Devin Frost

The Special Meeting included several key new business items. The Council approved the Pocono Pride Summer Spring Schedule for 2026. Appointments were made to the Park & Recreation Committee, including accepting one resignation and appointing three new members. A motion passed to authorize a Tax Collector Agreement with Coolbaugh Township and to appoint Gratz Washenik as the Borough Tax Collector effective February 18, 2026. The Borough Manager reported on updates for Fork Street Phase Two, noting that cost estimates are available and the bid package will align with Phase One. Updates were also provided regarding the maintenance garage building plans and a pending variance review by the Zoning Hearing Board. The Mayor provided a briefing on a recent police-involved shooting incident in Carbon County, confirming the suspect was alive and the incident was under investigation. During public comment, a resolution passed in the Pennsylvania House honoring women in combat was discussed.

The meeting covered new business items, including the approval of a Resolution on the 2026 Millage rate and the reappointment of several individuals to the Library Board, Planning Commission, and Zoning Hearing Board. The President reported on planned major projects for the year, such as the maintenance garage and Fork Street improvements. The Solicitor provided an update on the oral argument scheduled for the library case against the borough and Coolbaugh Township concerning millage rates following reassessment. The Treasurer presented bills totaling $56,236.08 for approval. During public comment, residents raised concerns regarding after-hours park use, dog waste, and the need for posted hours on trails. Other discussions included the low attendance at Park and Rec Committee meetings and the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Borough in 2027.

Discussions centered on Old Business, specifically the upcoming 'Trunk or Treat' event, where details regarding the DJ, prize funding by the Mount Pocono Borough Foundation, pumpkin donations, and volunteer coordination were finalized. Various games and activities for the event were planned, and contacting Police and EMS for participation was noted. New Business included designing rule signage for Knob Overlook, specifying restrictions such as 'No Smoking,' 'No Loud Music,' and adherence to 'Dawn until Dusk' hours. Signage rules were also established for the Walking Trail. Furthermore, the Foundation's proposal to sell advertising banners on the Oak Street ball field fencing was reviewed, and the continuation of the Holiday House decorating event was confirmed.

The Public Hearing covered several significant new business items, including the authorization and adoption of the 2026 Budget and the authorization of 2026 Milage, both passing with one abstention. The Council also authorized and approved a Trash Collection Contract Extension, and approved the purchase of a Polaris Ranger 570-4 Crew from Bill Case Polaris. Furthermore, the meeting accepted several resignations: Debra Fulton and Stacy Turrell from the Parks and Recreation Committee, and Stephen Speno from the Planning Commission. A motion to table the Tobyhanna Little League Oak Street Recreation Facility Usage Request until the January meeting was approved. The Solicitor's Report addressed filing deeds of dedication for the Roads at Warehouse (Clarius Newland) Project, making the borough responsible for plowing and sidewalk clearance on those roads, and noted five active assessment appeals, including one from McDonald's on 611, highlighting the high cost of commercial appraisals for the borough to contest these appeals. The Treasurer requested approval for bills totaling $128,212.24. During public comment, there was a discussion regarding making Zoom meetings public, which was tabled for the January work session, and suggestions were made concerning proactive garbage collection notifications during inclement weather.

The primary discussion centered on recommendations for a Data Center Ordinance. Key concerns addressed included the ordinance's impact on infrastructure (electricity and water), alignment with the comprehensive plan, appropriate zoning districts (industrial), and specific requirements such as interconnection agreements, public nuisance considerations (noise, light, air quality), setbacks, visual screening, and required environmental impact assessments which should comprehensively cover hazardous materials and stormwater management. The commission debated whether data centers should require conditional use approval rather than a special exception. The meeting concluded with a motion to recommend that the council approve the ordinance after incorporating specific amendments regarding definitions and reviewing certain restrictive sections concerning buffer yards and comprehensive environmental impact assessments.