Penn Forest Township supervisors are firming up plans for events at the township park this summer.

Earlier this month, supervisors said plans are in place for the fireworks display at Penn Forest Park on July 6.

An extra $1,500 was given to the event for the rental of a large bounce house and other incidentals. Three extra portable toilets have been approved for the fireworks day, and recommended for the Color Run event at the park on Sunday, as well as the Jim Thorpe Youth Soccer’s 30-Year Bash event on Saturday.

All this led to discussion about getting a policy in place where the township is not paying for costs like portable toilets and park cleanup and instead putting those in charge of their event also in charge of these expenses.

Suggestions including a fee for having a township staff member at the park for cleanup, and a tier for how many toilets would be needed - perhaps one for every 50 people expected to attend.

Details will be worked out and the policy presented to the Park & Recreation committee and then to the public.

Other business

The roadmaster’s report included a drainage project done by the township crew on Old Stage Road, and mowing work at the park and elsewhere.

Haines & Kibblehouse was the low bidder for this summer’s paving projects, Behrens Road, Old Stage from Stony Mountain Road North and Smith Road between Route 903 and Danner Road, at a quote of $624,158.

New business included approving Shiffer Bituminous’ quote on repairing paving on Forest Street and Behrens Road where new drain pipes were installed at a cost of $6,000.

Patching after drainage work on Old Stage Road will be done by the township crew.

All State Traffic Control will provide flagging since the road will be busy but still open. Cost is $1,200. Frontline Graphix will provide and install township logos on the doors of the new township utility truck at a cost of $475.

A new camera and monitor will be installed by Control Security in the zoning office for added in building security at a cost of $450.

The vacant assistant Emergency Management coordinator position was filled.

Mike Bourke, a retired public safety official who lives in the township, stepped up to fill the post. Supervisors confirmed him unanimously.

Hanover Engineering was paid $15,953 for sewage enforcement work from the sewage fund. JP Mascaro was paid $11,386 and $12,804 from the refuse fund.

In public comment, a Bear Creek Lake resident asked about old property maps, and the status of the old Country Club and Inn property. That property turns out to be the one now occupied by the township park, with the rest of the acreage owned by the Jim Thorpe School District.

Penn Forest Township supervisors made received a big “Thank You” from Camp Evergreen, whose Girl Scout week in 2023 received sponsorships from the township and Twin Builders. Scouts and organizers presented a framed photo of the campers, signed by the campers.