Nate Black

The meeting included an update on the 2024 and 2025 audits, with specific details regarding the RFP process for the 2025 audit, including proposal deadlines and interview timelines. The Borough Manager provided an operational status report covering capital budget projects, property reassessment issues, and the need for a modernized agreement for the Twin Boroughs Recycling Center. Additionally, progress was reported on permit procurement for the I-80 sewer line and the Wells 3 & 4 water filtration project. Discussions also touched upon the development of new agreements and ordinance amendments regarding bulk rates for sewer authorities and Portnoff services.

The council discussed and approved various administrative and operational items, including financial reports, permits for water treatment plant improvements, and authorizations for annual dam inspections and wetland monitoring. Key actions included scheduling a conditional-use hearing for Pocono Mountain Christian School, approving traffic signal integration for I-80 reconstruction, granting permits for the Pickle Me Poconos festival, and authorizing the digitalization of borough records. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of a new street sweeper and ratified grant applications for local beautification projects.

The council conducted executive sessions regarding litigation and personnel matters. Public hearings were held and ordinances were approved for amendments to chapter 154 concerning water and chapter 126 concerning sewers. The meeting included a presentation from East Stroudsburg University on campus improvements and updates, as well as a presentation regarding 2026 debt financing and the approval of a financial advisor. The council accepted various financial reports, authorized municipal landfill monitoring, and approved contracts including a sewer plant service agreement and a PennDOT agility agreement. Furthermore, the council appointed a new Right-to-Know Officer and approved a license agreement for a walking trail.

The meeting focused primarily on the presentation and initial review of the proposed 2026 Budget. Key discussions included a PowerPoint presentation on the 2026 Budget by Mr. Lewis, a review of the preliminary draft of the operating budget, highlighting past revenue and expense trends, and noting that tax revenue projections might decrease pending property reassessment results. The draft 2026 Capital Budget was also reviewed as a work in progress. A request was made to add the millage rate split out by year to the budget worksheet, and a future meeting was requested between the Audit Committee and the Auditor concerning the 2024 Audit.

The agenda for the regular council meeting includes several key items. Finance matters involve the review and acceptance of the Cash and Accounts Receivable Report, Budget to Actual Report, Cash Account Transfer Report, and the unaudited Finance Report. Engineer's Action Items focus on bids for the 2026 CDBG Paving Project, authorization for permit applications and fees related to Water Treatment Plant Prechlorination points, and contracts for the 2025 Consumer Confidence Report and the 2025 Chapter 94 Wasteload Management Report. Also pending are authorizations for UTRS CEE to perform dam inspections and coordinate wetland mitigation monitoring. Manager's reports cover ratification of a 2026 America250PA Mini Grant Application and approval for executing documents related to traffic signal integration upgrades for I-80 reconstruction. Further items include consideration of open container and street closure permits for the 2026 Pickle Me Poconos Festival, approval for the 2026 Independence Day Parade and the 2026 Veteran's Day Parade. The council will also vote on authorizing a vendor change and contracting with IMR Digital for the digitalization of borough records, accepting the resignation of a Ward 2 PA State Constable, approving the removal of a handicap sign, and managing the acquisition, trade-in, and financing for a new street sweeper. Finally, the meeting includes approval of Warrant List #260303.