Commissioners Public Meeting - September 2, 2026

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[0:05] Morning everyone.
[0:33] until
[0:46] you please begin under number seven.
[0:53] Number C be not voted on because it transportation
[0:59] items. So with that said, is there any
[1:03] questions with regard? Any public comment to the right?
[1:11] Seeing none, we move on.
[1:22] See you later. >> Oh, don't worry.
[1:27] Peterson there's public hearing of Mon County
[1:32] CDBG fiscal year 2026 of behalf the stra
[1:39] director for the redevelopment authority of Monelcome
[1:48] question.
[1:57] So this morning,
[2:02] which I'll refer to as
[2:08] being processed.
[2:16] All three will share one deadline which is
[2:23] a citizen of the program. This is the first public
[2:28] process. The public will provide information
[2:33] about activities.
[2:55] Okay.
[3:08] The next program
[3:14] is authorized by federal
[3:28] facilities. The public
[3:38] assistant program
[3:54] is the longest princip.
[3:58] that
[4:07] we talk about basically over
[4:18] one benefit. tomorrow.
[4:31] I'm relaxing as I
[4:38] personally
[5:02] So now we're going to talk about activities
[5:11] facilities or public
[5:18] services.
[5:27] This kind of like
[5:38] service.
[5:52] So public service
[6:06] activities
[6:13] facilities with disabilities
[6:36] Um for economic development activities to economic opportunities
[6:43] for enterprise, small business development and commercial development
[6:47] and job creation retention and child opportunities. These activities can be
[6:53] food like financial assistance personal businesses program
[7:00] business.
[7:05] The last area is housing. So interesting
[7:11] students um and eligible activities
[7:21] back
[7:29] next show
[7:36] in 26 increased area,
[7:42] people to 94,000.
[7:48] So low market income means a household with an annual income of less than 80%
[7:53] of the area.
[7:57] So program requirements as a program
[8:02] handles the program requirements for the CP
[8:06] we comply with all applicable federal and local requirements
[8:10] for at least 5 years after close out. We maintain a strong fiscal management
[8:15] system agreeing to be monitored by PACD. Um submitting timely quarterly and
[8:22] annual reports and complying with contract terms and this includes the
[8:27] procurement labor standard sections. Um we are committed to the um we are
[8:36] committed to handling fiscally responsible um CPT grants.
[8:42] » Come here. Are >> those
[8:59] [laughter]
[9:03] exercises
[9:14] Okay. So on the next slide it shows what the
[9:18] Monro County allocation is for Monter County. Our allocation is $391,735.
[9:29] So that is the the county allocation for 2026 and that will um minus the 18%
[9:38] administration that comes to the RTA for being involved in the requirements.
[9:43] » Yeah, they're saying that all they can hear is static.
[9:48] » That was okay. So we think we're okay now.
[9:55] » Testing testing. One, two, three. Imagine
[10:02] coming back. >> Two people are typing.
[10:07] Sounds like an open mic somewhere. Can hear John, Christine, and somebody just
[10:11] fine.
[10:24] The voice is more clear, but there is ambient noise except for static over
[10:28] everything.
[10:39] So on the next slide hopefully um you'll see what's moving um
[10:48] [clears throat] you can see the decrease in um CBD
[10:54] funding overall at Monro County. Um this is the lowest amount of funding
[11:00] that we have received over time. We have seen in the federal budget that
[11:07] CDBG has been zeroed out at the presidential level for the last two
[11:12] years, but we have received funding um just in decreased amounts. Some of that
[11:18] has to do with our percentages of poverty within um the county as well um
[11:24] because that's the funded the funding based formula that DC uses in order to
[11:32] allocate entitlements.
[11:36] So how are funds distributed? Um there's an annual open proposal process which is
[11:42] conducted allowing community agencies including nonprofits and units of local
[11:47] government to apply for the use of funds and this process has begun. So if there
[11:52] is anybody interested in applying for funds, please let me know. Um we did
[11:58] receive one proposal this year uh to date from Habitat for Humanity.
[12:04] The last slide shows our application preparation schedule. So, as mentioned
[12:09] earlier, today's public hearing is the first of two hearings that is required
[12:13] to seek input from citizens. The county has to hold two public hearings to be
[12:18] eligible for program funding. The second public hearing will be held on October
[12:24] 6th. At this time, the burough councils and the commissioners will share the
[12:29] proposed projects for 2026 CBBG activities for application and authorize
[12:36] their submission to receive the by resolution. So, um I will be reviewing
[12:42] those applications as soon as possible because the commissioners do need to
[12:45] make that decision before um before the 6 when they decide on those proposals.
[12:56] And the end of my presentation, does anybody have any questions or comments
[13:02] that they would like me to include um in our application?
[13:11] » [laughter]
[13:15] [laughter]
[13:21] » There is a sign that I'm required to have.
[13:29] » Thank you. >> Old business. It's a motion to approve
[13:34] the August 19th, 2026 commissioners meeting, please.
[13:39] Second. >> Any questions? All in favor signify by
[13:43] saying I. >> I. Motion carries.
[13:47] » Yes. I don't you comment
[13:53] » amend motion 2026-234 dated A526
[13:58] reflecting the 5-year contract with Axon Enterprise for the period of 81 2026
[14:05] through 731 and 2031 rather than 1 and 27 through 1231 and 2031.
[14:13] No other changes to the agreement. Is there a motion please? 74.
[14:18] » There any questions? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion prepare.
[14:23] It's proclamations and certificates. The Ellen Franner uh the Ellen Spark
[14:28] recognition was last weekend.
[14:35] Any questions?
[14:39] » It was lovely. I really see
[14:47] screen
[14:50] and it's not a huge beautiful perfect size and flowers play
[14:58] area
[15:04] many many many volunteers that should be there
[15:11] ing monitor.
[15:15] Yes. >> All in favor signify by saying I.
[15:19] » I. >> I. Motion carries. Good business.
[15:22] Personnel. We have the agenda and ratify requests to work additional hours in the
[15:27] sheriff's department. Is there a motion? >> Second.
[15:32] » All in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion carries. Electronic transfers and
[15:37] transactions. We have vouchers pay table payable for 821 to 828 payroll and
[15:42] healthcare benefits sir benefit payments is there a motion please second there
[15:48] any questions all in favor signify by saying I I motion carries travel
[15:54] authorization approve and ratifi approve and ratify
[15:58] travel request probation assessment children and youth planning and the
[16:03] treasury is there a motion Any
[16:08] questions? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion carri children and
[16:13] youth. Execute the amended adoption assistance agreement for AM. Also
[16:18] execute amended uh subsidized permanent legal custodian custodianship agreements
[16:25] for the following 18 and NT and also execute the following purchase of
[16:30] service agreements period of 712026 through 630 2027 with the bankro with a
[16:37] contract limit of $500,000 Cornell axis group the contract limit of
[16:45] $375,000 and growth healing group with a contract
[16:49] limit of $300,00.
[16:55] » Are there any questions? All in favor signify by saying I.
[16:59] » I. Motion carries. The commissioner's office ratify the budget adjustment
[17:04] report dated 89 I'm sorry 92 of 2026 totaling $2,84.
[17:11] that was uh money moved to cover uh postage for the
[17:17] tax bills going out. Also, we have the approved the budget adjustment report
[17:22] dated 92 of 2026 totaling $83,000. Um $15,000 of that is to path for cover
[17:33] uh funds for services to rental to cover rental assistance. We have uh
[17:38] information systems for $13,500 to cover the increase in postage and
[17:44] taxes for the rest of the year. Domestic relations, $2,500 to cover the
[17:48] solicitor's activity related to legal review and procedure changes. And in
[17:53] maintenance, $52,300 to cover HBA expenses and repair and
[17:58] replace equipment at 610 Monroe Street. also ratify the new agreement with
[18:05] Thompson Reuters for West Complete to remove the automatic renewal clause with
[18:10] no charge in change in monthly charges. Also authorized the chief clerk to
[18:16] advertise the 2027 annual bibs. Also approved the payment of $1,000 to
[18:23] the Barrett Township Historical Society and the hotel tax fund. F at appro
[18:28] approve and ratify the follow following opioid grants from the opioid settlement
[18:33] funds consistent uses allowed under the opioid settlement agreement recovered
[18:40] revolution in amount of $54,000 for inmate fresh start treatment program
[18:46] also accept the lowest responsible quote in the amount of $15,82560
[18:53] and Richard Pierce builders in to replace three doors and frames for the
[18:59] following. The old inmate the door, juvenile probation entrance, and the
[19:03] sheriff's office. These are all u doors that were not part of the renovation of
[19:09] the courthouse. Also add the following vendors to the county list of approved
[19:14] vendors and adult probation. We have the ID creator and information technology.
[19:20] We have Art Place Solutions or Technologies LLC. Is there a motion?
[19:26] accepted. >> Are there any questions?
[19:29] All in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion carries. In the correctional law
[19:34] facility, we have to a motion to accept a quote from Advanced Electronic
[19:39] Security AES to provide time and material service to evaluate the
[19:45] existing intercom and video surveillance system at a standard rate of $150 per
[19:49] hour with a 2 and 1 half hour minimum during normal business hours and
[19:54] $225,000 per hour after hour emergency service.
[19:59] Is there a motion? >> Second. There any questions? All in
[20:04] favor signify by saying I. I. Motion carries. We're going to do fiscal and
[20:09] grants. And I just want to point out under D.
[20:15] Commissioner Parker serves on the board of the Salvation Army and I also serve
[20:21] as vice president safe Monroe. Just want to point that out.
[20:26] Under the fiscal and grants, ratify the authorization of Ashley Carrick, a
[20:31] grants manager, to electronically submit the fiscal year 2027 stop formula grant
[20:36] program the 2025 2027 continuing the period of 1127 through 123127
[20:47] in the amount of $125,000 to improve services for victims,
[20:51] survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence,
[20:56] and date dating violence in stock B amend the a motion of 2026-30
[21:03] dated 121 of 206 to approve the continuum care fiscal year 2024 in the
[21:10] amount of $69,554 to $15,000
[21:15] from the Pocono area transitional housing path to other contracting
[21:20] services and directive assistance and D exec execute the homeless
[21:26] assistance program with the following service development
[21:30] funds HSD to subreient contracts in the 2627 as follows. Coconut area
[21:37] transitional housing $12,736 Salvation Army East Straford $12,736.
[21:48] Resources for human development $6,444.
[21:53] Family Promise of the Poconos $12,736,000
[21:58] and Safe Monroe for $12,736
[22:03] totaling $57,388.
[22:08] Under HS HSDF allocation for 2026 27, we have CMP and HDS for adult services of
[22:17] $48,000. Sites of Pope $10,157
[22:23] and PO services for families and children $26,000 totaling $84,157.
[22:31] Is there a motion? Are there any questions? All in favor
[22:37] signify by saying I. Motion carries. Information technology
[22:42] and services. Execute the plan supplement for Frasier Advanced
[22:47] Information Systems for eight sharp VP B42
[22:54] 7PW compliments and an additional charge of $91 per month for the corporate. Also
[23:00] ratify change order MCPS number one to authorize petricia financing director to
[23:07] sign the order updating the time frame with no additional cost. Also ratify
[23:12] change order number four bring central in the amount of $3,528
[23:17] for implementation of phone services for the domestic relations office. also
[23:22] execute agreement with revised software systems the period of 91 of 2026 through
[23:29] 930 of 2031 at the total cost of $79,600
[23:36] for a new website service for 5 years. also ratify the amendment amending the
[23:43] case management software system agreement dated 1026 of 2017 with West
[23:50] Publishing doing business as Thompson Reuters extending the term of the
[23:54] agreement to 9:30 of 2026 with an additional 45 days and add subsection
[24:03] that the contractors agree that there be no fee with respect to the services
[24:08] provided during
[24:12] Well, is there a motion please? So move. >> Are there any questions? All in favor
[24:18] signify by saying I. I. Motion carries. and our probation department ratified
[24:24] Pocono Mountain School District application for the use of school
[24:29] facilities at PEC for various states in 2026 at no cost of accounting and also
[24:36] execute the contract with Gov AI software solutions to provide drug test
[24:42] notification services as an add-on service to the original contract at a
[24:47] cost of $25 enrollment fee and $8 per month for to participate JRI-2
[24:55] grants to cover the additional add-on services. Is there a motion please?
[25:01] » Are there any questions? All in favor signify by saying I.
[25:06] » I. Motion carries. The transportation authority
[25:10] acknowledged the receipt of the 2025 audit financial statements for the year
[25:14] ending 1231 of 2025 and also approved the medical assistance transportation
[25:20] program participation grant agreement and assurance of compliance with the
[25:25] department of human services for the period of 712026
[25:29] through through 6:30 of 2027. Is there a motion?
[25:35] » Second. There any questions? All in favor signify by saying I. I. Motion
[25:41] carries. Capital improvement, I'm sorry, capital outlay purchases approved. The
[25:46] capital purchase report dated 92 of 2026 totaling $44,9728.
[25:58] Very good. Let me just tell you what's going to happen. We have 50 radios for
[26:02] the correctional facility at $31,90. And we also have a workstation for the
[26:09] district attorney at $1,2364.
[26:13] Also in voter registration out of the grant expenses, we're getting an
[26:17] electronic clock time and date stamp from any business products that the
[26:24] lowest quote at 9364
[26:28] also known as a bumper. We had a first and a second. All in
[26:32] favor signify by saying I. I. >> I. Motion carries. Computer capital
[26:38] purchases. Approve the computer capital purchase report dated 926
[26:43] totaling $378.95.
[26:46] That is for a iPad with Wi-Fi services for the registered reporting. Is there a
[26:53] motion three questions? All in favor signify by
[26:59] saying I. I. Motion carries. Miscellaneous. Mr. Parker, do you have
[27:03] any Mr. Chairman? Um well, last week uh
[27:09] something happened number of people were concerned about I
[27:13] was kind of saw there's an old schoolhouse that was near
[27:17] new school and it was it was demolished last week.
[27:23] So really kind of came out of the blue for a lot of people concerned, you know,
[27:27] considered construction and you know we possibly could have if people showed
[27:32] interest but uh so I was encouraged to research some things and uh did discover
[27:39] that we do have historic preservation plan that was created in 1980. It's on
[27:46] file uh planning commission. Seems like the
[27:50] libraries have copies as well. 19 surprised,
[27:54] but I'd encourage people who are interested in u in keeping historic
[27:58] structures check it out. Um look through it if there structures you are
[28:02] interested in looking down the future of the state um
[28:07] start a start a do that this plan did recommend to establish a conservancy
[28:14] um for such buildings. It doesn't appear that that was ever done. you know, we
[28:17] have Nature Conservancy and we have Poker American Land Trust for lands and
[28:21] they're active and trying to do that on the land acquisition environmental side,
[28:26] not necessarily the building. So um if there's interest in doing that you have
[28:31] seen the resources here and um and this is the plan that still is referred to on
[28:35] our compens
[28:40] but that is there also this past Sunday we had an event at one of historic
[28:45] buildings which is on the historic registry I should say the school just to
[28:49] give you a little bit about the one that was demolished it's called a boy school
[28:52] that's not because it was for boys the boys was the surname people of the
[28:56] families I told you that the school started
[28:59] school just like the France school which is on our national historic registry
[29:04] national that's been maintained out in West End. Um but Parkside Chapel had an
[29:09] open house this past Sunday up in Paradise. The Barrett Towns Historical
[29:13] Association put on that event and it was nice to go inside and be able to see the
[29:17] sport structure. They do have services through the summer but there's no
[29:21] electric, no heat. So it's just the season. Uh there's a church that was
[29:25] built for for the guests of the Henryville House and other guest houses
[29:29] up in that area. And uh so I encourage you to get out and see our work
[29:33] buildings. Uh there are 16 on the national historic registry. We need
[29:38] [clears throat] your passport and check in at each one. But uh and uh if you're
[29:43] interested in saving buildings, we have many resources. Feel free to contact me
[29:46] or the planning commission or go to your local library and you can check out the
[29:50] book. Um upcoming events America 250 Baron Township is having
[29:56] music of 1776 on Sunday September 13th Ruth Peter is
[30:02] going to be putting on this presentation with a variety of different performers.
[30:06] Um it'll be at 2 o'clock at the Mountain B United Methodist Church
[30:11] um again Sunday, September 13th. And then uh we were going to be doing the
[30:16] musical 7076 the musical in October. Uh the cast has been rehearsing right now
[30:23] and information on that on a subsequent meeting. Thank you Mr.
[30:29] Thank you.
[30:33] to hand out and this is on September 28th 114
[30:42] management center and they've been having a cheery and spoke in a really
[30:46] nice umformational time between family young and old find
[30:53] something that's very interesting there was very
[31:01] you
[31:08] Thank you. Is there any public comment?
[31:14] » Stand up and say your name. >> My three minutes. [laughter]
[31:22] Well, it's in addition to the history.
[31:27] [laughter]
[31:32] So it has to do with the historical information that you said yesterday at
[31:36] the stripper meeting is he was the last of the state
[31:42] and I forget the organization was it was about
[31:53] but you said if people are interested in historic bill so anyway support
[32:01] I don't know Everybody. >> Yeah,
[32:05] I guess.
[32:09] » Okay,
[32:13] capture. So, >> thank you, Teresa.
[32:17] » This goes to the community partnership youth survey that I usually talk about
[32:22] when I'm up here. And so, last time I when I spoke, it was August 5th. public
[32:33] and it has to do with asking for right to know.
[32:41] We write to know
[32:45] the right to know request to district attorney county
[32:53] and everybody at the PC Pennsylvania agency. If everybody deny their address
[32:59] for information um records and I'd just like to say some definitions that are in
[33:05] the right to go. So records is defined in
[33:12] chapter one section 102. So records and this is this is where the people have
[33:19] access to the records. So records is defined as information regardless of
[33:25] physical form or characteristics that documents,
[33:29] transaction or activity of an agency that is created, received or retained
[33:37] pursuant to the law connection with a transaction
[33:42] business or activity of the agency. Turn into the document paper and he goes on
[33:47] to say the clearance. I'd also like to mention that. So that's what I'm asking
[33:52] for. I'm asking for different records that say what did the Kerry group which
[33:58] works with justice departments across the country is what are they doing with
[34:03] the information from the survey? Are they sharing how are they sharing it?
[34:08] Not that they're sharing it. How are they sharing it? And did they delete the
[34:12] information from the surveys? Those are just part of the items that are
[34:16] requesting information on. And the other definition I'd like to say is agency
[34:21] possession, which is the most because I was told that because it's a
[34:26] caric group and they're a private party that they don't have to give out the
[34:30] information.
[34:33] So also in section D
[34:39] agency possession a public record that is not in possession of an agency but is
[34:45] in possession of a party with whom the agency has connected has contracted
[34:51] sorry has contracted to perform a governmental
[34:56] government a governmental function and on behalf of the agency
[35:06] So what that said is that we have a right because
[35:12] contracted with the government district attorney's office to have information.
[35:18] » Thank you. Anybody else?
[35:30] discuss the radar.
[35:35] Um, it's not even on the agenda. >> It's not under.
[35:41] » Well, this is the problem though. I've been I've been sounding the alarm on
[35:45] what's going on with the borrow. The borrow is not count.
[35:50] Things have not been going well for the for the borrow and it and its every
[35:55] week. The violence goes up every week. What happened on Saturday was
[36:00] unacceptable and it's embarrassing. And I don't understand why you, the burrow
[36:06] council, the burrow manager, the police officers, Jennifer Lions, Luso, all
[36:12] cannot get into one room and discuss with us how we can fix this because we
[36:17] want to fix this. And I I I have email. I just sent you a memo last month about
[36:24] trying to find solutions. I spoke to uh Jennifer Lions chief and she said she
[36:30] explained to me because when I came when I go to the burrow they say go here when
[36:33] I come here go to police. I spoke to Jennifer Lions. She said that the laws
[36:38] need to be changed. The laws need to be changed. So how can we get together in a
[36:44] room so we can fix that? Because then not everybody says oh we we're just
[36:49] doing by by the law. So how do we fix it? Can we get together to fix it?
[36:55] Are you willing to do that? >> I will reach out to the congressional.
[37:02] In other words, are we talking Pennsylvania laws, which laws are you
[37:06] looking to change? >> The one I Well, I spoke to Jennifer. She
[37:09] was um about a week and a half ago, two weeks, and she um she explained she was
[37:16] very thorough in explaining what the issues are. She said she was going to
[37:20] speak to her officers. So, I asked her, okay, so how do you choose the law? so
[37:23] we can go and ask the legislators to change the law, but you need to give us
[37:27] more garbage. How can how can we get rid of it? So, she said she was going to
[37:31] speak to my officers and get back to me, but they still haven't back to her yet.
[37:35] And I'm sure that's going to take a while, but in the meantime, we need to
[37:39] stop what's going on on Main Street and we need to have a plan. And I I
[37:45] understand that you guys are doing what you can, but I don't think that you're
[37:48] getting the support that you need. you know, we need more officers and I know
[37:53] that there's a recruiting problem. So, let's let's find time to let's get
[37:57] together and talk and try and find solutions. I don't see that from you.
[38:01] All you do is you don't even communicate with each other and that's very
[38:05] concerning to me. So, I hope that you set up an appointment, set up a meeting
[38:10] where we can all be there, everybody to see brainstorming, fix it.
[38:17] Anybody else on the I'll be very quick. Uh Dr. I put up a new table next few
[38:26] years attorney's office investing out there day and night out with
[38:36] 400 gun box interesting questions and I want to just
[38:41] mention one I thought was really that actually happened to us. was a young boy
[38:46] maybe 9 years old 10 years old and he had one gun
[38:52] soft
[38:56] » yeah I don't think it was it was something anyway the way he described it
[39:01] um he wouldn't his brothers would steal it on and you know sneak is what he said
[39:09] so when he described it to me if I said you know what we take this
[39:15] you can put this lock around it when they find the key and spot where they
[39:19] don't find me work and at the time I thought it was neat but as I went home I
[39:24] thought you know what this kid at 9 years old just go in the house
[39:29] shooting and it happened again that happened at the
[39:35] country post also I want to announce that we are
[39:39] launch country post on 29th of this month
[39:43] might event states maximize we plan on doing all so
[39:50] the three places we call very
[39:55] much very nice to us
[40:00] so that's very good is there anything else
[40:04] seeming none is there a motion to adjourn
[40:07] we are then thank you
[40:15] Thanks, Mr.