CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE17,2020 CALL TO ORDER: President Barrasse called the meeting of the Clarks Green Council to order at ROLL CALL: Secretary Culbertson conducted roll call. The following were present: Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Toms, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams, Mr. Barrasse, Mayor McGraw and APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Barrasse entertained the motion to accept the minutes of the January 15,2020, February 5,2020, February 19, 2020 and April 15, 2020 Council meetings. Mr. Rinaldi motioned, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Mr. Hughes, Dr. VISITORS: Ben Freda, Abington Journal, George Parker, Clarks Green Zoning officer, and CSPD 7:01 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Solicitor Weinschenk. Cochran, Mr. Rinaldi and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. ChiefYarns. PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment. MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor McGraw reported he had several calls concerning unkempt property, barking dogs and ATV being driven in the neighborhood. Mr. Parker stated the 219 Grayson Drive property has been addressed and the property owner is in the process of cleaning it. Mr. Rinaldi suggested to contact Chief Yarns concerning the ATV problem. Chief Yarns stated he had already spoken to the young man who might have been driving the ATV and noted he was receptive to the conversation concerning driving the ATV in the Borough streets. Chief Yarns informed Council the CSPD received a grant for Aggressive Driving and will be starting July 6th to August 23rd helping with speed enforcement more aggressively. Chief Yarns reported it has been fairly quiet with this Covid pandemic. Chief Yarns told Council the department is practicing safety by having the officers temperature checked when reporting for their shift along with sanitizing the offices and cars. SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Solicitor Weinschenk talked briefly about the Floodplain Ordinance that he had introduced at the last Council meeting stating the Borough has received new Flood Maps from FEMA which will become effective August 5, 2020. The maps indicate there is very little floodplain areas in the Borough, a few backyards on the south end of Crest drive are the only floodplains in the Borough, in order to be compliant with FEMAI regulations the Borough must adopt a new Floodplain Ordinance by August 5th. Solicitor Weinschenk explained if the Ordinance is not adopted residents requiring or desiring flood insurance will not be able to purchase it. Solicitor Weinschenk told Council the Ordinance has been advertised in the Scranton Times as required and will dispense from reading the thirty (30) page Ordinance noting copies had been sent to all of Council but will read the summary for consideration at tonight'smeeting. BOROUGH OF CLARKS GREEN LACKAWANNACOUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA ORDINANCE NO.1OF2 2020 AN ORDINANCE REPEALING INI ITS ENTIRETY CHAPTER 8 OF THE CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH CODE OF ORDINANCES PERTAINNG TO FLOODPLAINS WITHIN THE BOROUGH AND ENACTING A NEW CHAPTER 8 OF THE BOROUGH OF CLARKS GREEN CODE OF ORDINANCES REGARDING FLOODPLAINS; REQUIRING ALL. PERSONS, PARTNERSHIPS, BUSINESSES, AND CORPORATIONSTO OBTAIN A PERMIT FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION OR DEVELOPMENT PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH PERMITS; SETTING FORTH CERTAIN MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT WITHIN AREAS OF THE BOROUGH OF CLARKS GREEN WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO FLOODING; AND ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR ANY PERSONS WHO FAIL, OR REFUSE TO COMPLY WITH, THE REQUIREMENTSOR PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE. (Note: the full Ordinance is available at the Municipal building for review) ARTICLE2 X. ENACTMENT Section 10.01 Adoption This Ordinance shall be effective on upon adoption and shall remain in force until modified, amended or rescinded by Borough of Clarks Green, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. ENACTED AND ADOPTED by the Council this 17th day ofJune, 2020. ATTEST: /s/. Joanne Culbertson Joanne Culbertson, Secretary, Clarks Green Borough COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF CLARKS GREEN By: /s/ Joseph Barrasse Joseph Barrasse, President Clarks Green Borough Council APPROVED, this 17th day ofJune, 2020, by the Mayor oft the Borough of Clarks Green. Is/Ken McGraw Mayor Dr. Cochran motioned to adopt Ordinance No. 1 of2020, seconded by Mr. Hughes. Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. PUBLIC WORKS: Mr. Rinaldi reported the paving project had been started at Crest and Short Hill and briefly talked about the issue he had with the PAWC concerning the type of risers for the manholes covers to which he had discussed with PAWC months ago to avoid future sanitary sewer infiltration problems. Mr. Rinaldi informed Council he finally was contacted by PAWC and a meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow at 7. A.M. Mr. Rinaldi informed Council he has been working with the Borough Engineers concerning the bid package for 2020 Paving Project stating to include alternate bids for the alternate streets that possibly will be paved in addition to Vassar Avenue since this will aid Council as well as the contractors in determining what streets will be added to the bid package. Mr. Rinaldi told Council he had another complaint dealing with the intersection at Fairview Road and Possum Way he is working with the Borough engineers to add this to the 2020 Paving Project. Mr. Rinaldi reported the Crest Drive Pipe Replacement Project # 1 and #2 has been completed and MHW Construction has submitted there invoices for payment with the Borough's engineer approval. Mr, Rinaldi motioned to authorize payment for the invoice for Crest Drive Storm Sewer Replacement Project #1 for the amount of$12,380.00 which was the exact amount oft the proposal, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Rinaldi motioned to authorize payment to MHW Construction based on their invoice for Crest Drive Pipe Replacement Project #2 for the amount of$11,750, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms and Mr. Barrasse GEORGE PARKER, ZONING OFFICER REPORT: Mr. Parker stated it has been a very busy month. Ms. Igoe asked about the corner property on Hall St. and Mr. Parker stated it is being worked on and Mr. Rinaldi verified that a new front porch roofhas been built. Mr. Barrasse asked Mr. Parker about the permit for sealing a driveway noting he did not think aj permit was needed. Mr. Parker stated he is requiringresidents to get permits because he is not always sure on what they are going to do when tying into the existing pavement and street. Mr. Parker reported on the old gas station stating a plan was prepared by a register land surveyor and it was prepared for a potential buyer for the property. The potential buyer wanted to swap some land in the area where the properties join Glenburn Road. The property on the corner oft the old gas station and the property immediately adjacent is a residential property located on Glenburn noting both properties are owned by Braz and Orzel. Mr. Parker stated the owners agreed ift this would help with the sale of the property. Mr. Parker told Council the submitted plan was reviewed by Clarks Green Planning Commission recommending to the Borough Council to approve the subdivision (swapping). Mr. Parkerinformed Council the plan has been signed by both property owners and has been notarized. Mr. Parker told Council ift the plan is approved tonight he wants to make it clear that it is not a land development plan but only an adjustment of the property line. Ms. Igoe motioned to approve the minor subdivision (swapping) plan approved by Clarks Green Borough's Planning Commission and is before Clarks Green Borough Council tonight, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms, Dr. ARWA: Mr. Rinaldi reported ARWA'S Pension Plan transfer will be completed on June 30th noting iti is being changed to Mass Mutual from John Hancock letting the employees make additional contributions if desired. Mr. Rinaldi informed Council about a portion of the treatment plant called a "wet well". The accumulation of FOG, which is fats, oil and grease, semi-annually needs to be vacuumed and removed. Mr. Rinaldi told Council the cost for this service is approximately $4,000 each time and wants the public to know it is costing all of us. Mr. Rinaldi told Council Clarks Green's Ordinance prohibits the discharge of fats, oils and grease into the sanitary sewer system. Mr. Rinaldi reported that most of the FOG is coming from commercial food establishments. Mr. Rinaldi reported ARWA is currently looking for a new email hosting provider stating they are experiencing problems with the current provider, Cleverfish. Mr. Rinaldi told Council June gth all of ARWA: staff returned to 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 voted in favor. Cochran, Ms. Igoe and Mr. Barrasse. work at full capacity practicing social distancing and wearing of masks. 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 State Funds Checking Total Checking/Savings $ 369,771.11 128,534.63 327,191.92 51,380.36 50,000.00 52,384.37 162.224.67 1,141,487.06 $ Mr. Hughes told Council the approved Sewer and General Fund money market account transfers both had approximately an amount ofs $35,000 have been completed which will make increases in the Sewer and General Fund checking accounts. Mr. Hughes told Council the closing oft the DCNR account fund added an additional amount to the General Fund checking account in the amount of $126.60. 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. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Rinaldi and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Hughes presented the Budget VS. Actual report comparing balances on the report to amounts from last year noting the real estate taxes are down by $13,000. Mr. Hughes told Council the Borough had a very good Wage Tax collection for the month ofMay reversing the poor collection for the month of April. Mr. Hughes reported total expenses have increased from a year ago by $58,000 most of which is accounted for by the $44,000 for the purchase of the first truck. Mr. Hughes told Council net income is lower by $93,000 than a year ago. Mr. Hughes reported $4,272 had been collected in sewer delinquencies and letters have been sent out to the delinquencies for two (2) or more quarters. Mr. Hughes informed Council the audit presentation will be held at the August 19th meeting and has asked for an engagement letter from Murphy & Dougherty noting this audit is the final audit ofa a three (3) year contract. Mr. Hughes told Council he has requested the first year oft the contract show no increase in cost for an audit. Mr. Hughes informed Council a FNCB CD will be maturing June 23rdbut is still waiting for a callback on the newinterest rate. Mr. Hughes told Council after reviewing the request for as $100 contribution for five (5) years to the Scranton plan the Financial Committee recommends not to take action at this time. Mr. Barrasse asked for verification of the total amount of sewer delinquencies and Mr. Hughes stated $50,573. Ms. Igoe voiced her concerns over the delinquent accounts and offered her services in the mailing oft the letters. Mr. Rinaldi briefly talked about the transfer of properties and how sometimes the sewer bills are not paid and what can be done to prevent REFUSE & RECYCLING: Ms. Igoe told Council she was very embarrassed and disappointed with everyone that no one from the Council participated in Flag Day Ceremonies with Clarks Summit and the VFW. Mr. Igoe further expressed her thoughts on why Mr. Toms, chair of Buildings & Grounds was not listed on the agenda for the second and possibly the third time. Mr. Barrasse stated it is duly noted and expressed his apologizes and noted it was notintentional. Mr. Barrasse stated the agenda was copied from the previous one and in the future it will be reviewed: more closely. Ms. Igoe told Council there has been some confusion on the comingling or the lack ofcomingling oftrash recently in an article in the newspaper. Ms. Igoe stated nothing has changed with recyclables for the residents HEALTH & SAFETY: Dr. Cochran informed Council there was a drive-thru parade through his neighborhood for an ill person and Chief Yarns responded with escorts to keep traffic safe thanking the Chief for his assistance. Dr. Cochran stated we will be entering the green phase very soon and noted we are seeing a rise in Coronavirus cases in the states and globally but in his opinion the economy needs to be open. Dr. Cochran stated this virus is not over and mitigation especially for the older generation is still the best thing to do and there will be collateral damage. Dr. Cochran told Council the collateral damage can be anyone one of us and noted the public cannot rest easy. PERSONNEL: Mr. Williams told Council in anticipation oft the green phase the DPW is working to install a partition in the front office made of wood and hanging plastic sheets approximately 7 (seven) feet tall SO Joanne and Paula can return to their regular shifts allowing them to work together in the same office. Mr. Williams stated the employees will be practicing social distancing along with wearing ai mask. Mr. Toms asked Dr. Cochran for his opinion for installing a partition and Dr. Cochran stated you can never be too careful and it doesn't cost much to do. Mr. Rinaldi asked Dr. Cochran if the employees ofthe Borough should be required to get testing since a lot of employers are requiring it right now. Dr. Cochran stated if they do not have symptoms he does not see the need for testing. Mr. Rinaldi and Ms. Igoe both stated their belief a partition in the office is not necessary. Dr. Cochran this from happening. ofthe Borough since we have a private hauler, County Waste. stated he disagrees noting he already made his comments. Ms. Igoe brought up the need for the BUILDING AND GROUNDS: Mr. Toms reported he has been in contact with the gentleman who will be repairing the side concrete ramp but still does not have a specific start date. Mr. Toms told Council hei is still having problems with Reeves Awnings noting every time he calls them they say OLD BUSINESS: Ms. Igoe brought up the crosswalks again. Mr. Rinaldi agreed the crosswalks need to be done and the DPW needs to get them done and he stated he will double check their schedule. Mr. Barrasse asked Secretary Culbertson to check on the grant reimbursement from Lackawanna County for the purchase oft the new truck. Mr. Barrasse had a brief discussion on how the July meeting will be conducted, Zoom versus in person at the Borough's chamber or both especially if people are afraid to attend due to health reasons along with how can we. arrange for social distancing. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Barrasse entertained the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Dr. Cochran to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 P.M. All in painingofcrosswalks: in the Borough. they will be installing them and they never show up. attendance voted in favor. % Gulltinw Culbertson, Secretary/Treasurer CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCILMEETING Agenda VIAZOOM June 17,2020 1. CALLTOORDERAND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- President Joe Barrasse 2. ROLLCALL-Seereary Joanne Culbertson 3. MOTION TO ACCEPT MINUTES- 4. PUBLIC COMMENT Visitors should approach the podium and state their name and address. Comments limited to 5 min Clarks Summit Fire Co. President Mike Lukus, Chief. Jay Miller, EMS Corey Colarossi 5, MAYOR's Report- Mayor McGraw. Police Report- Clarks Summit Chief Chris Yarns Solicitor's Report- Mr Weinschenk Flood Ordinance 7. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE- Mr. Rinaldi Authorizing payments to MHW Constr. Crest Drive Storm Water Pipe Replacement Projcets 1 &2 Vote on approval of Braz/Orzell property line adjustment, minor subdivision and annexation. Zoning Report- Mr Parker 8. ARWA- Mr. Rinaldi 9, TREASURER'S REPORT ANDI BILLAPPROVAL-I Mr. Hughes 11. FINANCE COMMITTEE- Mr. Hughes Payments, & Sewer Aecount Delinquencies. 12. REFUSE & RECYCLING COMMITTEE- Ms. Igoe 13. HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE- Dr. Cochran 14. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE- Mr. Williams Workplace safety and Partitioning 15. OLD BUSINESS 16. NEWBUSINESS 17. ADJOURNMENT NOTETO VISITORS: Please sign the attendance sheet and indicate ifyou wish to address Council, stating the agenda topie on which you would like to comment. Thank you.