Issuu

The

VOLUME 28, NUMBER 22

Late April, 2024

BOXHOLDER Presorted Standard

U.S.POSTAGE PAID WHITE HAVEN PA PERMIT NO. 18

POSTAL CUSTOMER

FREE 1st 2 copies

50¢ each additional copy

Not amused: Tunkhannock Twp. supervisors pursuing past-due amusement tax payments by Ruth Isenberg

The Clymer Library workers were all smiles when they received a Proclamation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, sponsored by State Representative Jack Rader. Pictured from left are Love Beatty (Children’s Librarian), Melissa Lopez (Director) and Ian Boyd (Cataloguing and Circulation Technician).

Tunkhannock Township Supervisors are looking for a better way to handle amusement tax payments, said solicitor Harry Coleman during the April 10 township supervisors’ meeting. An attorney specializing in collections provided information to the township, but because it was just received the day of the meeting, any action was tabled until the May meeting. Atty. Coleman noted that he is also looking at the City of Bethlehem’s amusement tax ordinance in order to draft a stronger ordinance for Tunkhannock Township.

The issue is collecting amusement taxes due once an event is over. Berkheimer Associates is currently charge with collecting the amounts due, but supervisors are not satisfied with their progress on collecting amusement taxes on events such as last year’s Elements music festival. A potential solution in a stronger ordinance could be requiring a deposit or bond at the time a permit for an event is issued. Elements and Pocono Raceway declined an invitation to attend the May worksession to discuss this year’s festival. An invitation will be extended to attend the June worksession.

On the recommendation of the Planning Commission, supervisors voted to send an amendment removing solar from OS-W zone (open space) to Monroe County Planners, and to advertise it for adoption at the May meeting. A proposed developer’s agreemet for Route 115 Associates, LLC, was tabled, because requested changes were just received the day of the meeting. A proposed land development modification for Rapid Logistics on Route 115 was approved. Supervisors received a sketch plan update from PGS Realty.

Supervisors Byron Witt proposed that the township work with the Pocono Lions Club to bring its Veterans Day wreath ceremony to the township. Each year, the Lions sponsor a wreathlaying ceremony at the Pocono Lake cemetery. In order to expand the program to the Long Pond Cemetery, both the township and the fire company will make $300 donations to the club. The supervisors will also support the Clymer Library’s house tour, and the PMREMS Round-Up event. Supervisors are waiting for engineer’s input on the Act 167 Stormwater Ordinance, as well s the proposed zoning amendment on warehouses.

PMRPC hears crime down on Pocono Plateau Up by season, but down overall by Pat Albano Pocono Mountain Regional Police Departent Chief Chris Wagner opened the April 9 Police Commission meeting with updates on March crime, noting one additional homicide in Coolbaugh Township from the previous month. Criminal arrests increased 23% from 72 to 89

and traffic arrests increased significantly from 172 to 275. Wagner commented, “The numbers go up as winter transitions to spring.” Wagner then gave a detailed video presentation and annual report showing trends over the last decade stating, “There are fewer complaints between 2023-24 See PMRPC, page 3

FIRE POLICE ADDED IN TUNKHANNOCK TWP.: Michael S. Wassuta, right, was sworn in as a member of the Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Company’s fire police during the April 10 supervisors’ meeting. Supervisor chair George Ewald, left, administers the oath, as supervisor Kevin Wieand and solicitor Harry Coleman look on. JP: Ruth Isenberg