Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
23 issues in public safety
Correctional facility safety equipment
The jail is getting 150 leather radio cases and 17 ballistic helmets to outfit staff.
Opioid settlement recovery grants
The county is putting $166,300 of opioid settlement money toward three treatment and recovery organizations, including Path to Peace, Northbound and the Carbon-Monroe-Pike Drug & Alcohol Commission.
Rally against sexual violence
Safe Monroe will hold its Take Back the Night Rally on Courthouse Square on April 2 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., supporting survivors of sexual violence.
School bus safety — Operation Safe Stop
It's National School Bus Safety Week, and PennDOT is reminding drivers to stop at least 10 feet from buses with red lights flashing. Drivers illegally passing stopped buses is a growing problem nationwide.
Jail drug and alcohol counseling contract
The county picked Recovery Revolution to provide counseling at the county jail at up to $99,840, after opening bids from three providers.
CodeRed emergency alert system renewal
The county renewed its CodeRed emergency notification service for a year at zero cost through the regional counter-terrorism task force. Residents stay reachable during emergencies without it costing taxpayers.
Student survey privacy concerns
Theresa Pesce pressed the county on where high-school students' survey data went — she says neither the DA's office, commissioners nor PCCD have records from third-party vendor the Kerry Group, which built, analyzed and stores the surveys.
Downtown Stroudsburg public safety concerns
A resident told commissioners violence downtown is escalating weekly and demanded a joint meeting with borough council, the borough manager, police chief Jennifer Lyons and county officials to find solutions. She said she has not received follow-up from the police chief.
287(g) Immigration Agreement Follow-up
Residents asked whether the jail is holding arraigned people up to 48 hours for ICE or sending lists of foreign-born inmates to federal authorities. Chairman Christy said the county has NOT adopted 287(g) and promised to check with the warden.
July 4th storm recovery resources
Businesses hit by the July 4th storms and power outages can apply for SBA low-interest disaster loans, and residents can tap a new $50,000 Realtors Relief grant (capped at $1,000 each). A relief center at the Middle Smithfield community center is open through August 21.
Courthouse security upgrade
The Old Jail is getting a $312,500 roof and gutter replacement, the courthouse parking deck needs another $166,050 in third-floor concrete repairs, and $57,813 in new courthouse security equipment was ratified.
Commodity flow survey for emergency preparedness
The county is paying $10,950 (grant-funded) to map all hazardous freight moving through Monroe County by rail and road, so emergency crews are better prepared if something goes wrong.
Byrne JAG re-entry grant for Cornerstone Community Initiative
The county certified its support for Cornerstone's state grant application, which funds pre-entry services for people leaving incarceration in Monroe County — aimed at reducing repeat offenses.
Flock camera locations and surveillance contracts
A resident asked who holds information on Flock camera locations and contracts in the county, citing privacy concerns. Commissioners explained there's no central clearinghouse — each municipality manages its own contracts — though Vice-Chairman Parker noted a public website shows Flock camera locations.
Veterans Affairs office recognition
The commissioners publicly thanked the Veterans Affairs office for the first time in 14 years. Deputy Director Eric Morin dug through records and discovered a Vietnam veteran had earned a Purple Heart that a clerical error never recorded — unlocking benefits he'd been denied for decades.
West Nile virus detected in Monroe County
The county's mosquito coordinator confirmed West Nile virus has been found locally, but stressed it's low-risk except for infants and the elderly. The main fix is on homeowners: dump standing water in buckets, tires and barrels, and change bird bath water weekly.
Youth emergency preparedness club
4-H is teaming up with the Office of Emergency Management and first responder groups to launch a youth emergency preparedness club, aiming to funnel more young people into volunteer firefighter and EMS careers — a real need as volunteer ranks shrink.
Foster family shortage
The county locked in $84,554 in rapid rehousing contracts and up to $340,000 in group home and therapy services for children and youth placed by the courts.
Lower inmate phone rates
The new Securus amendment complies with FCC rules that slashed incarcerated people's call fees — meaning cheaper calls home for jail inmates' families.
Gun safety youth survey and PCCD funding
Dr. Toleno reported two gun-safety sessions reached about 60 people each, with cable gun locks given to participants — and he and John Jakobsen will testify before the PA House Judiciary Committee on April 13 about the grant program's success.
Hazard mitigation plan adoption
A resident argued the federal and local emergency management plans leave ordinary residents out — no guidance on where to go or how skilled people can help during a disaster. The Vice Chairman pointed him to the Salvation Army, Red Cross, and volunteer fire companies.
Rural EMS certification training
A new MOU with Eastern PA EMS Council funds BLS and ALS initial certification classes aimed at rural areas — a step toward the local EMS staffing shortage.
Human trafficking awareness
January was proclaimed Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and Safe Monroe is holding a Red Sand Project at the courthouse square January 14 to raise awareness.