Township of Monroe

The Annual Organizational Meeting addressed several administrative and organizational matters. Key discussions included the appointment of temporary and permanent Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and the establishment of wages for various Township employees, noting a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The meeting also involved establishing the Township Treasurer's Bond Amount, appointing Legal Counsel and Engineering Firms, and appointing Township residents to various expiring terms on Boards, including the Planning Commission, Recreation Committee, HWMA, Vacancy Board, and Penn Valley Airport Authority. Resolutions were adopted for appointing Sewage Enforcement Officer and Zoning Hearing Board Members. Further items covered the selection of depositories for Township funds, certification of delegates for the PSATS Conference, and establishing mileage reimbursement rates. The associated monthly agenda also scheduled public hearings for Ordinance No. 2026-1 concerning the definition of 'Data Center,' Ordinance No. 2026-2 permitting Electronic Billboards, and Ordinance No. 2026-3 concerning Data Centers in the Industrial Zone. New business included reviewing accounts payable, PSATS dues, a paving request, a Traffic Signal Maintenance Agreement, and employee health insurance.

The meeting included an update on the status of the Heimbach's Country Store/Shade Mountain Winery business venture.

The UCC Appeals Board convened to evaluate a Petition or Application for Variance from Building Code Official's Determination submitted by Wiest, Muolo, Noon, Swinehart & Bathgate on behalf of Heimbach's Country Store/Shade Mountain Winery. The Board appointed officers, including a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary. The Board approved the requested variance with conditions, including providing a site plan for the temporary accessible portable toilet, a timeline for installation, and the variance expiring on December 31, 2026. The applicant also requires an approved PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit and a final Zoning Permit before opening for business.

The Monroe Township Board of Supervisors held a meeting to discuss various topics including municipal code services, REC center updates, and a possible Solar Ordinance revision. The board also discussed correspondence from DEP regarding the Act 537 Plan, the App Purchase Agreement, and tax assessment appeals. Additional discussion focused on the Green Light-Go Program Agreement, concerns around the right of way at Colonial Drive, and plans for the bridge on Buchannan Ave. New business included a review of the Recreation meeting, storm shelters, playground options, and concession stand doors. The board also discussed truck quotes, a mower quote, road painting, and opening a credit account with Your Building Centers. Additional topics included Road Crew Training, zoning permits, and violation letters. The board also discussed personnel matters and communication in an executive session. Finally, the board reviewed the July Report of Funds, Escrow Report, and Budget Report, a letter from Cravitz Law Office, a donation request from the Susquehanna Valley Law Enforcement Camp Cadet program, and a donation of Halloween bags for the Susquehanna Valley Mall Trick-or-Treat event. The board also discussed the EMA position, Jury Duty benefits for hourly employees, LST payments, Newsletter advertising, and a map from SR11-175 Pedestrian Crosswalk Project.

The board meeting covered various topics including a funding request for sewer projects from the Hummels Wharf Municipal Authority. A subdivision plan for Ryan Haines was approved. Assessment agreements were re-signed for Target and Kohl's. Issues related to a road cut permit violation and River Road were discussed. A settlement agreement for the mall's inline stores' tax assessment was accepted. Changes to access drives from the zoning ordinance were reviewed and approved. Tree removal on Penns Drive was approved. The compost site's business use, monitoring, and tree size for the grinder were discussed. The purchase of road salt and the possibility of summer help were addressed. A call regarding trailers/campers left along the river was received and will be reviewed against the waterfront residential zone ordinance. Escrow accounts were discussed. Accounts payable were approved. The final rule concerning the spending of American Rescue Act funds was announced. The decision was made not to pursue per capita tax collection. Appointments were made to the Zoning Hearing Board and the Tax Collection Committee. The release of records to auditors was approved.