Penn Forest Township’s supervisors heard complaints and pleas about controlling short-term rentals for nearly an hour and a half at the start of their May 2 meeting.

Jim Mannix of Towamensing Trails asked if the registered short-term rental properties have been checked for working smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguishers. He also asked if the rentals have minimum insurance requirements. The answer was no to both.

Peggy Dusablon asked about progress in setting minimum distances between rentals. Nothing yet. Ruth Connors added to that, explaining that there are 17 short-term rentals on her street in Towamensing Trails.

“We need help,” she declared to supervisors.

Township zoning officer Phillip Prout attended the meeting online, saying that his team can do these inspections if directed. He noted that there are 425 registered rental units in the township, most in Towamensing Trails and Indian Mountain Lakes. This was confirmed by a local Realtor who said there are 270 rentals in Towamensing Trails, and noted that there are big septic system upgrades being made throughout the community, likely to accommodate more bedrooms in those properties.

Joan Elliot turned over a list of 10 short-term rental properties that were not registered with the township. These properties will be pursued, Supervisors’ Chairman Roger Meckes promised.

Joe Laschenski, an owner of properties in Towamensing Trails that he rents as short-term rentals, pointed out that he is “a responsible owner,” and he feels harassed. He wants to see more enforcement against owners who are not following the rules.

Township solicitor Thomas Nanovic responded that the township is “learning as we go.”

Meckes added that “we are doing the best we can.”

As regular business began, supervisors opened bids for a new trench drain at the Transfer Station. Kobalt Construction of Tobyhanna was low bidder at a cost of $177,273. Also, the subdivision plan to revise the lot lines at the Transfer Station was approved, with plans prepared by Barry Isett & Associates to cost $900.

Haines & Kibblehouse was the lowest bidder of five for the 2022 roads projects at $750,210. H&K’s bid was accepted with a targeted completion date by the end of August.

Ordinance consultant Charlie Schmehl was hired to write an amendment to the township’s zoning ordinance to regulate warehouses and truck distribution centers.

A fundraiser ending with a fireworks display was approved to be held at the township park on June 10 to aid a relative of a local family in paying for cancer treatments. The fireworks company is providing their licenses and insurance paperwork with the township as additional insured.

An Amateur Athletic Union basketball tournament asked to use the park in late June. Supervisors approved the event provided they supply insurance information and paperwork.

A discussion about buying $330 to $400 of field line paint for the soccer fields started an exploration about sharing some of the costs. The topic will be continued into June.

The Park & Recreation Committee will hold their next meeting at the park May 18, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Interested residents are welcome.

In other business

The meeting wrapped up with supervisors approving:

• A donation of $1,000 to the Jim Thorpe Rotary Summer Recreation Program.

• Offering Fire Police assistance to the Jim Thorpe Police for traffic control for a steam train excursion on May 28.

•The Dimmick Library to install a second “little free library” at the south end of the township park (and possibly rebuild the original).