Dupontpa.us



The Regular Monthly Meeting of Dupont Borough Council was called to order at 7:00pm on Tuesday evening, March 12, 2019 by President of Council Stanley Knick.Pledge of AllegianceMoment of Silence for Albert MihalkaROLL CALL:Mr. Knick - PresentMr. Kowalczyk – PresentMr. Kaminski - PresentMrs. Hansen - PresentMr. Karkut - PresentMayor Lello – PresentMOTION TO ADOPT THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 12, 2019 REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL AND PLACE ON FILE:Motion: Mrs, HansenSecond: Mr. Karkut Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO ACCEPT THE CORRESPONDENCE PRESENTED.Motion: Mrs. HansenSecond: Mr. KarkutRoll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO PAY THE BILLS PRESENTED. Mr. Knick added All Star Tire $1604.00, tires for recycler.Motion: Mr, Kaminski Second: Mr. Karkut Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO APPOINT THE PART TIME POLICE OFFICERS FROM MARCH 12, 2019 TO THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL WITH NO GUARANTEE OF WORK: Duane Saunders, Jennifer Polemitis, Todd Houghtlin, Thomas Sheehan, Christopher Fargione, Robert Avvisato, Arnulfo Rivera, Thomas Rushnak, Christopher SmithMotion: Mr. KaminskiSecond: Mr. Karkut Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO PAY TAX COLLECTOR SALARY TO SUSAN GREGORY UPON RECEIPT OF FIRST TAX REVENUE PAYMENT.Motion: Mrs. HansenSecond: Mr. Karkut Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO PAY BACK THE SEWER MAINTENANCE FUND $15,000 FOR 2017-18 FROM GENERAL FUND TAX RECEIPTS WITH REMAINING BALANCE TO BE PAID $50,000 FROM 2018Motion: Mrs. HansenSecond: Mr. KarkutRoll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO APPROVE KEN RAUCH EXCAVATING, MONTROSE UPON CONFIRMATION OF BID $69.800 SUBMITTED FOR THE MILL CREEK CHANNEL REPAIR PROJECT AND ISSUE NOTICE TO PROCEED UPON RECEIPT OF REQUIRED PAPERWORK AND DOCUMENTS. Patty confirmed receipt of all documents. Motion: Mr. KaminskiSecond: Mr. KarkutRoll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID SPECS PREPARED BY THE ENGINEER FOR THE BUILDING REMODELING PROJECT AND ADVERTISE FOR BID OPENING AT THE MAY MEETINGMotion: Mrs. HansenSecond: Mr. KarkutRoll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID SPECS PREPARED BY THE ENGINEERFOR THE OCD PAVING PROJECT FOR BID OPENING AT THE APRIL MEETING Bob spoke about the OCD Project, Florence Street gas lines, and using Liquid Fuels monies with OCD for one project. Mr. Kaminski discussed Florence Street. Patty asked how the paperwork would be affected that was submitted to OCD for First, Front and Florence. Bob stated as long as we work within the approved region we should be ok. We can explain about the proposed gas line work. Once streets are confirmed he will be ready for the April meeting.Motion: Mrs. HansenSecond: Mr. KowalczykRoll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION TO LOOK INTO LIQUID FUELS FUND PROJECT FOR PAVING AND BANK LOAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000: Stan discussed borrowing from the bank $100,000 and using $50,000 from liquid fuels and pave a couple streets. Council will need to decide on the streets to do. Stan the payments will be paid from liquid fuels. Stan suggested Bridge, Liberty, Center. Jeff stated Center will be expensive. Patty suggested Second and Third that are complete with gas lines. Stan mentioned Harding and Liberty, even if we do half blocks. Jeff will look at several streets and get back to Council. Motion: Mr. KaminskiSecond: Mr. Karkut Roll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.Patty asked if liquid fuels can be used to pave in front of the borough building parking area near the clock. Bob stated it is borough property but he would check with Penn DOT. Bob suggested checking with OCD funds which may work on public buildings. MOTION TO ADVERTISE BIDS FOR THE REMAINING FUNDS FOR THE PA SMALL WATER SEWER GRANT TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Balance is approximately $14,402. Stan listed extra parts totaling $3158 and Roof over electric and concrete $2900. Patty stated that grant is also approved for manhole covers. Motion: Mrs. HansenSecond: Mr. KowalczykRoll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.REPORTS:Treasurer’s Report: Balance as of February 28, 2019 (or as noted)General Fund - $32,261.80 (3-5-19)Payroll Fund - $5,693.46 (3-5-19)Refuse Fund – $47,058.28 (3-5-19)Sewer Maintenance Fund - $ 395,654.55Liquid Fuels Fund - $ 50,170.09 noting March 1st we received 2019 allocation of $102,000 plus $2880 turnback agreement.Police Pension Fund - $ 915,177.00Childrens Fund - $ 543.44Town Clock - $ 2,492.30Centennial Fund - $5,423.60Special Fund - $ 152,561.37Loan for School - $ 191,914.55Tax Collector Report – Susan Gregory read the report for February 2019 as follows:Balance Collectable Beginning of Month - $240,491.32Face Collections for the Month - $ 48,648.21Discounts - $972.98Total Cash Collected is $47,675.23 deposited into the Borough general fund.Police Report – Chief Doran read the statistical report for February 2019 as follows: Traffic Citations Issued-51; Non Traffic Citations Issued-1; Appearances in county court-3; Appearances in Magisterial Court-6; Motor Vehicle Accidents-6; Assist to EMS/Fire-10; Assist to other police depts. – 4; Alarms-5; Thefts-1; Vandalism-1; Domestic Reports-1; Suspicious Activity-8; Assault/Harrasment-4; Miscellaneous Calls-18; Building Checks-32; Code Enforcement-10. Vehicle Mileage: Explorer – 24,984; Taurus – 66,284; F550 – 1,93. Magistrate Fines Collected - $3,716.84.Crime Watch Report- Bob Price spoke about the meeting held in February attended by Officer Avvisato and advised the next meeting is March 26, 2019 and a tour of Life Flight at the Airport is planned.Council President’s Report - Stan reported 50.23 tons averages 12 tons per week; Comingle was 5.83 and 3.96 tons and newsprint was 6.96 tons. Mileage: C3500- 61,642; F550 – 18,421; Mack – 2,715; Packer - 54,599, Recycler - 20,340. Recycler went in for four tires. DPW fixed Grove Street with millings, put up sign for Hose Company on Center and powerwashed all the vehicles. MOTION TO ACCEPT THE REPORTS PRESENTED.Motion: Mrs. HansenSecond: Mr. KarkutRoll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.Mr. Kaminski addressed council president on the glass recycling billing issue. Mr. Kaminski suggested $75.00 for smaller bars and $200 for Polish Club. Mr. Knick suggested $100 for smaller bars. Discussion on smaller bars including Cebula’s, Andy’s and Rygiels. Patty asked if it is in addition to the regular yearly refuse fee. The response was yes. Motion: Mr. KaminskiSecond: Mrs. HansenMr. Karkut questioned two or three smaller bars, noting Rygiels is not putting out glass ments from Mrs. Hansen and Mr. Kaminski regarding making sure that the DPW do not pick up at Rygiels and Rygiels be notified that if they put out recycling they will be charged $100. Mr. Kowalczyk addressed council that this needs to be looked into as we go forward. What we are doing right now is eyeballing saying this place uses this many, but this one uses this much. Mr. Kaminski stated we can charge them all $200. Mr. Kowalczyk stated he does not want to be unfair to anybody. What if a new business opens next year. How do we measure this. A dumpster here, recycling bins here. There is no standard. Mr. Kowalczyk agrees this is ok for now, but in the future we need to have a plan in place, we can’t name bars. Mr. Kowalczyk suggested the number of seats in the bar. Patty and Mrs. Hansen agreed they can get a private hauler. Mr. Kowalczyk said we are making a motion based on specific businesses. Understanding that, and if an additional business opens, we need to set a rate. Mr. Kaminski stated if another business comes in they would pay a base rate. Mr. Kowalczyk asked how do we set that base rate. Mr.Kowalczyk stated emptying a dumpster vs emptying 25 containers per week, that is more work, more time, but doing same work. Mr. Kaminski stated this year we will track it and see how it goes. Mr. Karkut stated he has been monitoring recyclables the past few weeks and we are on target. Mr. Kowalczyk stated with the three places yes but in the future we have to set a standard. Mr. Posly asked about the bar at the bottom of Lidy’s Road, and Mr. Kaminski stated they have a private hauler. Mrs. Hansen questioned Brickhouse, and they too have a private hauler. Mr. Kowalczyk for example stated what if the VFW gets rid of their dumpster and decides to put out recycling containers. How do we compare to VFW< what if they are not as much as Polish Club, but more than Andy;s. Mr. Kowalczyk is just bringing up that in the future we need a plan. Mr. Kaminski stated he sees the DPW at the polish club two or three times a week. Mr. Kowalczyk explained not for glass. They pickup cardboard in the closet area. Mr. Kaminski stated no it is the dumpster. Mr. Kowalczyk stated it could be if they are getting a head start for Monday and empty the dumpster, but the dumpster is not full. Actually it was emptied there every second week. It is not necessary to do it twice a week. Mr. Karkut suggested we do this for now, and we revisit this again in the fall. Mr. Kowalczyk said Thank You Mr. Karkut that is what I was asking. Mr. Karkut said revisit this in the fall along with the fees, the garbage bags, etc. We have to do something at this meeting. Mr. Knick agreed.MOTION TO SET FEES AT $100 AND $200 AS DISCUSSED ABOVE AND REVISIT THIS ISSUE IN THE FALL FOR THE 2020 BILLING.Motion: Mr. KaminskiSecond: Mrs. HansenRoll Call Vote: Mr. Knick, yes; Mr. Kowalczyk, yes; Mr. Kaminski, yes; Mrs. Hansen, yes; Mr. Karkut, yes. Motion Carried 5/0.MOTION APPROVING CREDIT OF INTEREST AND PENALTIES FOR NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION ON LOT 404 LINCOLN STREET. COMPUTER BALANCE IS $7406.99 AND APPROVE 2019 HOOK UP FEE EXPENSES AS $3370 CREDITING REMAINING BALANCE. (Home demolished in 2004, vacant lot status for new owners)Motion: Mr. KaminskiMrs. Hansen said wait a minute, I have a question. The computer balance, is that unpaid sewer for the whole time. Mr. Knick and Patty noted there was no building there. It was getting billed with penalties and interest and regular billing. Pina stated when she was on code enforcement she was told if they didn’t pay, when someone purchased that lot, the sewer that was due would be paid when that lot was sold. So are we crediting him the whole $7000 of not paying sewer all those years. Patty stated it is empty lot status. Mr. Knick stated it was an empty lot, going on and on. Mrs. Hansen is confused as to where this lot is. Mr. Kaminski and Knick stated it is between the tracks. Mr. Kowalczyk explained at the gas station make a left, then right, it is the third lot on the right. Mrs. Hansen agreed that this is the house she was told that empty lot that you can keep billing and when we sell we will pay. That is the gentleman that came in here with his friend and chewed me because he got a letter. Stan agreed it is up to council do you want to credit the lot or do you want to tell them they still have to pay for it. Mrs. Hansen asked if the lot was ever hooked up to sewer. Mr. Knick stated he is not sure that was before his time. That was a condemned house, it was ready to fall down. It actually was knocked down by Mark’s father. Mrs. Hansen stated we have another property that has a high balance that is not paying and she was going after. They are still not paying and that property is going for a blighted property. Are we going to let that balance go. How many of these balances are we going to continue to let go at this high rate that we brought in $80,000 of uncollected garbage and sewer. Mr. Knick has no problems if you want to have them pay. Mrs. Hansen stated well if there was a property in 2004 were they connected to sewer. Mr. Knick stated they had to be but I don’t know how many years before 2004 if someone lived in that house. Mrs. Hansen stated you have to remember we set a presidence when I was code enforcement officer to collect these balances on years and years of not paying sewers. That is all I am going to say. Mr. Knick suggested tabling this motion and looking into it to see if they were every hooked up to it. Mark made the motion and then asked how does that work. Patty stated to buy an empty lot right now in Dupont you are paying $3370 for sewer. Mrs. Hansen stated correct. Patty asked why should this person buying the lot and building the house that is going to bring in tax dollars to the borough pay penalties and interest that were assessed to the previous owner because I kept it on the computer as an open account. Mrs. Hansen stated because they chose not to pay the bill and when I addressed that and that gentleman came here and ripped me apart nobody on this council stood up for me. He ripped me apart and still did not pay the bill. And he said when it sold it would be paid. Just like another person who had a balance, and when she sold her property she came in and paid her sewer.That is all I am addressing. Mr. Knick stated we will look into if they were ever hooked up. If you want to lose $7000 go ahead. If that is borough money go ahead because it is the tax collectors that will suffer. That’s why. Mr. Knick stated we will table it and look into it. Mrs. Hansen said yes lets do that. Mrs. Hansen stated at that point if we want to choose to give them a credit of some type but not to right the whole thing off. Mr. Kaminski stated that would go to the previous owner not the new owner. Mrs. Hansen stated correct the previous owner, he would have to pay that it is his responsibility.MOTION BY MR. KOWALCZYK, SECOND BY MR. KAMINSKI TO TABLE THIS FOR FURTHER REVIEW.At this point, Patty stated this is going to be a personnel issue and you might as well take me in the office now seriously because this person bought the lot based on the fact that I told them the hookup fee was $3370. Mr. Kowalczyk stated that is what he is getting at. They would have never bought that lot. Mr. Kowalczyk there is no hookup fee if the previous owner owes the balance. There is no hookup fee because there was already one. Patty stated if I could I want to be excused from the meeting, I’m sorry. Patty left the meeting. Mr. Kowalczyk asked do you see what I am saying. Mrs. Hansen asked then why was I told when I was code enforcement that that person, if they are not paying the bill, that when that lot was sold and that person never got another bill. That is what I was told. Mr. Kowalczyk stated that is why we are tabling this. Audience: Don’t you have a lien or something. Mrs. Hansen stated you can have a lien on the property. Mrs. Hansen stated it is already sold, and she is not code enforcement anymore. Audience: The lien should be against the previous owner. Audience: You cannot put it on now. Audience: No because it is the previous owner. Mrs. Hansen stated after I was ripped at that meeting, I resigned three months later, because of that. Audience: It shouldn’t be the person that bought the house. Mrs. Hansen stated no it shouldn’t be the person that bought the house, absolutely. Mrs. Hansen stated here is a reason why we keep checks and balances. There is a reason we keep a balance on the computer. There is a reason why I went after those high balances, because I was asked by council to do so. Mr. Kowalczyk asked how do you bill for sewer when there is no structure on the property? Mrs. Hansen stated evidently there was. Listen, I was going by what I was told. Mr. Kaminski stated that was probably the previous balance before it was demolished. Mr. Knick stated no it wasn’t. Mayor Lello said the balance has been calculating every year because we never took it off. Mr. Kowalczyk and Mr. Knick stated 15 years no structure on the lot, how do you bill. Mr. Knick stated the house was inhabitable nobody lived in that house for a long time. Mr. Kowalczyk stated there is a $3370 hookup they have to pay once they build, because the sewer was more or less eliminated and now you have to hook back up to it. Mr. Kaminski stated there was no house since 2004, we have to figure out prior to 2004. Mrs. Hansen stated then why was I told I had to address it, why did I have to send that person a letter, why did I have to get ripped apart to now say erase it. Mr. Kaminski stated he understands. Mrs. Hansen stated and what do we do about the people we billed and made them pay. Audience: You got the money. Mr. Kowalczyk stated they had usage that is the difference. The people that got billed were using the sewer. Mrs. Hansen stated the property on Lincoln Street right now has a balance, he was paying. Once I resigned he stopped. There is no usage of water there. That is back sewer he owes. Mr. Kowalczyk stated that is what we need to know. Mrs. Hansen stated as far as interest on that I don’t have a problem erasing the interest, but we need to find out if it is hooked. Mr. Kowalczyk agreed we need to find out the facts, if it was paid, up to what date, and what was covered before we make a vote on this. Mr. Knick stated the house was torn down and he is not sure if they were hooked up to the sewers. Mrs. Hansen stated that is what we need to know and any other properties on our computer that are not hooked up, those balances need to go because they are very misleading. Mr. Knick remembers cutting that grass, but before that the house was unlivable. It was torn down. He is not sure it is hooked up. Mr. Kowalczyk stated if you have residency and have water usage you should be hooked up to the sewer, but if the place was demolished in 2004, there was no sewerage from 2004 to now. Mr. Knick stated how long was it vacant prior to 2004, he believes vacant since the 90’s and if it is hooked up. Mayor Lello stated that balance is more than 15 years accumulation. Mrs. Hansen agreed but it is penalties and interest on there.Mr. Knick called for matters from the audience:Mr. George Jendrey, Wyoming Avenue - Just a few comments: (1) Recycling – He agrees with Mark, there has to be a way to meter it either by pounds or by volume. If it’s a dumpster and if the dumpster is picked up once a week, if its can, one a week. If they put extra they get billed for extra. Mr. Knick stated that is what we are trying to do. (2) LLVSA when they waiver for sewer fees it is not on water, the letter is their thought is they have people that actually bring water into the house and live in the house. They want to see the electric bill because you need electric for cooking and heat. If they don’t pay, the lien goes on. The home cannot be sold until the lien is satisfied. That way you won’t be in this situation, if the lien is done. Mr. Knick stated since he is on council there is no sewer being used there since then. Before that the house was vacant. It was torn down because it is delapidatedMr. Lou Posly- Attended airport meeting with Joe. He told them he lives in the town and remembers when the airport was being constructed and the extension. It wasn’t that long ago I told them that the airport took a lot for this town, many many homes, Including all the way up to castle town. The first property they took was Mr. Lidy, he had a farm there. That is how the road was named. He explained Dupont has done a lot for the airport and they were all very acceptance of what Lou said. They agreed that the airport should give back and I asked them about where the gates are that are closed. The first cul de sac then through the gates and another cul de sac. Lou told them they should transfer that property to Dupont that way Dupont will take care of it. I know it is another expense but the people that live on Lidy Road that work in the trade center, or work in the Best Western or Tipsy Turtle. Lou met the owner of the Best Western and he thought it was a good idea. Tipsy Turtle will probably be the same way. So I am asking council, first of all, did you hear anything from the airport. It is probably going to take time because it is a federal thing. All the people, two from Wilkes-Barre and two from Scranton were all for what I said. They didn’t see a problem, but who knows what the federal government might come up with. What I am asking council is suppose we get this agreement, would council accept this road. Mr. Knick stated we would have to look at it, but I don’t think they are going to give it to us. Mr. Karkut commented that we are somewhat jumping the gun. I think we have to wait for the airport to come back, come out with their proposals. Mr. Posly said it would be a very small section. Mr. Karkut talked about a meeting here at the borough with Penn DOT and Penn DOT did not want those gates open. So Penn DOT has to be involved. Mr. Knick stated he knows he would not take it over. Because he actually thinks it is a safety issue having vehicles coming out onto that road on Lidy’s Road. Mrs. Hansen agreed. Stan stated there is a hill, a downgrade and a corner and feels it is a safety issue. He does not think a lot of residents on Lidy’s Road would want vehicles going down the road. We have problems with trucks now getting stuck up there. If you give trucks access to Lidy Road we will have more problems. Lou stated you would have to have a sign up there. Mr. Knick stated we have signs all over. Mr. Knick said they don’t read the signs. They get stuck all over. Susan Gregory – Commented she lives up there, they have to go in reverse to get down the street.Paula Wallace – Came to the meeting because she lives on Wyoming Avenue for twenty years. She sees the signs in town no trucks. Today, for instance, while she was going up Wyoming Avenue you see a sign coming from that road and turning up Wyoming Avenue by the funeral home, you see a big sign that says no trucks and a picture no trucks. If you are coming down this road, police stop them here. But the problem is these truck drivers are driving up at 2 in the morning and cannot see the signs say on Wyoming Avenue 1 1/2 by 1 1/2. Rich has put a 2 x 4 board on their property with reflectors just so tractor trailers don’t go over our property. Trucks ripped it to pieces. He did it twice. Rich asked her to call the Borough to see and she came to the meeting because it is not right, maybe a bigger sign should be put out so these tractor trailers see it. They are going against a violation of a code and that is why you have signs up for years. Mr. Kaminski stated they don’t speak English. Mrs. Wallace is willing translate and will tell council what to write. Her main concern is and she has pictures, it is not only ruining the property, but the streets. Even Wyoming and Penn from the heaviness of tractor trailers on the streets are in such bad shape. There are mines under Dupont and all that weight will cause a problem and it is going to start caving in. This is my thought and it may be a stupid idea but I know you say it is because they are following gps to the old road. Mr. Kaminski stated they pull them over a lot lately. Mrs. Wallace stated they pull them over here. Mrs. Wallace sees them here. Mr. Kaminski stated here they are doing DOT checks. Mrs. Wallace stated that is fine. Mr. Kaminski stated they come down Suscon Road that don’t read the sign which is as big as the truck. Mrs. Wallace said if they are going against the sign that is a violation of city ordinance. Mr. Kaminski stated if they are caught they are fined. Mrs. Wallace stated they ruined here property twice already. What if you put some type of cameras, not expensive, to get pictures of the trucking company. Mr. Kaminski stated traffic cams are not legal in Pennsylvania. Mrs. Wallace stated up 315 by Walmart at the light is cameras. Mr. Knick stated they are for Penn DOT. Erik responded. Also it was said they are for emergency lighting changes.Mrs. Wallace said how are you going to catch a company going against the law when you have a city ordinance saying do not go there. If you have proof, the only way to have proof is taking a pictures of that trucking company which fines bring money into the town. Mr. Kaminski addressed Chief Doran to respond. Chief Doran agreed traffic cameras are not legal in Pennsylvania, they are legal in Philadelphia City. The only thing I can say is you see them stopped here because they blow through the big sign at the top of Bear Creek. Our officers sit here they watch them come down if they come here or they go up to Ziegler and get stopped there. They do get ticketed. Mrs. Wallace stated maybe a board with big nails. Mr. Knick stated call 911. Mrs. Wallace said it is at 2 am and by that time they are gone. Chief stated they are out and about the borough they are not in the office. Mrs. Wallace asked if it is a problem with the borough if she gets big stones and puts them on the corner of her property.Mr. Posly stated he is still waiting for answers. Is the whole council against opening the gates and getting the property from the airport. Mrs. Hansen stated she is against it. Mr. Posly asked why she is against it. It is a safety issue and she agrees with Mr. Knick. Mr. Posly asked if she was up there and what is the safety issue. Mr. Knick stated because cars pulling out of that street with trucks coming down around that corner on that road is a safety issue. Mr. Kowalczyk stated the speed on that road is unbelievable. Mr. Knick stated I will not be liable for someone pulling out on the road in front of a truck and gets killed. Mr. Posly is asking about the hotel road. Mr. Knick was talking about onto Navy Way Road. Chief Doran stated both gates opened up to proceed out to hotel and tipsy turtle. Mr. Knick stated he misunderstood and thought at the end of Lidy Road. Mr. Posly stated not at all. Mr. Knick stated he can’t do anything until he hears the proposition from the Airport. Mr. Kaminski stated the road is not up to specs. That was a temporary road put in so the Borough would have to invest money. It is not up to specs. Mr. Posly said wait one minute Mr. Kaminski. The Borough bought that school for $300,000 , $290,000. The money being used to pay for it came from the bridge over the turnpike, correct? Mr. Knick said yes. Now you are willing to buy a school using borough money and paying on it and paying interest on it but you are not willing to open a road for the people of Lidy’s Road that is there. You don’t have to do it right away. If the airport says you can have the road and you need to do something about it, then ok we have the road. Mr. Kaminski stated Quail Hill wants to give us the roads in the worst way, they are not up to state specs, not up to borough specs, I cannot see spending the money. The airport is going to bring it up to specs, put guiderails in and .. Mr. Posly stated no why would you want the airport to do it if we are going to use the road. Don’t forget the people on Lidy Road .. Mr. Kaminski stated if we take it over the taxpayers will have to pay for the road, fix the potholes, bring it up to specs. Mr. Posly asked then why is the taxpayers paying for the school. Mr. Kaminski stated because the county is going to buy it and we will get our money back for the school. Mr. Posly asked when? Mr. Knick asked Lou what would you have wanted us to do, sell that school to an outside firm that would not tell us what they were doing with the school and have a Sherman Hills in Dupont. That is why we bought it because we were watching out for the residents. We do not want a Sherman Hills in Dupont now why are you picking on that school? Mr. Posly stated you keep going on and on because it has to be your way. Mr. Posly stated there is no reason to yell. Mrs. Hansen thinks Mr. Posly should run for council and sit up here. Mr. Posly asked why. Mrs. Hansen said because you have all these great ideas and evidently we don’t make the right ones for you. We don’t do it for one person we do what’s best for the whole town as a group not as an individual. Every meeting you bring up the same stuff. Every meeting you are upset about something. Mr. Kowalczyk stated the cost to bring that road up to specs and all the roads we need to repair in town we cannot find the money to repair the roads that need to be repaired and we are not about to take another road on. And I highly doubt that every resident that lives on a dead end street wants to open their street to thru traffic. Because if I lived on a dead end street I surely wouldn’t want traffic flying by my house to take a shortcut. Mr. Posly stated you should ask the people on Lidy’s Road. Mrs. Gregory stated she is on Lidy’s Road and if you open that up, we have so much traffic now, and you will have so much more. There is enough. When you go up to that turn when it was open Mrs. Gregory stated she almost got hit head on because there is not enough room for two cars to get through. Mr. Posly said not to open it until you get the money to fix it. Mr. Kaminski stated it will be a lot of money. You are looking at about $300,000 for that section. The existing road is not up to state or borough specs. That is my only issue.John Slivkanch, 150 Holden Street - Recent garbage fee was passed with a ten dollar increase. There was no reduction for senior citizens and we lost two pick ups of the recyclables. We got the cheaper bags. What caused all that to happen, was it necessary? We pay more money, get less services and cheaper bags. Mr. Knick stated the bags were a mistake, we didn’t think they were what they were when we bought them. The pickups of paper and plastics we had to change it otherwise if we did not do that the recycling center wouldn’t take it. They are actually looking at charging for plastic and glass.Mr. Slivkanch asked why wasn’t there a discount for senior citizens. Mrs. Hansen stated there is. Regular garbage is $125.00 . Senior is $95.00. Mr. Slivkanch explained $125.00 plus ten is a 7.5% increase. $95.00 plus ten is over 9% increase, do you understand that. Across the board fee senior citizens should have received a discount on the ten dollar increase. Mr. Knick stated we are getting more senior citizens fees and Mrs. Hansen asked what was the fee if we outsourced it per resident. Mr. Karkut stated it would be $160.00 across the board if we outsourced it. Mr. Slivkanch asked is that a threat. Mrs. Hansen stated no we are just telling you what it would have been. Mr. Slivkanch said Michigan it would be 400 dollars. You raised it ten dollars across the board for everybody. Mr. Karkut said the raise was there because we have a 18 packmaster, 2007, needs tires, hydraulic. Mr. Slivkanch said with 20,000 miles on it. Mr. Knick stated no it is shot it has 54,000 miles on it. Mr. Karkut said the body is rotted. Mr. Slivkanch asked if there are grants for that. Mr. Knick said try to get them. We are putting in for them. Mr. Kowalczyk said by putting in a grant for a garbage packer you are putting another project on the side, you are putting street paving on the side. It is not just an endless supply of grant funds. Mr. Slivkanch mentioned how many streets have been paved.Mr. John Lizak, Gill Street - Addressed the Chief about a hearing for 109 Gill Street and the code enforcement officer works day shift, will she be there. Chief Doran stated she will be there.Mr. Robert Wywoda, Lackawanna Avenue – Complaints on Sacred Heart Church bills. They went from ringing til 6 pm to ringing all the way through to 9 pm at night every half hour . A lot of times he brings work home. He works at a school so his whole day is run by bells. So when he comes home the last thing he wants is to be reminded every thirty minutes of what time it is. He is working on scholarship applications right now for a lot of the kids. He is actually putting in ear plugs in like at a shooting range to keep the sound from disrupting his work on the computer. He never had to do this before. His family lived in this town since its been created. That church he believes the bells stopped in 60 he believes. Just ring them in morning, at noon and 6 pm. Three times a day he can deal with that. He has never complained about anything with the church, family are members of that church forever, He was baptized in that church. This isn’t like he is saying stop the religious intrusion in his home. This is very loud. He is a walk away from the church on Lackawanna Avenue. On Sunday he spoke with someone from Harding Street, young woman and husband and family and they said the bells woke them up at 7:30 in the morning. So he is voicing his concern and see if he has any advocates here to help him get it back to the way things were. That is a big change. Mr. Knick stated you are not the first to come to us to complain. Mayor Lello stated they changed from 7 to 8. It was on TV. Mr. Kowalczyk stated Sunday it was going off at 7 because he was in the front of the church. Mayor said it is usually 8 am except Sunday. Mr. Wywoda said he lives on the street when the picnic is running. It is mayhem sometimes, especially traffic, parking, pulling out. It is generally well run. As far as ringing bells for weddings on Saturday or mass on Sunday there is no problem with that. This is seven days a week where if he wants to sleep in on a Saturday morning he literally sets an alarm for 6, roll over, put ear plugs in, and hope he can sleep. It wasn’t preexisting when he moved in, knowing that the church was there and that he is trying to stop it now. This is something that may change. It has changed the entire environment of the neighborhood now. Mayor asked if he contacted the church. Mr. Wywoda stated he has. He has not been willing. His sister in law used to serve there and she does not go there anymore. He is very hard to deal with and he heard it from others. Mr. Knick asked the Mayor to bring this up with the church. Mayor will talk with Mr. Wywoda after the meeting. Mr. Wwoda brought up the noise ordinance which seems to qualify.Mr. O’Dell, Hillside Avenue - Addressed Mr. Knick with two issues (1) on safety concerns which he addressed with three different patrolmen and former chief and it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. Are we going to wait until a child is run over on Hillside Avenue by a garbage truck. Tuesday mornings and Friday mornings between the hours of 545 until 630 when county waste comes flying up there at about 30mph. There is no reason. That is a side street. I have told three officers and the former chief.He had spoken with officers that they can park in along the garage to camouflage themselves to watch this gentleman go by at a ridiculous speed. Chief Doran asked when was the last time he spoke with an officer. Mr. O’Dell said last week when he was watching the trucks at lunch time come down Suscon Road. Chief Doran asked if this was going on since Janesko was here. Mr. O’Dell stated yes. The days are Tuesdays and Fridays between 545 and 620 am, he is going to the Dupont Machine Shop. Again Mr. O’Dell does not have a problem with anyone using a private hauler but is saying that road is not made for trucks to be coming up at that speed. In the summer you never know what kids are going to be up that early and run out. Chief Doran will have officers check the area. (2) Needs council’s help to do something with the over population of cats. He is sure it is not the only street but Elm and Hillside, tonight when he left the house, there were six of them in the yard. He exhausted all his resources where he is going to pay between $30 to $50 per cat to get rid of them when they are not his. He has two dogs, he has to license them, keep them on leach if outside. He is not saying anyone with a cat, collared and left in their yard to do its business. It is now a health concern. They turned two neighborhood kid sand boxes into liter boxes. Mr. Kaminski noticed cats in cellar window on Elm Street. Mr. O’Dell stated there are twelve of them. Mr. Kaminski saw the cat and said that is where they are hiding. It was a vacant house. Mr. O’Dell believes there was a notice put in the paper by Patty he believes about not feeding them. Everyone he spoke to is more than just feeding them. They designated their territory, The only way is to eliminate them. Is there a solution. Chief Doran stated he checked with the SPCA and the borough is charged $95.00 per cat. The Borough does not belong to the SPCA. Mr. O’Dell stated he understands that if the municipality did not sign up they are charged more.The no kill shelters or cat foundations don’t want them. They will accept them for that donation, neuter them and then bring them back to the area. Their theory is they won’t reproduce anymore. That is not the point. Chief Doran did check with SPCA when he first got here and couldn’t believe it. Mr. O’Dell said we all know in this day and age if you do something unethical you know what that will do. Maybe there is another angle that we have somebody on the game commission that is killing all the rabbits in the area because if a rabbit is killed out of season you get fined. Maybe the game commission can help out with getting rid of the cats in the area.Mr. Wywoda, Lackawanna Avenue - There is a little ____________living around Lackawanna Avenue and I don’t think anyone is complaining because there are not mice or rats in the area. It is like a double edge sworn until they start spraying foundations of houses.Mr. Knick will look into it. Mr. O’Dell is concerned about skunks, rabies. Chief Doran spoke about two skunks rabbit one on Gill and one on Lidy. Mr. Wallace, Wyoming Avenue – Again asked does council have an answer about the trucks. Mr. Knick said call the cops. The rocks can be put there just make sure it is not on the easement. She stated the Borough years ago put in the ada corner and the trucks are ruining that. They are going right over that.That is not right.Mayor Lello said 24-7 call 911. They are out on the road. Mrs. Wallace asked about Penn DOT using cameras and why is it not legal here. Philadelphia is a first or second class city. They have their own set of laws. Mrs. Wallace asked if she can put up a camera on her property on a piece of wood, is that legal. Can I present it here and say you need to go find this truck. Chief Doran stated if you come with video evidence it can be used as evidence. Mr. Minich stated do not record sound. Mrs. Wallace asked why. Mr. Minich explained it is not legal, could be wiretape issue.Audience? – Since you lost control of the meeting a while ago and the secretary walked out, is everything these people talked about on record. Mr. Knick stated yes, there is a taperecorder going. All meetings are tape recorded.Matters from Mayor and Council:Mayor Lello announced the news station report today where the AMVETS from Dupont were awarded a brand new van from Toyota of Scranton CEO. His father had a service by the AMVETS and this gentleman took it upon himself to get a new vehicle. The last vehicle they are using now was a 1990.We have to be very proud of the guys that do this. If you see them say thanks for doing this and they are from Dupont from the AMVETS and VFW. They do the flags, they do a great job. It is a great honor for the AMVETS being stationed in Dupont.Mrs. Hansen – Nothing.Mr.Karkut - At the airport meeting there was a gentleman there who spoke about real id’s and encouraged everyone that after 2020 no entrance to a federal building with out a real id. It does not take place of a passport, but they are encouraging everyone to get a read id. Research it. Think about it. If you go for your drivers license consider it. For good of the order he was just throwing it out there.Mr. Knick asked the Engineer if he had any report. Bob added the flood project contractor wants to get started. The Growing Greener Grant is $326,000. They did assist the Borough with the Chapter 94 report due to LLVSA and included the pump station at quail hill. The rest is business as usual.MOTION TO ADJOURN. Unaimous.Respectfully submitted, Adopted and Approved Patricia McDonaldStan Knick Jr.SecretaryCouncil President ................
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