A public hearing started Penn Forest Township’s June 1 supervisors meeting about credits for active public safety volunteers. Supervisors were then unanimous in agreeing to offer an earned income tax credit to the qualified volunteers, to the maximum allowed by law, 20%.

It was also agreed to waive the garbage fee for these volunteers. The credits program will be written into an ordinance, to be presented to be passed at July’s or August’s meeting. Lists of volunteers from the two fire companies and ambulance who qualify will be presented for approval.

The meeting was held in the township’s regular meeting room, socially distanced, in front of four residents, two staff and a reporter, with supervisor Judy Knappenberger phoning in. Two of those residents, representatives of the Bear Creek Lake development, came to the meeting to get guidance on how to proceed to erect a pavilion at their North Beach.

Plans for the 12-by-18-foot open structure are stuck in paperwork. After discussion and a call to codes officer Kathryn Forry, the project is moving ahead. A plans professional used by local contractors was recommended to be hired to finish the steps so the project can be approved.

In other business, supervisors extended the township’s declaration of emergency to July 20. Supervisor Christian Bartulovich was appointed as liaison between supervisors and the office employees. Supervisors agreed to pay for the new zero-turn mower for the park using Liquid Fuels money.

An ordinance authorizing fire companies and ambulances to recover costs for certain services, supplies used, and equipment will be advertised. The ordinance is modeled after Kidder Township’s. The fire and ambulance companies will need to supply a schedule of fees and costs.

An account for fire escrow funds will be opened at Mauch Chunk Trust and $35,450 placed in it. There wasn’t one before.

Barletta Materials & Construction was the low bidder of eight for the Stoney Creek Road drainage work, and road reconstruction. Supervisors then accepted their bid for additional paving to have the entire 8,000 feet of that road paved this summer.

Roadmaster and Supervisor Roger Meckes reported that the new mower attachment for the township’s tractor is working well - clearing roadside growth. He’s looking to have the township crew install the drain pipe crossings on Forest Street leading to Beltzville Lake Estates. That road will go on the paving list once the pipes are replaced. Paving this summer includes parts of Stony Mountain, Schoolhouse and Old Stage Roads.

Meckes reported that contractor Schiffer Bituminous will be on township roads with their pothole patching truck this week.

On the Transfer Station, Meckes said “it’s just slammed” every day. Because of the COVID-19 crisis, the population of the township has practically doubled. The packers on site are filling up quickly, so toward the end of a weekend, lines start backing up.

To improve security at the township park, supervisors agreed to add more cameras, and a 16 port switch, at a cost of $5,090.

A letter by the Penn-Kidder Library Center thanked the township for its generous donation.

In the sole public comments, both fire companies offered thanks to supervisors for their help and support. The fire companies plan to draft a letter to send to ask the property associations in the township to also give qualifying volunteers some kind of discount. Township solicitor Thomas Nanovic agreed to look at the letter, and supervisors will be asked to support it.

The next regular supervisors meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 7, due to the holiday, at the municipal building, socially distanced.

The township offices are open. People must wear their masks to enter the building.