The Lower Towamensing Township supervisors approved creating an account for funds received through the American Rescue Plan during their meeting on Sept. 7.

The township received $167,627.74 this year, and will receive a second installment of that amount next year. The total for both years is $335,255.48.

“We deposited it into a separate account to keep it separate from the general fund,” Brent Green, chairman of the supervisors, said in an interview.

Green said they discussed some possible uses for the money, such as a new septic system for the Stoney Ridge Park and Recreation Center. They are also considering using it to purchase new trucks and equipment. Green said they will discuss it further at another supervisors meeting.

The supervisors are also hoping to get a Monroe County Gaming Grant. Green said the grant would help the township cover the cost of a new dump truck.

Depending on the type of trucks and how it is outfitted, the dump truck could cost anywhere between $100,000 and $200,000, he said.

The supervisors were unable to complete the grant application, because they need to get a final quote on the cost of the truck. Once they have a final quote, they plan to hold a special meeting later this month to adopt a resolution concerning the purchase and complete the application process. The application has to be submitted by the end of the month.

In other business, the supervisors approved the purchase of a truck bed from Caulis Truck Parts Inc. in Northampton to replace the bed on one of their pickup trucks.

“The frame rails and bed are rusted to the point that it won’t pass inspection,” Green said.

The supervisors authorized the Public Works Department to spend up to $3,000 on the replacement truck bed. Green expects the purchase to take place sometime in the next few days.

The supervisors also approved work to repair the guide rails on Walnut Drive. The maximum amount for the cost of the work is $5,000. The cost will be turned over to the township’s insurance carrier.

Discussion about a recycling program was tabled, since Supervisor Jay Mullikin was absent from the meeting. Green said he plans to contact some nearby municipalities to get information about their recycling programs.

During public comment, a resident asked if any owners wanting to use their house as a short-term rental have applied for a short-term rental permit. Green replied that no one has applied for a permit yet. The resident suggested that the township follow through with enforcing the new amendment to the zoning ordinance.

In June, the township approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance that limits short-term rentals to residential properties in the low-density residential district (R-1) and the village commercial district (V-C).

Short-term rentals are not permitted in the rural conservation district (R-C) or any other zoning district in the township.

About 80% of the township lies within the R-C district, and 10% to 15% of the properties lie within the districts permitting these rentals.

Owners of short-term rental properties must apply for a short-term rental license every year at a cost of $1,055. This covers the cost of inspections.

The application also must include a complete site plan, floor plan information about the sewage system, a copy of the deed, copies of the Carbon County hotel room excise tax certificate and current Pennsylvania sales and use tax license, and a current insurance policy with at least $1 million in liability insurance.