade Tree Commission  NOTE TO VISITORS: Please sign the attendance sheet and indicate ify you wish to address Council, stating the agenda topic  on which you would like to comment. Thank you.