Raising the garbage fees divided Penn Forest Township supervisors at their March meeting. The motion was to raise fees to $100 for the year for families, and $350 for commercial.

Supervisor Judy Knappenberger was opposed to a steep increase, while Scott Lignore pointed out that “we’re back to where we were” a few years back, in 2014.

Vice Chairman Christian Bartulovich said these figures are “where we have to be … to break even.”

The vote for the increase was 4-1, with Knappenberger opposed.

The cards for the transfer station will be in effect for 18 months, to allow billing to be back to the fiscal year in 2023.

Bartulovich is concerned that with all the new families moving in, garbage fees may need to rise again in 2023.

On Monday at 6:30 p.m., there will be a hearing on the proposed new short-term rental ordinance.

In other business, $7,000 was budgeted to buy a professional set of microphones, speakers, a camera and some monitors to improve the quality of Zoom and other internet meetings.

Quotes are beginning to arrive on replacing the roof at the municipal building. More quotes are expected, so this topic was tabled until next meeting.

By unanimous vote, Penn Forest Township will be a member of the Carbon County Council of Governments.

A list has been provided to supervisors of volunteers in the two fire companies who qualify for the volunteer tax credit. Supervisors unanimously voted to refund the municipal earned income tax to those on the list, in thanks for their service.

Supervisors approved a resolution to extend coverage for participating fire company members involved in activities like fundraisers, or parades.

Chairman and roadmaster Roger Meckes reported that February was “a very busy month” for the roads crew, and roads contractor. The roads team “did a great job in the ice storm.” There were some good comments on the crew’s work.

Electronics recycling is booked this year for July 17 and Nov. 20 at the transfer station.

The Zoning Board recommended a 90-day extension on the land development plan for a new Dollar General store on Route 534 at the edge of Mount Pocahontas. The Planning Commission met on March 22 and made no decision on the proposal due to some zoning issues. The petition opposing the Dollar General reportedly has 700 names on it from neighbors.

Indian Mountain Lake Civic Association’s land development plan also was granted a 90-day extension in order to resolve “a couple of issues.”

In public comment, resident Christopher Mangold came to oppose a proposed cell tower for the 500 block of Stony Mountain Road. A test tower had gone up. He was informed that the developer’s application was withdrawn.

The next regular meeting of Penn Forest Township supervisors is Monday, with the public hearing at 6:30 p.m. and the regular meeting at 7. The meeting is available online, and in-person attendance at the municipal building on Route 903 is permitted, with limited seating available, socially distanced.