AUGUST 6, 2018 REGULAR BOROUGH COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
PRESIDENT TARQUINIO CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AT 7:05 PM. PRESENT: TARQUINIO, COUNCIL MEMBERS ROB CIERVO, ANNETTE HAAR, ADRIANE WENDELL, VP MEAGEN KAMEEN, TREASURER GREG MYER, SOLICITOR JIM SCANLON, SECRETARY PAMELA AHLSTRAND. MAYOR SEAN STRUB AND COUNCIL MEMBERS AARON MAY AND LUKE TURANO WERE NOT PRESENT. MEETING WAS OPENED WITH THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE.
1. Adoption of Agenda: BY MOTION OF KAMEEN/WENDELL, COUNCIL ADOPTED THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED.
2. Adoption of Minutes: BY MOTION OF HAAR/CIERVO, COUNCIL ADOPTED THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 17, 2018 WORKSHOP MEETING, AS PRESENTED AND REVIEWED (KAMEEN ABSTAINING).
3. PUBLIC HEARING: SMOKE SHOP ORDINANCE.
By motion of Haar/Ciervo, the hearing on the proposed “smoke shop ordinance” was opened to the public. President Tarquinio set forth the three (3) main reasons for the Ordinance: Safety of children and young people, property values in the Borough, and because businesses _________________.
Tarquinio summarized the conditions set forth in the proposed ordinance: A smoke shop could not be opened within 1000 feet of another smoke shop, school, library, or other place where children would gather. “Pure” smoke shop/tobacco shop-children under 18 years of age could not enter; question from VP Kameen- does this include drug store, etc? Tarquinio- yes- that would be considered a “mixed use” business; in Milford Borough, that would be the majority of businesses, for example, Turkey Hill. Question from George Borecky- 1000 feet on either side? Tarquinio said yes. Tarquinio asked for motion to open the hearing- BY MOTION OF HAAR/CIERVO, HEARING WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC. Ahlstrand announced that the hearing was properly advertised twice, as required, and that a copy of the full text of the Ordinance was available for review at the Borough Office. Tarquinio also added that currently permitted use; now proposing it would be a Conditional Use, so anyone who wanted to open up would have to apply and have a hearing. Asked for comments from the public- Question from Bill Kiger- under the new law, would the current smoke shop be “illegal”? Tarquinio said they are “grandfathering in” existing businesses. Kiger asked if it was a new business, would it be illegal because it is near the library? Tarquinio said yes. No other comments from the public. Tarquinio asked for comments from the Council- VP Kameen asked what would happen in the event of a sale of the existing smoke shop; would they have to re-apply? Scanlon said if business is sold as the same use, would not have to re-apply. Kameen asked for clarification- if it were to cease operating for a period of time? Scanlon said in that case, would have to re-apply. Question from George Borecky (public- resident) – what if business closed just to remodel. Scanlon clarified that would have to look at the terms of the sale; if the USE isn’t changing, then “grandfathered” in. Council can always challenge if they want to.
BY MOTION OF CIERVO/HAAR, PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ORDINANCE WAS CLOSED. BY MOTION OF WENDELL/CIERVO, ORDINANCE #456 AS WRITTEN WAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY BOROUGH COUNCIL.
Kameen mentioned that the Council may want to look into doing the same thing with regard to Fireworks stores, now that the law to purchase has changed. Wendell said they were discussing the same thing with Air B&B issues; looking into whether they can regulate. Will look at both.
4. Special Event/Banners:
a. Milford Readers & Writers Festival (Alley closing makes it a “special event”)
b. Suicide prevention Event (BANNER ONLY)
c. Grey Towers 8K- Milford Presents- Event and Banner (Wendell explained that this used to be a Grey Towers’ event; not enough parking; starting at the beach; Milford Presents is hosting- any money raised is for Heritage Association and Conservancy. Tarquinio asked if they need police presence- Ahlstrand said yes, on application. Confirmed with police dept.-Chief was present)
BY MOTION OF KAMEEN/HAAR, ALL EVENTS & BANNERS WERE UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY THE BOROUGH COUNCIL, SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF CERTIFICATE(S) OF INSURANCE.
5. Paving Bids: Ahlstrand said they are waiting for additional information from PennDot in order to complete the bid packets. Ciervo received a call. Tarquinio commented that he spoke with UGI about fixing East George and Third St., calls them every week. Said they will be coming after they do Pine Acres.
6. Public Comment:
– Kevin Mann- Captain of Firehouse, gave report (see attached report). Said one new EMT trained; some additional training at Training Center; purchased new thermal imaging camera ($7000); old one was 15 years old; there was a question at the last meeting about the cost of knock boxes- they are $300/box; truck committee is looking at getting a new truck- NFPA Standards 25 years; getting new numbers, new truck would be $350K. Tarquinio mentioned that at the workshop meeting the Fire Dept said they could use volunteers not just for the fire dept., but also for Bingo.
– George Borecky- signs at the ballfield. Not a commercial area, shouldn’t be any signs. Signs came down after the season last year; back up this year. Tarquinio said they have permission; can talk about again in the spring. The league did pay ½ the funds this year. Kameen finds the DV Logo signs “off putting”. Borecky also mentioned about the franchise fees from Blue Ridge. Tarquinio said they have been paying- same percentage for 40 years; trying to renegotiate the terms of the contract. Kameen said fees get passed on to residents. Borecky also commented again on parking near ballfield, cars parked in no parking areas. Haar said she goes by the field during games, no issues; Kameen said this is an enforcement issue; Ciervo commented that if he sees a violation, should call the police.
– Peter Rushton – Stop “stripes” and signs painted on the road- good thing; thanked Boro employees for picking up excess wood, etc.; asked Council to consider taxes & retirees- if taxes go up, retirees will leave. Tarquinio said that issue of ALS services may leave no alternative but to impose an earned income tax; would be a referendum.
Tarquinio commented that he and Haar went to a meeting on ALS (7 twp/boro in Eastern Pike County). County did a study on ambulance services; said municipalities will have to handle individually; will meet again in a month, invite fire chiefs, nursing homes. Biggest user of ambulance service in the Boro is Belle Reeve. May require another tax- would be a ½ mil. Looking at options. May have to do something to supplement volunteers. Westfall Twp – someone opening an 80 bed over 55, 50 bed assisted living; one requirement of approval was that facility will have to provide its own ambulance service.
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
a. Zoning – Wendell gave her report: Fran Wood, Chair of the ZHB, is in hospice; will need to appoint someone to ZHB.
b. Law & Legislation: Turano was not present; Wendell reported that we should hear from General Code soon about the recodification; will have to accept changes, advertise, etc. May do some minor editing.
c. Insurance & Finance – Kameen had no report
d. Parks – Haar gave her report: 1. Mike Zimmerman (Rec Committee) trying to coordinate artists with September MusicFest; 2. Water fountain should be delivered soon-Nick May was able to find one for $2800 (less than the $3500 approved); 3. Tom Mitchell enclosed electrical panel in the Ann St Park- was a hazard. Ciervo noted that there had to be 3 ft clearance. Haar will have it checked; asked for approval of $900 expense. BY MOTION OF HAAR/KAMEEN, Council approved $900 for Mitchell;
4. Working with the Garden Club- negotiated 2 pergolas from Wesol estate in exchange for weeding this Thursday and Friday. Could use volunteers. Putting pergolas in Barclay Park (green swing). 5. She & Linda Pinto are coordinating an auction on September 22, preview on 9/21. Will support Garden Club, MPD, and MFD. Need volunteers, donations.
e. Borough Property – May not present. Wendell noted that she obtained 3 quotes as requested for the website; some difference in price, time frame. Asked for approval to hire Preston Ehrler at $2250-one time expense. BY MOTION OF WENDELL/HAAR, COUNCIL APPROVED THE EXPENSE OF $2250 TO SET UP A NEW WEBSITE. Will be managed by Boro. No additional cost to manage.
Next, Wendell reported that they have received a new quote for the server-updated, less than the initial quote obtained by Barry Bernathy (through CoStars). BY MOTION OF WENDELL/CIERVO, COUNCIL APPROVED THE REVISED FOR THE SERVER IN THE AMOUNT OF $4119.
Ciervo noted that he sent a contractor to check the leak in the bathroom at the Boro Hall; Ahlstrand said they have been checking it, no leak this week. Will keep monitoring.
Lastly, based on recommendation of the subcommittee reviewing the move to the Sheriff’s Office, Council voted to move the Borough Offices and Police Dept to the Sheriff’s office once it is vacated by the County, and to look at long term options including renovations to the Borough Hall and the future of the Borough Office building (BY MOTION OF CIERVO/WENDELL)
f. Streets & Lights – Ciervo gave his report: Found a company that makes LED bulbs with the same “glow” as the street lights; sending 3 bulbs to try for free. If acceptable to MEC, will order; proposal – put up 3 stop signs at E Catharine/River Rd., down hill- make it a 3 way stop. Tarquinio said he believes they need a traffic study first; Wendell said it requires a change to the ordinance. Will look into process.
Question from Bill Malson (public) about light bulbs. Question from Chuck O’Neil (Resident) about River Rd- can he put up a convex mirror? Tarquinio said yes, if on his property. Tarquinio suggested trying speed bumps, signage (Part of Pinchot Greenway?). Ciervo will look into speed bumps, mounting on dirt road.
President Tarquinio read letter of resignation from Aaron May- moving out of Borough, busy at work. Explained they will not accept his letter of resignation until the Council workshop on August 21st, since the Council must act to appoint someone within 30 days of accepting the letter of resignation, and the next regular Council meeting is not until September 10th due to the Labor Day holiday. Will accept letters of interest from residents for the open seat.
8. Mayor’s Report –Chief McCormack gave report- Stats- Parking (1); Traffic citations (45)-up from last month; traffic stops (97); 800 patrol miles. Participated in roving patrol with Eastern Pike- had 4-5 cars out, paid for by grant, targeted enforcement for DUI.
Interviewing 2 new officer- would like to hire an officer for 32 hr (night) shift.
Invited to National Night Out tomorrow in Pt. Jervis, supports law enforcement, Fire dept.
Looking to participate in FB Lip Sync Challenge- need help with video, set up, getting Sheriff’s Dept to participate. Unmarked car now in operation. Update on traffic light control- He controlled light on Sunday night, showed another officer how to do; will try to have officer control on Friday night and Sunday light. Noise complaints- had 3 violations, went out and made verbal warnings, documented. Said that’s as far as they can go, advised Council. Cannot disclose who, but they were called in complaints from neighbors.
Planning on borrowing speed enforcement equipment from Eastern Pike, monitoring in early morning hours. Also doing target enforcement for crosswalks; two officers, radio. Also will be warning pedestrians about crossing in the crosswalks, not between cars.
Asked that people PLEASE DO NOT REPORT CRIMES TO THE MAYOR- He oversees the police department, but complaints should be made directly to the police. Can be anonymous. Looking at drop box for used meds.
Lastly- Really need police car; Ford has a program- regular fixed payment, figured into budget, rotate new car every three years. This is how a lot of smaller departments do it. Question from Tarquinio about controlling traffic on Friday night- extra police officer? Chief – no- trying to use officer on duty right now, but talking to the Mayor about other alternatives; only during the summer, only for a short period of time.
Question from Paul Labounty (public) about control of light- does Borough have exclusive control? Chief explained that they contacted PennDot; they said can control if it’s for public safety, must be someone trained to control. Labounty asked about pedestrian light- cross on green? Chief said PennDot said it was the way it’s supposed to be.
9. Treasurer’s Report: Greg Myer provided his report: Said $11,600 left for taxes to hit budget. RTT payment received of $6,935.00; $12,600 ahead of budget. Kameen & Myer will look at programs for purchase of police car(s). BY MOTION OF HAAR/CIERVO, TREASURER’S REPORT UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED BY COUNCIL AS SUBMITTED.
10. Other Business:
a. ARB Certificates of Appropriateness:
– Pike County Courthouse, Generator Enclosure- BY MOTION OF WENDELL/CIERVO, COUNCIL APPROVED RECOMMENDATION OF THE ARB
– 214 E Harford St- Bob Keiber- Sign- BY MOTION OF KAMEEN/WENDELL, COUNCIL APPROVED RECOMMENDATION OF THE ARB
BY MOTION OF HAAR/CIERVO, COUNCIL ADJOURNED THE MEETING AT 8:25 pm.
