The Starrucca Borough Council met for their regular monthly meeting on June 3rd, 2009, at 7 p.m., at the Community Hall in Starrucca. President (Kirk) Rhone, Mr. Arthur Kopp, Mr. Donald Haynes, Mr. Peter Frank, Mr. Fred Rhone, Mr. Robert Buck and Mayor (MaryAnn) DeBalko were present. (Mr. Anthony Palonis was absent).
President Rhone called the meeting to order, and after the pledge was given, an Executive Session, with the Depositions Committee, to discuss legal matters was announced.
The meeting was reopened and the minutes from the previous meeting were read. Mr. Buck made the motion to approve, second Mr. Kopp, motion carried. (Mr. Rhone abstained – was not present for that meeting).
The Treasurer’s report was given and Mr. Haynes made the motion to approve, second Mr. Frank, motion carried.
The bills were presented and Mr. Haynes made the motion to approve payment, second Mr. Buck, motion carried.
Correspondence
The following Correspondence was received:
A notice of an annual Wyoming/ Susquehanna Equipment Show (July 30th) was read.
A follow up to the Billing Resolution presented for consideration from the Thompson Hose Company. A letter from PSATS read (in-part). Dear Ms. Travis: This letter is in response to a phone conversation where we discussed a billing resolution received from your volunteer fire department. During the conversation I stated that we would not recommend you sign such a resolution. The basis- the Code authorizes tax for fire protection, nowhere does it authorize a Use tax for fire protection or emergency services. Other legislation, such as the Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning and Response Act, does offer limited and specific instances where fees can be charged. However, we are not aware of any authorizition for municipalities or municipal emergency service providers to charge a fee for the response of a volunteer emergency agency. There was a discussion concerning the billing by the Fire Company that is already being utilized.
In Borough Reports:
Mr. Frank reported on the Waste Management meeting he recently attended in Wayne County. He stated that every ten years the County must re-evaluate and plan Solid Waste disposal for the next ten years. He said there were at least five more meetings planned, as the deadline is July of 2010. He also pointed out the County has a consulting firm working on the plan, and from what he understood, Starrucca Borough’s input will have little if no impact. He asked to be excused from the attendance at future meetings. It was agreed.
Building permits issued last month: One = William Davis was granted a “cabin exemption”.
In Unfinished Business:
Mr. Buck made a motion to purchase one load of “patching” aggregate and have it dumped at Mr. Palonis’, Mr. Kopp seconded the motion, motion carried.
In New Business:
The Board welcomed Mr. Rhone back, and stated his input was missed.
Mayor DeBalko stated she researched the regulations and guidelines for Council members, and found if a Councilperson fails to attend three consecutive meetings, an “excuse” must be made by a written motion of Council. There was a discussion of the reasons a meeting might be missed, and President Rhone stated “good common sense” should be used.
Three quotes for the Buck’s Road Entrance were read as follows:
1. Proseal $4750.00
2. Como Construction $2800.00
3. Zaczek Excv. $3220.00
After review, Mr. Rhone made the motion to award the quote to Como Construction, second Mr. Buck, motion carried.
Mr. Rhone congratulated the Cemetery Association on the new sign and the new entrance stating “it looks good, they did a fine job”. He also stated “the volunteer work in the Cemetery is outstanding”.
Mr. Haynes pointed out that the Catholic Church had recently used the Hall and wished to send their thanks and they commended the Borough on the fine care of the Hall.
The Board expressed sincere appreciation to President Rhone, and Councilmen Buck and Kopp as they have worked tirelessly on the memorial park. (Mr. Kopp to ask the Civic Committee to provide flags and Mr. Buck to get the light fixed).
The Council committed to re-read the Wind Mill Ordinance and have a “work session” soon and also agreed to set up a “work session” with engineer Steve Knash.
In Public Participation: There was none.
No further business to come before the Board, Mr. Haynes made the motion to adjourn, second Mr. Rhone, motion carried, meeting adjourned.
