Penn Forest Township didn't discount the idea of having a dog park in the Township at their regular meeting Monday November 11.

Supervisor and Chairman Paul Montemuro was open to the idea when a resident proposed the idea to supervisors after visiting several green spaces around the country devoted exclusively for dogs off lead. Montemuro told the resident to research the idea and present it to the board for further study. Zoning Officer Darlene M. DeCurtis told the resident that she was aware of a community who garnered support for a dog park, but that a lot of leg work was needed. She also stated that she was unaware of the liability on the aspect of such an endeavor.In neighboring Monroe County, a group called the Monroe County Dog Park Alliance is a nonprofit specifically to educate the public on the positive benefits of such a park. The resident's proposal was to introduce the idea to supervisors. The resident said that she would investigate options for a dog park and propose a solid plan for the supervisors to review.It's coming up on budget time in the township and the fire departments need to voice proposed budget ideas for the township to act upon within the departments. A public workshop on the 2012 Budget for the Township is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 9 a.m. Supervisor and Vice Chairman Judy Knappenberger said that it has to get done and both fire departments and Lehighton Ambulance should be notified.Chief Building Inspector James H. Melber asked from the audience, "Can you find me a couple of dollars for an awning on a building?" People chuckled.Supervisor Floyd Day responded that he was 100 percent Pro fire department to a Professional Fireman from Allentown. Firefighter Raymond R. Royer acknowledged Days service during public forum both as a past Fire Chief and a continuing supporter but articulated the need for more money to be allocated especially the trucks over 20 years old. He doubted a state police inspection would pass some issues; the water tank is over 20 years old at Penn Forest 2, he said. The Tanker 1231 was purchased in 1989 it holds 3,000 gallons of water in a stainless steel tank.Knappenberger confirmed that the township committed in the 2011 budget $50,000 each to Penn Forest 1 and Penn Forest 2 in addition to $10,000 for Lehighton Ambulance which serves the township. In addition, $69,633.41 was distributed to both fire companies from the Volunteer Fire Relief Fund which is audited by the Pa. Auditor General's Office. Penn Forest received $139,910 in 2011. Montemuro said that next year's allotment would be half of that.The fund is enriched from a 2 percent tax on Premiums and Casualty Fire Insurance sold in Pennsylvania by out of State Agencies. In contrast and as an example of distributions of the 2 percent tax to offset local municipalities neighbor Kidder Township received $139,910from the tax to fund its Police Pension Fund which Penn Forest does not have and Kidder Township received $60,542.00 for its fire services from the state. Items approved for the VFRF Fund usage include but are not limited to Fire Detection and Sprinkler System for a fire house, Certification fees for firefighters, Smoke Detectors for public distribution, drug and alcohol testing for firefighters, Criminal Background Checks, a back pack blower and the Auditor General's Office offers an extensive range of other expenditures approved. The funds can get returned back to the state if the money allocated was not used for the specific items deemed necessary in the proposal submitted by the fire company. Knappenberger stressed the importance of having the firefighters at the public workshop."When you're sworn in, your oath is to protect and to serve," Royer said. "I'm thinking of the safety of these drivers who have to drive these old vehicles too."Supervisors appointed Mary Ann Lewellyn as Township Secretary and accepted the resignation of Lynne Humphries with regret. Humphries received a standing ovation in a surprising show of gratitude from about 30 residents in attendance. The popular secretary read an exit letter thanking everyone during public forum and said that while she did not see eye to eye with Knappenberger, she knew Knappenberger was sincere in her history and knowledge of township matters. New Township Secretary Lewellyn was at the meeting working a long side Supervisors. She has a degree in Business Administration and a Masters in Human Resources, the community welcomed her.