Mayor Robert Mullen Solicitor Atty. Matthew G.E Boyd Ufberg8 & Associates Chief of] Police David Homschek Interim Secretary Sandra Van! Luvender Treasurer Jennifer Davitt Engineer PennEastern Engineers, LLC Paul Pasonick  Council President Homschek. Hollyl Viçe President Gary! Halagarda Michael Fuller Joe Satkowski. Jr. Emlaw Jim Stanley Waleski Bob Dommermuth Dennis O'Brien Alan Kiesinger  Glooca  of Main St. 950 Avoca, Pa 18641 ertapyeAnalataghon Telephones Secretary:5 570-457-4947 Fax: 570-451-1750  Borough  Policel Department: 570-457-4011  Street Department: 570-451-0625  AVOCA BOROUGH Meeting Minutes  Thursday February 9, 2023 - Council Meeting  The regular meeting of the Avoca Borough Council was held on Thursday February 9th, 2023, with Council President, Holly HOMSCHEK, presiding. The work session began at 1835HRS. The regular meeting was  called to order at 1850HRS, and Pledge of Allegiance was said by James EMLAW.  Council Members in attendance:. Jim EMLAW, Mike FULLER, Gary HALAGARDA, Holly HOMSCHEK, Alan Also in attendance: Mayor Robert MULLEN, Attorney Matthew BOYD, Police Chief David HOMSCHEK, Motion by Joe SATKOWSKI, second by Dennis O'BRIEN to accept the minutes from last month's Motion by Stan WALESKI, second by Mike FULLER to pay all bills presented with monies available. Motion by Alan KIESINGER, second by Bob DOMMERMUTH to accept new correspondence. as Motion by Joe SATKOWSKI, second by Dennis O'BRIEN to accept police report prepared by Chief Motion by Dennis O'BRIEN, second by Alan KIESINGER to adopt Resolution #6 approving addition of Motion by Alan KIESINGER, second by Mike FULLER to donate $200 toi the Scholarship Fund sponsored  KIESINGER, Dennis O'BRIEN, Joe SATKOWSKI, Stanley WALESKI and Bob DOMMERMUTH.  Engineer Paul PASONICK and Sandra VAN LUVENDER, Interim Secretary.  meeting. Voice Vote: (9) Nine Yes Voice Vote: (9) Nine Yes  presented. Voice Vote: (9) Nine Yes  HOMSCHEK and read by Mayor MULLEN. Voice Vote: (9) Nine Yes other Boroughs/Townships to the Land Bank. Roll Call: (9) Nine Yes byt the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Voice Vote: (9) Nine Yes    Motion by Bob Dommermuth, second by Joe SATKOWSKI to schedule meeting with Police FOP, Mayor and Council Representatives to start negotiation talks for the 2024 Police Contract. Roll Call: (8) Eight Yes (1)  Abstain (Holly HOMSCHEK)  Motion by Jim EMLAW, second by Bob DOMMERMUTH to renew coverage through Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance (Equipment Failure Coverage) at a renewal cost of $728.00. Current policy  expires on 03/31/2023. Voice Vote: (9) Nine Yes  Motion by Alan KIESINGER, second by Joe SATKOWSKI to approve change order #1 (McAlpine Street Storm Sewer Project) to increase $1,250 to the original contract amount for videotaping the sanitary sewers.  Voice Vote: (9) Nine Yes  Motion by Joe SATKOWSKI, second by Dennis O'BRIEN to approve Stafursky Paving Company, Inc's Pay Motion by Dennis O'BRIEN, second by. Joe SATKOWSKI to request Solicitor to prepare and advertise ACTION ITEM #10 Advertise for part-time Borough Manager/ Street Department as recommended by the Roads/Garage/Bulding Committee was discussed in the executive session. Council requested that it be  Application in the amount of $5,175.00. Voice Vote: (9) Nine Yes updated stormwater ordinance. Roll Call Vote: all (9) nine Yes  removed as an Action Item sO they could discuss the position and need further.  Council additional notes:  Alan KIESINGER mentioned concern of Marie BURNS (700 block Grove Street) with water issues as a result of the Sr81 Reconstruction Project. Council discussed open house and plans display that Penn Dot holding on February 15th regarding the project. Resident encouraged to attend and ask questions. Work not  scheduled to start until 2028.  Mike FULLER mentioned the Fire Committee meeting with officers of the Avoca Hose Company to address the volunteer crisis across the State. FULLER then asked Deputy Chief Mike LAMPMAN to further explain the meeting. LAMPMAN related that the Avoca Hose Company Officers have been meeting with neighboring borough fire department officers to discuss the volunteer crisis. One suggested solution was for each oft the (4) four Boroughs (Avoca, Dupont, Hughestown and Duryea) to hire a part-time fireman to man their respective stations during daytime, weekday hours (hours with least amount of coverage). The (4) fireman would work together during those hours to handle calls and complete station duties, providing some relieft tot the already overtasked volunteers. The Hose Company Officers are planning a Town Hall Meeting during the month of March 2023 to get resident and council input. Meeting location and date to be  announced.  BWH Construction suggested their office handling zoning matters for permits within the borough. Currently, Avoca Borough follows County Zoning and switching from County Zoning would require the borough to adopt an ordinance and establish al hearing board. This would come at a significant expense to the  borough. Council agreed to continue with County Zoning at this time.  Street Department: Michael VOLCH and Stan SPAGNUOLO present - reported new! Skid Lift delivered.    Audience: Nothing from Audience  Engineer: Avoca Borough Engineer's Report (dated February 9th, 2023) prepared and read by Paul Paul also added that he is working on the MS4 Report that is due by 06/30/23. Part oft the program requests that more information about MS4 be given to the residents. Some examples would be handing out material about the programs, asking questions regarding MS4 during meeting and educating the local  PASONICK. (See Attached)  community groups with presentations.  Paul also requested a meeting with the Road Committee to discuss item #81 from his report (2019 PA Police Report was prepared by Chief HOMSCHEK and read by Mayor MULLEN. (See Attached)  Small Water and Sewer Grant McAlpine Storm Sewer Project). Some issues have developed.  Notes:  Reminder of Open House and Display for 81 Reconstruction Project February 15, 2023 4pm to 8pm Municipal Leadership Conference - February 22, 2023 - 6pm to 8pm - Tannersville, PA Motion made by Stan WALESKI, second by. Joe SATKOWSKI to adjourn the meeting at 1927HRS.  HAIRE Insurance site safety inspection 03/08/202