CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCIL MINUTES MAY20, 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, Mr. Williams, Mr. Barrasse, Mayor McGraw and Solicitor APPROVAL OF MINUTES: President Barrasse entertained the motion to accept the minutes oft the November 14, 2019 and December 18, 2019 Council meetings. Dr. Cochran motioned, seconded by Mr. Toms. Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms, Mr. Hughes, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Rinaldi and Mr. Barrasse voted in VISITORS: Ben Freda, Abington Journal, Mary, O'Brien, Clarks Green Borough Real Estate Tax  7:02 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Weinschenk. Ms. Igoe. joined the meeting at 7:10P.M.  favor.  Collector and George Parker, Clarks Green Zoning officer. PUBLIC COMMENT: No public comment.  MAYOR'S REPORT: Mayor McGraw offered his condolences to CSPD Chief Yarns and all the people that we have loss due to this pandemic. President Barrasse offered Council's condolences and stated he had communications earlier in the week with ChiefYarns noting he will not be attending the virtual meeting tonight and noted more citations have been given out due to the warmer weather. SOLICITOR'S REPORT: Solicitor Weinschenk prepared a Resolution No. 4 of2020 for the Borough waiving the late penalty fee for the Borough's real estate taxes for the year 2020 with the condition that the real estate taxes are paid in full by December 31, 2020 and ifi not paid in full the ten (10) percent penalty will be imposed before such taxes are returned delinquent. Mr. Rinaldi motioned to approve Resolution No. 4 of2020, seconded by Ms. Igoe. Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes,  Ms. Igoe, Mr. Williams, Mr. Rinaldi and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor.  Resolution No. 4 of2020 Borough of Clarks Green Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania  ARESOLUTION OF THE BOROUGH COUNCIL OF THE BOROUGH OF CLARKS GREEN WAIVING THE LATE PENALTY FEE FOR BOROUGH REAL ESTATE TAXES  FOR THE YEAR 2020  Whereas, the Borough of Clarks Green (the "Borough") imposes an annual tax on the assessed Whereas, the period for payment of such real estate taxes at face value expires on June 30, Whereas, the Commonwealth ofPennsylvania is acting under a State of Emergency declared  value oft real estate located within the Borough; and  2020 after which date a ten percent (10%) penalty is imposed; and  by the Governor on March 6, 2020 as a result of the continuing Covid-19 pandemic; and    Whereas, the Pennsylvania State Legislature passed Act 15 of2020, which was signed by the Governor on April 20, 2020, allowing political subdivisions within the Commonwealth to waive any penalty associated with the late payment of real estate taxes for 2020 if said real property taxes are  paid in full by December 31, 2020; and  Whereas, Borough Council believes it isi in the best interests of the residents ofClarks Green NOW' THEREFORE, the Borough Council of the Borough of Clarks Green does hereby The ten percent (10%) penalty imposed on Borough real estate taxes after June 30, 2020 is hereby waived provided such real estate taxes are paid in full by December 31, 2020. Ifthe real estate taxes are not paid in full by December 31,2020 the ten percent (10%) penalty has be imposed before  Borough to waive the late penalty on Borough real estate taxes for the year 2020.  resolve as follows:  such taxes are returned delinquent.  ADOPTED at a meeting of the Borough Council of Clarks Green Borough held on May 20,  2020.  Borough of Clarks Green /s/. Joseph Barrasse Joseph Barrasse, President  Attest:  /s/Joanne Culbertson Joanne Culbertson, Secretary  Solicitor Weinschenk stated to inform the residents of Clarks Green Borough about this adopted Resolution information should be posted on the website. Secretary Culbertson stated she will add to the June sewer billing message. Mr. Rinaldi verified the penalty deadline was June 30th. Solicitor Weinschenk updated Council on the Floodplain Ordinance 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 FEMA regulations the Borough must adopt a new Floodplain Ordinance by August 5th. Solicitor Weinschenk explained ift the Ordinance is not adopted residents requiring or desiring flood insurance will not be able to purchase it. Solicitor Weinschenk told Council Leslie Rhoads of the PA Municipal League assisted with the proposed Ordinance SO as to ensure its compliance with the FEMA requirements. Solicitor Weinschenk stated he will be sending out the proposed Floodplain Ordinance in the next few days and asked Council for them to reviewi it and ifthere are any questions or comments he would be happy to address. Solicitor Weinschenk suggested to Council the Ordinance should be considered and the current plan is to advertise the Ordinance for consideration by Council at its June 17th meeting. PUBLIC WORKS: Mr. Rinaldi reported the Crest and Short Hill Project is moving along noting the installation of pipe will be finished no later than Friday and will contact PAWC to tell them they can start the paving by TSE. Mr. Rinaldi informed Council that ai resident at 103 Yale Boulevard made a connection to our sanitary sewer system (new lateral) noting the Borough has requirements and George Parker has informed the homeowner what needs to be done. Mr. Rinaldi reported the switching of the Borough's representative for the PA One Call as discussed from the work session has been done noting George Parker will replace the DPW foreman, Dave Kohinsky noting when a PA One Call is initiated Dave did not know ifaj permit would be required and this switch in representation will alleviate this problem. Mr. Rinaldi stated it was discovered that three (3) properties in the Short    Hill area share al lateral and further investigation will be needed with the help from Solicitor ARWA: Mr. Rinaldi reported the ARWA is in the process ofmoving the pension to Mass Mutual. Mr. Rinaldi informed Council that the plant experienced two (2) high flow events in the system, April 13th and April 30th. Mr. Rinaldi reported Covid-19 pandemic staffing at the plant scheduling required only two (2) employees for any given day and will be transitioning to teams ofthree (3) alternate days. 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  Weinschenk to determine if easements exist.  by Mr. Hughes and filed for audit. Current fund balances are as follows:  General Fund Checking General Fund Money Market Capital Fund Money Market Sewer Fund Checking Sewer Fund Money Market Sewer - FNCB CD #200278057 Sewer - FNCB CD #200469681 Sewer - Wayne Bank CD State Funds Checking Total Checking/Savings  $  312,832.41 35,385.20 128,523.71 354,519.49 35,099.26 51,380.36 50,000.00 52,384.37 162,210.93 1,182,335.73  $  Mr. Hughes presented the Budget VS. Actual report comparing balances on the report to amounts from last year noting the real estate taxes are lower about $5,000. Mr. Hughes told Council our total revenue is lower by $35,000 and our expenses are higher by $61,000 noting purchase of the Borough's pickup truck for $44,000. Mr. Hughes reported total expenses and net income were $6,000 lower than ay year ago. Mr. Hughes reviewed the proposed estimates concerning the Covid-19 impact it had on the Borough's finances. With no questions from Council Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Ms. Igoe to accept the Treasurer's report and ratify the payment oft the bills. Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Williams, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Rinaldi and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Hughes told Council after having a few discussions with Mr. Rinaldi concerning our bank accounts he recommends to Council in consolidating some oft these bank accounts naming the DCNR account transferring the money into the General Fund Checking Account along with General Fund Money Market account and the Sewer Fund Money Market account and transferring the money into the Sewer Fund Checking account. Dr. Cochran motioned to transfer funds from the three (3) accounts stated, seconded by Mr. Williams. Mr. Williams, Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Ms. Igoe and Mr, Barrasse voted lin favor. Mr. Hughes reported our utility bills will be automated debiting our General Fund Checking account. Mr. Hughes motioned to Council to renew the Sewer Fund FNCB CD #200278057 not to exceed fifteen months, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Toms, Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Williams, Mr. Hughes and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Hughes presented to Council ai request from a new resident Sewer Account # 0544 asking ift the sewer late charge of$14.20 can be removed stating they had not received the bill. Dr. Cochran motioned to remove the late charge of $14.20 from Sewer Account #0544, seconded by Mr. Toms. Dr. Cochran, Ms. Igoe, Mr. Toms, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Williams and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Hughes reported $2,620 had been collected in sewer delinquencies noting $1,000 was from a lien customer account # 0174. REFUSE & RECYCLING: Ms. Igoe reported she had called County Waste concerning some complaints the Borough received in regard to additional charges for removal of waste and verified Clarks Green residents do not pay an additional charge as per our contract. Ms. Igoe informed Council  that County Waste had been sold to Canadian company.    HEALTH & SAFETY: Dr. Cochran reported we are still in the red zone and glad to see all ofus are healthy. Dr. Cochran stated we are still in the same situation and the employees at the Borough are doing what needs to be done. President Barrasse stated he was happy also that everyone is safe and PERSONNEL: Mr. Williams reported things are quiet this month and the same procedure is in place with the employees work schedule. Mr. Williams told Council for the Election Day the front office will be unlocked along with other office doors. Mr. Williams stated signs will be posted for directing the traffic entrance to the building will be the front door and exit will be the side door along with BUILDING & GROUNDS: Mr. Toms told Council the side ramp will be fixed within a week or two. Mr. Toms stated he will try to have the flags up for Flag Day a lot depends on the DPW schedule. Mr. Toms reported he did not know anything about the purchasing ofa lawnmower or the OLD BUSINESS: Mr. Barrasse reported a request has been submitted for the grant reimbursement of our new purchased pickup truck. Mr. Barrasse told Council we need to start the process ofs selling our old truck and possibly in the next few weeks list it on the Municibid website. Ms. Igoe told Council a NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Rinaldi stated he wants the minutes to reflect and acknowledge my friend, Pat Williams who has retired from Clarks Summit Council and the many years of outstanding service he contributed to our area. Mr. Rinaldi wished him well on his future endeavors. Dr. Cochran stated he will be contacting George Parker concerning neglected properties located at Squirrel Run and Grayson. Mr. Parker stated he has already been in contact with the property owner concerning Grayson. President Barrasse told Council due to the circumstances ofPeter Giermanski, chair ofthe Shade Tree Commission we might need to remove him from his position. President Barrasse expressed the fact that Mr. Giermanski did a great job serving the community in that position and thanked him for his serviçe. Ms. Igoe motioned to remove to Peter Giermanski from Chair of the Clarks Green Shade Tree Commission, seconded by Dr. Cochran. Mr. Williams, Mr. Rinaldi, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Igoe, Dr. Cochran and Mr. Barrasse voted in favor. Mr. Toms was not connected to vote at this time. Mr. Rinaldi asked Council if they would like to purchase the annual Memorial wreath to honor our veterans. All of Council agreed and Mr. Rinaldi will contact Mr. Toms in regard to purchasing of the wreath. President Barrasse stated the June work session and Council meeting will be MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Barrasse entertained the motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Hughes motioned, seconded by Mr. Rinaldi to adjourn the meeting at 8:22 P.M. All in attendance  healthy.  social distancing markings.  need to buy one.  new phone system is needed for the office.  done by Zoom for safety reasons  voted in favor.  A Clhtn Joanne Culbertson, Secretary/Treasurer    CLARKS GREEN BOROUGH COUNCILMEETING Agenda Via Zoom mecting May 20, 2020  1. CALLTOORDER, AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE- President Joe Barrasse  - ROLLCALL-S Secretary Joanne Culbertson 3. MOTIONTOACCEPT. MINUTES- 4. PUBLIC COMMENT  Visitors should approach the podium and state their namc and address. Comments limited to 3 minutes  5. MAYOR's Report, Mayor McGraw Police Report- Clarks Summit Police ChiefYarns SOLICTOR = Attorney" Weinschenk Waiver of Real Estate Tax Penalty Resolution 2020 Flood Plain Resolution 7. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE- Mr. Rinaldi Update on Short Hill, and Crest Drive Zoning Report- Hawk Oil Property Mr Parker  Clarks Summit Firc Co. President Mike Lukus, ChiefJay Miller, EMS Corcy Colarossi  8. ARWA- Mr. Rinaldi  9. TREASURER'S REPORT AND BILL. APPROVAL- Mr. Hughes Ratification of waiver oflate payment for account 544 10. FINANCE COMMITTEE- = Mr. Hughes Payments, & Sewer Account Delinquencies. 11. REFUSE & RECYCLING COMMITTEE-Ms. Igoe 12. HEALTH & SAFETY COMMITTEE- Dr. Cochran Safcty in the office, and garage. 13. PERSONNEL COMMITTEE-Mr. William  Automation of bill paying, ie Utilities, Renewal of Sewer CD. June 23: 2020, Account Consolidation (3)  Employec 14, OLDBUSINESS 15. NEWBUSINESS 17. ADJOURNMENT  NOTE TO VISITORS: Pleasc sign the attendance sheet and indicate ifyou wish to address Council, stating the agenda topic  on which you would like to comment. Thank you.