SEPTEMBER 10, 2018 REGULAR BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
1. PRESIDENT TARQUINIO CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:02 PM. PRESENT: TARQUINIO, COUNCIL MEMBERS ROB CIERVO, ANNETTE HAAR, ADRIANE WENDELL, LUCAS TURANO, VP MEAGEN KAMEEN, TREASURER GREG MYER, SOLICITOR JIM SCANLON, SECRETARY PAMELA AHLSTRAND AND MAYOR SEAN STRUB. MEETING WAS OPENED WITH THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
2. Adoption of Agenda: BY MOTION OF CIERVO/TURANO, COUNCIL ADOPTED THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
3. Adoption of Minutes: BY MOTION OF CIERVO/HAAR, COUNCIL ADOPTED THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 6, 2018 REGULAR MEETING AND THE AUGUST 21, 2018 WORKSHOP MEETING, AS PRESENTED AND REVIEWED (TURANO ABSTAINING).
PRIOR TO THE START OF THE MEETING, PRESIDENT TARQUINIO ANNOUNCED THAT THE CONDITIONAL USE HEARING SCHEDULED FOR THIS EVENING WOULD BEGIN AS SOON AS ALTERNATE SOLICITOR WALDRON ARRIVED, AS HE HAD TWO OTHER MEETINGS THAT EVENING. He was handling the hearing since James Scanlon, Borough Solicitor, had a conflict of interest.
4. Paving Bids – Tarquinio announced that only one sealed bid was received. He explained it would not be opened. At the recommendation of the Borough Treasurer and Councilman Rob Ciervo, it was decided that the paving specs should be divided into “streets” and “alleys”, and should be re-advertised for new bids. This will be a savings to the Borough, as they will not fall under the “prevailing wage rate” provision; additionally, it will allow the Borough to decide whether to go forward with all or only part of the projects in a given calendar year. Contracts will be re-drafted by PennDot and advertised for new bids. Secretary Ahlstrand will advise the company submitting the one bid.
5. Public Comment:
– Kevin Mann, Captain, MFD, gave his monthly report (attached). Note- new EMT class available- daytime class, so will be done by mid-December; refurbishing rescue truck rather than purchasing a new truck; involved in multi-department training with other fire departments in the local area.
– Mary Anne Monte- MEC- Thanked Bill Kiger, Pike County Stoneworks, for re-setting the blue stone, maintenance of sidewalks, etc. Will be doing sidewalk in front of the Craft Show; Mostly clean up and maintenance projects – Broad St. plant beds, cleaning out of light fixtures, replacing/cleaning benches. Two major initiatives coming up: (1) West Harford St- completing the very extensive PennDot paperwork. Some of the criteria is burdensome, meeting with them on 9/21 to discuss. Should start that project in the spring. (2) River access project – MEC will fund the survey & concept plan. Meeting with representatives of Council.
Going forward, she asked for a better dialogue between the MEC and Council; need clarification on maintenance; money is “Borough’s money”, they just fund raise and act as GC; feels Borough should maintain.
Tarquinio thanked her for her work; suggested a committee of a few Council members to work with the MEC. Haar had a question about maintenance – agreement? Monte said they (Boro) used to mow the verges, Biddis Park, work in the plant beds. That lasted 2-3 years.
AT THIS TIME, SOLICITOR WALDRON ARRIVED, AND THE CONDITIONAL USE HEARING WAS STARTED:
Solicitor Waldron explained that he was representing the Borough in this hearing, as James Scanlon, the Borough Solicitor, had a conflict of interest. Waldron read the notice which was published in the newspaper (Pocono Record, affidavit attached). He reviewed the application. Marked the Advertisement/Proof of Publication as Ex. “B1”; Application for Conditional Use/Zoning as Ex. “B2”; Site plan was applicant’s exhibit “A1”. He noted that on August 27th the Milford Borough Planning Commission met and reviewed the application of the Community House. According to the minutes of that meeting, by Motion of Coelho/B Tarquinio, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the Conditional Use to the Borough Council.
Waldron asked if there was anyone present who wanted to be considered a party in this application- No response.
He then turned the hearing over to David Chuff, attorney for the applicant, Milford Community House. Chuff gave some background on the property- was used for many years as a library, in accordance to the intent of the trust creating the Milford Community House. When the library moved out, the Trust solicited “partners”, who contribute to the upkeep and maintenance of the building. All the “tenants” are non-profit organizations, as required by the by-laws. Use is still light office use; the plans submitted comply with the Zoning ordinance, i.e., sufficient parking, septic. Application for Septic Re-Use certification has been submitted. Asked if there were any questions from the Council.
Matt Osterberg (President of the Community House Board) further explained that the application included an “outdoor entertainment” area, and a plan for a structure to partially enclose the port-johns.
VP Kameen asked if there was a maximum number of tenants- Osterberg said that basically all but the Pike County Chamber are part time- share the use of the space. For example, United Way is there 2 days/week; Pike County Autism Services is there 1 day/week; Visitors Center rep is there on the weekends, from May – October. No actual full-time “tenants”, so no maximum number. Waldron asked if the restroom was public- Osterberg said yes, the one on the first floor, back entrance is handicap accessible; also have outdoor restrooms. Osterberg emphasized that all tenants (partners) must stay non-profit; Kameen asked about parking spaces- clarified number- adding 7, have 4 now. Some discussion about the outdoor entertainment- Tarquinio commented that perhaps it should be reviewed every 4 years. Osterberg said will probably only use during music fest and at tree lighting. Mayor Strub asked if the parking was restricted- should they consider making the alley one-way? He also asked about the signs. Osterberg said this application does not include signs. Signs will go through Zoning and ARB. Waldron clarified that signs are not part of the Conditional Use application.
No further discussion. BY MOTION OF WENDELL/TURANO, THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED.
BY MOTION OF TURANO/WENDELL, THE BOROUGH COUNCIL VOTED TO APPROVE THE CONDITIONAL USE APPLICATION OF THE MILFORD COMMUNITY HOUSE FOR A MULTI-USE SITE AND OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES, SUBJECT TO AN APPROVED CERTIFICATION OF RE-USE OF THE SEPTIC FROM THE SEO, AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT SIGN APPLICATIONS WERE SEPARATE AND HAD TO GO THROUGH ZONING AND ARB.
AT THIS POINT, PUBLIC COMMENT RESUMED:
-Peter Rushton – 3 comments: (1) Commended Boro Employees for help during recent storm; (2) Thought the “note” (email) from the Mayor was excellent communication; and (3) questions about the traffic light- any changes, monitoring? Said there is an excessive amount of congestion. Tarquinio explained that they will not be continuing manual monitoring at this time, but are looking at getting an automated system in the future, a few blocks from the light. Mayor added that the Chief was out during the summer, trying to schedule an extra police officer in next year’s budget to handle. Tarquinio said that long-term, looking for money from the State for sensors.
6. Special Event/Banners:
a. Black Bear Film Festival – Alley closure requested – By Motion of Wendell/Ciervo, application was approved;
b. Dimmick Inn/Chamber October Fest – Street closure requested- By Motion of Wendell/Kameen, event was approved for Saturday ONLY, with the provision that they make arrangements for extra security to ensure that no one left the premises with alcohol.
c. Smokey Joe Wood Softball game- Historical Society- Event at Ballfield. Wendell explained that it benefits the Lions Club, can sponsor an inning, can play an inning or more, Mayor throwing out the first pitch. By Motion of Wendell/Turano, approved by Council subject to receipt of COI.
d. Safety Day- Milford Police Dept- Ann St Park – Chief explained the event, all types of “safety”- e.g., Safe Haven, Opiate Tax Force, similar organizations could have information booths; dunk tank, bouncy house. Community oriented event, fire truck demonstrations, etc. Food vendors, if allowed. Some discussion about food trucks (not permitted in the Borough). Said if Lions Club wanted to have a food booth, for example, would be ok. BY motion of Haar/Kameen, event was approved.
e. Safe Haven- Purple ribbons on trees for the month of October- Ahlstrand read letter; By motion of Kameen/Turano, approved- remove by November 1, 2018.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a. Zoning – Wendell said no report; will follow up with Shawn Bolles on Jive Bar;
b. Law & Legislation: No report
c. Insurance & Finance – Kameen had no report
d. Parks – Haar gave her report: Took care of enclosure for electric panel in Ann St Park; Barclay Park – will be removing some trees; objective is to get year-round view of the river; each time power goes out, the timers on the lights in the park go out. Ciervo will reset; Question regarding UGI- Street to be returned to the way it was, in some places used tarmac instead of stamped concrete. Frank T will call UGI;
NOTE- HERE TARQUINIO ADVISED THAT PCPL HAS CREWS READY IN LIGHT OF PENDING HURRICANE/STORM.
e. Borough Property – Ciervo had no report; Ahlstrand reported that Barry B has picked up new server to configure; said he will have it back in a week to install. Wendell looking for HD photos for website. New website is under construction. Tarquinio updated about New Resident Brochure, Ahlstrand has delivered to Print Shop.
f. Streets & Lights – Ciervo gave his report – Has a number from Milford Water Authority for BOTH the dump truck and the excavator/backhoe- $32,500. Noted that Boro is the one using the excavator; dump truck will give 4 wheel drive plow truck a break. BY MOTION OF TURANO/HAAR, COUNCIL VOTED TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF BOTH USING STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND.
8. Mayor’s Report – Mayor Strub gave his report: A few calendar items: 9/11 remembrance at War Memorial tomorrow; Readers & Writers – Passes sold out, but individual panels still available (9/28-9/30); Grey Towers – Ice Cream Social – 9/29; Share the Harvest- 9/17, tickets at the Craft Show- $30.
Citation report: 3 parking tickets, 28 traffic citations, 65 stops. Mileage down, but due to time spent by Chief & Asst Chief cleaning out evidence room. Chief & Asst. have finished draft of revised SOP- needs to be forwarded to Public Safety Committee for review; Training of all officers, documentation- completed for all officers except Bierle and a new officer. Sgt Cameron resigned/ Hired new officer – awaiting certification; Trainings arranged for officers- tourniquet use, fingerprinting. Chief explained trying to get trauma kits for all officers.
Two specific requests: 1. New computers in office- Quote from CDW (Co-Stars vendor) for $3483.90. BY MOTION OF TURANO/CIERVO, COUNCIL APPROVED THE PURCHASE OF NEW COMPUTERS FOR THE POLICE DEPT.
2. Police Vehicle program – Chief explained program, new police car, rotated every 3 years; discussion about financing. Chief explained these cars are “ready” to go, all options other than VASCAR unit (about $800). Discussion about when to buy (now or in next year’s budget). BY MOTION OF TURANO/KAMEEN, COUNCIL APPROVED PURCHASE OF NEW POLICE VEHICLE NOW, ENROLLMENT IN PROGRAM AS PER ATTACHED INFORMATION.
Mayor added comments about Milford Safety Day- all types of safety.
9. Treasurer’s Report: Greg Myer provided his report – no additional comments. BY MOTION OF KAMEEN/CIERVO, TREASURER’S REPORT WAS APPROVED BY COUNCIL AS PRESENTED.
10. New Business:
a. ARB Certificates of Appropriateness:
– Kevin Stroyan – Roof at 401 West Harford and 405 West Harford (Funeral Home)
– Daryl Wood – 307 W Harford – Fence
-Maureen Caska – 801 Broad – Paint
BY MOTION OF TURANO/HAAR, COUNCIL APPROVED RECOMMENDATION OF THE ARB
b. Open Appointments to be filled:
First- Borough Council- Turano read 3 letters of interest (Katrina Foster, Granger Greenbaum, Nancy Schoenleber)
NOMINATION BY WENDELL/TURANO- KATRINA FOSTER – Vote by Council, unanimously appointed.
Mayor thanked all who submitted letters.
Second – ZHB – Letter of interest from Joe Dooley, unanimously appointed by Council
Third – Need an Architect for the ARB, Member of Vacancy Board.
c. Return of payroll to Greg Myer’s office. No value added by having ADP. Some discussion about different time clock, suggestion by Haar that we return to paper timesheets. BY MOTION OF HAAR/TURANO, Approved by Council. Per Greg Myer, best to do at the start of the new year (2019). Kameen said
d. Report on recycling options: Mayor gave report- Joe Dooley, Lou Troiano & Mayor have prepared report, come up with options, distributed report to residents. There is a woman from Philadelphia – consultant- coming up later this month to discuss; Lou has ideas for grants, truck, etc. MOTION BY HAAR/TURANO approving cost of $500 for consultant; Mayor said hotel room being donated. Approved by Council. Tarquinio said will then have Joe Dooley come and give report.
e. Creation of a river overlook and access to the River- Tarquinio said looking at back of ballfield, stairway, tables. Kameen does not want to pursue. Mayor cited Comprehensive Plan, Route 6 Heritage Plan- priority has always been for Milford to reconnect itself to the river- trails, views; explained it would be accessed from left side of ballfield, viewing platforms, dog run. Boro owns 30 ft frontage on river. MEC is paying for survey of property, hiring an architect to come up with schematics. Tarquinio said in fairness to MEC, should at least ask Council if it is something they should pursue. Discussion about Council, Mayor said MEC has grant, committed other funds; BY MOTION OF HAAR/TURANO, COUNCIL APPROVED MEC GOING FORWARD WITH SURVEY, ARCHITECTURAL SCHEMATICS (KAMEEN OPPOSED).
f. Tarquinio has two Resolutions: County will write Grant applications to do engineering studies, but wants to know that municipalities are interested in pursuing Central Sewage Initiative; Tarquinio explained that Westfall Twp has asked that the Boro join in a study to explore the central sewage option connecting from Westfall – Milford Twp – Milford Borough. read first Resolution; no commitment by Boro to funding, some questions from public; by motion of TURANO/WENDELL, Council approved Resolution joining in initiative for Central sewage;
Second resolution: Tarquinio explained that he & Haar have been involved in meetings regarding ALS, ambulance service, supplement volunteers; Resolution is to join in study with “lower” Pike County municipalities (Westfall, Dingmans, Delaware Twp., Shohola, Milford Twp., Matamoras, Milford Boro) Tarquinio read Resolution- all 7 townships/boroughs will join in planning, financing, etc. for initiative/study, subject to final approval by the Council of any plan. BY MOTION OF HAAR/CIERVO, COUNCIL APPROVED SIGNING OF RESOLUTION. Haar to represent Milford Borough in this initiative.
OLD BUSINESS:
a. Brookhill Rd- Ciervo needs to get engineering, bids; Tarquinio noted that Borough applied for grant, did not receive. Will get quote from Kiley & Assoc for engineering.
b. Speed bumps – Ciervo has not found speed bumps that can attach to dirt. Tarquinio obtained signs to post.
c. Striping of crosswalks- Ciervo said “technically” not allowed, PennDot sent lengthy application; Kameen will complete.
COUNCIL ADJOURNED TO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:12 pm.
COUNCIL CAME OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 10:11 PM. BY MOTION OF CIERVO/TURANO, MEETING ADJOURNED.
