Penn Forest Township supervisors are hoping that buying and hiding some trail cameras will help in deterring illegal dumping in the township. They also hope to deter vandalism by ATV.

According to chairman Roger Meckes at the supervisors’ July meeting, there are “problem areas” and having photos could help.

Supervisors unanimously approved the purchase as an attempt to stop the issues.

The cost is $151 for two cameras, and $13 a month for cell service. These will be video only. If these help, more powerful cameras can be added.

There was also a discussion about adding cameras to each of the bays in the garage at the Transfer Station and expanding the alarm system there. Supervisors agreed to get prices for the work.

Personnel

Administrative assistant Cheyenne Roberts submitted her resignation, effective July 5.

Supervisors accepted this with regret. “We’re going to miss her,” Meckes said.

As to the vacancy, on a 4-1 vote, with Christian Bartulovich opposed, Shannon Meckes from the Transfer Station was hired to fill the administrative assistant position. She has filled in at the township office as needed.

The vacant full-time position at the Transfer Station that was Shannon’s will be posted on the union board, and if there is no interest there or from the part-timers, the position will be advertised.

Short-term rentals

The permits report supervisors discussed has 73 zoning permits and 26 certificates of occupancy, plus 62 inspections of short-term rentals.

For building permits, 45 were issued - nine of those for new homes. There were 95 building inspections and 10 certificates of occupancy.

Supervisors were asked if they would consider capping the number of rentals like Tobyhanna Township has done.

Supervisor Pat Holland spoke in favor of a cap.

Supervisor Christian Bartulovich pointed out that the Homeowners Associations “should regulate (short-term rentals) themselves.”

Meckes defended the right to make your own choices.

Other business

In other business, supervisors acted on the following items:

• Unanimously stepped up again this year and donated $1,000 toward the Camp Evergreen girls’ program this summer.

• Agreed to allow fire police to direct traffic at the Carbon County Fair Aug. 5 to 10.

• PPL sent a letter notifying the township that they will be rebuilding towers and poles this year.

• Granted the Getz Self Storage project on Route 903 a 90-day extension to Oct. 1 on their land development plan.

• Approved three township vehicles getting a new logo applied by Frontline Graphix at a cost of $475 each.

• Agreed to spend up to $1,000 for power tools and a toolbox for the new truck.

• Announced 2024’s paving projects will start soon, to be done by the end of August, and will include paving the pipe crossings (where pipes have been replaced this year) - three on Smith Road and one on Old Stage.

• Bills of $183,279 were paid.

• Announced movie night at the park is July 19.

• A reminder to Penn Forest Township Transfer Station card holders that there will be an electronics recycling day at the Transfer Station on July 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until the trucks are full.

• The public asked questions about the proposed trail project, which is moving along to get a section between the township park and Scoops ice cream approved by the property owners.

The next regular supervisors meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Aug. 5 at the township building.