BOROUGH OF WIND GAP 545 East West Street WIND GAP, PA 18091 610-863-7288 FAX610-863-1011  The Council meeting of the Borough of Wind Gap on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President George Hinton, at which time he reminded those present that the meeting was being recorded. In attendance were Council members David Hess, Steve Bender, Dave Manzo, Patrick Webber, and Alex Cortezzo. Also, in attendance were Mayor Wesley J. Smith, Borough Solicitor Ronald Karasek, Borough Engineer Brian Pysher and Borough Manager Louise Firestone. Absent was Councilman Jeff Yob.  PUBLIC COMMENT  Mr. Johnson, President of the Plainfield Township Fire Company was in attendance and asked to address Council. Mr. Johnson expressed his concern with the social media on-line bantering that has occurred over the last several weeks with members oft the Wind Gap Fire Company. Mr. Johnson and the past Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Company President forwarded al letter to Council for their review and possible action. George Hinton stated that the original letter should have been addressed to the Wind Gap Fire Company not Council. He believes that these ongoing issues are between the two fire companies and in order to resolve whatever misunderstandings exist, both Fire Chiefs and Assistant Fire Chiefs, need to sit down and discuss. George will contact the appropriate officials to schedule a meeting as soon as  possible.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES  On motion by Dave Manzo to approve the June 21, 2022 minutes and seconded by Alex Cortezzo. Roll call vote taken. In favor: S. Bender. A. Cortezzo, D. Hess, D. Manzo,  P. Webber. Abstained: G. Hinton. Motion carried: 5-0-1.  APPROVAL OF EXPENSES  On motion by Dave Manzo to approve the expenses int the amount of $177,744.39 and  seconded by Alex Cortezzo. Roll call vote taken. Council agreed unanimously.  SOLICITOR'S REPORT: MEETINGS ATTENDED:  June 6, 2022 - attendance at regular monthly meeting of Borough Council. June 21, 2022 - attendance at regular mid-month meeting of Borough Council.  SUBDIVISION MATTERS: None  1    LAND DEVELOPMENT MATTERS: Grimes Water Street LD Plan. JERC LD Plan.  Receipt, Review and Administration of Correspondence from Appicant-Albanese and Alternate Borough Engineer-Ott re Request for Reduction in Maintenance Security re Albanese- Receipt, Review and Administration of e-mail from Borough Engineer with Outstanding Items to be addressed and Request for Applicant's Signature to Maintenance Obligation re Receipt, Review and Administration of e-mails, Land Development Improvements Agreement, Snow Storage Easement Agreement for Cul-de-Sac, Irrevocable Letter of Credit and e-mails to/from Applicant's Engineer and the Borough EIT on Status of the 0&M Agreement, WGMA. Agreement and Third Street Dedication re Klump Third Street LD Plan. Receipt, Review and Administration of e-mails as Need to file a Revised LD Plan, As- Built Plans, Paving Issues and Reduction in Performance Security re Green Knight EDCI LD  Plan.  ZONING AND OTHER LAND USE MATTERS:  Review of File, Borough Zoning Ordinance and Preparation of Borough Planning Commission Recommendation re Barber Shop/Tuxedo Rental-103 North Broadway. Receipt, Review and Administration of e-mail to/from Property Owner-Goffredo and Borough EIT-Pysher re NuCor Storm Water and Sanitary Sewage Issues -108 North Broadway. Receipt, Review and Administration of Bracalante Estimate for Replacement of Curbing Receipt, Review and Administration of Comprehensive Telephone Conversation-30 to 40 minutes with Guerin re long outstanding Rogers-Boundary Dispute, SBRPD Wrongful Arrest and Borough-Failure toi file Zoning Violations Issues (Charge to Borough at a Reduced Billing  on Lincoln Street.  Rate).  DEVELOPMENTS ON OUTSTGANDING LITIGATION: None COURT DECISIONS ON BOROUGH CASES: None  MISCELLANEOUS:  Receipt, Review and Administration of. June 2022 Monthly Committee Reports. Preparation of the Borough Planning Commission Meeting of June 2, 2022.  Preparation of Monthly Solicitor's Report.  OUTSTANDING ITEMS: Stop Sign Ordinance Dog Park Ordinance ENGINEER'S REPORT  North Broadway - Water Infiltration/Sewer Line - Sinkhole - Brian Pysher reported that last Tuesday he met with representatives of the Wind Gap Municipal Authority and the property owners, Nu Cor Management, to discuss the settling of the sidewalk in the front of Nu Cor's office. There is a sanitary sewer manhole adjacent to where the sidewalks collapsed. The sanitary sewer runs along the sidewalk and then underneath the sidewalk, but it is an old terracotta line that has significant water infiltration int that stretch of line. The group met a month prior and the WGMA wanted evidence that the Borough's storm-sewer was not leaking into their trench line or system causing the problem with the sidewalk. Brian suggested a dye test, all parties agreed. During this test, the Sewer Authority monitored their manhole for evidence of  2    dye, but no leaks were detected. Nu Cor Management was concerned with liability and Brian explained that the sidewalk belongs to the property owner. Consequently, Nu Cor decided to pull the sidewalks out and backfill it with stone, but still have the sidewalk area barricaded off. WGMA will be putting together a project design and proposal to replace this section oft the line in MS4 Permitting Brian gave an update on the MS4 Plan that is being prepared by Mike Waldron of Acela Architects and Engineering. Mr. Waldron asked if a committee would be available to sit and review the plan. After the plan is reviewed and prior to adoption, a public meeting must occur, which can be held during a regularly scheduled Council meeting. Once Brian receives the draft, if anyone on Councili is interested, we cani facilitate a meeting to discuss it. Ifeveryone is comfortable with it, we can present it at a subsequent Council meeting Male Road Bridge Replacement and Upgrades - Brian reported that the Borough is working with Green Knight Economic Development Corp, who have contracted with Gilmore Associates, to put together a proposal to replace the superstructure of the bridge all in conjunction with the Multi-Modal Transportation Fund application. The proposed project concept is to keep the substructure as it currently sits and replace the beams and walls while widening the bridge a couple of feet to incorporate a five-foot sidewalk as well. Brian has designed a sidewalk on the northern side of Male Road to get pedestrian traffic from the bank on the corner to the plaza. The grant application is due on Friday, July 29, 2022.  order to expedite this repair project.  ino order tot fulfill the public meeting requirement.  ZONING OFFICER'S REPORT  Zoning Changes - Amendment - Zoning Officer, Suzanne Borzak, reported that her written report was previously submitted, but she had additional topics to discuss including some amendments to the zoning ordinance. She would recommend that the Borough become proactive with regarding to defining and allowing parking lots. The reality is that in the future a lot of truck parking lots may be coming into this area, based on the need generated by proposed and developed warehouses. Currently, in other municipalities developers are applying for and getting permits to put parking lots in to avoid having trucks parked on the offramps and any available lots within that municipality. The other specific item is reactive for off premise signs, billboards, and electronic signs. She has a draft ordinance for Council to forward and comment on so the amendment process can begin. Int the current Zoning Ordinance, the Zoning officer has fifteen days to issue a permit, the language should be clarified to state that allows for fifteen "business" days. Suzanne is proposing setting up a meeting with the Planning Commission to Suzanne reported that she sent out two notices of violation this last month regarding chickens. These violations were investigated after the borough office received written complaints from neighbors of the property owners owning and housing chickens. The Zoning Ordinance does not allow large animals and fowl such as chicken and pigeons. A resident did come to the office to ask if he could have pigeons and she said that they are not permitted in the Mr. Smith from Alpha Avenue said that the chickens that he owns are emotional pets. He came to the meeting to hopefully resolve this issue. George Hinton said that this is in the hands of the Zoning Hearing Board. Alex Cortezzo said that he thinks that the chicken portion oft the ordinance needs to be updated as well. Suzanne suggested that if this is a topic for the proposed zoning amendment, there should be restrictions such as: the number of chickens allowed per property, the lot size of the property which would include set back requirements. Attorney Karasek said that he can submit to the Borough, a copy of the ordinance that he wrote for Smithfield Township that specifically dealt with chickens. Unfortunately, Council cannot  go over the proposed changes and get some feedback.  Borough.  3    change the Zoning Ordinance immediately; you cannot tell the Zoning Hearing Board what to do. Council does have the ability to make changes ift the board feels that they are warranted. On motion by Alex Cortezzo to look into the proposed Zoning ordinance changes and  seconded by Dave Manzo. Roll call taken. Council agreed unanimously  NEW BUSINESS 1.  MTF Grant Resolution  On motion by Alex Cortezzo to move forward with the Multi-Modal Transportation Fund Grant Resolution No. 2022-06 for the Male Road Bridge and seconded by Patrick' Webber. Roll  call taken. Council agreed unanimously  2.  Emergency Management Coordinator Discussion emergency plan put together and submitted for a large event.  George Hinton thanked Dave Hess for the job he is doing as Emergency Management Coordinator. This year's Fire Company Carnival is one of the first events where there wasa an George said that in the minutes he read about firemen who came to Council with questions regarding the role of the Emergency Management Coordinator and what they do. He would like to set up a meeting with Dave, the Chief and Assistant Chief to discuss how all the officials approach an emergency event and what their individual roles and responsibilities are Local Tax Enabling Act - George Hinton reported that Jeff Yob asked for this to be on the agenda tonight, unfortunately he is not here. Jeff would like Council to direct Attorney Karasek to investigate the local tax enabling act and how we could utilize this to offset infrastructure costs. Attorney Karasek said that this act has been around forever, it enables real estate tax to be paid to the Borough, enables occupational tax to be paid to the Borough, enables local services tax to be paid to the Borough. Attorney Karasek will research how the  during an event. 3.  Local Tax Enabling Act could benefit the Borough.  4.  September 11th National Memorial Trail Map - Request - George Hinton explained that the Director for the September 11 National Memorial Trail contacted the Borough requesting approval to put up signs from the trailhead by' Waste Management, up Alpha Road and continuing north to the county line at Ross Township. Louise added that she was on a ZOOM meeting with the Director of Trails, and the request is being made primarily to properly mark and identify the trail which goes through six states. The Director would like to come out and visit the area to see where the signs could go and what is practical. This would be at no cost to the Borough as they will put them up and the provide extra signs to Northampton County should any On motion by Steve Bender to have the Director of Trails scope out locations to put their trailhead signs in Wind Gap and seconded by Alex Cortezzo. Roll call taken. Council  signed be damaged.  agreed unanimously.  5.  August Council Meeting Schedule - Aug 1 or 16 or both as scheduled  On motion by Dave Manzo to cancel the August 1, 2022 Council meeting and seconded by Patrick Webber. Roll call taken. Ini favor D. Manzo, P. Webber, S. Bender, D. Hess, G.  Hinton. Opposed: A. Cortezzo. Motion carried: 5-1.  4    OLD BUSINESS 1.  Wind Gap Municipal Authority Resignation Marguerite Mullin  On motion by Dave Manzo to accept the resignation of Marguerite Mullin from the Wind Gap Municipal Authority and seconded by Steve. Bender. Roll call taken. Council agreed  unanimously. 2.  Municipal Complex Site Plan for Proposed Upgrades Related to Paving Project - George Hinton reported that everyone received a copy oft the site map and proposal for this project. Brian Pysher stated that the intent is to extend the parking lot in the front and connect. tot the existing entrance at the east end oft the property along with parking in the back and on the south side of the building. We installed a rain garden between the proposed parking lot and the edge of the existing gravel with two inlets ini the middle of the parking lot. That side oft the property was sO flat that inlets were installed to get pitch to get the water to drain. It is going to require that the parking area be re-graded prior to base course and wearing being put down. Currently there are no design plans for lighting as existing lighting is on the exterior oft the maintenance garage and the municipal building. He did propose three lights standards, one at the end of the existing sidewalk, one at the entrance, and one at the midpoint to illuminate the parking area. Ifl lights need to be in the rear of the property, then cables will have to be installed now prior to putting the pavement down. Alex suggested illuminating the back of the property for safety and liability issues. Brian will add the additional light tot the plan. This entire project Brian said that he has to reach out to the gas company and set up a meeting sO we can run conduit that is satisfactory with the Gas Company to the back of the building.  may take place in three phases.  COMMITTEE REPORT  A written committee report was provided to Mayor Smith and Council.  Dave Hess requested a more thorough report regarding the Fire Company, the grant awards and new truck purchases. George replied that he is waiting tol hear ift the grant is going tol be applicable toi the truck. Ifthe grant money does not come through, the truck will not be purchased. Dave said iti is his understanding that the truck was already purchased, George said that it was not. There is no way that they are going to give the Fire Company financing without the note. Itis all about communication and the lines of communication have not been good recently. Dave said that Wind Gap Fire officials are saying that they purchased two trucks and it is all over the world. George said that at their meeting last night, under no uncertain terms, if the grants don't come through, there isn't going to be at truck. Unfortunately; our Chief was on vacation, SO he was not there, but this is an internal thing. Alex said that he agrees that discussions have to occur between the two companies. George stated that with the construction of the apartments at Dream Lehigh Valley discussions have occurred regarding what apparatus is necessary for emergencies. Alex said every neighboring municipality has a ladder truck. George insisted that a meeting needs to take place and many topics need to be discussed. Alex expressed concern that the fire companies are wasting money and wasting  efforts by duplicating trucks and it is hard enough raising money.  5    Mayor Smith's Report  Mayor Smith reported that last month he attended the Waste Management workshop. He attended the COG meeting last month, the camera equipment for the sewer lines was ordered. The next COG meeting is on the July 27th, he will not be able to make it and would  appreciate iti ifsomeone could attend on behalf oft the Borough.  ADJOURNMENT  On motion by Dave Manzo to adjourn the meeting of July 19, 2022. Council agreed  unanimously. The meeting of July 19, 2022 adjourned at 8:37 p.m.  Curwabni Louise Firestone, Borough Manager  6    JULY19, 2022 MONTHLY REPORT  STREETS:  Male Road Bridge Superstructure eplacement/Pedestran Walkway  Met with Senator Scavello to discuss Multimodal Transportation Fund Senator Scavello, Senator Boscola, Plainfield Township  Support Letters received to date:  Gilmore & Associates willl be handling the bridge items, along with excavation for the Brian will be handling the roadway & associated work (paving, curbs, striping, signs, MPT during construction, etc.), grading & drainage [relocated inlet(s) and piping), safety  abutment work and backfill  improvements, and guide rail items.  Street Dept:  Installed new "Welcome To Wind Gap" signs As well as Slate Belt Rising  Photo Op with Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce-funding source Installed sidewalk lights, landscape ini front of Municipal building/Garage Installed M-top Inlet boxes and bike grates on lower Alpha in conjunction with  PA American Water Co water main project  PA American Water Co lower Alpha Road tol be paved base repair Using Municipal Complex Lot to stage Equipment  Lincoln Street Project - Project Awarded to Bracalente Construction-545.031.06 Meeting on North Broadway to determine cause ofs sidewalk sinkhole  Winter Salt Delivery for 2021 to 2022 was 524.72 tons at $63.29/ton total of $30,222.87  PENDING ITEMS:  2022F-250 Delivery Status remains unknown  Meeting on East First St for placement of Street Light = B. Pysher to schedule meeting with Met Ed for location of existing wiring. Funding from Gap View Estates Escrow  1    PARKING' Ticket Report: June 2022- - Violations  Inspections Registration Trailer on Roadway  $30.00 $00.00 $00.00 $30.00  October 11, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Wind Gap Social Hall Use of Force Simulation = Elected Officials Invited  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:  Met and discussed Incident Action Plan for Fire Co. Carnival with Wind Gap Fire Chief Attended quarterly EM coordinators meeting at Northampton County-6 6/15/2022 2nd Qtr 2022 Tipping Fee $76,586.28/1 Total checks for 2022-5226,052.50 Saturday, November 5, 2022 Waste Management Parking Lot  and carnival chairperson, Wind Gap EMS director and SBRPD Chief.  Attended Fire Co. carnival when available  WASTE MANAGEMENT:  E-Cycling Event in Conjunction with Pen Argyl Borough  WIND GAP AMBULANCE:  June total calls- = Wind Gap Boro = 49 / Monroe Cty = 10 6 Month Call Report-J Jan to. June 2022  Response Times 2.1 Minutes Avg (from dispatch to responding) Wind Gap Boro = 263/Monroe Cty: = 1281 fori total of 314  FIRE COMPANY:  Received 21 LSA Grants for purchase of Fire Apparatus Northampton County- $416,497 Monroe County $38,387  PARK:  Slate Belt Rising - Mural at the Park  Meeting with the Artist and Director Vincent Behe  Suggestion to paint a mural on the Gray Restroom building will provide sketch  Green Knight Economic Development Corporation Grant Applications Grant Request for Summer Sounds Grant Request for Sports Surface Sealing/Painting Quotes Received from SealMaster 3 Basketball Courts  $17,831.37  2    2Tennis Courts/Pickleball Court $18,141.17  Grant Award Announcement expected shortly  Awarded Funding:  Lehigh Valley Mini Grant - Interpretive Signage along trail -$ $6,800 Lehigh Valley Mini Grant - Rain Gardens $9,600 Slate Belt Rising Budget for Community Garden $250 (potentially $500) Slate Belt Rising Plan Implementation (Master Plan) -$10,000  Trail:  September 11th National Memorial Trail Map  Zoom Meeting with. Jeff McCauley, Director of Trail Development Request to Install Signage within Wind Gap Borough  Boy Scout Trail to Town Camporee:  2023 Dates =. June 16, 17,18,2023  Meeting with Troop Leader J. Kondisko to discuss the 2023 Camporee  WIND GAP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY:  7/14/2022 Meeting: Attendees:  WGMA: R. Yordy, M. Laudano, Solicitor: Chad DiFelice WG Boro: G. Hinton, D. Manzo, L. Firestone Discussion was centered on the feasibility and logic of one entity. The Borough would deal with administrative responsibilities and the current Authority would become an Advisory Board to Council. The Advisory Board would run the day-to-day operations of the plant and remain involved with all sewer plant related issues, approve all  invoices, meet as a board and report on a monthly basis to Council.  PLANNING:  July7-CRG Plan Submission - Awaiting B. Pysher Review Letter  ZONING:  Billboard Variance Request - South Broadway Property between Arby's and ATM Platinum Cutz Variance Request - 2nd Use - Barber Shop and Tuxedo Shop  ZHB overturned Zoning Officer determination Limited to One Employee  Limited to Two Businesses, / Barber (haircut) and Tuxedos  S. Borzak - Proposed Zoning Ordinance Changes  3    OFFICE:  Computer System - Purchased and Installed:  Dell PowerEdge T140 Server with MS Server license, Xeon processor, RAID hard drives, 16 GB memory, iDrac, 3 years Dell ProSupport and Next Business Day Onsite Service - Installation and Configuration included in Support Plan $3,247.38  FINANCIALS: Balances as of. June 30, 2022:  General Funds: Money Market Funds: Capital Reserve Funds:  $89,223.09 $1,027,492.09 $1,390,652.74  $665,104.39 -Sale of Borough Properties) (Allocation Based on 9.36 miles/ Population of 2720)  State Liquid Fuels Funds: Current Balance = $152,426.60  Bridge Inspection Fee -S $1,703 (April 2021 Inspection)  MISCELLANEOUS:  Liquid Fuels Audit Completed on. June 22, 2022  Real Estate Transfer Tax: May 2022  $22,955.52 (Includes Tax- Sale of Walden III for$ 53,600,000-518,000,  INSURANCE:  Package Policy Renewal 2022-23-534,077/yr  (2021-22 was $33,930 increase of$147.00)  4