John Patrick McLaughlin

The Council reviewed and accepted various financial reports, including cash accounts, budget-to-actual comparisons, and the 2024 final audit. Key actions included authorizing the bid award for the CDBG 2026 Paving Project and approving modifications to the FY 2025 CDBG funding application regarding Park Street. The Council also discussed infrastructure projects, such as the I-80 Sewer Trunk Main Replacement and water filtration updates. Administrative approvals included the creation of a tax-free Amazon Business Account, hiring temporary summer staff, and the dismissal of specific older parking tickets. Additionally, the Council held public hearings and granted conditional-use approval for the expansion of the Pocono Mountain Christian School and a land development project at 112 North Courtland Street.

The council approved a resolution for land development at 187 Grand Street and authorized the 2026 Paving Project for multiple streets. Key discussions included reports from the police and fire departments, technology upgrades for various borough departments, and the approval of a PennDOT Agility Agreement. Several infrastructure projects for the wastewater plant were authorized, including roof replacement and the installation of a FlexRake system. The council also approved the auction of various surplus borough items via MuniciBid and referred several zoning and ordinance matters, such as trash can screening, electric bike regulations, and data center inquiries, to the Zoning and Planning Committee.

The council discussed defining the boundaries for the Downtown District and addressed a request from the ECA regarding event fees. Key financial topics included a review of year-to-date engineering expenses, particularly regarding unexpected levee costs, and the commencement of early planning for the 2027 budget. The Manager's Report provided updates on municipal operations, including the trash contract, recycling initiatives, grants, and infrastructure projects. Additionally, the meeting covered procedural discussions regarding the frequency of public hearings and the status of water reporting requirements.

The council meeting addressed several items including a presentation of the 2024 Audit, which was tabled. A public hearing was held regarding the East Stroudsburg University Commons Property conditional-use application, with discussions concerning construction schedules and completion dates, resulting in the hearing being continued to a future date. Reports were provided by council members and the Borough Manager. The council authorized the distribution of the 2025 Public Water System Consumer Confidence Report, ratified the resignation of a parking enforcement officer, approved advertisement for an open position, sanctioned a local festival fundraiser, authorized a fire escrow release for 105 Crystal Street, tabled a resolution regarding a temporary construction easement for UGI, and granted a time waiver for the 187 Grand Street project land development application. Finally, the council approved the warrant list for bills payable.

The council meeting included a public hearing for Ordinance No. 1412 regarding the appointment of a solicitor and the handling of delinquent accounts. The council reviewed various financial reports, including cash, accounts receivable, and budget-to-actual reports. Engineering items covered authorization for CDBG project applications, bid preparation for a paving project, and submission of the Final Pollutant Reduction Plan for MS4 permitting. Additional business included approving a patriotic fire hydrant painting project, issuing a building permit for the Salvation Army elevator, planning community events for the fall and holiday seasons, executing a third-party collection agreement, and adopting a resolution for the East Stroudsburg University Keystone Commons project. The council also authorized a parking optimization study and approved a Cash Management System Standard Operating Procedure.