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VOLUME 27, NUMBER 10
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Early November, 2022
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Mount Pocono deals with development and trash by Pat Albano
BLAKESLEE COMMUNITY CENTER RENOVATIONS are moving along rapidly. The plans we featured last issue are quickly being implemented.
JP: Ruth Isenberg
The November 1 Mount Pocono Borough Council meeting began with a presentation by Rhett Chiliberti from Colliers Engineering to consider approving the amendment to the Harbor Freight/Five Below Land Development Plan, which the Board approved. Council also approved an ordinance changing the number of Planning Commission members from 7 to 5. Action on ARYA Land Development Plan was deferred, as solicitor James Fareri recommended an extension of 90 days. Council also considered renewing the Geisinger Health Care Plan for 2023 increasing annual premium from $109,610 to $110,847 — a 1.1 % increase. Council member Ann Marie Harris stated, “I want it on the record that we need to discuss this next year and that employees may need to pay part of the expenses.” There was discussion on whether to accept or reject the trash collection bid received from J.P. Mascaro. Council president Don Struckle asked, “What if we
do not get [another] bid?” Harris added, “Residents should be informed that costs will go up substantially.” The increase could be as high as $60 monthly. Borough Manager Joshua Walker reported on bids received from R. J. Groner. Metz, Kingdom Mechanical and Super Heat for maintenance services annually on the HVAC Inspection ranging from $1,495 to $1,928. Kingdom Mechanical won the bid. Council member Claudette Williams wanted assurances that the figures included overtime and weekend service. The Board also considered the following which were approved: •Resolution #16 of 2022— authorizes an application for the PennDOT Multimodal Grant for Fork Street Repave -$646,027. •Medico Construction Equipment -$8,664 for repairs to the case 6e1E XT Loader. Struckle noted, “The unit was purchased used in 2008, has 1,446 hours use and to date the Borough spent $3,200.” Struck asked Walker to look into the previous owners adding, “we See MT. POCONO, page 2