PMSB hears of blood drive successes, energy savings

by Pat Albano

Pocono Mountain School District opened its May 17 meeting with a short presentation on “Talking Points” used for connecting teachers and family members. Talking Points is a two-way translated text and video messaging app that can translate 145 languages. Research shows that parents’ engagement predicts twice as much academic success with graduation as socioeconomic status. The School District seeks better outreach and communication with parents.

The app is easy to learn so teachers and families spend less time learning the platform and more time communicating. Talking Points will be ready in the upcoming school year for junior high school students and available to high school students the following year.

West High School Student Council reported on their final blood drive on April 27. Council President Elena Espino stated, “We donated 25 pints of blood this Spring and for our efforts received a Miller-Keystone High School Scholarship for $600.”

West High School celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week with gifts and kind notes presented to teachers. Council members for the new school year 2023-24 were also introduced.

Emily Gonzales, president of East High School Student Council noted that their “final blood drive of the year surpassed expectations with 33 usable collections.” Gonzales gave a special thank-you to board president Marian Pyzik for her donation.

Gonzales also introduced

Six-bedroom limit for STRs adopted in Tunkhannock Township

by Lori R. Cooper

A public hearing was held prior to the May 10 Tunkhannock Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the maximum number of bedrooms allowed in Short-Term Rental units in the township. A reminder was made that Tunkhannock Township was a resort area before it became a residential area. The proposed 6-bedroom maximum is to limit people with a lot of acreage wanting to build homes with 10 bedrooms or more.

Zach Hogan, a business graduate, recently purchased property for an STR, noting three generations of his family have lived in the area. He noted, “The Poconos tell a story of beautiful terrain. STRs bring tax revenue and more funds to the local economy, which encourages more exposure and the desire to build a life here.”

Following the hearing, the first official order of business was the adoption of a motion to limit STRs to a maximum of six bedrooms.

In other business, H&K Group’s bid of $499,990 was accepted for the 2023 road paving. This will be paid for with $300,000 from the liquid fuels fund and $199,990 from the general fund.

A partial fire escrow release of $7,000 was approved for 155 Flame Dr.

A motion passed to send a letter to Bureau Veritas with septic and zoning ordinances as permits were being issued without the Township being notified.

Also passed was a motion to appoint Adam Salage to the Planning Commission and Carrie Weitz to the EMA board.

The updated zoning map was approved so that a larger version could be printed. In the summer an overlay on new officers for the Student Council.

MCTI noted 44 students received their professional skills certificates in career and technical education. MCTI also hosted a car show and craft fair on May 20.

The board listened to Clear Run Intermediate School Principal Amy Haines’ presentation of “Here We Grow,” which centers on technology, robotics, and student participation in several workshops on software and digital citizenship. Students have a chance to collaborate with other students from different schools. At the end of each session students are given an assignment to take back with them and work on projects. Students showcased several of their projects.

The board also heard presentations on insurance, food services and energy conservation for the upcoming year. A motion to increase the insurance deductible from $25K to $50K was approved. With 3,096 building audits performed, the district was able to save over $5M in cumulative costs due to a 40% reduction in energy consumption per square foot. Motion was made for the District Proposed Final Budget which passed. Business manager Anthony Colozzo addressed concerns on potential tax increases, stating, “It all depends on Harrisburg.” the map will be done that shows the open space in the township.

The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Pending issues include the IML gate, emergency access to I 80, Act 167 stormwater, proposed solar permits, recreation fees and the amusement tax.

The Tunkhannock Township Volunteer Fire Company is up 86 calls for the year. They had a training about aircraft emergencies, because of the upcoming airshow at Pocono Raceway.

Pocono Mountain Regional Police had 177 calls in the township in April, and is under 81 hours for the month and 243 year to date.

The Clymer Library report included that summer reading programs will begin on June 12. For adults, classes will be held on identity theft and Alzheimer’s in addition to a drum circle at the library.

The next regular meeting is June 14 at 7 p.m.

Geiser