CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES JANUARY20, 2021  CALL TO ORDER: President Barrasse called the meeting of the Clarks Green Council to order at President Barrasse had a moment of silence to remember the former Assistant Secretary /Treasurer, Sharon Barrett offering thoughts and prayers to her family. Mr. Barrasse offered prayers and best wishes of success to our new President ofUnited States, Joseph Biden and Vice-President Kamala ROLL CALL: Secretary Culbertson conducted roll call. The following were present: Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams, Mr. Barrasse, Mayor McGraw and Solicitor  7:01 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Harris.  Weinschenk. ABSENT: Mr. Toms.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Barrasse entertained the motion to accept the minutes of the November 12, 2020 Council meeting. Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Dr. Cochran. All ofC Council in attendance voted in favor. President Barrasse entertained the motion to accept the minutes ofthe December 16, 2020 Council meeting. Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded Mr. Williams. Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. VISITORS: George Parker, Clarks Green Zoning Officer, Ben Freda, Abington Journal, Denny McGraw, 106 Spring St., Jim Sweeney, 208 Green St. and CSPD Chief Yarns. PUBLIC COMMENT: Jim Sweeney, 208 Green St. addressed Council concerning an issue that he has with recent paving of Green Street. Mr. Sweeney stated he has a large elevation of five (5) to six (6) inches on the surface oft the road in front ofhis driveway and long ramp was created on his property from the road down to his driveway in attempt to divert rainwater from entering his property. Mr. Sweeney told Council this is a safety issue noting him and wife nearly fell since it got icy. Mr. Sweeny stated he has been in contact with Mr. Rinaldi and Mr. Fenick, Borough engineer who offered three (3)modifications to the roadway with which he had some concerns. Mr. Sweeney told Council he had spoken to a lawyer about this issue and she suggested to hire a civil engineer and wants the Borough to pay the expenses. Mr. Sweeney stated he will be submitting photos before and after] paving for Council'sreview. Mr. Rinaldi stated he was not aware there was a third choice given the Resident MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor McGraw stated hel had nothing to report and congratulated President Biden and Vice-President Harris. Mayor McGraw told Council he has no news on the old gas station. ChiefYarns reviewed the monthly police report and informed Council the department will be purchasing one (1) ortwo (2) new police cars possiblyin March. Chief Yarns stated the officers will bet taking online training courses that will be electronically recorded with the State which will aid accreditations. ChiefYarns reported the Police Department hired Lexipol to update the policy manual. ChiefYarns told Council most officers have received their Covid vaccines. Mr. Rinaldi asked ifthere were any overnight parking citations issued to the resident at the end of Clark Street and noted just following up on ai recent inquiry. ChiefYarns told Mr. Rinaldi he will check into it.  but the Borough is willing to review any alternatives presented.    ELECTRIC GENERATION SUPPLY CONTRACT: Denny McGraw spoke in behalf of Direct Energy on the electric generation supply contract stating he had solicited prices from various suppliers for both streetlights and the Borough building. Mr. McGraw stated the offer from Direct Energy is about aj penny and a halflower than the current PPL pricing noting it would save the Borough approximately $1,100 a year based off of previous years usage and recommended a four (4): year contract versus the three (3) year which he reviewed the proposed pricing that had been distributed to all Council members for their review. Mr. Barrasse agreed that it's more savings than the three (3) year contract. Mr. Hughes motioned to enter into four (4) year contract with Direct Energy, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Williams, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Barrasse thanked Mr. McGraw for his efforts for saving Clarks Green Borough SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Solicitor Weinschenk reminded Council of the SAPA meeting via Zoom tomorrow at 2P.M. noting the comments have been submitted to the consulting group on the new zoning ordinance. Solicitor Weinschenk stated there will be a public hearing February 17th and adoption oft the new ordinance by March 17h noting he will be circulating a resolution regarding an ntergovernmental Cooperation Agreement and updates on SAPA Zoning Ordinance for the February Council meeting. Solicitor Weinschenk informed Council a Planning Commission meeting will be scheduled and advertised for the sketch plan proposing a cluster development at 221 N. Abington Road comprising of eight (8) residential units on a two (2) acre parcel. Mr. Rinaldi asked, "With the submission of the sketch plan, will the current ordinance be the one that is applicable to the potential development?" Solicitor Weinschenk replied that unless there's a formal application for land PUBLIC WORKS: Mr. Rinaldi reminded Council backi in 2018 the Borough submitted a Small Stream & Water Grant request and it was approved for approximately $200,000 noting it was to be used to have portions of Clarks Green's sewer system to be inspected, rehabilitated and if necessary grouted or cured in place lined. Mr. Rinaldi told Council to use the Grant it will need to authorize the Borough engineers to apply for a one (1) year extension, noting extensions are being granted due to the current COVID pandemic. Mr. Rinaldi stated the Borough has received a proposal from Sewer Specialty Services (SSS) in the amount of $4,300 per day to perform camera work, inspections and if necessary repair 19,000 lineal feet of Sanitary Sewer within the Borough. Ms. Igoe motioned to apply for the Small Stream & Water Grant extension and to hire Sewer Specialty Services (SSS) for their services at the amount of $4,300 per day/maximum six (6) days, seconded by Mr. Rinaldi. Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Williams, Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. GEORGE PARKER, ZONING OFFICER REPORT: Mr. Parker asked Council ifthey had any questions on his distributed monthlyreport. Mr. Rinaldi had a few questions regarding the report but it was established that his concerns had been addressed. Mr. Rinaldi thanked Dr. Cochran for the completion ofthe Hazard Mitigation Plan. Dr. Cochran stated it was mostly completed by Mr. Parker since he is fairly new to Council. Mr. Rinaldi asked "why wasn't Mr. Waters, Emergency Coordinator for Clarks Greeninvolved?" noting the Borough pays him a $1000.00 stipend for his services. Dr. Cochran stated he had communicated with Mr. Waters and was given some advice by him and stood- by ift there were any questions we could not figure out. Mr. Rinaldi stated he feels the residents ofthe Borough are not getting $1,000 worth ofs service from Mr. Waters. Mr. Rinaldi motioned to reduce the stipend paid to Mr. Waters for the year of2021 to $250, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Mr. Barrasse and Mr. Rinaldi reviewed how the original rate was established when Mr. Waters was hired as the Emergency Coordinator. Mr. Rinaldi further explained at this point oftime I really do not see what he isreally doing for Borough at that amount of money. Dr. Cochran stated he looks at this as a retainer if we need his advice. Mr. Parker stated he had not contacted Mr. Waters directly when working on the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Ms. Igoe and Mr. Rinaldi voted yes. Dr. Cochran, Mr. Williams, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Barrasse voted no. Mr. Hughes suggested Mr. Waters should be contacted for re-negotiating  money.  development or zoning approval it will be the ordinance that is in effect.    his fee at a lower level. Mr. Barrasse, Dr. Cochran and Mr. Williams agreed. Mr. Williams suggested ap possible list showing the expectations along with timelines. Mr. Rinaldi stated the Borough paid him to draft the Borough Plan. Mr. Barrasse told Mr. Parker about a property at the bottom of] Fairview Road stating the Residents leave their garbage cans on the road seven (7) days a week and he would like him to kindly advice the property owner oft the situation. Mr. Parker will address this issue. Mr. Barrasse asked about another property on Fairview concerning the adding of another EDU and Mr. ARWA: Mr. Rinaldi reported their reorganizational. meeting unanimously elected Harry Jenkins from Clark Summit Borough as chair for 2021. Mr. Rinaldi informed the authority engineers are in the process of studying the flows in and out of the plant since the meters are not reading properly. Mr. Rinaldi told Council the ARWA is contracting with Lackawanna County Wireless for internet TREASURER'S REPORT AND BILLAPPROVAL: Mr. Hughes reported on the checking account balances with comparisons to last month and last year. The Treasurer's report was presented  Rinaldi reported it has already been added.  services.  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-F FNCB CD #200469681 Sewer Wayne Bank CD State Funds Checking Total Checking/Savings  $  311,667.64 106,362.33 428,295.17 51,715.99 51,258.31 52,384.37 75.918.24 1,077.602.05  $  Mr. Hughes reported the General Funding checking account is up $72,000, Capital Fund is down $22,000 and the Sewer Fund is up $98,000 and the State Funds is down $36,000. Mr. Hughes reviewed the Certificates of Deposits along with the expenses of the Borough. Mr. Hughes presented the Budget VS. Actual comparing balances on the report to amounts from last year. Mr. Hughes noted the $101,000 in total expenses is mostly contributable to the purchase ofthe two (2) vehicles. Mr. Hughes told Council for the February work session he will have a complete financial summary ofthe two (2) truck purchases. Mr. Hughes reported the Borough's net income is $41,429.75 compared to last year's $77,789.99 noting in light of all the activity this year net income is only down $36,000 iti is still quite remarkable. With no questions from Council Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Dr. Cochran to accept the Treasurer's report and ratify the payment of the bills. Mr. Williams, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Hughes told Council that he extended the grace period for the penalty on sewer bills until January 11th due to mail delivery. Mr. Hughes motioned to waiver late sewer fee charges on the NBT Bank account and account # 0024, seconded by Mr. Rinaldi. Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Hughes introduced the 2021 C3 Concepts contract for the cleaning the Borough building in the absence ofCouncilman Toms stating the new biweekly rate will be $92. Mr. Barrasse question whether the Borough employees could possible do the work especially now with the COVID pandemic. Ms. Igoe agreed. Mr. Hughes recommended that the Borough continue using the services ofC3 Concepts. Mr. Rinaldi stated if the DPW workers did the service we will need to change theirj job descriptions. Secretary Culbertson stated Mr. Toms had signed the 2021 C3 Concepts contract. Mr. Rinaldi motioned to approve the 2021 C3 Concepts COntract at the amount of$ $92 bi-weekly, seconded by Mr. Hughes. Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi reported to Council about aj possible gas leak noting the UGI will be at the Borough building tomorrow putting a new service line and placing an outside meter. Mr. Hughes reported to Council that the Borough has    received an additional supplemental check in the amount of $7, ,228.85 from Lackawanna County making the total disbursement at $10,000 for COVID relief. Mr. Williams informed Council he was contacted by a resident asking if flags can be displayed for all Federal holidays including the upcoming President's Day. Mr. Barrasse stated he can consider the request and discuss it further at the  work session.  BUILDING AND GROUNDS: No report.  REFUSE & RECYCLING: Ms. Igoe told Council she has nothing to report.  HEALTH & SAFETY: Dr. Cochran told Council the Borough had a request for the COVID vaccinations and feels we really don't! have a setup at our Borough in an organized fashion to assist in administering the vaccine. Dr. Cochran thanked Mr. Parker for his assistance in the Hazard Mitigation OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Barrasse talked about the letter from resident, John Earley concerning the refuse account ofanother resident and told Council he had tried to contact Mr. Earley to discuss. Mr. Barrasse stated he wanted to reiterate with Mr. Earley the possibility ofre-bidding the refuse/recycling contract and having the refuse/recycling bill included with the property owners' real estate taxes. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Barrasse briefly reviewed the letter sent from Sean MacPheron, Clarks Summit Fire Co., making us aware of some strategic changes in the emergency Basic Life Support response noting it comes at no cost to the fire company, removing a significant financial burden to the organization. Mr. Barrasse stated he would like for Council to review the letter and will have discussion at the next work session. Mr. Rinaldi stated he would like them to possibly attend the next work session to answer any concerns such as ift the Borough residents will see an increase in cost for ambulance service. Mr. Barrasse asked Dr. Cochran to invite Mr. MacPherson to attend the next work PERSONNEL: Mr. Barrasse informed Council there will be an executive session to discuss personnel issue. Executive session started at 8:40 P.M. Mr. Barrasse resumed the meeting at 8:59: P.M. MOTION FOR. ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Barrasse entertained the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Mr. Williams to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 P.M. All in  Plan along with the recent sidewalk complaints.  session. Dr. Cochran agreed.  attendance voted in favor.  Culbertson, Secretary/Treasurer      CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCILMEETING Agenda VIAZOOM January20,2021  . - CALLTO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- President Joe Barrasse 3. MOTIONTO. ACCEPT MINUTES- November 12, 2020 & December 16, 2020 Visitors should state their name and address. Comments limited to 5 min,  2. ROLLCALL-Seretary, Joanne Culbertson  4. PUBLIC COMMENT  5. MAYOR's Report- Mayor McGraw. Police Report- Clarks Summit ChiefChris Yarns Electric Generation Supply Contract- Denny McGraw 7. Solicitor's Report- Mr. Weinschenk 8. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE- Mr. Rinaldi 9. Zoning Report- George Parker 10. ARWA- Mr. Rinaldi  11. TREASURER'S REPORT AND BILL. APPROVAL- Mr. Hughes Waiver oflate Fee's; NBT Bank, Joshi acct. #024 C3Concepts -building cleaning contract 12. FINANCE COMMITTEE- - Mr. Hughes 13. BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE- Mr. Toms 14. REFUSE & RECYCLING COMMITTEE- Ms. Igoe 15. HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE- Dr. Cochran 16. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE- Mr. Williams Executive Session for Personnel matters 17. OLD BUSINESS Letter from John Earley 18. NEWBUSINESS 19. ADJOURNMENT  NOTE' TO 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.