BOROUGH OF WIND GAP 545 East West Street WIND GAP, PA 18091 610-863-7288 FAX610-863-1011  Wind Gap Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Council President George Hinton, at which time he reminded those present that the meeting was being recorded. In attendance were Council members Dave Hess, Steve Bender, Dave Manzo, and Patrick Webber. Also, in attendance were Mayor Wesley J. Smith, Borough Solicitor Ronald Karasek, Borough Engineer Brian Pysher, and Borough Manager  Louise Firestone. Absent were Councilmen Alex Cortezzo and Jeff Yob.  PUBLIC COMMENT  1.  Mr. Smith, 34 Alpha Road, came before Council with general questions and concerns about the Wind Gap Fire Company grant, elevator rescue at Dream Lehigh Apartments, the billboard on Broadway, the warehouses, and site triangles throughout the borough.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES  On motion by Dave Manzo to approve the July 18, 2023, minutes and seconded Patrick  Webber. Roll call vote taken. In favor: D. Hess, G. Hinton, D. Manzo, Patrick Webber.  Abstained: S. Bender. Motion carried: 4-0-1. APPROVAL OF EXPENSES  On motion by Dave Manzo to approve the expenses in the amount of $58,221.59 and  seconded by Patrick Webber. Roll call vote taken. Council agreed unanimously.  SOLICITOR'S REPORT  See attachment one (1). ENGINEER'S REPORT  Brian Pysher reported that storm sewer pipes and inlets on Roosevelt have been staked out for the street department to begin installation. He forwarded the signed contract to Sauder Concrete for the curb work on the project and asked them to schedule the installation the last week of August or first week of September. Hopefully this will be wrapped up int the next few Brian said that the storm sewer has been staked out on Constitution also. The contractor went out last week and installed the detour signs in Wind Gap and in Pen Argyl Borough. Brian has included Pen Argyl Borough int the discussion regarding the safest streets toi include for the detour. The contractor will be installing three pipes across Constitution, sO at the pre-construction meeting with the contractor, for the safety of the workers, it was decided to shut the road down on the days when the width oft the road is closed for the cross pipes to be  weeks.  1    installed. He received an e-mail confirmation from the contractor that more equipment will be Brian reported that he took a walk at Dream Lehigh Valley and inspected the infrastructure that was covered under the maintenance period. There are no issues other than Regarding the Municipal Complex, he has been working with Super Heat, they are the only ones to respond to his written request to discuss this project. They indicated that the dryer and the range upstairs are too old to obtain orifices to convert from propane to natural gas and so they are recommending that those two appliances be replaced. Super Heat is also recommending that the borough contact a Kohler representative to discuss potentially converting the generator from propane to natural gas or leaving it connected to the 1000-gallon propane tank. Ifiti is decided that the generator stays on propane, it would be the only system on its own and potentially would be able to run for two weeks on that tank. He will have the contractor stub the line and get in contact with Kohler for more information. He asked Super  delivered and the tentative start date will be Monday, August 21st.  cleaning inlets of debris.  Heat to give an estimate but has not heard back.  NEW BUSINESS 1.  Approval 5K Race = Families First  On motion by Dave Manzo to send a letter of approval to PennDOT for the Families First 5K Race on Saturday, September 9, 2023, and seconded by Patrick Webber. Roll call vote taken. In favor: G. Hinton, D. Manzo, P. Webber, D. Hess. Opposed: S. Bender. Motion  carried 4-1. 2.  Discussion of Male Road Bridge - Cabot Properties Funding Commitment Onr motion by Steve Bender to accept the funds of $100,000 to put in our Developers Escrow account specifically for the Male Road Bridge superstructure replacement project and seconded by Dave Manzo. Roll call vote taken. Council agreed unanimously. Wind Gap Municipal Authority Board Appointment - Joseph Romano  3.  On motion by Dave Manzo to appoint Joseph Romano to the Wind Gap Municipal Authority Board and seconded by Steve Bender. Roll call vote taken. Council agreed  unanimously. 4.  Approval to Advertise for Park Walking Trail Project  On motion by Steve Bender to advertise for the Park Walking Trail Project including sidewalks on Third Street and South Lehigh and seconded by Patrick Webber. Roll call vote  taken. Council agreed unanimously.  OLD BUSINESS  Dream Lehigh Valley - Confirmation that the Maintenance Period expired September 30, Brian Pysher reported that there was a Maintenance Bond in place and based on their letter of March 26, 2022, it included a reduction of the bond based upon the rest of the improvements that needed to be done and rain gardens that needed to be repaired. The  2022/Maintenance Bond obligation expiration  2    borough held maintenance for any additional improvements on East West Street and Longcore Road for inlet boxes and curbing. Brian completed an inspection ofi items related to the maintenance and all are in order. There are three/four inlets on the north side of West Street that he would ask the contractor to clean the debris. Attorney Karasek stated the Bond Obligation expired on September 22, 2022. Brian said he would draft a letter and forward to the  Borough for review.  On motion by Steve Bender to authorize Brian Pysher draft a letter to Dream Lehigh Valley regarding the cleaning of the inlet boxes and payment of invoices and seconded by Dave  Manzo. Roll call vote taken. Council agreed unanimously.  ZONING OFFICER'S REPORT  Suzanne Borzak reported that she spent most of this month doing enforcement. There are two upcoming court cases, one at the end of August and one mid-September. A lot of the issues are related to site triangle visibility at intersections because of overgrown vegetation. She sent out notices and will follow-up issuing citations if necessary. The Borough received a letter from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regarding 217 North Broadway, regarding improper disposal of cooking oil that has been flowing down the alley sO  she also sent them a letter. COMMITTEE REPORTS  A written committee report was provided to Mayor Smith and Council.  Dave Manzo said that he wanted to commend the Road Crew for the work that they did George Hinton reported that he received the Fire report last night and he went over the Louise Firestone asked if Council had any questions on the written Committee Repor and then reported specifically on the Male Road bridge. As a result of the condition of the bridge, PennDOT has mandated that the bridge is inspected annually at a cost to the borough. The most recent inspection occurred in April and based upon PennDOT specifications, the bridge has been further weight restricted because of structural deficiencies and it cannot carry legal loads safely. The borough was required to repost the weight limit within thirty days from receipt of notification, which has already been completed. The bridge weights went from 30 tons, combination 40 tons down to a weight limit of 23 tons, combination 31 tons. The borough received that letter two days prior to the submission of our latest Multi-Modal Transportation Fund (MTF) grant sO that letter was made as an attachment to the grant application indicating  on the basketball courts in the park, the courts look great.  report.  the urgency for the grant funding. MAYOR SMITH REPORT  Mayor Smith reported that was no COG meeting last month. There is a meeting scheduled for next Wednesday that he will attend. A quick thank you to Debbie, Louise, Rich and all the elected officials for providing support and attending National Night Out hosted in our  3    park. This was a well put together event, was well attended and he has heard nothing but positive feedback. He also attended Congresswoman Susan Wild's Town Hall meeting held in Pen Argyl last week. He had a chance to connect with her District Director, Megan Beste, who indicated that she would be happy to have discussions with him regarding how the Congresswoman's office can assist Wind Gap with any issues or concerns.  George Hinton stated that int the future, he will be changing the order of the agenda to allow for public comment at the end oft the meeting. It will be more beneficial to allow the public to listen to discussion of agenda topics and then have the opportunity to ask questions.  Questions and Concerns municipal complex. ADJOURNMENT  1.  Mr. Smith had additional comments regarding the natural gas conversion of the  On motion by Steve Bender to adjourn the meeting of August 15, 2023. Council agreed  unanimously. The meeting of August 15, 2023, adjourned at 7:37 p.m.  Louise Firestone, b2s  Manager  4    AUGUST 15, 2023 MONTHLY REPORT  STREETS:  MALE ROAD BRIDGE:  Multi-Modal Transportation Funding Grant was submitted.  Male Road Bridge Replacement and Pedestrian Improvements Cost Estimate=$ $1,480,848/Fund Request = $1,030,848  Pickering, Corts & Summerson, Independent Bridge Inspectors, notified the Borough that the Male Road Bridge has been further load restricted: Based upon Structural Analysis and Structural Condition - "This bridge'sweight restriction is necessary because the main bridge members (prestressed concrete box beams) are deficient and cannot carry legal loads safely."  Previous Bridge Posting: NEW BRIDGE POSTING:  Weight Limit = 30 Tons Except Combinations = 40 Tons Weight Limit = 23 Tons Except Combinations = 317 Tons  Pre-Construction Meeting for Constitution Avenue - Tuesday,)uly25,2023  Attendees:  CMR Construction Bracalente Construction Brian Pysher, Robert Collura Engineering Rich Fox, Louise Firestone Project Start Date Scheduled for August 9, 2023  Resident to be notified by mail /NIXLE of project dates including Road Closure Road Closure necessary to complete pipe installation crossing the street north to Bracelente Construction anticipates 3 days of restoration paving  south.  8/3/23- = Rented Camera System from Slate Belt GOG for Constitution Ave. pipe  inspection  2003 GMC Bucket Truck - Heavy Duty Annual Inspection Needed Visor Light- - Mileage 37,792  Training: 2 new: street workers attended a free class "Public Works Safety" on August  15,from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. sponsored by PennDOT.  1    POLICE:  July 2023-Parking Violations-2total  Registration Commercial Vehicle-  $10.00 $10.00 $20.00  Year-to-date fines received from SBRPD = $365.00  Year-to-date fines received from Magistrate related to appeal hearings-$318.38 Next Slate Belt Police Commission Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 17,2023 NATIONAL NIGHT OUT - Held in Wind Gap Park on Tuesday, August 1, 2023. Plainfield Township Lease. Agreement - Approved at $13.00 S sq.ft. Annual Rent = $48,958 or $4,079.83/month ($13x3766: sq.ft.)  TOTAL = $683.38  at the Wind Gap Municipal Building  NO annual increase for duration of Lease-August 1, 2023 to December 31, 2026 Security Deposit of $4,707.50 - was it paid during the inception of the SBRPD -if Does SBRPD pay a garbage fee to the Township as part of the 70% Utilities? Has Plainfield Township shopped/locked in an electric rate? Ifnot, this needs to be done as soon as possible in order for the SBRPD to better accurately budget for electric as it currently stands, the electric rate for Plainfield Township fluctuates.  Wind Gap is awaiting answers to the following:  sO, should it be reimbursed?  EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:  Contacted NCEM requesting their participation in National Night Out at Wind Gap Park. They  sent three representatives, a Command truck and the HazMat Truck.  REMINDER to complete NIMS Training Website: rainingiemagov/nims Under Heading "ICs and NIMC Courses"  ICS-100 IS-700  Introduction to the Incident Command System National Incident Management System - An Introduction  WASTE MANAGEMENT:  Neighboring Partnership Agreement:  Total Funds Received in 2023-$470,729.36  2    WIND GAP AMBULANCE:  July 2023- 117t total calls - Wind Gap Boro = 74/ Monroe Cty= 16  Transports = 26/Standby: = 1/0 Cancelled Transports in Progress=2  Response Times 1.85 Minutes Avg (from dispatch to responding) Wind Gap Ambulance put their new ambulance into service on. July 26, 2023  FIRE COMPANY:  Next Business Meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 21, 2023  PARK:  The poles and netting for the Wind Gap Baseball Field were delivered and are currently Craig Bachik, Navarro & Wright, met with R. Fox and L. Firestone on August 2, 2023 to The basketball courts were sealed 2 coats black and then green /blue were used to seal the court area to match the pickleball courts. SealMaster assisted the borough street workers  stored by the maintenance shed at the park.  discuss and finalize the plans for the bid specifications to be put out to bid.  inc completing this project at an approved cost of $28,825.85  WIND GAP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY:  Colton RV - Discussion regarding the clean out of RVs on-site causing potential harmful bacteria being transported into the sewer plant. An independent lab to conduct testing for a 67 Park Avenue - On-site meeting held on 8/3/23-C Correspondence from property E-mail correspondence received from property owner, Nolan Thevenet, Stryker Farms "Per our discussion, we will not be performing any cooking that will generate grease at our 67 Park Avenue location. In this location we will be baking bread in ovens and using warmers for holding the meat which will not discharge any grease into the: sewer system. The cooking and smoking ofr meat will be performed off site at our Saylorsburg location where we already have a USDA and PA department of Agriculture inspected facility." Dave Manzo made the board aware of the proposed development off Second Street The WGMA received a Letter from a Wind Gap resident who is interested in becominga Wind Gap Municipal Authority board member. WGMA has forwarded correspondence to  period of 1 month. owner to the WGMA:  which is entirely in Plainfield Township  Council asking for appointment of Joseph Romano.  PLANNING:  No meeting was held in August.  3    ZONING:  No meeting was heldi in August.  249 South Broadway - Property owner changed the grading on the property, which isa a violation of Article 506 of the Wind Gap Zoning Ordinance and which adversely affected the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County of Northampton, Magistrate District No. MDJ- 03-3-02 Civil Action Hearing scheduled for Friday, September 15, 2023 at 9:15 a.m. 8/3/23-P PAI DEP contacted Wind Gap Borough via e-mail regarding a complaint that their office received. DEP provided written documentation they received from a concerned "Their disposal of their cooking oil from their deep fryers.... They dump it in a barrel and ito overflows... the oil then runs on a Borough dirtroad.. it's all over the building and has Zoning Officer, Suzanne Borzak, did a site visit on 8/8/23 and sent an enforcement notice to the  neighboring property.  party regarding 217 N. Broadway. Complaint in part read:  a6't to 8' track up the road."  property owner.  FINANCIALS: = Balances as ofJ July 31, 2023:  General Funds: Money Market Funds: Capital Reserve Funds:  $132,555.75 $1,284,766.35 $1,769,956.09  $665,104.39-Sale of Borough Properties) (Allocation Based on 9.36 miles/ Population of 2720)  State Liquid Fuels Funds: Current Balance = $242,530.90  BOROUGH PROPERTIES:  Municipal Building - ANNUAL Fire Alarm inspection/ / Smoke Detectors  Completed by. Johnson Controls - July 20, 2023  RECOMMENDATIONS: Replace batteries due to corrosion, battery temp, bulging casings  Replace power supply back up due to age  Maintenance Garage - ANNUAL Boiler Inspection Completed by PAI Department of Labor and Industry  FINDINGS:  1. The pressure indicator is damaged, missing ori incorrect. 2. The pressure protection device has not been demonstrated at the time oft the 3. Move safety relief valve to an accessible location for testing  external inspection  4    MISCELLANEOUS:  No Nonsense Neutering has a cat transport scheduled for September 27 - Spaces available by Thank you letter received from Blue Mountain Community Library, Judy Piper, Program Coordinator. BMCL held their Summer Fun Program at' Wind Gap Park on Wednesday, July 12 and. July 26, 2023. The first week was a program themed scavenger hunt. The second week was a themed Christmas in. July.. The children made ornaments for the holidays - as snowman and al lollipop. The  Appointment Only. Pick-up site is 11 Robinson St., Pen Argyl rear parking lot.  program was attended by 15 children both weeks.  5    SOLICITOR'S REPORT-R..RARASEK, ESQUIRE NORTHAMPTON COUNTY, COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA  WIND GAP BOROUGH MONTH: July 2023  MEETINGS ATTENDED: SUBDIVISION MATTERS:  July 18, 2023-8 attendance at regular monthly meeting of Borough Council  Receipt, Review and Administration of File, e-mails and' "No Comment" by Borough re Receipt, Review and Administration of pending Conditional Plan Approval Resolution (still to be signed by Borough) and e-mail confirmation that the minor Solicitor revisions and attached exhibits were approved by Applicant's Attorney and Engineer re CRG Services Management aka 900 Pennsylvania Avenue-Industrial Development Road Receipt, Review and. Administration ofe e-mails from Applicant's Attorney as to Release of Maintenance Security and End of Maintenance Period re Water's Edge at Wind Gap n/k/al Dream Lehigh Valley-West Street LD Plan (Tabled at. July Meeting) ZONING AND OTHER LAND USE MATTERS: None DEVELOPMENTS ON OUTSTANDING LITIGATION: None COURT DECISIONS ON BOROUGH CASES: None  WTDWG, LLC-Lot Line Adjustment-271 East First Street  LAND DEVELOPMENT MATTERS:  MISCELLANEOUS: Profit Issue Resolution  Receipt, Review and Administration of File, Comprehensive Correspondence from Plainfield Township Solicitor (Backenstoe) with forwarding e-mail to Council President-Hinton and SBRPD Liaison-Hess and SBRPD Solicitor (DeFelice) re Lease Overpayment and Non- Receipt, Review and Administration of Right-to-Know Request for Delinquent Property Preparation of Ordinance to. Allow Amendments to the SBRPF Charter Agreement by  Taxes for Calendar Years 2017 through and including 2022  Preparation of Monthly Solicitor's Report  OUTSTANDING ITEMS: Stop Sign Ordinance Dog Park Ordinance