Luzerne County public meetings in 2022

Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau board is holding its regular December meeting to conduct general agency business. The agenda includes routine items such as roll call, approval of previous minutes, and reports from the executive director and marketing staff. The executive director's report will cover recent division updates, hotel tax and budget performance, a recap of 2022 activities, and discussion of board members whose terms expire at year-end. No major decisions or public hearings are listed.

• Executive Director's report includes introduction of Sarah Harris
• Review of hotel tax info and budget performance reports
• Discussion of 2023 budget
• Recap of 2022: move to train station, Rockin' The River, events
• Discussion of board members with terms expiring at end of year

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a special meeting to consider a resolution authorizing the sale of county-owned property in West Pittston. The single agenda item is a motion to adopt the resolution, with details provided in a handout. Public comment will be taken on the item before any vote.

• Motion to adopt resolution for sale of county-owned property in West Pittston, PA

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority held its regular December meeting, covering routine business such as approving minutes and receiving updates from management. No public comments or correspondence were presented, and no major decisions or proposals were discussed.

• Approval of minutes from November 9, 2022 regular meeting
• Introduction of Michael Lang from Provident Energy
• Attendance of ASM Global administration and legal counsel

County Council

This is a special meeting agenda for the Luzerne County Council on December 15, 2022. The council will consider donating interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Salvation Army, review budget amendments (including those related to Election Bureau positions), and vote on adopting the 2023 fiscal year budget. The agenda also includes public comments submitted by residents, which are not official agenda items but are included for consideration.

• Donation of interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Salvation Army
• Budget amendments (handouts from December 13 meeting, including elimination of pay and merit raises for Election Bureau positions)
• Motion to adopt ordinance adopting the 2023 FY Budget for Luzerne County
• Public comments regarding election costs and personnel in the Election Bureau

County Council

The Council will consider the adoption of the 2023 Fiscal Year Budget and a 2023 meeting schedule. Additional items include a lease renewal for office space in Wilkes-Barre and a donation of interest earned on federal funds.

• Lease renewal for McCarthy Realty, Inc. property at 93-97 North State Street, Wilkes-Barre
• Donation of $65,665.80 in interest earned on American Rescue Plan Act funds to the Salvation Army
• Adoption of the 2023 Fiscal Year Budget for Luzerne County
• Approval of the 2023 Council meeting schedule
• Budget amendments

Advisory Council - Area Agency on Aging

The Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board is holding its regular December meeting. The agenda contains only standard procedural items: approval of minutes, an executive director's report, committee reports, a nominating committee report, and new business. No specific decisions, proposals, or dollar amounts are listed.

• Approval of prior meeting minutes
• Executive Director's report
• Committee reports: Administrative Services, Social Services, Active Adult Centers
• Nominating Committee report
• Next meeting scheduled for February 16, 2023

Advisory Council - Area Agency on Aging

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board met to hear reports from staff on operations, including updates on vacant positions, the county budget, and state monitoring. The board approved the October meeting minutes and the slate of officers for 2023. No formal votes on policy or funding were taken.

• 10 vacant full-time positions, including Aging Care Manager and Supervisor roles
• County budget presented to County Council on November 15; Ways & Means meeting to be scheduled
• State Street lease will not be terminated; staff remain in that office
• AAA to attend disenrollment hearings under new agreement with PA Department of Aging
• Grant application submitted for Arts for Life program at Active Adult Centers

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will meet to discuss and possibly vote on several election administration items, including polling places for the January 31, 2023 special election, the use of paper versus electronic poll books for the May 2023 primary, and retention of an attorney for litigation over undated mail-in ballots. The agenda also includes discussion of additional payments to judges of elections, legal notice newspapers, ballot drop boxes, and the 2023 meeting schedule. The meeting will also consider approval of minutes from prior meetings, including those covering the November 2022 election and related special meetings.

• Vote on Jan. 31, 2023 special election polling place locations
• Discussion and possible vote on paper vs. electronic poll books for May 2023 primary
• Vote on retaining Attorney Joseph Cosgrove for litigation over undated mail-in ballots (Eakin et al. and NAACP v. Chapman)
• Discussion and possible vote on additional payments to judges of elections for pickup/delivery of election materials and mileage reimbursement
• Discussion and possible vote on Jan. 31, 2023 special election ballot drop boxes

The Board of Elections approved the use of electronic poll books and a new drop box location at the Hazleton Exchange Building for the upcoming special election. The Board also approved the retention of legal counsel for cases regarding undated mail-in ballots.

• Approved polling place changes for Fairview 1 & 2 and Butler 2, 3, & 4 (unanimous)
• Approved use of electronic poll books contingent on ES&S service (unanimous)
• Approved retention of Attorney Joseph Cosgrove for undated ballot cases (unanimous)
• Approved 2023 meeting date list (unanimous)
• Tabled additional payments to JoE's pending legal opinion (unanimous)
• Approved Hazleton Exchange Building as a drop box location (3-2)
• Approved amended agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from October 17 through December 5 meetings (4-0-1)

County Council

The Luzerne County District Attorney is asking council to reject several proposed budget cuts for 2023, including reductions to travel, capital cases, exam & witness fees, other contractual services, and appeals. The DA also requests restoring two full-time Assistant District Attorney positions that were cut in the manager's proposal, and keeping two detective positions unfunded pending external funding.

• DA requests rejecting $5,000 travel cut, keeping $20,000 budget
• DA requests rejecting $50,000 capital cases cut, keeping $150,000 budget
• DA requests reducing exam & witness cut from $30,000 to $10,000, setting budget at $140,000
• DA requests restoring two full-time ADA positions cut by manager, valued at $132,000
• DA agrees to remove $249,632 in wages for detective positions, pending external funding

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will consider two budget amendments proposed by Councilman Bienias for the 2023 budget. The amendments would reduce Special Legal Services by $50,000 and Engineering/Architecture by $30,000, for a total savings of $80,000. This is a decision item on the agenda.

• Amendment to reduce Special Legal Services (Solicitor) by $50,000 from $550,000 to $500,000
• Amendment to reduce Engineering/Architecture (Road & Bridge) by $30,000 from $100,000 to $70,000
• Total proposed savings of $80,000 from the 2023 budget

County Council

This agenda consists entirely of two citizen-submitted notices accusing Luzerne County Council of maladministration and trespassing for allegedly threatening an elected board member over her vote on the 2022 election certification. The notices cite constitutional provisions and legal maxims but contain no council resolutions, ordinances, contracts, or other official business items. The meeting has no actionable agenda items for council decision or discussion.

• Notice from Beth Mrochko alleging council threatened dismissal of board member Alyssa Fusaro for voting against 2022 election certification
• Notice from Holly Cooper making similar allegations regarding election maladministration
• Demand for council to provide constitutional authority for any actions against Fusaro
• Claim of $500,000 per infraction penalty for suppressing the notice

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will consider authorizing a contract with Trinity Services Group for inmate meals and kitchen operations at the county correctional facility. The agenda also includes motions to approve budget amendments and minutes from the prior meeting.

• Resolution to authorize a contract with Trinity Services Group for inmate meals and kitchen operations management at Luzerne County Correctional Facility
• Motions regarding budget amendments (handouts provided at meeting)
• Approval of minutes from the November 29, 2022 voting session

County Council

The agenda contains only a public comment from a resident opposing any tax increase and a proposed $5 registration fee, urging the council to cut spending instead. No official council business or action items are listed.

• Public comment from Cindy Brannan of Wright Township opposes any tax increase
• Comment also opposes reintroducing a $5 registration fee
• Resident calls for cutting managerial positions instead of raising taxes

County Council

This is a public comment submitted to Luzerne County Council regarding a potential vote to remove a Board of Elections member. The commenter argues that removal requires solid evidence, not hearsay, and cites past election failures by the Bureau of Elections. The Council is not taking action on this item; it is a non-agenda public comment.

• Public comment from Ronald Knapp of Nanticoke regarding removal of Board of Elections member Fusaro
• Comment references past election issues: military ballots found in dumpster (2020), incorrect ballot screen header (2021), paper shortage (2022)

County Council

The agenda contains only a public comment email from a resident, not an official council agenda. The comment criticizes the county administration and Redevelopment Authority over a $75 million loan backed by tax revenue, and calls for the council to hold the county manager accountable. No council decisions or discussion items are listed.

• Public comment regarding a $75 million loan backed by residents' tax revenue
• Criticism of the Redevelopment Authority's role and council's decision-making
• Demand for county manager accountability and transparency

County Council

Luzerne County Council will consider a series of proposed budget amendments reducing spending in the 2023 General Fund by a total of $672,241. The cuts span multiple departments including County Council, District Attorney, Courts, Corrections, and Information Technology. The largest single reduction is $351,501 from the Reserve Fund.

• Reduction of $60,000 in outside inmate housing for Corrections Administration
• Reduction of $31,500 in other contractual services for Budget and Finance Administration
• Reduction of $30,000 in repairs and maintenance for Information Technology
• Reduction of $30,000 in juror costs for Courts
• Reduction of $25,000 in other treatment and support for Probation Services

County Council

Council member Lombardo proposes three budget amendments for 2023, totaling $810,000 in savings. The largest is an $800,000 reduction to Road and Bridge Maintenance, to be offset by $1,000,000 in ARP funds. Other amendments include an $8,000 cut to Elections wages and a $2,000 cut to Assessors training.

• Road and Bridge Maintenance: $1,000,000 proposed, reduced to $200,000 (savings $800,000)
• Elections Wages: $154,500 proposed, reduced to $146,500 (savings $8,000)
• Assessors Conference Training: $10,000 proposed, reduced to $8,000 (savings $2,000)
• Total savings from amendments: $810,000

County Council

The council is considering two budget amendments for engineering services: $100,000 for Road and Bridge and $650,000 for Engineers, totaling $750,000. The net increase over the original line is $80,000. Discussion also includes potential revenue from selling Butler Township property, with a survey by May 2023 and subdivision by July 2023.

• Engineering budget amendment: $100,000 for Dept 4310 Road and Bridge
• Engineering budget amendment: $650,000 for Dept 4315 Engineers
• Total engineering budget line 550.18: $750,000, an $80,000 increase
• Potential sale of Butler Township farmland (529.667 acres, appraised at $867,000 in 2018)
• Possible lease to filter water draining from the Jeddo mine tunnel

County Council

The Council is reviewing proposed changes to the 2023 budget involving revenue and expense adjustments. The District Attorney has requested the addition of two positions and four new detective positions, though funding for the detectives remains unassigned.

• Revenue amendment: $275,000 increase in Prior Year Taxes
• Revenue amendment: $40,000 increase in Rent of Buildings
• Expense amendment: $275,000 reduction in Healthcare costs
• Expense amendment: $751,501 reduction in Reserve Fund
• District Attorney request for 4 detective positions pending Opioid and ARPA funding

County Council

The council is deciding on a budget amendment for Conflict Counsel. The budget was previously reduced from $1,101,932 to $832,318 by the former manager. Attorney DeLuca has requested restoration to $1,050,000, while Councilman Swetz has proposed adding $180,000.

• Budget amendment for Conflict Counsel: proposed increase from $832,318 to $1,050,000
• Alternative proposal to add $180,000 to the current budget

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to receive and discuss budget reports for November 2022, covering revenues and expenditures across county funds. They will also discuss resolutions regarding the sale of certain tax-repository properties and the renewal of a lease for offices used by the Agency on Aging and Children & Youth Services, as well as a resolution for workers' compensation administration.

• Receive and discuss Budget Reports for November 2022 (pages 1-86)
• Discussion of resolution approving sale of repository properties held by Elite Revenue Solutions, LLC (pages 87-90)
• Discussion of resolution authorizing renewal of a lease for an office building used by Agency on Aging and Children & Youth Services (pages 91-92)
• Discussion of resolution for Workers' Compensation Administration (pages 93-116)
• Discussion of Council Meeting Schedule for 2023 (page 117)

Mental Health & Developmental Services Board

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services Advisory Board will meet virtually to discuss the 2023 meeting schedule, approve prior minutes, and nominate/elect officers. The administrator's report will include updates on financial services, developmental services, supports coordination, and mental health services. This is a routine administrative meeting with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Discussion of 2023 Advisory Board meeting schedule
• Approval of September 22, 2022 meeting minutes
• Nomination/election of officers
• Financial services update by Margaret Manley
• Updates on developmental, mental health, and supports coordination services

The Board unanimously elected its officers for a two-year term and approved a quarterly meeting schedule for 2023. Members also accepted financial and service reports, including updates on the closure of the Supports Coordination Organization.

• Approved 2023 quarterly meeting schedule (unanimous)
• Approved September 22, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Elected Tom Henry as Chair (8-0)
• Elected Linda Armstrong as Vice-Chair (8-0)
• Elected Craig Mark as Secretary (8-0)
• Accepted Financial Services Report (unanimous)
• Accepted Supports Coordination Organization and Developmental Services Report (unanimous)
• Accepted Mental Health Services Report (unanimous)

Planning Commission

This meeting has no published agenda; only minutes are referenced. The planning commission is not listing any specific items for decision or discussion in this document.

Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission

The Luzerne County Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission will meet to vote on accepting responses to a request for proposals for an ACE Enforcement Attorney. The commission will also consider approving two legal invoices totaling $2,193.75.

• Vote to accept responses to RFP for ACE Enforcement Attorney
• Motion to approve invoice to Nawrocki Law for $1,608.75
• Motion to approve invoice to James L. Bobeck, Esq. for $585.00
• Approval of minutes from September 30, 2022 meeting

The Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission appointed a new enforcement attorney after reviewing RFP responses. The board also approved two legal invoices and accepted the current enforcement attorney's report.

• Approved Qiana Murphy Lehman, Esq. as ACE Enforcement Attorney (Unanimous)
• Approved $877.50 invoice to Nawrocki Law (Unanimous)
• Approved $585.00 invoice to James L. Bobeck (Unanimous)
• Accepted ACE Enforcement Attorney report stating all complaints were closed (Unanimous)
• Approved September 30, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Luzerne County Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public meeting on December 6, 2022, to consider one application: a request from Kelly Douglas-Lowe for variances to place a 19' x 50' detached carport at 323 Brown St., Duryea. The requested front yard variance is from 25 ft. to 9.6 ft., and the left side yard variance is from 5 ft. to 4 ft. The property is in an R-2 Two-Family Residence District.

• Variance request: front yard setback reduced from 25 ft. to 9.6 ft.
• Variance request: left side yard setback reduced from 5 ft. to 4 ft.
• Proposed structure: 19' x 50' detached carport
• Location: 323 Brown St., Duryea Borough, R-2 Two-Family Residence District
• Public hearing: December 6, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Jury Meeting Room, Luzerne County Courthouse

The board approved a request for front and side yard variances to allow a detached carport at 323 Brown Street in Duryea Borough. The approval requires the removal of hedges and a tree along the side of the carport.

• Approved minutes of the November 1, 2022 meeting
• Approved front yard variance (25 ft. required, 9.6 ft. requested) for 323 Brown Street
• Approved left side yard variance (5 ft. required, 4 ft. requested) for 323 Brown Street
• Conditioned carport approval on the removal of hedges and a tree

County Council

The document provides a detailed breakdown of projected revenues and expenses for the District Attorney's office for the 2023 budget year. It outlines various funding sources including grants, fees, and reimbursements alongside personnel costs, benefits, and non-personnel operating expenses.

• District Attorney Department 4194 total revenue: $1,272,856
• District Attorney Highway & DUI Department 4199 total revenue: $353,291
• Total Division 12 revenue: $1,626,147
• Projected wages for District Attorney personnel: $4,914,412
• Federal 'STOP' Violence Against Women grant: $125,000

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is discussing a reimbursement journal showing $1,392,962.44 in state and federal funds collected by the county's transportation staff. The document lists quarterly payments from PennDOT dating back to 2016, with the most recent payments received in 2022. This is a procedural review of already-collected revenues.

• $1.4M total in state-federal reimbursements collected by Luzerne County Transpo Staff
• Payments span from 2016 to 2022, with some quarters still pending
• Largest single payment: $96,104.20 for 2016 Q4

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering a series of budget amendments for 2023, totaling over $1 million in savings across multiple departments. Items include adjustments to wages, recruiting, travel, capital cases, and various contractual services. The agenda consists entirely of line-item budget changes with no other business.

• $550,000 for special legal services (amended down $50,000)
• $500,000 for machinery and equipment (no change)
• $150,000 for capital cases (amended down $50,000)
• $150,000 for forensic exams (amended down $25,000)
• $100,000 for toxicology (amended down $20,000)

County Council

Council will consider a package of budget amendments proposed by Councilman Lombardo that would reduce 2023 spending by $735,000. The largest cut is $500,000 from Road & Bridge Repairs/Maintenance, with other reductions to managed print services, county council and manager wages, and various departmental accounts. The amendments also include a $154,500 reduction to Election Wages, though the proposed savings amount is not fully specified.

• Road & Bridge Repairs/Maintenance cut from $100,000,000 to $500,000 (saving $500,000)
• County Council Wages reduced by $22,000 (from $66,858 to $44,858)
• County Manager Wages cut by $21,500 (from $286,466 to $264,966)
• Elections Travel Expenses eliminated (saving $3,000)
• Courts Examination/Witnesses reduced by $100,000 (from $200,000 to $100,000)

County Council

The Council is reviewing a list of proposed budget amendments and savings across several county departments. The total proposed savings amount to $326,400.

• $50,000 savings in Probation management/consulting services
• $20,000 savings in Coroner forensic examinations
• $2,500 savings in Prothonotary office supplies
• $2,400 savings in Controller travel expenses
• $1,500 savings in Recorder of Deeds meeting/training fees

County Council

Luzerne County Council will consider amendments to the 2023 budget, including reductions in road and bridge supplies, engineering consulting, and general government expenses. Proposed savings total $68,416 across departments, with the largest cuts in engineering ($100,000) and road & bridge ($63,250). The council will also vote on a $36,466 reduction in the county manager's wages.

• Road & Bridge: $10,000 savings on parts, $25,000 on fuel, $30,000 on engineering
• Engineering: $100,000 savings on engineering line item
• General Government: $20,000 savings on managed print services
• County Manager: $36,466 reduction in wages from $288,072 to $250,000
• Total proposed budget savings of $68,416 across all departments

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss a resolution authorizing a contract with Trinity Services Group for inmate meals and kitchen operations management. The council will also receive manager reports for November 2022 and discuss opioid funding allocation. This is a discussion session, not a voting session.

• Discussion of resolution to authorize contract with Trinity Services Group for inmate meals and kitchen operations management (agenda pages 20-38)
• Discussion regarding opioid funding allocation (handout provided)
• Discussion regarding CEO and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funding
• Receive and discuss County Manager reports for November 2022 (agenda pages 1-19)

County Council

The council received a public comment from Cindy Brannan accusing multiple council members and the county administration of refusing to respond to residents' emails. She quotes a passage about workplace culture and warns she will pursue other avenues to address the lack of communication.

• Cindy Brannan lists 13 council members and officials she says refuse to answer resident emails
• She states Acting County Manager Brian Swetz has never responded to emails in any of his roles
• Brannan warns she will seek 'all appropriate avenues' to address the lack of communication

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is set to vote on removing a member of the election board. A public comment submitted for the agenda criticizes the board's conduct and urges the council to appoint unbiased members.

• Vote on removal of an election board member

County Council

The acting county manager recommends forming a committee to oversee distribution of opioid settlement funds. The committee would set priorities, review grant applications, and submit approved requests to County Council for final approval.

• Recommendation to create a review committee for opioid settlement fund distribution
• Proposed committee members: County Manager, Human Services Division Head, Drug and Alcohol Department Head and Deputy, a member of the Drug & Alcohol Executive Commission, a consumer from recovery community, a service provider, and an optional Council member
• Top three priorities identified: MAT in the prison, 24-hour warm hand off system, and prevention in school system
• All approved funding requests will be submitted to County Council for final approval

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering a resolution to remove a member from the Board of Elections and Registration, citing authority under the Home Rule Charter and state constitution. The resolution declares the seat vacant and will be filled later. The specific member's name is left blank in the agenda.

• Resolution to remove a member of the Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration
• Removal based on executive session discussions
• Seat declared vacant and to be filled per Home Rule Charter

County Council

Luzerne County Council will vote on selling delinquent real estate tax liens to the Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County, a process called monetization. The council will also consider removing a member from the Board of Elections and Registration and approving budget amendments. The meeting includes public comment periods on agenda and non-agenda items.

• Motion to adopt resolution selling delinquent real estate tax liens (monetization) to Redevelopment Authority of Luzerne County
• Motion to adopt resolution removing a member from the Board of Elections and Registration
• Motions regarding budget amendments (pages 36-39 of agenda packet)

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration is holding a special meeting to discuss and vote on additional compensation for poll workers who worked extended hours during the general election. The meeting includes public comment periods for agenda and non-agenda items.

• Discussion and vote on additional compensation for poll workers for extended general election poll hours

The Board of Elections and Registrations met to determine additional compensation for poll workers who worked late hours. The board approved a supplemental hourly payment to be funded by an election integrity grant.

• Approved additional $30/hour pay for Judge of Elections (JoE) and election day poll workers (5-0)

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will hold a special meeting to certify the November 8, 2022 general election. The agenda includes public comment on the certification item and on non-agenda items within the board's jurisdiction.

• Certification of November 8, 2022 General Election

The Board of Elections and Registrations voted to certify the election results despite public testimony regarding paper shortages and machine failures. The motion passed with a 3-2 vote.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved motion to certify the election (3-2)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

County Council

This is a budget work session where Luzerne County Council will review proposed amendments and line-item budgets for Division 30 (Administrative Services) and Division 50 (Operational Services). No votes are scheduled; the session is for discussion only.

• Budget amendments for unspecified divisions
• Review of Division 30 – Administrative Services budget (pages 1-12)
• Review of Division 50 – Operational Services budget (pages 13-35)

County Council

The council is reviewing the proposed 2023 general fund budget, including a $127.3 million real estate tax line cut to 5.5%, $2 million in overtime, $1 million for prison kitchen/groceries, and a $1.05 million reserve fund. Several line items show suggested amendments with savings, such as $75,000 in postage and $200,000 in overtime.

• Real estate tax line cut to 5.5%: $127,300,000
• Overtime: $2,000,000 (suggested savings $200,000)
• Kitchen/Groceries (Contract): $1,000,000 (suggested savings $150,000)
• Reserve Fund: $1,051,501
• Merit increase reduced from 2.5% to 2%: $283,228 (suggested savings $25,000)

County Council

The Luzerne County Public Defender's Office has submitted a proposed budget amendment and a request to add a full-time position that was omitted from the budget. The County Council will consider these items at the November 22, 2022 meeting.

• Proposed budget amendment for the Public Defender's Office
• Request to add a full-time Assistant Public Defender position omitted from the budget

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering the proposed 2023 IT budget, which is 7% lower than the previous year due to service consolidation and contract renegotiation. The budget includes major contracts for Microsoft ($550,000/yr), Arctic Wolf ($130,000/yr), and Zoom ($31,000/yr), with a $30,000 savings from a renegotiated security contract. All future contracts will be one-year agreements co-terminating with the budget year. The department also bills back agencies approximately $350,000+ for services like Microsoft licensing and internet access.

• Proposed 2023 IT budget 7% lower than prior year
• Microsoft contract approx. $550,000 per year
• Arctic Wolf contract $130,000 per year
• Zoom contract $31,000 per year
• $30,000 savings from renegotiated security service contract

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the 2023 proposed budgets for the Road & Bridge, 911, and Buildings & Grounds departments. The Road & Bridge budget includes major increases for road repair ($1M, up from $200,000) and new equipment ($500,000) to address an aging fleet. The 911 center, which processes over 1,000 calls daily, is presenting its $8.2 million budget. The Buildings & Grounds department reports it is understaffed, with custodians cleaning 27,600 sq ft each versus an industry standard of 11,000-18,000 sq ft.

• Road Repair budget proposed at $1,000,000 for 2023, up from $200,000 in 2022
• New equipment budget of $500,000 proposed to replace aged trucks and equipment
• Average age of snow plow trucks is 17 years; industry standard is 5-10 years
• 911 center processed nearly 430,000 calls in 2021, ranking among top 15 busiest in PA
• Buildings & Grounds has 12 of 14 custodial positions filled, cleaning 386,432 sq ft nightly

County Council

This is a public comment email from a resident, not a council action item. The resident asks council to change the list of projects funded by a $50 million+ loan, arguing the money should be used for all county roads rather than one bridge. No council vote or decision is recorded in this document.

• Resident requests council to vote to change the list of projects funded by a $50 million+ loan
• Loan described as 25-year obligation costing residents $3 million annually
• Resident argues funds should go to 120+ miles of county roads, not a single bridge

County Council

This is a public comment from residents, not an official council agenda. It addresses the county manager's resignation, calls for firing election staff, opposes a tax increase, and requests a forensic audit of elections.

• Resignation of County Manager Robertson
• Request to fire Acting Election Director Beth Gilbert McBride and Acting Deputy Director Emily Cook
• Opposition to any tax increase
• Request to use $96M in COVID funds for elderly property owners instead of CEO
• Call for a full forensic audit of elections by an outside party

County Council

Luzerne County Council will vote on issuing a $14 million Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note (TRAN) to provide cash for general expenses before tax revenues arrive in fiscal 2023. The proposed note from Fidelity Bank carries a 3.611% interest rate and matures by June 30, 2023. Council will also consider approving a timeline and advertisement for the County Manager search committee.

• Resolution authorizing up to $14 million Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note, Series of 2023, from Fidelity Bank at 3.611% interest
• Motion to approve County Manager Search Committee timeline
• Motion to approve County Manager Search Committee advertisement

Luzerne County Council approved a resolution to issue a Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note for 2023. The council also approved the timeline and advertisement for the County Manager search committee.

• Adopted resolution for Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note, Series of 2023, not to exceed $14,000,000 (10-0)
• Approved County Manager Search Committee Timeline (10-0)
• Approved County Manager Search Committee Ad (10-0)
• Approved November 17, 2022 Emergency Voting Session minutes (9-1)

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will hold a special meeting to certify the November 8, 2022 general election. The agenda includes public comment on the certification and on non-agenda items within the board's jurisdiction.

• Certification of November 8, 2022 general election
• Public comment on agenda items (limited to 3 minutes per person)
• Public comment on non-agenda items

The Board of Elections and Registrations voted on a motion to certify the 2022 general election. The motion failed with a vote of 2 yes, 2 no, and 1 abstain. Residents and board members cited paper shortages and voter disenfranchisement during public comment and discussion.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Motion to certify 2022 general election failed (2 yes, 2 no, 1 abstain)
• Approved motion to adjourn (unanimous)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will vote on a resolution to renew an agreement for the County Treasurer to collect Newport Township taxes in 2023, with compensation of $2.50 per bill. The council will also consider approving minutes from prior meetings. The agenda includes public comment periods and an executive session on litigation.

• Resolution to approve agreement with Newport Township for tax collection by Luzerne County Treasurer, compensation $2.50 per bill
• Motion to approve minutes of November 9, 2022 voting session
• Public comment periods for agenda and non-agenda items

Luzerne County Council adopted a resolution allowing the County Treasurer to collect taxes for Newport Township. The council also approved the minutes from the November 09, 2022 session.

• Approved agreement with Newport Township for County Treasurer to collect taxes (11-0)
• Approved November 09, 2022 Voting Session minutes (10-1)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work/budget session to discuss October 2022 budget reports, a proposed $14 million tax and revenue anticipation note for 2023, and updates on the Booth project and county manager search. The agenda also includes a discussion on CEO ARPA funding and a review of the District Attorney's division budget.

• Discussion of a resolution authorizing a $14,000,000 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note for 2023
• Receive and discuss Budget Reports for October 2022 (pages 1-57)
• Discussion regarding County Manager Search Committee Ad and Timeline
• CEO ARPA Funding Discussion
• Division 12 – District Attorney budget review

County Council

This document provides instructions and eligibility criteria for the Wilkes-Barre City Stimulus Fund, which offers payments to households that filed 2020 city income or per capita taxes and have lived in the city since March 13, 2020. It outlines application steps, deadlines (March 15, 2022 for tax filers, April 15, 2022 for verification forms), and answers common questions about eligibility, household changes, and paper applications. The agenda is informational and procedural, not a council decision or discussion item.

• Application deadline for per capita tax filers is March 15, 2022
• Tax Payer Verification form opens February 15, 2022 and closes April 15, 2022
• Only one payment per household address/unit will be issued
• Paper applications available at City Hall for households with invitation postcard or those over 65
• Contact CEO at 570-403-6880 for questions

County Council

The Luzerne County District Attorney's office presented its 2022 annual report to the county council, detailing caseloads, personnel turnover, and grant funding needs. The report highlights a high turnover rate among assistant district attorneys and a starting salary of $51,083, which is the lowest among comparable Pennsylvania counties. The office is seeking funding from opioid settlement and ARPA grants for additional detectives, equipment, and retention bonuses.

• ADA starting salary of $51,083 is the lowest among 11 comparable Pennsylvania counties listed in the report.
• Only 4 of 17 full-time ADAs have more than 3 years of experience; the office has one vacant full-time and one vacant part-time ADA position.
• The office is requesting $2,500,000 from the Byrne Memorial Justice Grant to create a county-wide Emergency Services Unit.
• Opioid settlement funds are sought for two detectives, an intelligence analyst, two deputy coroners, and a public relations/health services officer.
• ARPA funding is requested for two additional child abuse detectives and modern evidence technology for the detective division.

County Council

Council received a briefing on the status of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program. Staff reported that none of the 9 evaluated applications in Pool 1 reached the 60-point minimum score, and options to adjust the scoring threshold were presented. The county has $60 million allocated for NOFO applications.

• 9 of 11 council members completed evaluations for Pool 1 applications
• Average score for Pool 1 was 43.33 out of 75 possible points
• Projects scored 61% on county priorities, 49% on community outcome, and 42% on racial equity and inclusion
• Options proposed: lower minimum to 75% of average (32 points) or award to highest scorers up to $60 million
• Total ARPA funding: $112,890,152; $18,579,375 already approved by council

County Council

The Council is deciding on a hiring timeline for a new County Manager, including advertising, application deadlines, public interviews, and selection of a search committee.

• Qualifications and advertisement to be approved by Council on November 29
• Advertisement to run in four newspapers from December 1-15
• Application deadline is December 19
• Public interviews scheduled for January 3
• Search committee members to be selected and voted on by Council on January 10

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the District Attorney's Highway & DUI division, which shows a 13.6% increase in federal grant revenue to $353,281 and a 25.88% increase in payments to governmental units to $182,400. The agenda is a budget worksheet with no decisions or votes recorded.

• Federal grant revenue for DA Highway & DUI rises from $311,000 to $353,291
• Payments to governmental units increase from $144,904 to $182,400
• Health insurance ($22,102) and retirement ($8,258) added as new expenses
• Mileage reimbursement jumps 211% from $1,350 to $4,200
• Non-represented wages decrease 11.71% from $61,083 to $54,326

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the manager's proposed 2023 budget for the District Attorney's office, which requests $6,337,991 in expenses — a 20% increase over the 2022 adopted budget of $5,266,327. The budget includes revenue of $1,272,856, down from $1,397,458 in 2022. Council will consider the item at this meeting.

• Proposed 2023 expenses: $6,337,991 vs. 2022 adopted $5,266,327
• Wages for represented employees increase 22.46% to $3,270,311
• Wages for non-represented employees increase 182.26% to $1,190,441
• Special legal services line jumps 180.95% to $50,000
• Gun violence grant revenue rises 36.9% to $181,077; STOP grant revenue drops 50.4% to $125,000

County Council

Luzerne County Council is recruiting at least three qualified residents to serve on a Search Committee that will screen and interview candidates for the next County Manager. Applicants need a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and must be available for meetings. The deadline to apply is July 14, 2021.

• Committee will recommend finalists to County Council for a public vote.
• Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter by 4:30 p.m. on July 14, 2021.
• Previously interviewed applicants need not re-apply.
• All application materials become public record.

County Council

Luzerne County Council is seeking qualified individuals to serve on a Search Committee to recruit and screen candidates for the position of County Manager. The committee will consist of 3 to 5 members selected by Council at a public meeting. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and be available for meetings and deadlines.

• Council is forming a Search Committee for the County Manager position
• Committee members must have a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• Applications due by 4:30 pm on June 18, 2021
• Submit resume and cover letter to the Clerk of County Council

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections & Registration held a hearing on November 17, 2022, to consider challenges to provisional ballots cast by voters whose mail-in ballots were rejected for missing dates or signatures. The board heard testimony from affected voters and arguments from an attorney representing Republican Party committees and a candidate's campaign, who argued that provisional ballots cannot be counted when a mail-in ballot was timely received. The board discussed its prior practice of allowing voters to cure deficiencies via provisional ballots and was expected to decide whether to affirm or reverse its earlier acceptance of these ballots.

• Challenges to provisional ballots for 15 voters, including Lynda Harris, Sara Knauer, Kimberly Krulack, Betty Romanczuk, Laury Rodriguez, Theresa Clark, Mary Lentz, Deborah Banks, Linda Burkhardt, Salvatore Kerstan, Brian Healey, Jamie Jordan, Thomas Harden, Nathan Erie, Marguerite Woelfel, and John Bestilla
• Attorney Britain Henry represented the Republican National Committee, House Republican Campaign Committee, National Republican Congressional Committee, and Jim Bognet's campaign
• Board chair noted prior board vote to allow curing of mail-in ballot deficiencies via provisional ballots
• Voters testified about difficulties receiving notification and appearing at the hearing

County Council

Luzerne County Council will vote on two resolutions: accepting the resignation of County Manager Randy Robertson effective December 14, 2022, and appointing an acting manager; and forming a County Manager Search Committee to find a permanent replacement.

• Resolution to accept resignation of County Manager Randy Robertson and appoint an acting manager
• Resolution to form a County Manager Search Committee
• Public comment period on agenda items (3 minutes per speaker)

Council accepted the resignation of County Manager Randy Robertson and appointed Brian Swetz as Acting County Manager. The council also resolved to form a search committee to find a permanent replacement.

• Formed a Luzerne County Manager Search Committee consisting of 3 members (11-0)
• Accepted resignation of County Manager Randy Robertson effective November 18, 2022 (11-0)
• Appointed Brian Swetz as Acting County Manager at $157,000.00 effective November 18, 2022 (11-0)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding an emergency voting session to consider funding and staffing for the Bureau of Elections. The agenda includes a public comment from a resident urging adequate resources for the election process.

• Emergency voting session scheduled for November 17, 2022
• Public comment from Brian Dugas of Wyoming, PA, regarding election bureau funding and staffing
• Concerns raised about poll worker training, ballot transposing, and accessible drop boxes

County Council

This agenda item is a presentation of the Manager’s Proposed Budget Worksheet for the Public Defender department for fiscal year 2023. The document shows proposed revenues and expenses, including specific line-item increases for office supplies, examinations/witnesses, and subscriptions. The council is receiving this budget worksheet for review.

• Proposed 2023 expenses for Examinations/Witnesses increase 42.86% from $70,000 to $100,000
• Proposed 2023 expenses for Subscriptions increase 26.01% from $78,000 to $98,293
• Proposed 2023 expenses for Office Supplies increase 16.28% from $8,600 to $10,000
• Non-Rep positions remain at 5, Rep positions remain at 35 for 2023

County Council

This is a public hearing for the proposed ordinance adopting the 2023 Fiscal Year Budget for Luzerne County. The ordinance states the budget does not exceed revenues plus unreserved fund balance, and does not reduce required expenditures. The tax levy amount is left blank in the agenda. Council will vote on the ordinance at a later meeting.

• Public hearing on proposed 2023 Fiscal Year Budget ordinance
• Ordinance includes approval of real estate tax levy (mills amount not specified in agenda)
• Budget must not exceed revenues plus unreserved fund balance
• Budget must not reduce expenditures required by law or for debt service
• Ordinance effective January 1, 2023

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is deciding whether to adopt the 2023 fiscal year budget. Public comments submitted for the meeting criticize the proposed budget, citing inflation, the county's $113 million in American Rescue Plan funds, and recent election issues. The commenters urge council to revert to the 2022 budget with no tax increase and to use rescue funds for election integrity rather than new spending.

• Proposed ordinance adopting the 2023 fiscal year budget
• Public comment references $113 million from the American Rescue Plan
• Commenters call for no tax increase and reversion to 2022 budget
• Election integrity concerns raised, including a $1.2 million Election Integrity grant

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing on the FY2023 work budget. A submitted public comment demands the council fire County Manager Robertson, criticizing his salary increase to $181k and performance. The comment also urges the council to avoid offering a severance package and to hire from the private sector.

• Public comment demands firing of County Manager Robertson
• Criticism of salary increase to $181k from prior $?
• Request to avoid golden parachute and moving expenses
• Suggestion to hire from private sector instead of government

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is discussing the funding sources for mental health and developmental services, including coordination, early intervention, intellectual disabilities, system of care, and mental health programs. The agenda item shows the percentage splits among state, federal, and county contributions for each program area.

• Coordination services funded 100% by Medical Assistance
• Early Intervention: 83% state, 9% federal, 8% county
• Intellectual Disabilities: 79% state, 16% federal, 5% county
• System of Care: 100% federal
• Mental Health: 91% state, 4% federal, 5% county

County Council

This is a public comment submitted by email for the Luzerne County Council budget work session. Assistant Public Defender Steph Fernandes describes low pay, high turnover, and burnout in the Public Defender's Office and asks council to consider the office when crafting the budget.

• Fernandes says her salary is less than $800 more than a starting salary after 7+ years of experience
• She reports 'gaping vacancies' and frequent departures from both the PD's and DA's offices
• She states she regularly works through lunch, on days off, and on weekends due to understaffing
• The letter is submitted for agenda item 4 (Public Defender's Office) at the budget work session

County Council

This document is a summary of VA expenditures for fiscal year 2021, broken down by state and county. It lists dollar amounts in thousands for each county in Pennsylvania. The data is purely informational and does not include any decisions or proposals for a meeting.

• Philadelphia County: $767,077,000 in total VA expenditures
• Allegheny County: $683,920,000 in total VA expenditures
• Montgomery County: $245,315,000 in total VA expenditures
• Luzerne County: $240,247,000 in total VA expenditures
• York County: $220,611,000 in total VA expenditures

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budgets for the Divisions of Human Services, including Aging, Children & Youth, Drug & Alcohol, the Human Services Block Grant, and Mental Health/Developmental Services. The budgets show significant changes, including the end of the Foster Grandparent Program, the end of Luzerne County as a Supports Coordination (SCO) provider, and increased spending on child placement services and health insurance.

• Aging Department proposes $14.2M in expenses, with a $180,705 increase in health insurance benefits and a $58,300 savings from vacating the State St. office.
• Children & Youth proposes $46.9M in expenses, with a $1.4M increase in agency insurance and a $548,271 increase in institutional and facility services for placed children.
• Drug & Alcohol proposes $7.1M in expenses, with new federal grants for prevention and compulsive gambling, and a $373,570 decrease in provider services.
• Mental Health/Developmental Services proposes $20.8M in expenses, a $2.6M decrease due to Luzerne County no longer being a Supports Coordination provider.
• Foster Grandparent Program ended 6/30/2022, eliminating $175,000 in stipends and $15,000 in volunteer recognition.

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a public hearing and work session on the FY2023 budget, followed by discussion of a resolution to form a County Manager Search Committee after Manager Randy Robertson announced his intent to resign. The agenda also includes review of proposed budgets for Human Services, District Attorney, and Public Defender divisions.

• Discussion of resolution to form a County Manager Search Committee following manager's resignation
• Public hearing on FY2023 budget
• Review of Division 70 – Human Services proposed budget
• Review of Division 12 – District Attorney proposed budget
• Review of Division 80 – Public Defender proposed budget

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration is holding a special meeting to discuss the printer paper shortage at polls during the November 2022 General Election. The board may vote to request an investigation by the Luzerne County District Attorney's Office. Public comment is allowed on agenda and non-agenda items.

• Possible board vote to request investigation by Luzerne County District Attorney's Office
• Discussion of November 2022 General Election printer paper shortage at polls
• Public comment on agenda items (limited to 3 minutes per person)
• Public comment on non-agenda items (limited to 3 minutes per person)

The Board of Elections and Registrations held a special meeting to address paper shortages at polling places. The Board voted unanimously to refer the matter of the printer paper shortage to the District Attorney for investigation.

• Approved motion to allow all public commenters to speak (5-0)
• Approved referral of printer paper shortage to the District Attorney (5-0)

Planning Commission

The Luzerne County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for November 10, 2022 has been cancelled. The cancellation was made by the Executive Director with the concurrence of the Commission Chairman. No business will be conducted at that time.

• Meeting cancelled for November 10, 2022

County Council

Luzerne County Council reviews the manager's proposed 2023 budget worksheets for the Division of Operational Services, covering multiple funds including bridge programs, 911 operations, and solid waste management. The agenda consists entirely of budget worksheets with proposed revenues and expenses for the coming year, with no separate action items listed.

• 911 State Reimbursement (PEMA) budget proposed at $8,178,424 in revenue and expenses, down 2% from 2022
• 911 Digital Upgrade fund requests $0 for 2023 after $6.9 million in 2022, indicating project completion
• Solid Waste Management/Recycling proposes $7,245,508 in expenses, up from $561,500 in 2022, largely from $6,634,008 carry forward
• Act 44 Bridge fund proposes $250,222 in revenue and expenses, up from $155,175 in 2022
• 911 overtime budget proposed at $800,000, up 33% from $600,000 in 2022 due to staffing vacancies

County Council

A public comment from a resident urges Luzerne County Council to prioritize road repairs over the Nanticoke Bridge project, citing safety risks and misuse of road department staff. The comment notes over 120 miles of unsafe county roads and alleges that road workers are diverted to non-road tasks. No council action or decision is recorded in this agenda item.

County Council

This is a work/budget work session where the Luzerne County Council will receive and discuss division reports for October 2022, review the 2023 budget, and discuss a resolution to apply for the 2022 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Program. They will also discuss delinquent taxes and a proposed agreement with Newport Township for tax collection.

• Discussion of resolution authorizing application for 2022 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Program
• Delinquent tax discussion
• Discussion of resolution approving agreement with Newport Township for Luzerne County Treasurer to collect Newport Township taxes
• Review of Division 50 – Operational Services budget
• Election discussion

County Council

The Betz family submitted a public comment to the Luzerne County Council about the poor condition of East County Road in Hollenback Township. They state the road was last paved over 30 years ago and is unsafe for school buses, fire trucks, and ambulances. The council is not deciding or discussing any specific action on this agenda; the item is a public complaint only.

• Public comment from Betz family regarding East County Road, Hollenback Township
• Road last paved over 30 years ago
• Safety concerns for school buses, fire trucks, and ambulances

Children & Youth Advisory Board

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board heard the acting director report 43 staff vacancies, 397 children currently in care, and a housing crisis with about 40 families in hotels, 30 without child welfare issues. Members discussed forming a committee on homelessness, fundraising, and community awareness, plus a fiscal update noting the 2023 budget goes to Council next week. The meeting also covered routine items like approving October minutes and planning the Adoption Celebration and staff holiday luncheon.

• 43 caseworker vacancies; supervisor position posted
• 397 children currently in care, down from last year
• About 40 families in hotels, 30 without child welfare issues
• 2023 budget to be presented to Council on Tuesday
• Staff Holiday Luncheon Dec. 6 at Appletree Terrace, $27 per person

The Board approved the October meeting minutes. Members discussed a crisis regarding families in hotels due to a lack of affordable housing and proposed forming a committee to address homelessness and fundraising.

• Approved October meeting minutes (unanimous)

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration is holding a special meeting to adjudicate mail-in ballots with deficiencies and provisional ballots from the November 8, 2022 election. The board will review each category of ballot issues, receive recommendations from the solicitor, and vote on each. The meeting includes public comment periods for agenda and non-agenda items.

• Mail-in ballots set aside due to voter death before polls opened
• Ballots with missing outer envelope, signature, date, or seal issues
• Naked ballots (no secrecy envelope) and identifying marks on secrecy envelopes
• Provisional ballots with various issues, including voter registration problems
• Ballot drop box incident involving 4 mail-in ballots

The Board of Elections held a series of meetings to review and decide the validity of provisional and mail-in ballots. The board rejected ballots lacking signatures, dates, or secrecy envelopes, while accepting others based on specific curing or situational criteria.

• Rejected 221 naked ballots (unanimous)
• Rejected 144 mail-in ballots with no date (unanimous)
• Rejected 135 provisional ballots from unregistered voters (unanimous)
• Approved 117 court-ordered ballots received after 8 PM (unanimous)
• Accepted provisional ballots lacking secrecy envelopes due to extenuating circumstances (unanimous)
• Approved use of computers to transpose ballots with bipartisan oversight (unanimous)
• Rejected 31 mail-in ballots without signatures (unanimous)
• Tabled review of ballots from a drop box incident

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority is meeting to review recent events and operations. They report hosting Judas Priest and Keith Urban, upcoming hockey games and Trans-Siberian Orchestra performances, and the launch of mobile ordering at two concession stands. The agenda also covers the new traffic light near Arena Drive, ongoing part-time hiring, and discussions about the venue's name change and parking pre-payment options.

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra performances on November 27 at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm
• Mobile ordering launched at Chickie's and Pete's and Center Ice Grill concession stands
• Traffic light outside Arena Drive now functional
• Discussions about pre-paid parking options to ease entry congestion
• Venue name change discussions with Mohegan Pennsylvania

The Board approved the payment of bills totaling $75,807.89 and the minutes from the October 12, 2022 meeting. The board also rescheduled the December regular meeting to December 19, 2022. Members discussed an upcoming proposal to replace 75 heat pumps throughout the facility.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $75,807.89
• Approved minutes of the October 12, 2022 Regular Meeting
• Moved Regular Meeting from December 14, 2022 to December 19, 2022

County Council

The council is discussing whether to reintroduce 'monetization' as a budget practice, which a public comment letter strongly urges them to reject, calling it a short-sighted 'payday loan' approach that was eliminated under Home Rule.

• Discussion of monetization as a budgetary practice
• Public comment letter from former council member Linda McClosky Houck opposing monetization

County Council

This is a public comment submitted for the Luzerne County Council meeting, not an official agenda. The comment expresses voter frustration with election process failures, including paper shortages and voters being turned away, and demands accountability from election officials Denise Williams, Beth Gilbert McBride, and Randy Robertson.

• Public comment from Robyn & Walter Kochan of Dallas Twp. criticizing election administration
• Allegations of voters turned away for wrong polling place in Kingston Twp.
• Demand for accountability of election officials Denise Williams, Beth Gilbert McBride, and Randy Robertson

County Council

The council is considering a vote on using $75 million in LSA funds to replace the West Nanticoke/Nanticoke Bridge, funded by a 25-year loan with $3 million annual repayments. A public comment letter urges the council to prioritize all county roads instead of a single bridge, citing concerns about fiscal prudence, reliance on casino profits, and lack of a solid business commitment.

• Possible vote on $75 million loan for West Nanticoke Bridge replacement
• Loan repayment of $3 million annually over 25 years from LSA funds tied to casino profits
• Public comment from Carol Rosser opposing the bridge-only spending and urging road repairs
• Concerns about lack of alternative repayment plan if casino funds decline

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will vote on a resolution authorizing a one-year, $248,019 lease with Luzerne County Domestic Relations for office space in the Bernard C. Brominski building. The council will also consider approving Act 13 grant funding for 2022-2023 and minutes from prior meetings.

• Resolution to authorize a $248,019 lease agreement with Luzerne County Domestic Relations for space at 113 West North Street, Wilkes-Barre
• Motion to approve Act 13 Grant Funding Amount for 2022-2023
• Approval of minutes from October 25 and November 1, 2022 voting sessions

Luzerne County Council approved grant funding and authorized a lease agreement and a grant application. The session included an executive session regarding personnel matters and extensive public comment regarding election issues.

• Approved $100,000.00 for 2022-2023 Act 13 Grants (11-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing County Manager to execute lease with Luzerne County Domestic Relations (11-0)
• Adopted resolution authorizing application for 2022 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Program (11-0)
• Approved October 25, 2022 Voting Session minutes (10-1)
• Approved November 01, 2022 Voting Session minutes (10-1)

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Department of Corrections (LCCF). The budget requests $22,240,824 in expenses, up from $20,349,895 in 2022, with revenue unchanged at $388,250. Notable increases include overtime, kitchen/groceries, safety supplies, and new contractual services. The council will decide whether to approve this budget.

• Overtime increases 60% from $1,250,000 to $2,000,000
• Kitchen & groceries up 42% from $705,000 to $1,000,000
• Safety supplies up 83% from $30,000 to $55,000 for bulletproof vests and ammunition
• New $359,000 for other contractual services including body scanner maintenance and engineering studies
• Total proposed expenses $22,240,824 vs $20,349,895 adopted in 2022

County Council

The County Council is adopting procedures for assessing and evaluating federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant applications. The protocol includes training, scoring methods, and strict confidentiality requirements to ensure a merit-based distribution of funds through Booth Management Consulting.

• Establishment of ARPA fund evaluation protocols
• Agreement with Booth Management Consulting for assessment services
• Potential ARPA funding not to exceed $55 million
• Five application pools scheduled between November 4 and December 13

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is meeting for a budget work session to review three divisions: General Government, Courts, and Corrections. The agenda includes handouts for each division. Public comment is allowed on matters within the Council's jurisdiction, with a three-minute limit per speaker.

• Division 10 - General Government budget review
• Division 13 - Courts budget review
• Division 40 - Corrections budget review
• Public comment period with 3-minute limit per speaker

County Council

This agenda item presents the proposed 2023 budget worksheet for the Blighted Property division under General Government. The worksheet shows no changes from the 2022 adopted budget, with revenues and expenses both remaining at $15,000. No accounts had changes over 10% or $10,000.

• 2023 proposed revenue for Blighted Property: $15,000 (same as 2022)
• 2023 proposed expenses for Blighted Property: $15,000 (same as 2022)
• No position changes: 0 non-represented and 0 represented employees for 2023

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the County Council division, which shows $0 in revenue and $289,412 in expenses, a slight increase from the 2022 adopted expenses of $282,128. The budget includes one non-represented position. No items with changes over 10% or $10,000 are noted.

• Proposed 2023 expenses for County Council: $289,412, up from $282,128 in 2022
• No revenue projected for 2023
• One non-represented position maintained for 2023

County Council

The County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the County Manager's office. The worksheet shows adopted 2022 expenses of $334,264 and proposed 2023 expenses of $336,623, with no revenue listed for either year. The office has 3 non-represented positions and no represented positions.

• Proposed 2023 expenses of $336,623, a slight increase from $334,264 adopted in 2022
• No revenue is budgeted for the County Manager's office in either year
• 3 non-represented positions are maintained for 2023, unchanged from 2022

County Council

The Luzerne County Council was presented with the Manager's Proposed Budget Worksheets for four divisions of the 2023 Division of Courts budget. The documents show proposed revenues and expenses for departments 4183, 4184, 4187, and 4237, with notable changes including a 100% increase in exam expenses (account 560.17) for department 4184 and a 50% decrease in transfer revenue (account 450.55) for department 4237.

• Department 4184: proposed expenses increase from $5,119,139 to $5,842,681; exam expenses (560.17) rise from $100,000 to $200,000 (100% increase)
• Department 4184: equipment expenses (599.46) increase from $10,000 to $100,000 (900% increase)
• Department 4187: proposed revenue drops from $3,550,000 to $2,800,000 (21% decrease) due to lower transfer revenue (account 460.31)
• Department 4237: proposed revenue decreases from $8,072,000 to $6,643,250; transfer revenue (450.55) cut from $1,000,000 to $500,000 (50% decrease)
• Department 4237: position count changes from 22 non-rep and 81 rep in 2022 to 24 non-rep and 79 rep in 2023

County Council

This is a budget presentation for the 2023 General Government division. The council is reviewing proposed revenues and expenses, including notable increases in health insurance, retirement, and postage costs.

• Health insurance: $20,722,000 (2022) to $21,350,000 (2023), 3.03% increase
• Retirement: $10,823,965 (2022) to $11,575,000 (2023), 6.93% increase
• Postage: $475,000 (2022) to $550,000 (2023), 15.8% increase

County Council

Council will vote on a resolution to transfer $42,000 from the Public Defender's Office to the Court of Common Pleas to fund misdemeanor defense, and will consider adopting procedures for ARPA grant application review and awards.

• Resolution to transfer $42,000 from Public Defender's Office to Court of Common Pleas for misdemeanor defense representation
• Motion to approve procedures for Council members' ARPA grant application review and award process

Luzerne County Council approved procedures for the ARPA grant application review and award process, including specific scoring requirements and a funding cap. The Council also adopted a resolution to amend the 2022 Fiscal Year Budgets for the Public Defender and Courts.

• Amended 2022 Fiscal Year Budgets for Public Defender/Courts (10-0)
• Approved ARPA grant application review and award procedures (10-0)
• Amended ARPA fund distribution scoring to a 75-point total with a 60-point minimum for award consideration (10-0)
• Amended ARPA funding for the Notice of Funding Opportunity to not exceed $60 million (10-0)

County Council

This is a training session for evaluators of Luzerne County's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant applications. The session covers the evaluation process, confidentiality, conflict of interest, and scoring guidelines. No decisions are made; it is a procedural meeting.

• Training for ARPA grant application evaluators
• Review of confidentiality and conflict of interest agreements
• Walkthrough of evaluation process and scoring guidelines

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the Department of Corrections' proposed 2023 budget, which shows $331,264 in revenue and $5,088,250 in expenses. Notable changes include a 16% decrease in longevity wages due to fewer long-term officers, a 43% drop in sick leave buy-back costs, and a 100% increase in meeting/conference/training expenses returning to pre-COVID levels. The budget was submitted on November 1, 2022.

• Proposed 2023 budget: $331,264 revenue, $5,088,250 expenses
• Staffing: 4 non-represented and 3 represented positions
• Longevity wages down 16% ($4,500 to $3,800) due to fewer long-term officers
• Sick leave buy-back down 43% ($8,110 to $4,647)
• Meeting/conference/training expenses doubled ($750 to $1,500) returning to pre-COVID levels

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Department of Corrections, which shows a significant decrease in revenue from $200,200 to $100,200 due to the state ending inmate reimbursement for work release. Expenses are proposed to increase from $4,532,812 to $4,804,011, driven by contractual wage hikes, higher overtime, and rising costs for kitchen supplies and utilities.

• State housing inmate reimbursement drops from $100,000 to $0 (100% decrease) due to COVID-related work release suspension
• Overtime wages proposed to increase 62% from $145,000 to $235,000 based on historical data
• Kitchen and groceries budget up 15% from $260,000 to $300,000 citing rising prices
• Water and sewer costs increase 19% and 38% respectively
• Training budget rises 125% from $800 to $1,800 to return to pre-COVID levels

Zoning Hearing Board

The Luzerne County Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public meeting on November 1, 2022, to consider a single application: a use variance for a two-sided digital billboard on Highway 315 in Laflin Borough. The meeting is open to the public and will take place at the county courthouse.

• Prime Media seeks a Use Variance for a two-sided billboard (one side digital) on east Highway 315, north of Laflin Road, in a Neighborhood Business District.
• Public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 7:00 PM in the 2nd Floor Jury Meeting Room of the Luzerne County Courthouse.
• Application files are available for review at the Luzerne County Planning Commission office.

The Board approved a Use Variance for Prime Media to install a billboard. The approved sign will be a freestanding two-sided billboard with one digital side.

• Approved minutes of October 4, 2022
• Approved Use Variance for freestanding two-sided (one side digital) billboard on east side of Highway 315, north of Laflin Road (unanimous)

Industrial Development Authority

The Luzerne County Industrial Development Authority met and approved minutes and financial reports, including a quarterly loss of $22,762.13. They received updates on the Historic Altamont Redevelopment Project, which is 75% complete and delayed, and the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank Expansion, which is moving toward a grant agreement. The board also ratified officer actions and authorized the sale of unnamed parcels.

• Quarter-end assets totaled $1,977,260; expenditures exceeded revenue by $22,762.13
• Historic Altamont Redevelopment Project delayed beyond November, 75% complete
• Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank Expansion: $500,000 grant toward $3.8 million project, bidding expected February 2023
• Ratified Easement Relocation Agreement for Highland Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township, and Estoppel for Hanover Industrial Estates
• Authorized sale of unnamed parcels with Greater Wilkes-Barre Development Corporation as equitable owner

The Board approved the July 28, 2022 meeting minutes and the financial report for the quarter ending September 30, 2022. The Board ratified officer actions regarding an easement relocation and an estoppel. A resolution was adopted to authorize the sale of unnamed property parcels.

• Approved July 28, 2022 meeting minutes
• Accepted financial report for quarter ending September 30, 2022
• Ratified Easement Relocation Agreement for Highland Blvd, Wilkes Barre Township
• Ratified Estoppel for property in Hanover Industrial Estates, Hanover Township
• Adopted resolution authorizing officers to execute documents for the sale of unnamed parcel(s) of property

County Council

This agenda contains a public email comment opposing a proposed tax increase to fund county employee raises, including criticism of the county manager's $185,000 salary. No official decisions or discussion items are listed; the document is solely a public comment for the October 25, 2022 County Council meeting.

• Public comment opposing tax increase for employee raises
• Criticism of county manager salary at $185,000

County Council

Luzerne County Council will vote on two resolutions: one to apply for a $1,430,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant from PennDOT for road improvements and a bike lane on West County Road in Sugarloaf and Black Creek Townships, and another to authorize the County Manager to sell a county-owned vacant parcel in Hunlock Township to Leonard Dalmas for $500. The meeting also includes approval of the October 11, 2022 minutes and public comment periods.

• Resolution to apply for $1,430,000 PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund grant for West County Road improvements and bike lane
• Resolution authorizing sale of county-owned parcel (PIN 29-J6S1-001-006-000) in Hunlock Township to Leonard Dalmas for $500
• Approval of minutes from October 11, 2022 voting session
• Public comment on agenda and non-agenda items (3 minutes per speaker)

Luzerne County Council approved a resolution to request a Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The Council also authorized the sale of a county-owned property parcel in Hunlock Township to Leonard Dalmas.

• Adopted resolution requesting a Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant from PennDOT (11-0)
• Approved sale of County-owned property in Hunlock Township to Leonard Dalmas (11-0)
• Adopted October 11, 2022 Voting Session minutes (10-1)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a work/budget session to receive and discuss the September 2022 budget reports and county manager division reports. They will also discuss an ordinance amending the 2022 fiscal year budgets for the Public Defender and Courts, a lease agreement with Domestic Relations, the $51 million for LSA, and 2022-2023 ACT 13 grant funds. The agenda includes a review of the Controller division budget.

• Discussion of ordinance amending 2022 Fiscal Year Budgets for Public Defender/Courts
• Resolution authorizing lease agreement between Luzerne County and Luzerne County Domestic Relations
• Discussion regarding $51 million for LSA
• Discussion regarding 2022-2023 ACT 13 Grant Funds
• Review of Division 11 – Controller budget

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering a resolution to transfer $42,000 in unused salary funds from the Public Defender's Office to the Court of Common Pleas. The funds will pay for independent attorneys to represent misdemeanor defendants, as the Public Defender's Office has low staffing and is not taking those cases. The transfer requires majority approval under the Home Rule Charter.

• Transfer $42,000 from Public Defender's Office (line 100.80.4152.510.20) to Court of Common Pleas (line 100.13.4184.560.17)
• Funds to cover independent legal representation for misdemeanor defendants
• Resolution effective immediately upon adoption

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is being briefed on the status and evaluation process for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program. The agenda details the number of applications received, the proposed funding buckets, and the recommended rules for evaluating and scoring the 139 applications. No final decisions are being made at this briefing; it is informational.

• 139 applications received for ARPA funding, with $218,864,995.97 requested
• Proposed funding buckets: $55M for NOFO applications, $17.9M for internal projects, $18.6M for approved council projects
• Evaluation period set for November 14 to December 31, 2022, with award notifications by January 15, 2023
• Recommended evaluation scorecard with a possible total of 75 points and a minimum score of 60 (80%) for award consideration
• Council members will sign conflict of interest, confidentiality, and code of conduct certifications before evaluating

County Council

Luzerne County Council is receiving an annual debt overview from PFM Financial Advisors, covering market conditions, the county's outstanding debt, a preliminary timeline for the 2023 Tax Anticipation Note (TRAN), and its credit rating. The presentation includes details on the county's $178.4 million direct debt, its fixed-rate portfolio, and the upcoming TRAN issuance, with approval scheduled for November 22. No formal action is being taken at this meeting; it is an informational discussion.

• Total direct debt of $178,409,888 as of October 20, 2022
• 2023 Tax Anticipation Note (TRAN) timeline: RFP to be distributed October 26, approval November 22, settlement January 2, 2023
• Historical TRAN sizes range from $14 million (2022) to $20 million (2016)
• Credit rating: S&P A- since October 2019, with factors that could improve or weaken it
• Basis swaps with PNC and JP Morgan have approximate market values of -$106k and -$160k as of October 20, 2022

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting on October 25, 2022, includes a public comment from Cindy Brannan of Wright Township. She requests immediate oversight of all county departments, questioning whether a renovation project for the former air reserve center is correctly funded from the Road and Bridge department's account. She also stresses that the 2022 budget be followed and that funds not be transferred between departments to cover shortfalls. Additionally, she insists that department workers, such as Road and Bridge, only perform work within their scope of responsibilities.

• Public comment on oversight of county department budgets
• Question about funding for former air reserve center renovations
• Request to follow 2022 and 2023 budgets without transfers
• Concern about Road and Bridge workers assigned to non-road work

Act 13 Committee

This is a regular meeting of the Luzerne County Act 13 Grant Committee. The agenda includes discussion of Act 13 funding for 2022-2023, review of past Act 13 projects, and discussion of future Act 13 projects including requirements and applications. No votes or decisions are listed; the items are listed as discussions only.

• Discussion regarding Act 13 Funding for 2022-2023
• Discussion regarding past ACT 13 projects
• Discussion regarding future ACT 13 projects (i.e. funding, requirements, application)

Advisory Council - Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne/Wyoming Counties advisory board is holding its regular meeting. The agenda includes approval of minutes, reports from the executive director and committees, and a nominating committee report on board member terms and a slate of officers. No specific decisions or proposals are detailed in the agenda.

• Executive Director's Report by Mary Roselle
• Administrative Services Report by Tim Farrell
• Social Services Report by Mary Schell
• Active Adult Centers Report by Sandy Acornley
• Nominating Committee Report on board terms and officer slate

Advisory Council - Area Agency on Aging

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board met on October 20, 2022, approving minutes, a board member reappointment, and the 2023 officer slate. The executive director reported on union raises, 13 staff vacancies, and a pending ECHO Cottages grant. The board also heard updates on the waiver enrollment process, a new protective services dashboard, and the upcoming Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Conference.

• Approved reappointment of Laura Allport Dickson to a three-year term
• Approved 2023 slate of officers: Joe Yozviak (Chair), Angel Mathis (Vice Chair), Dr. Noah Davis (Secretary)
• 13 vacant full-time positions, including 7 Care Manager 2 and 4 Care Manager 3
• $727,000 in additional state funding for supportive services
• ECHO Cottages grant to place units on family properties, first cottage expected by summer 2024

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Division of Judicial Services and Records, specifically the Recorder of Deeds/Register of Wills office. The budget shows increased revenues and expenses compared to 2022, with changes detailed for several accounts. This is part of the county's budget review process.

• Proposed 2023 revenue: $2,196,700, up from $2,160,000 in 2022
• Proposed 2023 expenses: $561,249, up from $520,460 in 2022
• Municipal Realty Tax revenue increase of $10,000 (4%) to $260,000
• Commissions revenue increase of $22,500 (9%) to $267,500
• Wages Represented increase of $33,979 (8.7%) to $422,406 due to collective bargaining agreement

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Division of Judicial Services and Records. The budget shows increases in expenses for electricity and gas due to higher utility costs, and a merit increase for one non-represented employee. No major revenue changes are noted.

• Records Storage revenue proposed at $109,000 for 2023, up from $107,000 in 2022
• Records Storage expenses proposed at $115,844 for 2023, up from $108,627 in 2022
• Electricity expense proposed at $22,000, a 10% increase from $20,000
• Gas expense proposed at $9,500, a 19% increase from $8,000
• Merit increase of $1,317 for one non-represented employee

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Division of Judicial Services and Records, specifically the Sheriff's Department. The department requests a significant increase in expenses, including $335,467 for new equipment such as Tasers, ballistic helmets, and rifle plates, citing safety concerns. Revenue projections also rise, driven by more court cost payments and restitution.

• $335,467 for new equipment including Tasers, ballistic helmets, rifle plates, and door locking systems
• Overtime wages increase 65% from $110,000 to $170,000 due to vacancies
• Clothing & uniforms up 138% to $95,000 for contractual allowances and ballistic vests
• New $5,000 background check line for pre-employment testing of Deputy Sheriffs
• Training fees increase 127% to $20,000 for various certifications

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing to receive comments on a proposed ordinance adopting the 2023 Fiscal Year Budget. The ordinance sets the county real estate tax rate in mills and approves the budget as attached. No final vote is scheduled at this hearing; it is an opportunity for public input.

• Public hearing on proposed ordinance adopting 2023 Fiscal Year Budget
• Ordinance sets county real estate tax rate in mills (amount blank in agenda)
• Budget must not exceed revenues plus unreserved fund balance
• Budget must not reduce expenditures required by law or for debt service
• Effective date of ordinance is January 1, 2023

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting includes a public comment from residents Mike and Cindy Brannan, submitted on behalf of Fix Our Roads Luzerne County, questioning the county manager's proposed 6.75% tax increase for 2023 and the reinstatement of the $5 vehicle registration fee. The comment raises specific questions about past use of fee revenue, auction proceeds, ARP fund interest, and LSA grant money, and requests answers before a vote. The agenda itself is not provided; only this email correspondence is included.

• Proposed 6.75% tax increase for 2023
• Reinstatement of $5 vehicle registration fee
• Questions about $3 million from auctioned properties
• Questions about interest on $96 million in ARP funds
• Proposed $50+ million loan for one bridge in Nanticoke

County Council

This is a budget worksheet for the Treasurer's Office, part of the 2023 proposed budget submitted to Luzerne County Council. It shows proposed revenue of $105,000 for 2023, down from $110,500 in 2022, with no expenses listed for either year. The agenda is largely procedural, presenting budget figures without detailed narrative or discussion items.

• 2023 proposed revenue for Treasurer's Office: $105,000
• 2022 adopted revenue: $110,500
• No expenses listed for 2022 or 2023
• Position count: 2 non-represented and 2 represented employees for 2023

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Office of Law (Solicitor). The budget increases expenses from $1,164,083 to $1,457,361, largely due to new Guardian ad Litem (GAL) attorney costs of $250,000, which will be reimbursed by Children and Youth (C&Y). Revenue from expense reimbursements is also projected to rise from $50,000 to $275,000.

• 2023 proposed expenses: $1,457,361, up from $1,164,083 in 2022
• New $250,000 for Guardian ad Litem (GAL) attorneys, paid by Office of Law, reimbursed by C&Y
• Expense reimbursement revenue increases 450% from $50,000 to $275,000
• Position count remains at 10 non-represented employees

County Council

This agenda item presents the proposed 2023 budget for the Division of Conflict Counsel, showing a decrease in expenses from $1,101,932 (2022 adopted) to $832,318 (2023 proposed). The budget includes replacing contracted services with part-time positions, and the council is reviewing this proposal.

• 2023 proposed expenses: $832,318, down from $1,101,932 in 2022
• Other Contractual Services reduced 74.8% ($250,000 to $63,000) to fund 4 part-time positions
• Special Legal reduced 67.8% ($325,000 to $105,000) to replace criminal defense with 4 part-time positions
• 13 non-represented positions as of 1/1/2023 (12 part-time, 1 full-time)

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the manager's proposed 2023 budget worksheet for the Intergovernmental Affairs division. The division shows no revenue and proposed expenses of $7,445,000 for 2023, up slightly from the 2022 adopted expenses of $7,438,099. The agenda includes a budget worksheet with no listed revenue or expense accounts with changes over 10% or $10,000.

• 2023 proposed expenses of $7,445,000 for Intergovernmental Affairs division
• 2022 adopted expenses of $7,438,099 for same division
• No revenue projected for 2023
• No accounts with changes over 10% or $10,000 listed

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Coroner's office under Judicial Services and Records. The budget proposes a significant increase in expenses from $662,419 to $1,023,932, driven by higher costs for autopsies, toxicology, and staffing. Council will consider whether to approve these increases, which are partly offset by proposed fee hikes for cremation permits.

• Proposed 2023 Coroner expenses: $1,023,932, up from $662,419 in 2022
• Cremation permit fee increase of $20 per permit (2,600 permits annually) to fund a new Senior Field Investigator/Lab Assistant ($51,169 with benefits)
• Forensic examinations budget up 90% to $380,000 for 120 autopsies, X-ray, and DNA
• Toxicology budget up 65% to $150,000 for about 400 tox screens
• Overtime wages increase 800% to $25,000, reducible to $5,000 with two new positions

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Division of Judicial Services, which includes the Prothonotary's office. The proposal shows reduced revenue from filing fees and copies, and increased expenses for software repairs and record transport. Council is deciding whether to approve this budget worksheet.

• Filing fees revenue projected to drop 17% to $1,095,000
• Copy revenue projected to drop 16% to $55,000
• New $20,000 expense for software repairs due to depleted automation funds
• New $2,000 expense for transporting records to Records Facility
• Uniform allowance reduced 25% to $600

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing and budget work session for the proposed FY2023 budget. The council will review proposed budgets for the Solicitor, Budget & Finance, Judicial Services, and Intergovernmental divisions. Public comment is allowed on any matter within council jurisdiction.

• Public hearing on FY2023 budget
• Review of Division 16 – Solicitor proposed budget
• Review of Division 20 – Budget & Finance proposed budget
• Review of Division 60 – Judicial Services proposed budget
• Review of Division 96 – Intergovernmental proposed budget

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Administration department. The budget shows a decrease in revenue and an increase in expenses compared to 2022. Key changes include reduced interest income and purchasing card revenue, and higher contractual costs.

• Interest revenue projected to drop 50% to $25,000
• Purchasing card revenue projected to drop 50% to $25,000
• Other contractual expenses increase 13.3% to $631,500
• Total expenses rise from $1,133,946 to $1,230,879

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Assessors division, which includes $1,230,879 in expenses and $964,500 in revenue. The budget reflects changes in appeals revenue and PIN certification fees. This is part of the county's budget review process.

• Assessors 2023 proposed expenses: $1,230,879, up from $1,133,946 in 2022
• Assessors 2023 proposed revenue: $964,500, up from $880,700 in 2022
• Appeals revenue projected to drop 42.5% to $23,000
• PIN certifications revenue projected to rise 11.1% to $900,000
• Staffing: 15 represented positions in 2023, up from 13 in 2022

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Tax Collection division, which includes a 6.75% tax increase and higher assessed property values, raising projected revenue to $127.85 million. Expenses are proposed to decrease slightly, with refunds reduced due to historically lower amounts, though subject to court order.

• 6.75% tax increase proposed for 2023
• Real estate current revenue projected at $127.3 million, up 7.42% from 2022
• Refund expenses reduced from $525,000 to $450,000 (16.67% decrease)
• Total proposed revenue: $127,852,500; total proposed expenses: $1,014,705

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget for the Tax Claim division. The budget shows a decrease in expected fee revenue from $475,000 in 2022 to $450,000 in 2023, based on current receipts. No expenses are listed for either year.

• Proposed 2023 Tax Claim revenue: $9,425,000 (down from $9,450,000 in 2022)
• Fee revenue projected at $450,000 for 2023, a 5.3% decrease from $475,000 in 2022
• No expenses listed for Tax Claim in 2022 or 2023

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will meet to discuss and vote on several items related to the November 2022 General Election, including approving polling places, counting undated ballots, and mail-in ballot curing notifications. They will also discuss the status of ballot drop boxes and consider adding a moment of silence to meeting agendas. The meeting includes public comment periods.

• Vote on polling places for November 2022 General Election
• Discussion and possible vote on counting undated ballots
• Vote on mail-in ballot curing notification for November 2022 General Election
• Discussion on Hazleton Area drop box site for 2023 May Primary
• Possible vote on adding 'Moment of Silence' to meeting agendas

The Board voted 4-1 to cure deficient ballots (naked ballots, ID problems, identifying marks) for the 2022 General Election. They also approved polling place changes, tabled discussion on counting undated ballots pending litigation, and voted 4-1 to add a 30-second moment of silence to meetings and cancel the October 26 regular meeting.

• Approved curing ballots for 2022 General Election (4-1)
• Approved polling place changes: Harvey's Lake to borough building, Hazleton 5 to Holy Rosary Church (unanimous)
• Tabled counting undated ballots until next meeting pending litigation (unanimous)
• Added 30-second moment of silence before or after Pledge (4-1)
• Canceled October 26, 2022 regular meeting (4-1)
• Approved minutes from September 21 and September 28 meetings (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Luzerne County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for October 13, 2022, has been cancelled. The cancellation was made with the concurrence of Chairman N. Brian Caverly. No business will be conducted at this meeting.

• October 13, 2022 Planning Commission meeting cancelled

Children & Youth Advisory Board

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board met to approve minutes, hear a director's report on agency vacancies and recruitment, and receive a presentation on the CWEL/CWEB program. The board also discussed committee activities, including an adoption celebration and a coat drive.

• Approved September meeting minutes
• Director's report on vacancies and increased applicants after salary increases
• CWEL/CWEB presentation by Dr. Helen Cahalane and others
• Adoption Celebration planning with product donation request to Wegmans
• Coat drive at Salvation Army until December 1st, drop-off at 17 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilkes-Barre

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board approved the September meeting minutes and received a director's report on current vacancies, increased applicants after salary increases, and planning for a second deputy position. No fiscal update was provided. The board also discussed upcoming events including an adoption celebration and a coat drive.

• Approved September meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority meeting covered routine updates: concession rebranding and mobile ordering, a POW MIA flag retirement ceremony, bridge repairs, an ESCO assessment of heat pumps, and completion of a hotel room rental tax revenue bond modification. No major decisions were made; most items were informational reports.

• Rebranded concession stands: Power Plan Pizza and Center Ice Grill
• Mobile ordering at Center Ice Grill and Chickie's and Pete's
• POW MIA Flag Retirement Ceremony on Saturday at 12:30PM at East Gate entrance
• Bridge top coating removal completed; repairs planned before winter
• CMTA ESCO assessment ongoing; heat pump replacement report expected next meeting

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority approved a five-year lease renewal with Ken Pollock for the former employee parking lot, with a three-year option. The board also approved $138,039.85 in bills and the minutes from the September 14 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved lease renewal with Ken Pollock for former employee parking lot for 5 years with 3-year option (unanimous)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $138,039.85 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 14, 2022 Regular Meeting (unanimous)

County Council

This agenda contains a single public comment email from resident Louise Gowran, not a formal council action list. She asks the council not to raise taxes again, citing senior affordability struggles, and criticizes road repair quality and drug influx in Luzerne County. No decisions or proposals are listed on this agenda.

• Public comment from Louise Gowran opposing tax increases
• Criticism of road conditions and 'bandaid' repairs
• Request to address drug trafficking in the county

County Council

This agenda item is a public comment email from a Luzerne County resident opposing a proposed tax increase to fund employee raises. The council is receiving this comment as part of its public comments process; no decision is recorded in this document.

• Public comment opposing tax increase for employee raises
• Resident cites inflation, utility and childcare costs
• Commenter urges employee benefit concessions instead of tax hikes

County Council

This agenda item is a public comment submitted by Marie OReilly to the Luzerne County Council, opposing any further tax increase. The comment cites financial strain on senior citizens due to rising costs. No council action is proposed in this item; it is solely a public comment for the meeting record.

• Public comment from Marie OReilly opposing tax increases
• Reference to senior citizens facing price increases in groceries and utilities

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting agenda includes a public comment from Butler Township Supervisor Frank Polidora, M.D., regarding confusion in the 5th voting district about which congressional district voters are in. He states that the district is divided irregularly between the 8th and 9th Congressional Districts, and that his own ballot in the May 2022 primary listed candidates for the 8th District, though he resides in the 9th. He requests that the Election Board and Bureau provide a map, publicize the district boundaries, and ensure correct ballots for the November 8, 2022 election.

• Request for map delineating 8th vs 9th Congressional District in Butler Twp
• Allegation of incorrect ballot in May 2022 primary for 5th voting district
• Call for publicizing district boundaries before November 8, 2022 election
• Reference to 2020 Census tracts and blocks for determining district
• Butler Twp Supervisor Frank Polidora M.D. submits comment

County Council

A resident submitted a letter to be read into the record for the October 11, 2022, meeting. The correspondence addresses concerns over road maintenance, potholes, and the allocation of county funds.

• Public comment regarding road repair priorities
• Mention of $96 million in available funds
• Opposition to a proposed $51 million expenditure for the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke bridge span

County Council

The County Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an ordinance to rezone property on Old Newport Street. The proposal would change the land from a Mining District (MI) to a Two Family Residence District (R-2). The Planning Commission previously recommended approval of this request.

• Rezoning of 41.17 acres in Newport Township from MI to R-2
• Property located at Old Newport Street (Parcel 46-K6-00A-112)

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a voting session on October 11, 2022, preceded by a public hearing on a rezoning request. The main items are introducing the 2023 fiscal year budget ordinance, adopting a resolution on security/bond limits for 2023, and voting on a zoning map amendment to rezone 41.17 acres in Newport Township from MI (Mining District) to R-2 (Two Family Residence). The agenda also includes routine items like approving minutes and public comment periods.

• Introduction of ordinance adopting the 2023 Fiscal Year Budget for Luzerne County
• Resolution approving Zigmund & Company Ltd. recommendations on security/bond limits for 2023
• Ordinance to rezone 41.17 acres at Old Newport Street, Newport Township (parcel 46-K6-00A-112) from MI to R-2
• Public hearing at 5:50 PM on the Newport Township rezoning
• Approval of minutes from September 27, 2022 voting session

Luzerne County Council introduced the 2023 Fiscal Year Budget Ordinance and adopted a resolution setting security/bond limits for 2023. Council also approved a zoning map amendment re-zoning 41.17 acres in Newport Township from Mining District to Two-Family Residence District. All votes were unanimous (11-0).

• Introduced 2023 Fiscal Year Budget Ordinance (no vote required)
• Adopted resolution approving Zigmund & Company recommendations for security/bond limits for 2023 (11-0)
• Adopted ordinance re-zoning 41.17 acres in Newport Township from MI Mining District to R-2 Two-Family Residence District (11-0)
• Adopted minutes of September 27, 2022 Voting Session (11-0)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a work/budget session to discuss several items, including a resolution to apply for a $1.43 million Multimodal Transportation Fund grant from PennDOT for road improvements and a bike lane on West County Road in Sugarloaf and Black Creek Townships. They will also discuss a lease agreement with Domestic Relations for office space and the sale of a county-owned parcel in Hunlock Township. The session includes a budget discussion on retirement, debt service, and reserves.

• Resolution to submit $1,430,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant application to PennDOT for West County Road improvements and bike lane
• Resolution authorizing County Manager to execute 1-year lease with Luzerne County Domestic Relations for $248,019 annually
• Resolution authorizing sale of county-owned parcel in Hunlock Township (PIN 29-J6S1-001-006-000) to Leonard Dalmas for $500
• Budget discussion on retirement, debt service, and reserves

County Council

This agenda contains a public comment email from Huntington Mills resident Susan Banks to the Luzerne County Council ahead of its October 11, 2022 meeting. She opposes any county tax increase, citing affordability concerns, and asks the council to remove real estate deed and will filing expenses from the budget, arguing residents already pay attorneys for these services. She also suggests allowing tax payments in installments. No council actions or other agenda items are listed.

• Public comment opposing a county tax increase
• Request to cut deed and will filing expenses from the county budget
• Suggestion to allow installment payments for county taxes

County Council

The agenda includes a public comment from a resident asking Luzerne County Council to refuse a $50+ million loan for one or two bridges and instead use the funds for county-wide road repairs. The comment references a 2020 law change that allocates the first $3 million from a shared account to the county. No other substantive items are listed on the agenda.

• Public comment opposing a $50+ million loan for one or two bridges
• Request to use loan funds for all county roads instead
• Reference to 2020 law change giving county first $3 million from locally shared account
• Mention of 120 miles of county-owned roads and $50 million repair estimate

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the manager's proposed 2023 budget worksheet for the Debt Service division, which shows proposed expenses of $26,880,038, up 1.13% from the 2022 adopted amount of $26,580,290. No revenues are listed for this division. The agenda is a budget worksheet with no other substantive items.

• 2023 proposed debt service expenses: $26,880,038
• 2022 adopted debt service expenses: $26,580,290
• Proposed expense increase of 1.13%
• No revenues budgeted for debt service

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the manager's proposed 2023 budget worksheet, which shows a 14.73% decrease in the reserve fund from $1,233,204 to $1,051,501. The agenda is primarily a budget presentation, with no other substantive items listed.

• Reserve fund reduced from $1,233,204 (2022) to $1,051,501 (2023), a 14.73% decrease

County Council

Luzerne County Council is reviewing the proposed 2023 budget, which includes a 6.9% increase in retirement expenses from $10,823,965 to $11,575,000. The increase is attributed to an estimated rise in retirement plan costs based on projected 2022 year-end figures. The agenda is primarily a budget worksheet for the Retirement division.

• Retirement expenses proposed at $11,575,000 for 2023, up from $10,823,965 in 2022
• 6.9% increase in retirement costs due to estimated plan costs
• No revenue changes noted for the Retirement division

County Council

The Council is reviewing the status of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program. The report details funding requests from various organizations and outlines the application evaluation timeline.

• 139 total applications submitted for $218,864,995.97
• Total available ARPA funding of $112,890,152.00
• Balance to be expended of $94,310,777.00
• Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority added to Approved Council Projects
• Application evaluation phase projected to run from October 24 to November 28, 2022

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hear appeals regarding property variances. The meeting includes a continuation of Case #4 and a request for yard setbacks to place an accessory structure.

• Case #4 continuation from September 6, 2022
• Variance request by Christina Bittner for 210 Golf Course Road, Hunlock Creek, PA
• Request for 20 ft. front yard variance (50 ft. required)
• Request for 13 ft. left side yard variance (25 ft. required)
• Proposed one story accessory use structure (24 ft. x 24 ft. residential garage)

The board approved front and side yard variances for a residential garage in Hunlock Township and dismissed a withdrawn request for a daycare use variance at 7 Sunset Lake Road. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved front yard variance to 20 ft and left side yard variance to 13 ft for a 24x24 ft residential garage at 210 Golf Course Road, Hunlock Township (unanimous)
• Dismissed withdrawn use variance request to operate a daycare center (max 42 children) at 7 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Township (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of September 6, 2022 (unanimous)

Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission

The Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission will review and vote on responses to a Request for Proposals (RFP) for an ACE Enforcement Attorney. The body will also discuss and vote on an additional RFP for ACE Attorneys to be advertised in the Luzerne Legal Register.

• Vote to accept RFP responses for ACE Enforcement Attorney
• Vote to approve additional RFP for ACE Attorneys
• Report from ACE Enforcement Attorney Daniel Nawrocki, Esq.
• Approval of August 5, 2022 meeting minutes

The Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission approved a new Request for Proposals for ACE Attorneys after a motion to accept the single response to the previous RFP failed. The new RFP will be advertised in the Luzerne Legal Register, on the county website, and in a newspaper for 45 days. The board also closed four pending complaints after determining they were legally insufficient or that no ethics violation occurred.

• Motion to accept the single response to the RFP for ACE Attorneys failed.
• Motion to approve a new RFP for ACE Attorneys, to be advertised in the Luzerne Legal Register, newspaper, and website for 45 days, passed 4-1 (Griffith nay).
• Complaint 2022-N1 closed as legally insufficient.
• Complaint 2022-N2 closed after preliminary inquiry could not confirm allegations.
• Complaint 2022-N3 closed after inquiry found no ethics code violation.
• Complaint 2022-M2 closed after full investigation found no basis for a violation.
• Minutes from August 5, 2022 meeting approved (3-0-1, Sanguedolce abstained).
• Next meeting scheduled for December 7, 2022 at 10 AM.

Act 13 Committee

The Act 13 Grant Committee will meet to review financial data with the Budget and Finance department. The meeting includes a period for public comment.

• Act 13 Financial Review with Budget and Finance

Act 13 Committee

The committee is reviewing the financial status of the Luzerne County 206 Fund. The meeting focuses on updating the fund balance and tracking outstanding grants and expenses.

• Estimated fund balance as of 09/29/2022: $148,952.60
• Outstanding 2017-2018 grants: $17,695.48
• Outstanding 2018-2019 grants: $15,000.00
• Outstanding 2020 Wood Boring Insects grant: $14,000.00
• Historical Black Fly Suppression payments to Commonwealth of PA ranging from $58,500 to $70,000

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections & Registration is holding a special meeting to discuss and vote on a ballot drop box site in Lower Luzerne County. The meeting includes public comment periods for agenda and non-agenda items.

• Ballot Drop Box Site in Lower Luzerne County: Information, Discussion, Board Vote

The Board voted 3-1-1 to approve either Hazleton One Community Center or LCCC Hazleton as a ballot drop box site, with LCCC as first choice, contingent on their approval and compliance with camera surveillance requirements in the Memorandum of Understanding. The Sugarloaf Police Station site was cancelled by the police chief earlier that day. One member voted no, and one abstained due to discomfort with voting on contingencies.

• Approved Hazleton One Community Center or LCCC Hazleton as drop box site, contingent on MOU compliance (3-1-1)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the 2023 Action Plan, the fourth year of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, which outlines how the county will use HUD funding for community development. The plan addresses seven priority needs, including affordable housing, economic development, and public services, with estimated 2023 allocations of $4,049,063 in CDBG, $853,853 in HOME, and $351,813 in ESG funds. The agenda also highlights ongoing and completed projects, such as street improvements in Newport Township and West Pittston Borough, and notes past successes like helping over 400 families purchase homes since 2005.

• Estimated 2023 CDBG allocation: $4,049,063
• Estimated 2023 HOME allocation: $853,853
• Estimated 2023 ESG allocation: $351,813
• Ongoing projects: Newport Township Streetscape, West Pittston Street/Sewer, Freeland Street Improvement, Wyoming ADA
• Since 2005, over 400 families assisted in purchasing homes

County Council

The Luzerne County Council voted 8-3 to authorize up to $55 million in lease rental debt for the reconstruction of the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge and other infrastructure projects. The council also approved using American Rescue Plan Act funds for roof repairs at the county correctional facility, adopted a resolution urging state lawmakers to increase mental health funding, and made appointments to several boards and commissions. An ordinance amending the 2022 budget for an Election Integrity Grant was postponed and then introduced in its original form.

• Authorized up to $55,000,000 in lease rental debt for Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction
• Approved ARPA funds for roof repairs at Luzerne County Correctional Facility (amended to split 50% from Capital Plan Fund)
• Introduced ordinance amending 2022 budget for Election Integrity Grant (original version)
• Adopted resolution confirming Greg Kurtz as Division Head of Operational Services (salary amendment to $91,087 failed)
• Adopted resolution urging state lawmakers to increase mental health funding

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a public hearing and consider an ordinance to amend the 2022 fiscal year budget to account for a $1,041,396.09 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Election Integrity Grant. The amendment adds revenue and allocates expenditures for contractual services and equipment. The ordinance requires a majority plus one vote of council members.

• Add $1,041,396.09 in revenue to line item 147.30.4120.435.30 (PA DCED grant)
• Add $751,396.09 in expenditures to line item 147.30.4120.550.15 (Other Contractual)
• Add $290,000.00 in expenditures to line item 147.30.4120.599.49 (Machinery/Equipment)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a voting session on September 27, 2022, to consider two main items: an ordinance amending the 2022 budget to account for a $1,041,396.09 Election Integrity Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and an ordinance to rezone a 41.17-acre parcel in Newport Township from Mining District (MI) to Two Family Residence District (R-2). The public hearing for the budget amendment is scheduled before the session, and the rezoning ordinance is introduced for a future public hearing and vote on October 11, 2022.

• Public hearing and vote on ordinance to add $1,041,396.09 in revenue from PA Election Integrity Grant, with $751,396.09 for contractual services and $290,000 for machinery/equipment
• Introduction of ordinance to rezone 41.17 acres at Old Newport Street, Newport Township (parcel 46-K6-00A-112) from MI to R-2, owned by Steven Egenski, Etal
• Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning on September 8, 2022
• Approval of minutes from September 13, 2022 voting session
• Public comment periods for agenda and non-agenda items

Council unanimously adopted an ordinance amending the 2022 fiscal year budget to account for an Election Integrity Grant. They also introduced an ordinance to rezone a 41.17-acre parcel in Newport Township from Mining District to Two-Family Residence District. No public comments were made on agenda items, but several residents spoke on non-agenda topics including ARPA grants and a county commission appointment.

• Adopted ordinance amending 2022 budget for Election Integrity Grant (11-0)
• Introduced ordinance to rezone 41.17 acres in Newport Township from MI to R-2 (11-0)
• Adopted September 13, 2022 voting session minutes (11-0)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting includes a public comment letter from Cindy Brannan of FORLC, who urges the council to address a safety hazard at railroad tracks on Crestwood Industrial Drive and to distribute infrastructure funds more equitably across county roads rather than spending $55 million on one bridge.

• Formal complaint filed September 5, 2022, about railroad tracks on Crestwood Industrial Drive (County Road #25)
• Email exchange with County Engineer Larry Plesh cited as evidence the county knew of the danger
• Request to share $3 million from LSA money with all residents, not just one bridge project
• Concern about proposed road work on Crestwood Industrial Drive despite recent incomplete patching
• Reference to PUC engineer Holly Gilliland inspecting the repair work

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss the August 2022 budget reports, a County Manager Minute, 2023 bond recommendations from Zigmund & Co, a booth presentation, a resolution requesting a Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant from PennDOT, and reallocation of IT ARPA funds. Public comment is available for items not on the agenda.

• Discussion of Zigmund & Co 2023 Bond Recommendations (pages 58-63)
• Discussion of resolution requesting a Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant from PennDOT (pages 64-66)
• Discussion of reallocation of IT ARPA funds (pages 67-70)
• Receive and discuss Budget Reports for August 2022 (pages 1-57)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is meeting to review the status of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program, including the 140 applications received requesting over $219.9 million. The agenda details the multi-phase application processing timeline and proposes funding buckets for the remaining ARPA funds, with 50% for Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) applications and 35% for internal projects. Council will also consider the approved projects totaling $16.58 million and the proposed allocations by category.

• 140 applications requesting $219,950,749.97 in ARPA funds
• Proposed funding buckets: 50% ($56.4M) for NOFO applications, 35% ($39.5M) for internal projects, 15% ($16.6M) already approved
• Approved projects include $8M for Wyoming Valley Flood Protection stormwater, $1M for demolition/rehabilitation, $2.22M for public sector workforce matching PDoT funds
• Application processing phases: initial screening by Sept 30, eligibility/risk/budget by Oct 17, evaluation by Oct 31, award notifications by Nov 4, grant execution by Dec 5
• Proposed allocations by category: social infrastructure $15.2M, water & sewer $14.7M, local economic recovery $12.2M, community wellness $10.3M

Mental Health & Developmental Services Board

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services Advisory Board is meeting virtually to approve prior meeting minutes, discuss member term expirations and vacancies, and review the process for nominating and electing officers. The administrator's report will cover financial, developmental, supports coordination, and mental health service updates. Public comments will be heard.

• Approval of May 26, 2022 meeting minutes
• Discussion of advisory board member term expirations and vacancies
• Discussion of process for nomination/election of officers
• Financial services update by Tara Fox
• Developmental services update by Amy Tomkoski

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Mental Health and Developmental Services Advisory Board met virtually on September 22, 2022. The board approved minutes from the May 26 meeting, opened nominations for officers (Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary) with elections to be held in December, and received updates on financials, developmental services, and the transition of services due to the closures of Community Counseling Services and First Hospital. No final votes on substantive policy or funding decisions were taken.

• Approved May 26, 2022 advisory board meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Opened nominations for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary; elections deferred to December
• Noted term expirations for four board members on December 31, 2022
• Reported vacancies for one physician and one mental health consumer/family representative

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will discuss and possibly vote on several items for the November General Election, including switching from electronic to paper pollbooks, approving surveillance agreements for ballot drop boxes, and adopting a ballot curing notification process. The board will also consider a resolution to retain attorney Joseph Cosgrove for litigation regarding ballot curing procedures and vote on the County Election Integrity Compliance Report. Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per person.

• Possible vote on paper pollbooks vs. electronic pollbooks for November election
• Vote on Board Resolution for ballot drop box surveillance agreements/MOUs
• Motion to approve 2022 General Election Nursing Home Letter with attachments
• Motion to approve retention of Attorney Joseph Cosgrove for RNC v. Chapman litigation
• Board vote on County Election Integrity Compliance Report

The board voted 3-2 to accept a memorandum of understanding for drop box security for the 2022 general election, with two members dissenting. It also voted 4-0-1 to retain attorney Joseph Cosgrove to represent the board in a lawsuit involving the Republican National Committee. The board approved the 2022 general election nursing home letter, sample ballots, and certified the County Election Integrity Compliance Report.

• Approved drop box security MOU for 2022 general election (3-2)
• Retained attorney Joseph Cosgrove for RNC lawsuit (4-0-1, Fusaro abstained)
• Approved 2022 general election nursing home letter with attachments (5-0)
• Affirmed sample ballots for 2022 general election (5-0)
• Certified County Election Integrity Compliance Report (4-1)
• Tabled notification to cure until October 17, 2022 meeting (5-0)
• Approved September 7, 2022 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)

Children & Youth Advisory Board

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board heard updates on agency operations, including a 45% caseworker vacancy rate, plans to move to Evidence-Based programs, and a completed Needs Based Budget. The board also discussed fundraising, a coat drive, and community advocacy efforts.

• Casework vacancies at about 45%
• Agency plans to contract out foster homes and ongoing services
• Request for Proposals phase for Evidence-Based programs
• Holiday Party funds to be used for emergency Christmas gifts for children
• Coat drive for children planned for mid-October

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board approved the July meeting minutes and received updates from the acting director on staffing vacancies (45% caseworker vacancies), the Needs Based Budget, and plans to contract out some services. No substantive decisions were made beyond approving the prior minutes.

• Approved July 2022 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority met and heard the general manager's report on recent and upcoming events, including a September 3 political rally with Donald Trump, a Kevin Hart show on October 9, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra performances on November 27. The board also received a committee report on the Guaranteed Energy Savings Project, which is out for proposal. No public comments or correspondence were presented, and the minutes from the August 10 meeting were approved.

• Hosted political rally on September 3 with Donald Trump supporting Doug Mastriano, Dr. Oz, Jim Bognet
• Kevin Hart show scheduled for October 9, tickets on pre-sale and public sale this Friday
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns with two performances on November 27
• Hockey ice installation begins Monday; Penguins pre-season games on October 5 and 7
• Guaranteed Energy Savings Project out for proposal, committee met with selected company

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority approved a resolution to modify its outstanding hotel room rental tax revenue bond by changing the interest rate index from LIBOR to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) while keeping the same percentage rate. The board also approved several other actions including selecting CMTA as the energy savings company for a guaranteed energy savings project, hiring Postupack for pedestrian bridge repairs up to $20,000, and purchasing a new timekeeping system and video equipment. The meeting was largely procedural with all motions passing unanimously.

• Approved bond modification changing interest rate index from LIBOR to SOFR (unanimous)
• Selected CMTA as energy savings company for guaranteed energy savings project (unanimous)
• Hired Postupack to finish removal of top coat on pedestrian bridges at cost not to exceed $20,000 (unanimous)
• Hired George Albert to prepare RFP for pedestrian bridge crack filling and top coat at cost not to exceed $1,000 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of new timekeeping system at cost not to exceed $15,000 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of video room recorder, amplifier, and headsets at cost not to exceed $7,000 (unanimous)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $129,760.64 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 10, 2022 regular meeting (unanimous)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is meeting to consider the proposed 2023 county budget and set the property tax millage rate. The agenda includes a public hearing on the budget, followed by a vote on the final budget ordinance and tax levy. The meeting also covers various administrative items, including the approval of prior meeting minutes and the appointment of a county board member.

• Public hearing and vote on the 2023 Luzerne County budget and tax millage rate
• Consideration of a resolution to approve a metal screen installation contract
• Vote on the appointment of a member to the Luzerne County Board of Elections
• Approval of the minutes from the previous county council meeting
• Discussion of the county's financial audit report

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a public hearing to receive comments on a proposed ordinance authorizing up to $55 million in lease rental debt to finance the reconstruction of the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge and other infrastructure projects. The debt would be issued by the Redevelopment Authority and guaranteed by the county, with annual payments of $3 million over 25 years. No vote is scheduled; this is a public comment opportunity.

• Public hearing on ordinance authorizing $55,000,000 in lease rental debt for bridge reconstruction
• Debt to be issued as revenue bonds by the Redevelopment Authority, guaranteed by the county
• Maximum annual debt service of $3,000,000 for 25 years (Exhibit A)
• Funds may also cover other public infrastructure projects approved by county and authority
• County pledges full faith, credit, and taxing power for payments

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a voting session on September 13, 2022, to consider several items, including a public hearing and ordinance authorizing up to $55 million in lease rental debt for the reconstruction of the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge. The council will also vote on using ARPA funds for jail roof repairs, amending the 2022 budget for an election integrity grant, and confirming a division head appointment. Other agenda items include resolutions on mental health funding, budget calendar approval, and board appointments.

• Ordinance authorizing $55,000,000 in lease rental debt for Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction
• Resolution authorizing ARPA funds for roof repairs at Luzerne County Correctional Facility
• Ordinance amending 2022 fiscal year budget for Election Integrity Grant
• Resolution urging state lawmakers to increase mental health funding
• Motions regarding budget calendar and process

Council approved an ordinance authorizing up to $55 million in lease rental debt for reconstruction of the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge and other public infrastructure projects, with an 8-3 vote. They also adopted a resolution to use ARPA funds for roof repairs at the county correctional facility, amended to split funding between capital plan and ARPA. A budget amendment for an election integrity grant was postponed, and a separate budget amendment failed. The council confirmed Greg Kurtz as Division Head of Operational Services and approved several board appointments.

• Approved $55M bond for Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction (8-3)
• Adopted resolution for jail roof repairs using ARPA funds, amended to split 50% from capital plan (11-0)
• Postponed updated election integrity grant ordinance (7-4); introduced original version (11-0)
• Failed budget amendment ordinance (2-9)
• Confirmed Greg Kurtz as Division Head of Operational Services (7-4); rejected salary amendment to $91,087 (5-6)
• Approved resolution urging state lawmakers to increase mental health funding (11-0)
• Approved budget calendar and process (11-0)
• Appointed members to Arts Advisory Board, County Cares Commission, Children & Youth Advisory Board, Farmland Preservation Board, Forty-Fort Airport Board, and Planning Commission

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering an ordinance to amend the 2022 fiscal year budget to account for a $1,041,396.09 Election Integrity Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The amendment would add revenue and expenditures to specific line items, including $751,396 for contractual services and $290,000 for machinery/equipment. A public hearing is required before adoption.

• Add $1,041,396.09 in revenue to line item 147.30.4120.435.30 (PA DCED grant)
• Add $751,396.00 in expenditures to line item 147.30.4120.550.15 (Other Contractual)
• Add $290,000.00 in expenditures to line item 147.30.4120.599.49 (Machinery/Equipment)
• Ordinance effective 15 days after enactment

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to receive and discuss the County Manager's reports for August 2022, including updates from various departments. A key item is a discussion on a proposed ordinance to rezone a 41.17-acre parcel in Newport Township from the MI Mining District to the R-2 Two Family Residence District. The meeting also includes a Controller's Report and public comment.

• Discussion of ordinance to rezone 41.17 acres in Newport Township from MI Mining District to R-2 Two Family Residence District
• County Manager's reports for August 2022, including updates on elections, IT, and budget
• Elections Bureau received $1.04 million state Election Integrity Grant for mail ballot sorting system
• Real estate tax collection at $112,007,016 (95.42% of yearly budget)
• ARPA application process ongoing, with awards expected in November 2022

Planning Commission

The Luzerne County Planning Commission will consider final approval for a 15,000 sq. ft. union training facility in Pringle Borough and a rezoning request for 41.17 acres in Newport Township. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a public hearing on the rezoning.

• Final plan approval for IBEW Local 1319 OSHE Training Center, 235 Division St., Pringle Borough, 15,000 sq. ft., 54 ft. tall, with $504,229 financial security
• Rezoning of 41.17 acres on Old Newport St. near Center St., Newport Township, from M1 Mining to R-2 Two-Family Residence
• Three waivers requested for the training center project
• Public hearing on the rezoning at 2:00 P.M., County Council Meeting Room, 200 N. River St., Wilkes-Barre

The Luzerne County Planning Commission granted conditional final plan approval for the IBEW Local 1319 OSHE Training Center, a 15,000 sq. ft. indoor training facility on a 3.94-acre parcel at 235 Division St. in Pringle Borough. The commission also approved three waivers from the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) and recommended approval of a rezoning of 41.17 acres in Newport Township from Mining to Two-Family Residence District.

• Granted conditional final plan approval for IBEW Local 1319 OSHE Training Center land development (unanimous)
• Approved three SALDO waivers: monuments, plan scale, and plan size (unanimous)
• Recommended approval of rezoning 41.17 acres in Newport Township from M1 Mining to R-2 Two-Family Residence District (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of June 9, 2022 (unanimous)

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will discuss and possibly vote on managed ballot drop box security cameras and related surveillance agreements. The board will also review poll worker training issues from the May 2022 primary and discuss protocols for board members speaking publicly. The agenda includes a compliance report under Act 88.

• Possible vote on Election Bureau managed ballot drop box security cameras
• Possible vote on drop box surveillance agreements/MOUs
• Discussion of poll worker training issues from May 2022 primary
• Discussion of Act 88 County Election Integrity Compliance Report (75-day report)
• Approval of August 24, 2022 meeting minutes

The Board discussed drop box security cameras, with the Bureau reporting that county-owned cameras are not feasible due to cost and that they are working with locations on video retention. A resolution on cameras and memorandums is to be prepared for a future vote. The Board tabled a vote on the Act 88 report regarding voter roll review until the next meeting, pending more information.

• Approved agenda and minutes from August 24, 2022 (unanimous)
• Tabled vote on Act 88 report on voter roll review until September 21, 2022
• Discussed but did not vote on drop box security cameras; resolution to be prepared for future vote
• Discussed protocol for Board members speaking in public; no formal decision

Zoning Hearing Board

The Board will hear several applications for variances and special exceptions across various districts. These include requests for lot subdivision, carport enclosures, and a daycare center operation.

• Dale Elston: Side yard and lot width variances to subdivide 152 Long Road in Ross Township
• Gerald Wesolowski: Right side yard variance to enclose a carport at 515 Wyoming Ave., Dupont
• Kelly Douglas-Lowe: Front, left, and right side yard variances for a detached carport and floor addition at 323 Brown St., Duryea
• Blue Water Horizons, LLC: Use variance to operate a daycare center for up to 42 children at 7 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Township

The Luzerne County Zoning Hearing Board approved three variance requests: a subdivision in Ross Township, a carport-to-garage conversion in Dupont, and a carport and addition in Duryea. A use variance for a daycare center in Hunlock Township was continued to October 4, 2022, pending submission of a site plan, floor plans, an approved sewage permit, and other documentation.

• Approved variances for subdivision at 150 & 152 Long Road, Ross Township, with condition to record easements for shared well and driveway (unanimous)
• Approved 4 ft. right side yard variance to enclose carport into garage at 515 Wyoming Avenue, Dupont (unanimous)
• Approved front yard variance 17 ft., left side yard 4.3 ft. for carport, and right side yard 1.5 ft. for second-floor addition at 323 Brown St., Duryea (unanimous)
• Continued use variance for daycare center at 7 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Township, to October 4, 2022, requiring site plan, floor plans, sewage permit, and Section 516 compliance

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a special meeting to consider the purchase of a ballot scanner. A public comment opposing the purchase raises concerns about cost, lack of bidding, proprietary software, and potential ballot shredding. The council will decide whether to approve the scanner.

• Vote on $491,000 ballot scanner purchase
• Concerns about lack of bidding and cost compared to other counties
• Allegations of proprietary software and ballot replication capabilities
• Reference to Pa Act 88 and mail-in ballot counting deadline
• Question about grant funding for the scanner

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a special meeting to consider the purchase of a Runbeck Election Services mail ballot sorting system. A public comment submitted for the record supports the purchase, citing the Election Bureau's year-long research and the machine's compatibility with Pennsylvania's SURE system. The comment also notes that competing systems from Tritek and Blucrest were rejected for various reasons.

• Public comment supporting purchase of Runbeck ballot sorting machine
• Election Bureau's year-long research and due diligence cited
• Tritek machine eliminated as not fit for Luzerne County needs
• Blucrest machine deemed for larger metro areas and affiliated with former vendor Election IQ
• Machine described as adding election security and meeting state ballot processing times

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering a resolution to authorize the County Manager to execute a contract with Runbeck Election Services for a mail ballot sorting system and five-year licensing/service agreement. A public comment submitted for the meeting urges Council to reject the contract, calling it a reckless use of funds, noting the grant is conditional rather than guaranteed, and stating the purchase was not put out to bid.

• Resolution authorizing County Manager to execute contract with Runbeck Election Services for mail ballot sorting system and five-year licensing/service agreement
• Public comment opposing the contract, citing conditional grant and lack of competitive bidding

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a voting session where it will consider the purchase of a Runbeck Mail Ballot Sorting System and a five-year licensing and service agreement for $491,000. A public comment from a resident opposes the purchase, citing concerns about the system's performance and cost. The agenda appears to be focused on this decision.

• Purchase of Runbeck Mail Ballot Sorting System and 5-year licensing/service agreement for $491,000

County Council

A resident submitted a message requesting that the Council vote against purchasing a new ballot scanner. The commenter expressed concerns regarding proprietary software and the timing of the change before the November election.

• Public comment regarding ballot scanner purchase

County Council

Luzerne County Council is deciding whether to purchase a ballot-sorting system for $490,500, funded by a state election integrity grant. A resident's public comment urges the council to reject the purchase, questioning its necessity and raising concerns about meeting notice accuracy.

• Proposed purchase of ballot-sorting system for $490,500
• Funding from $1.04 million state election integrity grant expected in early September
• Public comment opposing the purchase submitted by resident Nancy Zola

County Council

The Council is reviewing a request from the election council to use grant funds for the purchase of ballot counting machines. This item includes a public hearing scheduled for August 29th at 5:00 PM.

• Request to use grant monies to purchase ballot counting machines

County Council

This agenda contains a public comment email from a resident urging Luzerne County Council not to purchase or lease a $500,000 scanning machine for scanning mail-in ballots, and to hire temporary workers instead. The email is the only substantive item on the agenda; no other decisions or discussions are listed.

• Public comment opposing $500,000 ballot scanning machine
• Suggestion to hire temporary workers instead

County Council

This agenda includes a public comment opposing the purchase of vote counting machines, citing reliability concerns. The council is discussing whether to proceed with the purchase.

• Public comment opposing purchase of vote counting machines

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering whether to purchase the Runbeck Mail Ballot Sorting System and Licensing Agreement. A public comment opposing the purchase was submitted, citing cost, malfunction concerns, and a rushed process, and urging a no vote.

• Purchase of Runbeck Mail Ballot Sorting System and Licensing Agreement under consideration
• Public comment opposing purchase due to cost and malfunction reports
• Suggestion to hire staff for physical counting instead

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a voting session on August 29, 2022. A public comment was submitted urging the council to approve the Election Council's request to use grant money to purchase ballot counting machines, citing increased public trust and efficiency. The agenda appears to be focused on this request and other routine council business.

• Public comment requesting approval of grant money for ballot counting machines

County Council

The Council is considering a resolution to authorize the County Manager to contract with Runbeck Election Services. The agreement includes the purchase of an Agilis Mail Ballot Sorting System and a five-year licensing and service agreement. This equipment is intended to streamline the processing of mail-in ballots for the Bureau of Elections.

• $490,500 contract with Runbeck Election Services
• Purchase of Agilis Mail Ballot Sorting System
• Five-year licensing and service agreement (2022-2027)
• Funding via Act 88 Election Integrity Grant

The Luzerne County Council voted 6-5 to authorize the County Manager to execute a contract with Runbeck Election Services for the purchase of a mail ballot sorting system and a five-year licensing and service agreement. The vote was split, with six members in favor and five opposed. The meeting included public comments on the agenda item and non-agenda topics.

• Approved contract with Runbeck Election Services for mail ballot sorting system and five-year licensing/service agreement (6-5)

Authorities, Boards & Commissions Committee

The committee is holding an interview session regarding authorities, boards, and commissions. The meeting includes a call to order, adoption of the agenda, and public comment.

• Authorities, Boards and Commissions Interviews

Authorities, Boards & Commissions Committee

The Luzerne County Authorities, Boards & Commissions Committee is holding an interview session for applicants seeking appointment or reappointment to various county boards and commissions. The agenda lists 16 applicants with their interview times and the boards they are applying to, including Aging, Agricultural, Forty-Fort Airport, C&Y, Arts, and others. No decisions are recorded in this agenda; it is solely an interview schedule.

• Interviews for new applicants and reappointments to boards such as Aging, C&Y, Elections-D, NEPA Hospital & Higher Ed, WIB, Agricultural, Forty-Fort Airport, Arts, and more
• Reappointments: Richard Yost (Agricultural, expires 12-31-22), Joshua Wilder (C&Y, expires 8/31/22)
• Multiple applicants for Forty-Fort Airport board: David Sieminski, Alice Frantz, Nandakumar Palissery, Scott Serafin, Theodore Ritsick
• Brian Vick applying to 20 boards including ACE-D, Aging, Agricultural, BPRC, C&Y, Conservation, Convention Center, CCC, D&A, FPA, Forty-Fort Airport, NEPA Hospital & Higher Ed, Housing, IDA, LCCC, MHDS, Planning, LCRFAB, Redevelopment, Tax Assessment, Tourism, LCTA, WIB, Zoning

Authorities, Boards & Commissions Committee

The Authorities, Boards & Commissions Committee is holding an interview session for 17 applicants seeking appointment or reappointment to various Luzerne County boards and commissions. The agenda lists applicants with their requested boards and interview times, but no decisions are scheduled; this is a candidate screening step.

• Interviews for new applicants to Forty-Fort Airport, Agricultural, Arts, C&Y, Planning, Tourism, and other boards
• Reappointments: Richard Yost (Agricultural, expires 12-31-22), Joshua Wilder (C&Y, expires 8/31/22)
• Robin Watson seeks multiple boards including Aging, C&Y, Elections-D, NEPA Hospital & Higher Ed, WIB
• Brian Vick seeks 20+ boards including ACE-D, Conservation, IDA, LCCC, Planning, Zoning
• Session starts 6:00 PM, ends after 7:00 PM slot

Advisory Council - Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Advisory Board is holding a routine meeting. The agenda includes roll call, approval of minutes, welcoming new board member Donna DePue and exercise class instructor Rosie Letcher, and receiving reports from the executive director and divisions. No specific decisions or proposals are listed.

• Welcome of new Advisory Board member Donna DePue (Wyoming County)
• Welcome of Health & Wellness Exercise Class Instructor Rosie Letcher
• Executive Director's Report
• Reports from Administrative Services, Social Services, and Active Adult Centers divisions

Advisory Council - Area Agency on Aging

The Luzerne-Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board met on August 25, 2022, and heard reports on agency operations. The executive director announced ratification of the Rank and File union contract, which includes pay increases for Care Manager 2 positions, and noted many care manager vacancies. The board also learned about a 2023 grant for ECHO cottages, a program placing small cottages on family property for elder care, with the first cottage planned for 2024. The meeting included updates on the Foster Grandparent Program transition, Mature Workers Program budgets, and new state care management guidelines.

• Rank and File union contract ratified, including Care Manager 2 pay increases
• 14 vacant full-time positions, including 8 Care Manager 2 and 4 Care Manager 3 vacancies
• ECHO cottages grant for 2023, first cottage planned for 2024 with Neighbor Works
• Foster Grandparent Program ended June 30, transitioned to Telespond
• 36,640 Farmers Market Vouchers distributed

Board of Elections & Registration

The Board of Elections and Registration discussed the legality and security of ballot drop boxes. Members also addressed poll worker training, Bureau equipment purchases, and roles between the Board and the Bureau.

• County Council Ballot Drop Box Ordinance discussion
• Poll Worker Training mandatory attendance requirements
• Polling Place Contracts discussion
• Poll Watcher online website information and application
• Purchase of Bureau equipment

The Board of Elections discussed but did not vote on a proposed $400,000 ballot sorting machine, with members disagreeing over procurement process and whether it should be bid. The board also tabled polling place contracts pending Council review and discussed poll worker training and poll watcher website information. No formal decisions were made on these items.

• Removed County Drop Box Ordinance/Board Legal Representation item from agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted revised agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of August 10, 2022 (unanimous)
• Tabled polling place contracts pending Council discussion
• No vote taken on $400,000 ballot sorter purchase

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold public hearings and a voting session on August 23, 2022. Key items include adopting the 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan, authorizing up to $55 million in lease rental debt for the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction, and amending the Administrative Code regarding election equipment and drop boxes. The council will also consider resolutions on road dedication, litigation settlement, and a mail ballot sorting system contract.

• Adopt 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan
• Authorize $55,000,000 lease rental debt for Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction
• Amend Administrative Code to add Section 7.01(A)(1) on issuance of electronic equipment
• Amend Administrative Code to add Section 7.03(A) prohibiting election drop boxes
• Approve contract with Runbeck Election Services for mail ballot sorting system

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold public hearings and a voting session to consider several items, including adopting the 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan, authorizing up to $55 million in lease rental debt for the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction, and approving a settlement in a pending lawsuit. The council will also vote on ordinances amending the Administrative Code regarding election equipment and drop boxes, and a resolution to dedicate a portion of County Road 38 to Sugarloaf Township.

• Public hearing on the Capital Plan Budget at 5:15 PM
• Public hearing on amending Admin Code for Board of Elections electronics at 5:30 PM
• Public hearing on amending Admin Code for election drop boxes at 5:45 PM
• Motion to adopt ordinance authorizing $55,000,000 in lease rental debt for Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge
• Motion to adopt resolution approving settlement in Michael Rivera v. Mark Rockovich, Luzerne County, et. al

Council unanimously adopted the 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan. It introduced an ordinance authorizing up to $55 million in lease rental debt for reconstructing the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge and other infrastructure. A proposed ordinance banning election drop boxes failed 5-6. Council also approved a settlement in the Rivera litigation and dedicated a county road to Sugarloaf Township.

• Adopted the 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan (11-0).
• Introduced ordinance authorizing up to $55 million in lease rental debt for the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge project (10-1).
• Approved dedicating a portion of County Road 38 (Mountain Drive) to Sugarloaf Township (11-0).
• Approved settlement of pending litigation in Michael Rivera v. Mark Rockovich, Luzerne County, et al. (11-0).
• Adopted ordinance amending Administrative Code to allow issuance of electronic equipment (11-0).
• Failed ordinance amending Administrative Code to ban election drop boxes (5-6).
• Moved agenda item 5 (Runbeck Election Services contract) to the Work Session agenda (6-5).
• Adopted minutes of the August 9, 2022 Voting Session (10-1).

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will vote on a resolution authorizing a $490,500 contract with Runbeck Election Services for a mail ballot sorting system, funded by Act 88 Election Integrity Grant. The system is intended to speed up mail-in ballot processing to meet election night deadlines. The contract covers 2022-2027, with the bulk of the cost in 2022.

• Contract with Runbeck Election Services for $490,500 for a Mail Ballot Sorting System (2022-2027)
• Funding from Act 88 Election Integrity Grant ($1,041,396.09 received annually)
• Purchase of Agilis Mail Ballot Scanning and Sorting Solution (scans 18,000 ballots per hour)

County Council

Luzerne County Council voted to introduce an ordinance banning election drop boxes, approved the appointment of Jennifer Pecora as Head of Administrative Services at $94,500, and authorized renegotiating the sale of the former Juvenile Detention Center property. The council also approved an ARP application with a 5% match requirement and tabled the budget calendar discussion.

• Introduced ordinance to ban election drop boxes (Section 7.03(A))
• Appointed Jennifer Pecora as Head of Administrative Services at $94,500
• Authorized renegotiating sale of former Juvenile Detention Center property with Castillo Real Estate LLC, amended to $30,000
• Approved ARP announcement and application with minimum 5% match
• Tabled budget calendar and process

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing and considering an ordinance to adopt the 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan, which includes the 2023 General Fund Budget and financial projections through 2025, as well as capital project priorities. The public may comment on the proposed ordinance, with each speaker limited to three minutes.

• Public hearing on ordinance adopting the 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan
• Plan includes 2023 General Fund Budget and financial projections through 2025
• Capital project planning section ranks projects by need
• Ordinance effective 15 days after enactment

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would prohibit the county from using, funding, or moving election drop boxes unless explicitly allowed by state law. The ordinance also includes a provision that would automatically repeal the ban if the Pennsylvania Legislature legalizes drop boxes. No final vote is scheduled at this hearing; it is for public comment only.

• Proposed ordinance to add Section 7.03(A)(1) banning election drop boxes
• Automatic repealer clause if state law changes
• Public comment limited to 3 minutes per speaker
• Introduced by Council Member Stephen J. Urban

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to amend the Administrative Code to require the county to provide laptops to all members of the Board of Elections and Registration. The ordinance also requires members to follow IT security policies and return equipment when leaving office. No vote is scheduled at this hearing; it is for public comment only.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending Administrative Code Section 7.01(A) to add Section 7.01(A)(1) on issuance of electronic equipment
• Ordinance would provide county-issued laptops to all Board of Elections and Registration members
• Members must follow county IT security policies and return equipment upon resignation or non-reappointment
• Introduced by Council Member Stephen J. Urban

County Council

This agenda item is a public comment submitted to the Luzerne County Council ahead of its August 23, 2022 meeting. The comment urges support for mail-in ballots for voters who are out of country or unable to vote in person. No other agenda items are listed; the document contains only this public comment and administrative email headers.

• Public comment urging support for mail-in ballots for voters out of country or with impairment

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding an ordinance hearing and general meeting on August 23, 2022, where they will consider an ordinance related to ballot drop boxes. A public comment from a resident urges the council to reject the ordinance, arguing it restricts voting access. The agenda includes both a work session and a voting session.

• Public hearing on drop box ordinance
• Council general meeting and voting session
• Public comment from Claudia Glennan opposing drop box restrictions

County Council

This Luzerne County Council voting session agenda includes a public comment period. The sole substantive item is an emailed public comment opposing the Nanticoke Bridge project, which the writer claims would cost $51 million of $54 million in county infrastructure funds and benefit the proposed NACERO gas-to-gasoline plant. The comment urges council to vote no, citing a lack of studies and public briefings.

• Public comment opposing Nanticoke Bridge project
• Claim: $51,000,000 of $54 million for infrastructure projects
• Opposition tied to proposed NACERO gas-to-gasoline plant
• No feasibility, environmental impact, or geological survey studies cited
• Sen. Yudichak quoted on Nacero communications

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing a communication from the County Controller regarding the Home Rule Charter's requirements for approving the purchase of a mail sorter. The message cites Section 2.09, which requires council approval for contracts exceeding $25,000 in a future budget year or $75,000 in aggregate. This is a procedural item clarifying approval thresholds, not a final decision.

• Controller cites Charter Section 2.09 on contract approval thresholds
• Purchase of mail sorter requires council approval if over $25,000/year or $75,000 aggregate
• Council may raise these dollar thresholds by ordinance

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting on August 23, 2022, will include a public comment from a resident demanding detailed action on road repairs, including a proposal to authorize up to $600,000 for urgent paving before winter. The agenda appears to be procedural, with the main item being this submitted question to be read into the record.

• Public comment from Carol Rosser of Sweet Valley regarding road repairs
• Request for blanket authorization of up to $600,000 for imminent danger zones
• Mention of Sweet Valley Main Rd and Hillside Road as priority roads

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting includes a forwarded email from a resident, Joseph Shafer, asking to be read aloud. The email expresses strong support for mail-in ballots and drop boxes, arguing they are safe and secure, and criticizes any proposed restrictions as political and an attempt to suppress Democratic votes. The agenda itself contains no other official business items, only this public comment.

• Public comment on mail-in ballot drop boxes
• Resident criticizes proposal to ban county employees from transporting ballots
• Resident claims no evidence drop boxes are unsafe

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding an ordinance hearing and regular meeting to consider a proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of mail-in ballot drop boxes, including prohibiting their placement on county property and handling by county employees. A public comment email from a resident urges the council to reject the ordinance, arguing it exceeds the council's authority and could lead to litigation. The council will vote on the ordinance at this meeting.

• Proposed ordinance restricting drop box use
• Public comment opposing the ordinance
• Ordinance hearing and regular meeting scheduled

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the administrative code regarding Board of Elections drop boxes. The agenda includes one public comment from a Wilkes-Barre resident opposing the change as making voting more difficult. No other business items are listed.

• Public hearing on amending administrative code for BOE drop boxes

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a hearing and public comment on an ordinance that would eliminate the use of ballot drop boxes. The agenda includes a statement from a resident opposing the ordinance, arguing it is unnecessary and would make voting harder. The council will decide whether to adopt the ordinance.

• Ordinance to eliminate ballot drop boxes
• Public hearing and comments on the ordinance
• Resident statement opposing the ordinance

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering a measure to eliminate ballot drop boxes, as raised in public comments. The agenda includes a vote on partially eliminating drop boxes, with concerns about election security. The meeting is focused on this election-related decision.

• Vote on partial elimination of ballot drop boxes
• Public comment opposing drop boxes by any government agency
• Discussion of drop box security and legality

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing on August 23, 2022, at 5:45 PM regarding a voting session agenda item. The agenda includes a public comment from Pastor Wes Poole opposing any ban on county workers handling voting drop boxes, arguing it would disenfranchise certain voters. The council is deciding or discussing this item, though the agenda text provided is primarily a public comment rather than a detailed agenda.

• Public hearing on voting drop boxes scheduled for August 23, 2022, at 5:45 PM
• Public comment opposing a ban on county workers handling drop boxes
• Reference to allocation of American Rescue Plan funds

County Council

This agenda item is a public comment submitted for the Luzerne County Council voting session, requesting that Home Rule Study Commission recommendation #7 be read verbatim. The recommendation proposes sweeping hiring and appointment reforms to end nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism in county government. The council is not deciding on this item; it is receiving it as public comment on a non-agenda matter.

• Public comment requesting verbatim reading of Home Rule Study Commission recommendation #7
• Proposal to require public notice, merit, fitness, and qualifications for county appointments and hirings
• Proposal to prohibit nepotism in hiring and supervisory structure
• Proposal for blind ranking of applicants and hiring from top three qualified candidates
• Proposal for lottery system for seasonal jobs where objective measures cannot be used

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing and considering an amendment to the Administrative Code that would remove mail-in ballot drop boxes. The agenda includes public comment on the proposal, with at least one resident urging the council to vote against it.

• Public hearing on amendment to Administrative Code regarding drop boxes
• Proposal to remove mail-in ballot drop boxes
• Public comment received from Wilkes-Barre resident Tony Thomas opposing the amendment

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a public session where it will consider two agenda items related to election drop boxes (7:03 (A) 1 and 7:03 (A) 2). A public comment letter from Karen Baranoski of Wilkes-Barre City urges the council to keep drop boxes, citing their convenience for voters and lack of fraud evidence. The council's decision on these items is pending.

• Election drop box agenda items 7:03 (A) 1 and 7:03 (A) 2
• Public comment letter from Karen Baranoski supporting drop boxes
• Reference to previous council meetings discussing drop boxes
• Mention of 5 drop boxes and potential costs for truck rental

County Council

This agenda item is a public comment letter from Mike and Cindy Brannan of Wright Township, submitted for the August 23, 2022 County Council meeting. The letter urges the council to address dire road conditions, incomplete projects, and winter snow removal preparedness. It raises questions about equipment, personnel, and potential outsourcing, and requests bids for the 2023 construction season.

• Incomplete road work at Crestwood Industrial Drive and Hanover Industrial Park
• Concerns about snow removal for 120-plus miles of county roads
• Questions about county equipment and personnel readiness
• Request for bids for 2023 construction season
• Offer of a volunteer committee to advise on bid requests and awards

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a voting session that includes a proposal by Steve Urban to prevent county employees from placing ballot drop boxes, which critics say would restrict voting access. The agenda also includes public comments, with one resident urging the council to reject the proposal and to better publicize American Rescue Plan fund applications.

• Proposal to prevent county employees from placing ballot drop boxes
• Public comment opposing the drop box proposal as unconstitutional and disenfranchising
• Reference to $112M in American Rescue Plan funds and application deadline concerns

County Council

Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss July 2022 budget reports, an update on American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) applications, and a resolution to use ARP funds for roof repairs at the county correctional facility. They will also consider ordinances amending the 2022 budget for an election integrity grant and division head salaries, plus a resolution urging state lawmakers to increase mental health funding.

• Resolution to use ARP funds for roof repairs at Luzerne County Correctional Facility
• Ordinance amending 2022 budget for Election Integrity Grant
• Ordinance amending 2022 budget for Division Head Salaries
• Resolution urging NEPA lawmakers to increase mental health services funding
• Budget reports for July 2022

County Council

The County Council will discuss several budget amendments, including items for election integrity grants and division head salaries. The meeting also includes discussions on using American Rescue Plan Act funds for roof repairs at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

• Roof repairs at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility via ARP funds
• 2022 Fiscal Year Budget amendment for Election Integrity Grant
• 2022 Fiscal Year Budget amendment for Division Head Salaries
• Update on ARP announcement and application
• Resolution urging increased mental health service funding

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing the 2023 Action Plan, the fourth year of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, which outlines how the county will use federal HUD funds (CDBG, HOME, ESG) for housing and community development. The plan prioritizes seven needs, including affordable housing, economic development, and slum/blight removal. The council is also hearing about ongoing and completed projects funded by these programs.

• CDBG funding estimated at $4,049,063 for 2023
• HOME funding estimated at $853,853 for 2023
• ESG funding estimated at $351,813 for 2023
• Newport Township Streetscape Project, Glen Lyon
• West Pittston Borough Street/Sewer Improvement Project

Strategic Initiatives Committee

The Strategic Initiatives Committee is reviewing funding requests for the LSA Infrastructure Program. These requests cover bridge construction and road repairs across several townships.

• $51 million for a new West Nanticoke Bridge in Nanticoke and Plymouth Township
• $1,000,000 for Main Road in Hunlock and Ross Townships
• $650,000 for Lower and Upper Demunds Road in Dallas and Franklin Townships
• $500,000 for Ransom Road in Dallas and Franklin Townships
• Road repair requests of $250,000 to $500,000 for Wright, Butler, and Hanover Townships

Strategic Initiatives Committee

The Strategic Initiatives Committee is discussing an ordinance to authorize up to $55 million in lease rental debt. This funding would be used by the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Luzerne to finance the reconstruction of the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge and other approved public infrastructure projects.

• Proposed ordinance for lease rental debt not to exceed $55,000,000
• Reconstruction of the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge
• Discussion regarding an additional Controller's report before the budget process

Planning Commission

The Luzerne County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for August 11, 2022 has been cancelled. The cancellation was made with the concurrence of Chairman N. Brian Caverly. No business items are scheduled for this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled with chairman's concurrence

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will discuss and possibly vote on the legality of using mail-in ballot envelopes with privacy windows, and how to notify voters about naked ballots and the process to fix them before Election Day. The board will also consider changing to a P.O. Box for Election Bureau mail reception, review ballot drop box locations and agreements, and discuss the Act 88 Election Integrity Grant status.

• Discussion and possible vote on legality of mail-in ballot envelopes with privacy windows and naked ballot notification process
• Information and possible vote on changing Election Bureau mail reception to a P.O. Box, with cost options for all-year mail, election-cycle mail, or mail-in ballots only
• Discussion and possible vote on ordering an additional large ballot drop box to replace the small one at Penn Place
• Review of primary election absentee/mail-in ballot return plan and plan for November election
• Act 88 Election Integrity Grant information and status

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration met on August 10, 2022, and discussed several election-related issues, including drop box security, a post office box for mail-in ballots, and an Act 88 Election Integrity Grant. No formal votes were taken on these topics; the meeting was largely procedural and discussion-based. The board approved the agenda and minutes from July 20, 2020, unanimously.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of July 20, 2020 (unanimous)
• Discussed but did not vote on drop box security and memorandums
• Discussed but did not vote on PO box for daily mail
• Discussed but did not vote on Act 88 Election Integrity Grant
• Discussed but did not vote on nursing home letter for ballot return
• Discussed but did not vote on absentee/mail-in ballot return plan

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority Board approved a $192,795 insurance policy and discussed adding active shooter/assailant coverage. They also approved moving forward with a loan modification with FNB Bank to replace LIBOR with SOFR, keeping the interest rate at 3.23%, with formal approval expected in September. The board authorized an RFP for energy savings companies and a $35,000 concession area project.

• Approved insurance policy at $192,795; active shooter coverage discussed at estimated $20,000-$25,000
• Approved moving forward with FNB loan modification from LIBOR to SOFR, keeping 3.23% rate; cost ~$75,000
• Authorized RFP for energy savings companies under Pennsylvania Guaranteed Energy Savings Act
• Approved new concession area in old Penguins' Team Store location, cost not to exceed $35,000
• Approved payment of bills totaling $33,017.08

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is voting on two motions to amend the Administrative Code: one to add rules on issuing electronic equipment, and another to prohibit election drop boxes. The agenda includes a public comment from residents urging the Council to eliminate drop boxes entirely and to consider paper ballots. The meeting is a voting session, so the Council may decide on these ordinance amendments.

• Motion to introduce ordinance amending Administrative Code Section 7.01(A) on issuance of electronic equipment
• Motion to introduce ordinance adding Section 7.03(A)(1) prohibiting election drop boxes
• Motion to introduce ordinance adding Section 7.03(A)(2) automatic repealer of the drop box prohibition
• Public comment from Dallas Twp. residents Walter and Robyn Kochan urging elimination of drop boxes

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a voting session on August 9, 2022, with a proposed ordinance regarding ballot drop boxes as a key item. Public comment submitted by Denise Williams argues the ordinance would improperly direct the Bureau of Elections, interfering with the Board of Elections' supervisory role and potentially exposing the county to lawsuits. The council is deciding whether to pass this ordinance.

• Proposed ordinance by Councilman Urban on ballot drop box handling
• Public comment citing Home Rule Charter Section 2.17 on non-interference
• Concerns about council overstepping into Board of Elections duties
• Potential legal liability for the county if ordinance passes

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a voting session on August 9, 2022, preceded by a public hearing on amending the capital plan budget. The council will consider approving an American Rescue Plan grant program, adopting the budget calendar, settling litigation, confirming an administrative services head, introducing ordinances on electronic equipment issuance and election drop boxes, amending the capital plan budget, and authorizing the sale of county-owned property, including renegotiating the sale of the former Juvenile Detention Center with Castillo Real Estate LLC.

• Approve ARP grant program and application (pages 7-69)
• Adopt resolution settling litigation in Kimberly Karavitch v. Luzerne County
• Introduce ordinance banning election drop boxes (Administrative Code 7.03(A)(1))
• Amend Capital Plan Budget for Luzerne County
• Authorize renegotiation of sales agreement with Castillo Real Estate LLC for former Juvenile Detention Center property

Council introduced an ordinance to ban election drop boxes and adopted a resolution confirming Jennifer Pecora as Head of Administrative Services at $94,500 (8-2). The budget calendar was tabled, and a resolution authorizing renegotiation of the former Juvenile Detention Center property sale was amended to $30,000 and adopted (9-0).

• Introduced ordinance banning election drop boxes (6-4)
• Confirmed Jennifer Pecora as Head of Administrative Services at $94,500 (8-2)
• Tabled budget calendar and process (9-1)
• Adopted resolution authorizing renegotiation of Juvenile Detention Center property sale, amended to $30,000 (9-0)
• Approved ARP announcement and application with 5% match (10-0)
• Adopted settlement in Karavitch v. Luzerne County (10-0)
• Introduced ordinance on issuance of electronic equipment (9-1)
• Adopted capital plan budget amendment (10-0)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is meeting to review the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant program, including the online application process, materials, and projected timeline. The agenda details how applicants will apply, with the application posting on August 31, 2022, and a submission deadline of September 30, 2022. This is an informational session on the grant program's rollout.

• ARPA grant application to be posted August 31, 2022
• Application submission deadline September 30, 2022
• Grant evaluation period in October 2022
• Notice of awards expected October-November 2022
• Online application optimized for mobile devices

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting agenda includes a public comment email from Cindy Brannan of the Fix Our Roads Luzerne County committee, complaining about untrimmed weeds on roads like Blytheburn and inaccurate work schedules from Road and Bridge. She requests outsourcing or major funding for the nine-person crew, and asks that workers not be assigned to non-road duties. The council is not deciding on this item; it is part of public comments.

• Complaint about weed trimming on Blytheburn road
• Request to outsource or increase funding for Road and Bridge crew of nine
• Request that Road and Bridge workers not do concert, landscaping, river cleanup, or furniture moving
• Request for advertising work for bids and purchase orders for transparency

County Council

Luzerne County Council will receive and discuss the 2022 Mid-Year Report at its August 9, 2022 meeting. As of June 30, 2022, General Fund expenditures were 38% of budgeted amounts and revenues were 76% of budgeted amounts. Management projects the FY2022 budget will stay within Council-established parameters.

• 2022 Mid-Year Report presentation to Council and public
• General Fund expenditures at 38% of budget as of June 30, 2022
• General Fund revenues at 76% of budget as of June 30, 2022
• Projection that FY2022 budget will stay within Council parameters

County Council

County Council is receiving the 2022 Mid-Year Report from the Budget & Finance Division, covering financial activity through June 30, 2022. The report shows General Fund revenues at 76% of budget and expenditures at 38%, with management projecting the year-end budget will stay within Council-approved parameters. The report also flags fuel costs as likely to exceed budget and notes grant revenue timing issues.

• General Fund revenues received: 76% of budgeted amount
• General Fund expenditures: 38% of budgeted amount
• County fuel costs at 67% of budget, expected to exceed annual budget
• County overtime at 63% of budget (2021: 69%)
• Audit completed on time with unmodified opinion

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss the mid-year financial report, July 2022 manager reports, and an ordinance authorizing up to $55 million in lease rental debt for the reconstruction of the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge and other infrastructure projects. They will also discuss the LCTA Strategic Business Plan and a letter of support for White Haven Center. Public comment is scheduled.

• Ordinance authorizing up to $55,000,000 in lease rental debt for Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction
• Mid-Year Financial Report and July 2022 Manager Reports
• Discussion of LCTA Strategic Business Plan 2022
• Discussion of White Haven Center Letter of Support
• July 2022 tax collection at $110,881,354 (91.83% of budget)

County Council

This agenda contains only a notice for a Human Services Division event, not a County Council business meeting. No votes, ordinances, contracts, or public hearings are listed. The items are educational topics, not decisions.

• Human Services Division event notice
• Talk Saves Lives topic
• Neuroscience of Trauma and Healing topic
• IEPs and other Educational Rights topic

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing and will consider an ordinance to amend the 2022 Capital Plan by depositing $2,000,000 from the 2021 audit surplus into a line item for future projects. The hearing allows public comment before the vote.

• Public hearing on ordinance amending the Capital Plan Budget
• Proposed transfer of $2,000,000 from General Fund 2021 audit surplus to line item 194.50.4315.445.10
• Funds to be used for future projects approved per Home Rule Charter
• Ordinance effective 15 days after enactment

County Council

The agenda contains a public comment email from a resident urging Luzerne County Council to abandon a proposed ordinance restricting the use of ballot drop boxes. The resident argues the measure would effectively ban drop boxes and disenfranchise voters, and says it may violate the County Charter. No other agenda items are listed.

• Public comment opposing ordinance restricting drop-box use by county employees or contractors

Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission

The Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission is meeting to discuss legal staffing and budgeting. The body will vote on a budget request for an enforcement attorney and the use of a contracted outside solicitor.

• Budget request for Enforcement Attorney in the amount of $75,000
• Resignation of ACE Attorney Sidney May
• Approval of RFP for ACE Enforcement Attorneys
• Request to Luzerne County Council to review the ACE Commission Code
• Vote on using a contracted outside attorney as a Solicitor

The Luzerne County Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission approved a request for proposals (RFP) for enforcement attorneys, despite a failed motion to allocate $75,000 for their funding. The board also accepted the resignation of its attorney, Sidney May, and approved new email response language. Complaints 2022-M1 and 2022-N1 were dismissed, and a request to review the ACE Code was denied.

• Approved minutes from June 10, 2022 meeting (3-0)
• Accepted resignation of ACE Attorney Sidney May (unanimous)
• Approved ACE Commission group email response language (unanimous)
• Motion to request $75,000 for enforcement attorneys failed (no second)
• Approved RFP for ACE Enforcement Attorneys (3-1)
• Motion to not advertise RFP failed (no second)
• Request to review ACE Commission Code denied (1-3)
• Modified email to automatic response only (3-1)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Board will hear appeals regarding land use in Hunlock Township and Fairmount Township. Requests include a manufactured home placement, a bed and breakfast operation, and an expansion of a drug treatment facility.

• Special Exception for a 14 ft. x 70 ft. manufactured home at 257 Cragle Hill Road, Hunlock Township
• Special Exception for a Bed & Breakfast and Use Variance for a campsite (12 people) at 299 Swamp Road, Hunlock Township
• Sign Variance for a business sign at 299 Swamp Road, Hunlock Township
• Use Variance to expand Huntington Creek Recovery Center from 58 beds to 76 beds at 820 Bethel Hill Road, Fairmount Township

The Luzerne County Zoning Hearing Board approved a special exception for a manufactured home in Hunlock Township and a use variance to expand the Huntington Creek Recovery Center from 58 to 76 beds. The board denied a request for a bed-and-breakfast, commercial campsite, and sign variance at a Hunlock Township property after hearing neighbor objections.

• Approved special exception for 14x70 ft manufactured home at 257 Cragle Hill Road, Hunlock Township (unanimous)
• Approved use variance to expand Huntington Creek Recovery Center from 58 to 76 beds at 820 Bethel Hill Road, Fairmount Township (unanimous)
• Denied special exception for bed-and-breakfast, use variance for campsite, and sign variance at 299 Swamp Road, Hunlock Township (unanimous)

Industrial Development Authority

The Luzerne County Industrial Development Authority board met and approved the 2021 audit, which received a clean, unqualified opinion. They also accepted the 2022 audit engagement letter and approved payment of $4,595. The board reviewed the second-quarter financials, noting a slight excess of expenditures over revenue, and discussed the delayed completion of the Historic Altamont Redevelopment Project due to supply chain issues. A resolution was passed to authorize the sale of unnamed parcels, with the Greater Wilkes-Barre Development Corporation as equitable owner.

• Approved 2021 audit with unqualified opinion and $4,595 payment
• Accepted 2022 audit engagement letter at same fee
• Quarter-end assets totaled $1,995,802; expenditures exceeded revenue by $4,220
• Historic Altamont project completion delayed to November due to drywall supply issues
• Authorized sale of unnamed parcels with Greater Wilkes-Barre Development Corp as equitable owner

The Luzerne County Industrial Development Authority approved the 2021 audit, which received a clean unqualified opinion with no compliance issues, and approved payment of $4,595 to the auditor. The board also accepted the second-quarter 2022 financial report, noted a delay in the Historic Altamont project completion to November due to supply chain issues, and authorized officers to execute documents for the sale of unnamed parcels. The meeting was procedural with no major policy decisions.

• Approved minutes of April 28, 2022 meeting
• Accepted 2021 audit with unqualified opinion (unanimous)
• Approved $4,595 payment for 2021 audit and 2022 engagement letter
• Accepted Q2 2022 financial report (unanimous)
• Authorized officers to execute sale documents for unnamed parcels (unanimous)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering an ordinance that would ban drop boxes for mail-in ballots. A public comment opposing the ban was submitted for the record, citing concerns about disenfranchising rural, elderly, and disabled voters. The council will decide whether to adopt the ordinance.

• Ordinance to ban drop boxes in Luzerne County
• Public comment opposing the ban from Claudia J. Glennan, Salem Township

County Council

This agenda is a compilation of news articles and reports about ballot drop box fraud in Pennsylvania, including incidents in Luzerne County. The council is discussing the status of drop box fraud and declarations for their elimination statewide. The meeting appears to be focused on election integrity concerns rather than routine county business.

• Report on a Luzerne County ballot drop box incident
• Discussion of a Pennsylvania county banning ballot drop boxes
• Reference to a state senator urging a statewide drop-box ban
• Mention of a lawsuit by the ACLU over drop box use in Lancaster County
• Video evidence of multiple ballots being deposited in drop boxes

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering a declaration on election integrity that calls on the state legislature to return to in-person voting with photo ID and paper ballots. The agenda includes only this declaration, which is a proposed statement rather than a binding action.

• Declaration demanding return to in-person voting, photo ID, and paper ballots
• References Act 77 and mail-in/drop-box voting concerns

County Council

This agenda contains only a public comment email submitted ahead of the July 26, 2022 Luzerne County Council meeting. The email urges council members to vote against proposals related to mail-in voting and the replacement or removal of drop boxes for mail-in ballots. No official agenda items, ordinances, or resolutions are listed in the provided text.

• Public comment opposing mail-in voting and drop box proposals

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding a voting session and work session on July 26, 2022. The agenda includes public comments, with one submitted comment urging the council to eliminate drop boxes and computerized voting machines in favor of paper ballots. The council will decide or discuss these election-related matters during the meeting.

• Public comment from Robyn Kochan of Dallas Twp. urging elimination of drop boxes
• Discussion on drop boxes and voting integrity
• Request to return to paper ballots and remove computerized voting machines

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will vote on several items, including authorizing the county manager to renegotiate the sales agreement for the former Juvenile Detention Center property with Castillo Real Estate LLC, reducing the price from $50,000 to $30,000 due to sewer line repair costs. They will also consider confirming a new Chief County Solicitor, amending the capital plan budget, and making an appointment to the LCCC Board of Trustees. Public comment is scheduled for agenda and non-agenda items.

• Resolution to renegotiate sale of former Juvenile Detention Center property with Castillo Real Estate LLC, reducing price from $50,000 to $30,000 due to sewer line repairs
• Resolution to confirm appointment of Chief County Solicitor
• Ordinance to amend the Capital Plan Budget for Luzerne County
• Appointment to LCCC Board of Trustees to complete term ending 12/31/27
• Approval of minutes from July 12, 2022 Voting Session

Luzerne County Council unanimously confirmed Harry Skene as Chief County Solicitor at a salary of $96,500. Council also appointed Paul DeFabo to the LCCC Board of Trustees by a 7-4 vote. A resolution to renegotiate the sale of the former Juvenile Detention Center property was tabled unanimously. An ordinance amending the Capital Plan Budget was introduced.

• Confirmed Harry Skene as Chief County Solicitor at $96,500 (11-0)
• Appointed Paul DeFabo to LCCC Board of Trustees (10-1)
• Tabled resolution to renegotiate sale of former Juvenile Detention Center property (11-0)
• Introduced ordinance amending Capital Plan Budget (11-0)
• Adopted minutes of July 12, 2022 Voting Session (10-1)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing an appraisal report for the former Juvenile Detention Center on North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, valuing the property at $133,000 as of March 30, 2017. The appraisal is conditioned on a subdivision that would allot 1.93 acres to the property, and notes potential issues like asbestos, water intrusion, and topography that could affect future use. The council is considering the property's value for tax evaluation purposes.

• Appraisal values former Juvenile Detention Center at $133,000
• Property identified as parcel PIN #73-H10NW4-003-006, co-occupied with county correctional facility
• Appraisal assumes 1.93-acre subdivision from adjacent parcels
• Report flags possible asbestos, peeling paint, water intrusion, and mechanical defects
• Highest and best use identified as institutional (e.g., shelter, dormitory, educational)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council work session agenda includes a public comment from a resident urging support for ballot drop boxes, citing safety and convenience. The council is discussing this item, though no formal action is indicated in the agenda text.

• Public comment on mail ballot drop boxes
• Discussion of voting accessibility and safety

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding its voting session on July 26, 2022. The agenda includes a public comment period for non-agenda items, where a resident will speak about a proposed amendment to the Home Rule Charter regarding the county board of elections. The amendment would remove the five-year same-party affiliation requirement for board members, which some argue discriminates against younger voters.

• Public comment on proposed charter amendment to elections board membership rules
• Discussion of removing five-year party affiliation requirement for board of elections members
• Resident Denise Williams of Shavertown submitted written comment opposing the change

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering an ordinance to amend the Administrative Code to require the county to provide each Board of Elections and Registration member with a county-issued laptop for official duties. The ordinance also mandates that members follow county IT security policies and return the equipment upon leaving office. This is the main substantive item on the agenda.

• Ordinance to add Section 7.01(A)(1) to the Administrative Code requiring county-issued laptops for Board of Elections members
• Requires compliance with county IT security policies
• Equipment must be returned upon resignation or non-reappointment
• Ordinance effective 15 days after enactment

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering an ordinance that would prohibit the county from permitting, utilizing, funding, or compensating any employee, contractor, third party, or non-profit to move election drop boxes for primary, general, or special elections, unless explicitly allowed by Pennsylvania state law. The ordinance includes a provision that would automatically repeal this ban if the state legislature and governor explicitly legalize drop boxes. The council will vote on this ordinance at the meeting.

• Ordinance amending Administrative Code to add Section 7.03(A) prohibiting county involvement in moving election drop boxes
• Includes automatic repealer if Pennsylvania state law explicitly legalizes drop boxes
• Introduced by Council Member Stephen J. Urban

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss the June 2022 budget reports, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) application process, the budget calendar, and the county prison. They will also consider two ordinance amendments: one to allow the issuance of electronic equipment and another to prohibit election drop boxes. Public comment is available for items not on the agenda.

• Discussion of June 2022 budget reports (pages 1-169)
• Discussion of ARP announcement and application (handout)
• Discussion of budget process and calendar (pages 170-171)
• Ordinance to add Section 7.01(A)(1) on issuance of electronic equipment (pages 172-174)
• Ordinance to add Section 7.03(A) prohibiting election drop boxes (pages 175-177)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss the June 2022 budget reports, an American Rescue Plan (ARP) announcement and application, the budget process and calendar, and operations at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility (LCCF). They will also consider two ordinances amending the Administrative Code regarding County Council investigations and inquiries—one concerning computers and one concerning ballot boxes. The meeting is a discussion session; no final votes are scheduled.

• Discussion of June 2022 budget reports (pages 1-169)
• Discussion of ARP announcement and application (handout)
• Discussion of budget process and calendar (pages 170-171)
• Ordinance amending Administrative Code Section 2.08 (computers) (pages 172-174)
• Ordinance amending Administrative Code Section 2.08 (ballot boxes) (pages 175-177)

County Council

Luzerne County Council is receiving the completed 2021 financial audit from Baker Tilly. The audit resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion on the financial statements, but three prior-year material weaknesses in internal controls remain open, including segregation of duties and account reconciliations. The General Fund ended 2021 with a fund balance of $24.4 million, above the recommended two-month minimum.

• Unmodified opinion on 2021 financial statements
• General Fund fund balance $24,422,857 at Dec. 31, 2021
• Net pension liability $63.4 million; OPEB liability $9.8 million
• Long-term debt down $21 million to $180 million
• Three material weaknesses in internal control remain open from prior year

County Council

This agenda item is a procedural review of the ARPA grant budget form and instructions that subrecipients must follow when submitting project budgets to Luzerne County. The document details required line items, compliance with federal cost principles, and provides examples and a sample budget. No decisions or votes are scheduled; it is informational only.

• ARPA subrecipients must itemize all expenses including salaries, fringe, training, travel, rent, phone, postage, supplies, technology, marketing, and indirect costs.
• Budget form requires compliance with 2 CFR 200 Subpart E and 31 CFR Part 35.
• Sample budget shows a $43,877.48 Covid-19 test kit distribution project with detailed cost assumptions.
• Instructions specify that only yellow-highlighted fields may be edited in the budget form.

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is reviewing a draft Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for its American Rescue Plan (ARPA) grant program. The program will award grants to eligible nonprofits and businesses in Luzerne County to address COVID-19 impacts. The agenda includes details on eligible projects, application requirements, and reporting obligations, but specific funding amounts and dates are still to be determined.

• ARPA grant program for nonprofits and businesses with 500 or fewer employees
• Eligible projects include responding to public health emergency, negative economic impacts, and capital expenditures
• Ineligible organizations include gambling businesses, lobbying groups, and pawn shops
• Quarterly financial and programmatic reports required, due by the 10th of the month after each quarter
• Final report due by March 31, 2025

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is discussing whether to relocate the Division of Corrections operations or rehabilitate the current facility. The agenda lists numerous operational, facility, and financial questions to be answered, including impacts on courts, sheriff's department, public visitation, and costs. No decisions are made in this agenda; it is a discussion item.

• Relocation of operations vs. rehabilitation of current facility
• Cost analysis of required repairs to Retreat and expansion to current facility
• Impact on sheriff's budget for personnel and transport vehicle requirements
• Availability of funding for either project
• Concerns about current facility's security, safety, and expansion limitations

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is receiving a report on the Judicial Services and Records Division, covering its eight departments. The report highlights achievements like clean state audits and digitized records, but also notes ongoing staffing and funding struggles in the Coroner and Sheriff offices. The division collected $76.8 million in 2021, with $6.4 million as county revenue.

• All state audits returned 'no finding' for the first time since 2014
• Coroner office staff work 10-15 extra hours weekly without compensation
• Sheriff Deputy positions difficult to fill; new contract hoped to aid recruiting
• Division collected and disbursed $76.8 million in 2021, $6.4 million county revenue
• Digitized records now searchable remotely free of charge

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting includes public comments, with one submitted comment opposing the elimination of ballot drop-off boxes. The commenter, a veteran and senior citizen from Wilkes-Barre, says he and his spouse use the box in front of the election office on PA Ave. and asks the council to keep the boxes.

• Public comment opposing elimination of ballot drop-off boxes
• Drop box in front of election office on PA Ave. mentioned

County Council

This agenda item is a public comment letter from William J. Scott Jr. to Luzerne County Council, expressing opposition to a prior resolution eliminating no-excuse mail-in voting and abolishing ballot drop boxes. The letter challenges council members to provide evidence of voter fraud and criticizes reliance on Dinesh D'Souza's film '2000 Mules.' No new action is proposed; it is a citizen communication for council's consideration.

• Public comment opposing Council's resolution to eliminate no-excuse mail-in voting and abolish ballot drop boxes
• Letter references AP analysis finding no widespread problems with drop boxes in 2020 election
• Letter cites 'Lost, Not Stolen' study arguing Trump lost and Biden won 2020 election
• Letter challenges Republican council members to provide evidence of voter fraud

County Council

This agenda item is a public comment submitted by Pinky Kathleen Stanseski to the Luzerne County Council, expressing support for drop boxes for mail-in ballots. The comment argues that banning drop boxes would unfairly benefit Republicans and that drop boxes are secure and convenient. No council action is listed; this is a public comment for the July 26, 2022 meeting.

• Public comment from Pinky Stanseski of Throop, PA supporting drop boxes
• Comment claims drop box bans are based on false claims by Donald Trump
• No council action or other agenda items listed

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering a proposed ordinance that would restrict mail-in and drop box voting for the upcoming General election. A retired teacher, Bob Stevens, submitted a public comment opposing the restriction, arguing it would suppress voter participation and citing a 2020 State Supreme Court ruling that allows county boards to use these methods. The council is expected to discuss or decide on this ordinance at the meeting.

• Proposed ordinance to restrict mail-in and drop box voting
• Public comment by Bob Stevens, retired teacher, opposing the restriction
• Reference to 2020 State Supreme Court ruling on county boards' authority
• Discussion of election integrity and voter access

County Council

The Luzerne County Council work session on July 26, 2022, includes an agenda item on the availability of drop boxes for mail-in ballots. A resident submitted public comment supporting continued drop box access, citing convenience and security. The council is discussing this item, but no decision is recorded in the agenda.

• Agenda Item 8: availability of drop boxes for mail-in ballots
• Public comment from Kay Strickland of Kingston Township in favor of drop boxes

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting includes a public comment from a Dallas Twp. resident formally requesting the elimination of all voting drop boxes, beginning with the November 2022 election. The resident cites concerns about election integrity and taxpayer expense, and suggests absentee ballots as an alternative. No council action is listed on this item.

• Public comment requesting elimination of all voting drop boxes
• Request to begin removal with November 2022 election
• Cites election integrity and taxpayer cost concerns
• Suggests absentee ballots as alternative

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will meet to discuss and possibly vote on several election administration items, including the cost of a P.O. Box for daily mail, charging stations for ICX machines, and climate control for the voting machine storage facility. The board will also consider switching to mail-in ballot envelopes with privacy windows to notify voters of naked ballots, and discuss establishing a Facebook page. Public comment is limited to 3 minutes per person.

• Election Bureau P.O. Box for all daily mail – information & possible vote
• Individual charging stations for ICX machines – information & possible vote
• Voting machine storage facility climate control – information & possible vote
• Mail-in ballots – switch to envelopes with privacy window – information & possible vote
• Election equipment seals / chain of custody documentation – discussion & possible vote

The Luzerne County Board of Elections tabled a decision on a PO box for Bureau mail pending legal review, and unanimously approved a motion to include seal cards in Election Day bags. The Board also discussed poll worker eligibility, Act 88 grants, and a Facebook page, but took no final action on those items.

• Tabled PO box for Bureau mail until legality of Board vote determined (unanimous)
• Approved motion to include seal cards in Election Day bags (unanimous)

Strategic Initiatives Committee

The Strategic Initiatives Committee will discuss potential uses and funding matches for American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds. The meeting also includes discussions regarding the timeline for Charter Amendment ballot questions and options for the County Prison and SCI Retreat.

• Discussion of ARP funds and possible funding matches
• Discussion of Charter Amendment Ballot Question timeline
• Discussion of County Prison and SCI Retreat options

Strategic Initiatives Committee

The Strategic Initiatives Committee is reviewing a U.S. Department of the Treasury document regarding the final rule for fiscal recovery funds. The document outlines how $350 billion in American Rescue Plan funding can be used to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its economic impacts.

• Standard allowance for revenue loss of up to $10 million
• Funding for capital expenditures including affordable housing, childcare, and schools
• Broadband infrastructure investments
• Water and sewer infrastructure projects including lead remediation and stormwater management
• Premium pay for eligible workers performing essential work

Planning Commission

The Luzerne County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for July 14, 2022, has been cancelled with the concurrence of Chairman N. Brian Caverly. No business will be conducted at that time.

• Meeting cancelled for July 14, 2022

Children & Youth Advisory Board

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board met to hear updates on an upcoming licensing inspection, fiscal matters, and committee reports. The board discussed staff vacancies, the adoption celebration funding, and recruitment efforts. The next meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2022.

• Licensing inspection by Northeast Regional Office (NERO) scheduled for July 18-22
• Teamsters contract approved by County Council
• Needs Based Budget (NBB) fiscal portion due September 1
• Fiscal Officer Dalessandro announced departure
• Back to School event on August 27 with Walmart providing supplies

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board approved the June meeting minutes and heard reports on licensing inspections, fiscal updates, and committee activities. No substantive policy decisions were made; the meeting was largely informational and procedural.

• Approved June meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (all in favor)

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority Board approved the renewal of Directors & Officers and Employment Practices Liability insurance with Richmond National Insurance Company at a cost of $16,000, after the incumbent carrier exited the market. They also approved several equipment purchases and an easement agreement with Wilkes-Barre Township. The meeting included reports on upcoming events and a discussion on replacing the LIBOR rate for loans.

• Approved D&O/EPLI insurance renewal with Richmond National Insurance Company at $16,000 (previous premium $15,024)
• Approved resolution with Provident Energy for HVAC and lighting design project, with max out-of-pocket risk of $10,000
• Approved purchase of 60-inch range for main kitchen (not to exceed $6,500) and gas convection oven (not to exceed $11,000)
• Approved purchase of rubber flooring for visitors' training room (not to exceed $14,000)
• Approved easement agreement with Wilkes-Barre Township for traffic signal

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss the county manager's June 2022 reports, a resolution authorizing renegotiation of the sales agreement for the former Juvenile Detention Center property with Castillo Real Estate LLC, and an ordinance amending the county's capital plan budget. These are discussion items only; no final votes are scheduled.

• Resolution to renegotiate sales agreement with Castillo Real Estate LLC for former Juvenile Detention Center property
• Ordinance amending the Capital Plan Budget for Luzerne County
• June 2022 manager reports covering departments like GIS, Elections, Purchasing, IT, Community Development, and more
• 2021 audit completed on June 27, 2022, with an unmodified opinion
• Real estate tax collection at $105,316,122 (88.87% of yearly budget) as of end of June

County Council

This agenda contains only a graphic of a sanitary sewer manhole with notes about pavement and curb restoration; it includes no meeting date, time, or list of business items. It is procedural boilerplate with no decisions or discussions listed.

• Sanitary sewer manhole graphic
• Pavement and curb restoration noted

County Council

This agenda for the Luzerne County Council meeting of July 12, 2022, contains only promotional material for Visit Luzerne County and a guest commentary by its executive director. There are no official agenda items, resolutions, ordinances, or public hearings listed. The meeting appears to be procedural or informational only.

• Visit Luzerne County celebrates 25th anniversary and moves to Wilkes-Barre train station
• Tourism economic impact in Luzerne County: over $1 billion and 7,250 jobs (2019 study)
• New 2022 Visitors' Guide to be published
• Craft brewery brochure project funded by state Liquor Control Board grant
• Rockin' The River events at River Common

County Council

Luzerne County Council will vote on several resolutions, including using $1.86 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to resurface Sweet Valley Road in Ross and Union Townships, and an additional $235,000 for elevator replacements at the county correctional facility. They will also consider a memorandum of understanding for the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction, a grant request, a vacancy declaration, and property sale matters. The meeting includes public comment periods.

• Resolution to use $1,860,000 in ARP funds to repair Sweet Valley Road in Ross and Union Townships
• Resolution to use an additional $235,000 in ARP funds for elevator replacement at Luzerne County Correctional Facility
• Memorandum of Understanding with Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority for Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction
• Resolution requesting a Local Share Account grant from the Redevelopment Authority and Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority
• Motion to approve real estate broker services for sale of 1200 Susquehanna Avenue, West Pittston

Council adopted the MOU with the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority for the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction (7-3, 1 abstention), after rejecting two amendments and a motion to table. Council also approved ARPA-funded repairs for Sweet Valley Road and the county correctional facility, and authorized a Local Share Account grant request. A motion to remove an agenda item failed for lack of a second.

• Approved MOU for Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge reconstruction (7-3, 1 abstention)
• Rejected amendment to MOU by Urban (1-10)
• Rejected motion to table MOU (5-6)
• Rejected amendment to MOU by Thornton (3-8)
• Approved ARPA funds for Sweet Valley Road repairs (11-0)
• Approved ARPA funds for correctional facility repairs (11-0)
• Approved LSA grant request resolution (8-1, 1 abstention)
• Approved real estate broker services for 1200 Susquehanna Ave (9-0, 1 abstention)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council meeting includes a public comment letter from Claudia Glennan requesting that the Council read her letter into the record and answer questions before allocating funds for the Nanticoke/West Nanticoke bridge replacement. The letter questions the proposed $40+ million expenditure (73% of a ~$55 million infrastructure loan) versus repair/upgrade costs, and raises concerns about a proposed gas-to-gasoline plant in Glen Lyon, including lack of impact studies. The agenda itself is otherwise procedural, with no other listed items.

• Request to read letter into record regarding Nanticoke/West Nanticoke bridge
• Proposed $40+ million bridge replacement (73% of ~$55 million infrastructure loan)
• Questions about repair/upgrade costs versus replacement
• Concerns about proposed gas-to-gasoline plant in Glen Lyon and lack of impact studies
• Mention of $6.5 million per year tax break for the plant

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering whether to guarantee a $55 million loan (approximately $70 million with interest) for the Luzerne-Shickshinny (LSA) project. A former council member urges rejection, arguing the guarantee is unnecessary and inconsistent with the RFP. The council will also hear public comment on this and other agenda items.

• Loan guarantee of $55 million for LSA project
• Public comment on loan guarantee agenda item
• Discussion of county debt reduction efforts since 2012

County Council

The legislation establishes a grant program administered by the DCED to fund various election-related costs. Counties may use these funds for staff, physical security, ballot printing, and equipment management. The program includes specific requirements for pre-canvassing and canvassing timelines.

• Establishment of Election Integrity Grant Program
• Grant application deadline: August 15, 2022
• Grant payment deadline: September 1, 2022
• Funding uses include staff for pre-canvassing/canvassing, ballot printing, and equipment management

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public meeting to hear appeals regarding zoning variances and special exceptions. These requests involve residential additions, home businesses, and changes in property use across several boroughs and townships.

• Front yard variance for a residential addition at 1421 Dawson St., Avoca
• Special exception for a home beauty salon at 110 Skytop Drive, Dupont
• Use variance to convert a mixed-use building to five residential units at 180 Main St., Avoca
• Use variance to convert an auto repair shop/car wash to a contractor yard at 1351 Shoemaker Ave., West Wyoming
• Use and sign variances to convert a residential garage to an auto shop at 22 Gravel Road, Hunlock Creek

The Luzerne County Zoning Hearing Board approved all five requests on the July 5, 2022 agenda. These included a front yard variance, a special exception for a home beauty salon, and three use variances for property conversions. All approvals were unanimous, with no objectors present.

• Approved front yard variance for Jeffrey Brayer at 1421 Dawson St., Avoca (unanimous)
• Approved special exception for Kathleen Douglas to operate a beauty salon at 110 Skytop Drive, Dupont (unanimous)
• Approved use variance for Michael Lombardo to convert commercial/residential building to five residential units at 180 Main St., Avoca (unanimous)
• Approved use variance for Robert Faber to convert auto shop/car wash to contractor yard at 1351 Shoemaker Ave., West Wyoming, with condition limiting use to excavation/landscaping (unanimous)
• Approved use variance and sign variances for Michael & Jessica Battista to convert garage to auto shop at 22 Gravel Road, Hunlock Creek, with condition on parking areas (unanimous)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to discuss several agenda items, including the May 2022 budget reports, an audit update, and proposed resolutions to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for repairs to Sweet Valley Road in Ross and Union Townships and for repairs at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility. They will also discuss an ARP pre-application match and a motion to allow Sally Noel Toney to advertise county-owned property for sale. Public comment will be heard on matters not on the agenda.

• Discussion of resolution to use ARPA funds for Sweet Valley Road repairs in Ross and Union Townships
• Discussion of resolution to use ARPA funds for repairs at Luzerne County Correctional Facility
• Discussion of ARP pre-application match
• Discussion of motion to allow Sally Noel Toney to advertise county-owned property for sale
• Receive and discuss Budget Reports for May 2022

County Council

This is a Luzerne County Council meeting agenda item presenting the county's audited financial statements for 2021. The statements show a net decrease in total fund balances of about $7.5 million, with the General Fund ending with a surplus of $4.8 million over budget. The council is reviewing the audit as part of its oversight duties.

• General Fund revenues exceeded budget by $938,351
• General Fund expenditures were $3.1 million under budget
• Total governmental funds ended 2021 with $94.4 million in fund balances
• Debt Service Fund received $17.9 million in transfers
• Coronavirus Relief Fund had $11,900 in revenues and $31 in expenditures

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing and voting session on an ordinance to rezone three parcels totaling 12.95 acres in Newport Township from Mining District (MI) to Two Family Residence District (R-2). The request was filed by property owners Joshua & Jennifer Olzinski to allow residential use and future development. The Planning Commission recommended approval on May 12, 2022. If approved, the zoning map will be amended; if denied, the parcels remain limited to mining district uses.

• Rezone 12.95 acres from MI to R-2 in Newport Township
• Parcels: 46-K7-00A-018 (675 West Railroad Street), 46-K7S3-001-029, 46-K7S3-001-034
• Public comment allowed (3 minutes per speaker)
• Planning Commission recommended approval on May 12, 2022
• No additional funds required for implementation

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is holding its June 28, 2022 voting session. The agenda includes a public comment submitted by Denise Williams criticizing the council's recent party-line vote (9R-1D) on a resolution proposed by Councilman Thornton to eliminate mail-in ballots. The comment questions the evidence behind claims of fraud and the impact on voters who used mail-in ballots in the May primary.

• Resolution proposed by Councilman Thornton to eliminate mail-in ballots
• Party-line vote of 9 Republicans to 1 Democrat on the resolution
• Public comment by Denise Williams of Shavertown, PA opposing the resolution
• Reference to Act 77 (enacted Oct. 2019) and its passage by GOP legislators

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a public hearing and vote on rezoning 12.95 acres in Newport Township from mining to residential use, and will consider approving five collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters and AFSCME unions. They will also vote on authorizing ARPA funds for a consulting contract and appoint CCAP voting delegates.

• Rezone 12.95 acres in Newport Township (675 West Railroad Street) from MI to R-2
• Approve collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local 401 (Aging, C&Y, MHDS)
• Approve collective bargaining agreements with AFSCME District Council 87 (Court Related, Residual)
• Authorize ARPA funds for contract with Booth Management Consulting, LLC
• Nominations and appointments for CCAP voting delegates

The Luzerne County Council voted to reconsider and then approve a resolution authorizing the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds for a contract with Booth Management Consulting, LLC. The reconsideration passed 8-3, and the contract was amended to include a statement about changes to the number of projects and cost adjustments before final approval. The council also unanimously adopted six collective bargaining agreements with Teamsters Local 401 and AFSCME District Council 87, and rezoned three parcels in Newport Township.

• Reconsidered ARP contract with Booth Management Consulting (8-3)
• Amended Booth contract to address project changes and fees (11-0)
• Adopted Booth contract resolution (11-0)
• Rezoned 12.95 acres in Newport Township from MI to R-2 (11-0)
• Approved Teamsters Local 401 CBA for Aging (11-0)
• Approved Teamsters Local 401 CBA for C&Y (11-0)
• Approved Teamsters Local 401 CBA for MHDS (11-0)
• Approved AFSCME DC 87 CBAs for Court Related and Residual Units (11-0)

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will discuss and vote on certifying the May 2022 primary election, including whether to count segregated undated or wrong-date mail-in ballots. The board will also consider several administrative items, such as establishing a P.O. box for election mail, changing public comment time from 4 to 3 minutes, and reviewing a $15,000 report from The Election Group. The agenda includes status updates on a large ballot drop box, privacy shields, and referrals of primary election incidents to the District Attorney.

• Certification of May 2022 primary election including undated/wrong-date mail-in ballots – discussion/vote
• Establishment of P.O. Box for Bureau of Election Mail – discussion/vote
• Public comment change from 4 minutes to 3 minutes – discussion/vote
• The Election Group Summary Report – discussion/vote (cost proposal $15,000)
• Referrals of 2022 Primary Election Incidents (2) to Office of D.A. – status

The Luzerne County Board of Elections certified the May 2022 primary election results, including segregated ballots, and elected Jim Mangan as vice chair. The board postponed purchasing an additional large drop box and a PO box, and tabled a summary report from The Election Group. Public comments were limited to three minutes.

• Certified May 2022 primary including segregated ballots (5-0)
• Elected Jim Mangan as Vice Chair (5-0)
• Postponed purchase of large drop box (5-0)
• Tabled purchase of PO box for Bureau (5-0)
• Limited public comments to 3 minutes (5-0)
• Declined to purchase summary report from The Election Group (5-0)

Advisory Council - Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board for Luzerne/Wyoming Counties is holding its regular meeting. The agenda consists of standard procedural items: call to order, pledge, roll call, approval of minutes, and reports from the executive director and committees. No specific decisions, proposals, or public hearings are listed, so the meeting appears to be routine administrative business.

• Approval of prior meeting minutes
• Executive Director's report
• Administrative, Social Services, and Active Adult Centers reports
• NEPA Council on Aging report
• Next meeting scheduled for August 25, 2022 at 12 Noon

Advisory Council - Area Agency on Aging

The Luzerne & Wyoming Counties Area Agency on Aging Advisory Board met to hear reports on operations, including ongoing union negotiations, a proposed retention payment for staff, and updates on programs like the Foster Grandparents and Mature Workers programs. The board approved the April meeting minutes and discussed agency vacancies and community outreach events.

• Union negotiations continue with a meeting scheduled for June 21
• Retention/equitable adjustment payment proposed for AAA staff, with pro-rated repayment if leaving within 365 days
• Edwardsville Active Adult Center closed; members moved to Kingston center
• Emergency kits distributed to all homebound consumers and Active Adult Center members
• Farmers Market Voucher Program: 1,270 applications processed, 5,080 vouchers mailed

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing to consider an ordinance that would rezone three parcels totaling 12.95 acres in Newport Township from Mining District (MI) to Two Family Residence District (R-2). The rezoning request was filed by property owners Joshua and Jennifer Olzinski and has been recommended for approval by the Luzerne County Planning Commission. The council will take public comment before voting on the ordinance.

• Public hearing on ordinance to rezone 12.95 acres in Newport Township from MI to R-2
• Parcels at 675 West Railroad Street and two adjacent West Railroad Street parcels
• Planning Commission recommended approval on May 12, 2022
• No additional funds required for implementation
• If denied, parcels remain limited to Mining District uses

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a voting session on June 14, 2022, to consider several agenda items, including approving two litigation settlements, a zoning change in Newport Township, authorizing a lease for a District Attorney vehicle, and a resolution urging the state legislature to restrict mail-in voting. The agenda also includes a resolution to amend the Luzerne County Transportation Authority's articles of incorporation and a nomination to fill a council vacancy. Public comment is scheduled for both agenda and non-agenda items.

• Settlement of Nancy Hunter et al. v. Luzerne County for $10,000, to fund an educational production on diversity and anti-bullying
• Settlement of Laurie Hughes v. Luzerne County and Wilkes-Barre City (amount not specified in agenda)
• Re-zoning three parcels totaling 12.95 acres in Newport Township from MI (Mining) to R-2 (Two-Family Residence)
• Resolution urging PA legislature to disallow no-excuse mail-in and drop box voting
• Resolution to increase Luzerne County Transportation Authority's term of existence to up to 50 years

The Luzerne County Council appointed Matthew Mitchell to fill the vacant elected County Council seat, defeating David Chaump by a 9-1 vote. The council also approved settlements in two lawsuits, introduced a rezoning ordinance for Newport Township, and adopted a resolution urging the state legislature to end no-excuse mail-in and drop box voting.

• Appointed Matthew Mitchell to fill County Council vacancy (9-1)
• Approved settlement in Nancy Hunter v. Luzerne County (10-0)
• Approved settlement in Laurie Hughes v. Luzerne County and Wilkes-Barre City (9-1)
• Introduced ordinance to rezone 12.95 acres in Newport Township from MI to R-2 (10-0)
• Authorized County Manager to execute lease for DA Auto Theft Task Force vehicle (10-0)
• Adopted amendment to Luzerne County Transportation Authority articles to extend term up to 50 years (10-0)
• Adopted resolution urging PA legislature to disallow no-excuse mail-in and drop box voting (9-1)
• Approved motion to replace 'County Manager' with Randy Robertson's name in documents (10-0)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is issuing a proclamation recognizing the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic for 50 years of performances and education. The agenda contains only this ceremonial item, with no other business or decisions.

• Proclamation honoring Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic's 50th anniversary
• Mentions free July 4th concert as part of the Philharmonic's activities

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering a resolution against no-excuse mail-in voting and the elimination of drop boxes. A public comment from a Lake Township resident with disabilities urges the Council to reject the resolution, arguing it would limit voting access for seniors and people with disabilities. The Council may discuss or vote on this resolution at the meeting.

• Proposed resolution against no-excuse mail-in voting and drop boxes
• Public comment opposing the resolution from Alison Piatt, Lake Township

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is considering a resolution regarding election drop boxes. A public comment from a resident urges the council to vote no, arguing the action is politically motivated and not based on evidence or a request from the election board. The agenda itself contains only this public comment, with no other items listed.

• Resolution regarding election drop boxes
• Public comment from Ryan Stoa of Dallas Twp urging a no vote

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a work session to receive and discuss the County Manager's reports for May 2022, including updates on elections, finances, and departmental operations. They will also discuss American Rescue Plan (ARP) pre-applications and proposed road projects. The agenda includes reports from various council committees and public comment.

• Discussion regarding ARP pre-applications
• Discussion regarding proposed Road Projects
• Receive and discuss Manager Reports for May 2022
• Reports of Council Committees (Act 13 Grant, Authorities, Budget, Legislative, Real Estate, Strategic Initiatives, County Code Review)
• Reports of Council Related Committees (Blighted Property, County Cares Commission, Riverfront Parks)

County Council

Luzerne County Council will discuss the American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding strategy, including the full receipt of $112.9M in State Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The administration recommends appointing Booth Management Consulting (BMC) as ARP consultant and holding a special meeting on ARP. Council will also review committed funds and remaining balance.

• Appointment of Booth Management Consulting (BMC) as ARP consultant
• Total ARP funds received: $112,890,152.00
• Committed funds total: $16,541,979.00 (including $8M to Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority, $2M to Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority)
• Remaining funds: $96,335,883.31
• Proposal to invest $30M at 2% to earn $300k in six months

Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission

The Commission will meet to approve minutes and a legal services invoice. Members will discuss proposed procedural rules, email auto-responses, and the process for paying the Solicitor.

• Invoice for $1,066.00 payable to James L. Bobeck, Esq. for legal services
• Motion to grant the appointed secretary access to the ACE Commission webpage
• Discussion on proposed procedural rules
• Discussion on line item for paying invoices to Solicitor

The Luzerne County Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission approved prior meeting minutes, approved a $1,066 invoice for legal services, and assigned four complaints to two enforcement attorneys. The board also discussed procedural rules and an email auto-response, with votes scheduled for the next meeting. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these administrative actions.

• Approved minutes from April 27 and June 6, 2022 meetings (unanimous)
• Approved $1,066 invoice to James L. Bobeck, Esq. for legal services (unanimous)
• Assigned complaints 2022-M1 & 2022-M2 to Attorney May and 2022-N1 & 2022-N2 to Attorney Nawrocki
• Removed Item #5 from agenda (unanimous)
• Approved secretary access to ACE Commission webpage (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Luzerne County Planning Commission will consider final approval for two land development projects: a 54-unit apartment and townhouse complex in Newport Township and a new AutoZone store in Wyoming Borough. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and standard subdivision improvement requirements.

• Final plan approval for Newport Township Apartments: 12-unit apartment building, 22 townhouses at 1,545 sq ft, 20 townhouses at 860 sq ft, at 25 Robert St., Newport Township; $613,350 financial security guarantee required
• Final plan approval for AutoZone Store #5184: 64 ft x 115 ft 4 in retail auto parts store at 998 Wyoming Ave. (US Rt. 11), Wyoming Borough; $237,000 financial security guarantee required
• Four waivers requested for Newport Township project; two waivers requested for AutoZone project
• Newport Township site includes conversion of former school into 29 apartment units; zoning approval obtained July 7, 2020 (Case #3159)
• AutoZone project requires recording an approved subdivision to create 1.311-acre parcel from Midway Shopping Center lands

The Luzerne County Planning Commission granted conditional final plan approval for the Newport Township Apartments and the AutoZone Store #5184, both with specific conditions. Waivers were also granted for both projects. The approvals are contingent on meeting conditions such as recording agreements and providing financial security.

• Granted 4 waivers for Newport Township Apartments (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Final Plan for Newport Township Apartments (unanimous)
• Granted 2 waivers for AutoZone Store #5184 (unanimous)
• Approved Conditional Final Plan for AutoZone Store #5184 (unanimous)

Children & Youth Advisory Board

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board is holding its regular monthly meeting. The agenda includes approval of the May minutes, a director's report, a fiscal update, committee reports, and a discussion of the Troutman Pepperman outcome. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major decisions or proposals listed.

• Approval of May meeting minutes
• Director's report by Kelly Gaughan
• Fiscal update (quarterly or as needed)
• Committee reports: Events and Fundraising, Strategic Planning and ByLaws, Recruiting and Community Advocacy
• Discussion of Troutman Pepperman outcome

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board met on June 8, 2022, with routine agenda items including approval of May minutes, a director's report, fiscal update, and committee reports. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting was procedural, with discussion of the Troutman Pepperman outcome deferred to old/new business.

• Approved May meeting minutes
• Adjourned meeting

Convention Center Authority

The Board of Directors approved an easement agreement with Wilkes-Barre Township regarding a new traffic signal. The authority also reviewed updates on energy saving projects and upcoming venue events.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $38,482.60
• Authorized execution of an easement agreement with Wilkes-Barre Township for a traffic signal installation
• Discussed a pending energy project agreement with Provident Energy involving potential $10,000.00 fee for termination

Zoning Hearing Board

The Board will hear appeals regarding residential additions, business operations, and a communication tower. These items include requests for use variances and setbacks across various townships and boroughs.

• Front yard variance for a 24 ft. by 24 ft. residential addition in Union Township
• Side and rear yard variances for a 35 ft. x 60 ft. storage structure at 349 Monument Ave. in Wyoming Borough
• Special exception to operate a beauty salon as a home occupation at 407 Packer St. in Avoca Borough
• Use variance to operate a beauty salon at 246 Lampman St. in Avoca Borough
• Use variance for a cerakote and gun-smithing business at 254 Academy St. in New Columbus Borough

The Luzerne County Zoning Hearing Board approved all six applications on the agenda, including variances for a residential addition, a storage garage, a home-based beauty salon, a cerakote and gunsmithing business, a school conversion to lofts and storage units, a Verizon wireless tower, and an outpatient rehabilitation facility. All approvals were unanimous, with one condition requiring planning commission approval for the school conversion project.

• Approved front yard variance for Alice Miller's 24x24 ft. two-story addition (unanimous)
• Approved side and rear yard variances for RJC Realty's 35x60 ft. storage garage (unanimous)
• Approved special exception for Renee Sciandra's home beauty salon (unanimous)
• Approved use variance for Jeffrey Yost's cerakote and gunsmithing business (unanimous)
• Approved use variance and special exception for school conversion to lofts and storage units, conditioned on planning commission approval (unanimous)
• Approved use variance and setback variances for Verizon Wireless communication tower (unanimous)
• Approved use variance for Keystone Drug & Alcohol outpatient rehabilitation facility (unanimous)

Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission

The Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission will review responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for an ACE Enforcement Attorney. The commission will then vote to accept or reject the submitted responses.

• Review and vote on RFP responses for ACE Enforcement Attorney

The Luzerne County Accountability, Conduct and Ethics Commission unanimously approved accepting proposals from May Law and Nawrocki Law to serve as ACE enforcement attorneys at the rates stated in their proposals. Three proposals were received and reviewed in executive session; Centini Law was not selected. No public comment was offered.

• Accepted proposals from May Law and Nawrocki Law for ACE enforcement attorneys (unanimous)
• Did not select Centini Law for ACE enforcement attorney contract

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration is holding a special meeting solely to certify the results of the May 17, 2022 primary election. The agenda includes public comment periods limited to election certification matters and other board-related topics.

• Certification of May 17, 2022 Primary Election
• Public comment on agenda items (limited to 4 minutes per person)
• Public comment on non-agenda items within board jurisdiction

The Board of Elections and Registration unanimously certified the May 17, 2022 primary election. Members praised staff and volunteers for their work during the election, recount, and special election. The certification was approved by a 5-0 vote.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Certified May 17, 2022 primary election (5-0)

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a special session to interview applicants for a council vacancy. The agenda contains only this interview item plus standard procedural items like roll call and public comment.

• Vacancy applicant interviews for Luzerne County Council

County Council

This is a special session of the Luzerne County Council to interview candidates for a council vacancy. The agenda lists 11 applicants in alphabetical order with assigned time slots, and includes a break. No decisions are scheduled; the council will only conduct interviews.

• Interviews for council vacancy
• 11 applicants listed
• Time slots from 5:00 PM to 7:45 PM
• Break from 6:30 to 6:45 PM

Mental Health & Developmental Services Board

The Advisory Board will meet via Microsoft Teams to review administrative updates. The agenda includes reports on financial services, developmental services, supports coordination, and mental health services.

• Approval of March 24, 2022, meeting minutes
• Financial Services Update by Margaret Manley
• Developmental Services Update by Amy Tomkoski
• Supports Coordination Organization (SCO) Update by Phil Buickus
• Mental Health Services Update by Tara Fox

The Luzerne County Mental Health & Developmental Services Board received updates on finances, COVID-19 protocols, and program activities. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the meeting was informational. Key items included the planned closure of White Haven Center in November 2022, a rise in choking incidents among consumers, and resumption of remote monitoring due to high COVID-19 spread.

• No formal decisions or votes recorded; meeting was informational

County Council

The Luzerne County Council work session will discuss the April 2022 budget reports, two pending litigation settlements, a zoning change in Newport Township, a $55 million lease rental debt ordinance for public improvements, and several other resolutions. These are discussion items only; no final votes are scheduled at this work session.

• Settlement of Nancy Hunter et al. v. Luzerne County
• Settlement of Laurie Hughes v. Luzerne County and Wilkes-Barre City
• Ordinance to re-zone 12.95 acres in Newport Township from MI to R-2
• Ordinance authorizing up to $55,000,000 in lease rental debt for public improvements
• Resolution to use ARPA funds for Water Street Bridge inspection

County Council

Luzerne County Council is deciding whether to guarantee a $54.9 million loan from Fidelity Bank and FNCB Bank to fund the Public Infrastructure Program. The program, created by Act 24 of 2021, would use $3 million annually from the county's Local Share Account (gaming revenue) to pay debt service. If approved, the funds would support county and municipal road and bridge projects, addressing an estimated $173.7 million in infrastructure needs. The agenda also discusses specific bridge projects and the financial consequences of delay.

• Vote on $54.9 million loan guarantee from Fidelity Bank and FNCB Bank
• Water Street Bridge (Pittston/West Pittston) replacement estimated at $20.5 million, county share $1.025 million
• West Nanticoke Bridge replacement estimated at $40 million, county's largest infrastructure project
• County infrastructure needs: 101.34 miles of roads ($38 million) and 14 bridges ($83.7 million)
• Municipal applications over 3 years totaled $52 million in infrastructure needs

County Council

The Luzerne County Council will hold a voting session with public hearings on amending the 2022 budget and the Administrative Code. The main agenda includes introducing the 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan, adopting a budget amendment, approving three litigation settlements, authorizing ARPA funds for road resurfacing, and committing local matches for transit operating assistance. The council will also consider appointments to boards and commissions and ratify a resolution accepting a designee as Acting County Manager.

• Introduction of ordinance adopting the 2023 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan
• Motion to adopt ordinance amending the 2022 Fiscal Year Budgets (D&A)
• Approving settlements in Kareliz Nin v. Luzerne County Children & Youth Services, Mark Baynock v. Luzerne County, and Eugenia Galli v. Luzerne County
• Authorizing ARPA funds to resurface Kirby Avenue in Fairview Township
• Committing local match for state operating assistance for Luzerne County Transportation Authority and Hazleton Public Transit

Luzerne County Council approved a 2022 budget amendment, settled two lawsuits (Kareliz Nin and Mark Baynock), authorized ARPA funds for Kirby Avenue resurfacing and Water Street Bridge inspection, and committed transit matches. A proposed settlement in Eugenia Galli v. Luzerne County failed 0-10, and an amendment to reduce Hazleton Transit match was rejected 4-6.

• Adopted 2022 budget amendment (10-0)
• Approved settlement in Kareliz Nin v. Luzerne County Children & Youth Services (10-0)
• Approved settlement in Mark Baynock v. Luzerne County (9-1)
• Authorized ARPA funds for Kirby Avenue resurfacing (10-0)
• Committed local match for LCTA state operating assistance (10-0)
• Committed local match for Hazleton Public Transit (7-3)
• Ratified Acting County Manager designee (8-2)
• Approved ARPA funds for Water Street Bridge inspection (9-0, 1 abstention)

County Council

The Luzerne County Council is issuing a proclamation designating May 2022 as Mental Health Month, encouraging awareness and reducing stigma around mental illness. The agenda contains only this ceremonial proclamation and no other substantive business.

• Proclamation declaring May 2022 as Mental Health Month

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to amend Section 2.08 of the Administrative Code. The change clarifies that the Council can authorize inquiries and investigations by a simple majority vote of seated members. The ordinance was introduced by Council Member Stephen J. Urban and would take effect 15 days after enactment.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No 2022-____ amending Administrative Code Section 2.08
• Amendment allows Council to authorize investigations by simple majority of seated members
• Introduced by Council Member Stephen J. Urban
• Ordinance effective 15 days following enactment

County Council

This agenda is a public invitation to a welcome event for Luzerne County's new County Manager, Randy Robertson, to be held June 15 at 5:00 pm at the Luzerne County Courthouse, with rain dates June 16 and 17. No official council business, decisions, or discussions are listed; the item is purely ceremonial and procedural.

• Welcome event for new County Manager Randy Robertson
• Event at Luzerne County Courthouse on June 15 at 5:00 pm
• Rain dates: June 16 and June 17 at 5:00 pm

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration is holding a special meeting to adjudicate ballots with deficiencies and provisional ballots from the recent election. The board will review categories such as envelope seal issues, missing signatures, date problems, secrecy envelope issues, and provisional ballots, with recommendations from the solicitor and votes by board members. Public comment is limited to 4 minutes per person.

• Adjudication of outer envelope seal issues (unsealed, re-sealed, taped)
• Declaration deficiencies: missing signature, date issues
• Secrecy envelope deficiencies: naked ballots, partially naked ballots, identifying marks
• Provisional ballots review
• Public comment on agenda and non-agenda items

The Luzerne County Board of Elections held a multi-day adjudication of mail-in and provisional ballots from the May 2022 primary. The board voted to accept or reject hundreds of ballots based on issues like missing signatures, unsealed envelopes, and date problems, with most decisions made unanimously. They also processed write-ins, conducted a recount, and handled a few disputed ballots, including 14 wrong-precinct ballots that were initially rejected then later accepted.

• Rejected 5 ballots missing signatures (5-0)
• Accepted 101 ballots with resealed outer envelopes (4-1)
• Rejected 151 naked ballots and 6 without outer envelopes (unanimous)
• Accepted 80 ballots with unsealed secrecy envelopes (unanimous)
• Rejected 21 secrecy envelopes with names (unanimous)
• Rejected 4 ballots dropped off without affidavit (unanimous)
• Rejected 51 ballots with unverified ID (unanimous)
• Accepted 14 wrong-precinct provisional ballots (4-1)

County Council

Luzerne County Council is considering a resolution to accept Acting County Manager Romilda P. Crocamo's designee as the new Acting County Manager, effective May 21, 2022, following her resignation. The appointment would last until Council changes it or a full-time County Manager is hired. The resolution requires a majority vote of current Council members.

• Accept designee as Acting County Manager effective May 21, 2022
• Crocamo's resignation effective May 20, 2022
• Appointment under Home Rule Charter Section 4.06
• Resolution effective upon adoption

County Council

Luzerne County Council is holding a special meeting with a single agenda item: a motion to adopt a resolution accepting the Acting County Manager Designee for Acting County Manager. Public comment is allowed on this item. The meeting is largely procedural, focused on the appointment.

• Motion to adopt resolution accepting Acting County Manager Designee for Acting County Manager

Council adopted a resolution accepting the Acting County Manager designee for Acting County Manager, amended to add $1,000 per week compensation and to accept the resignation of Acting County Manager Romilda P. Crocamo, Esq. The resolution passed 8-1, with Stephen J. Urban voting no. The meeting was procedural, with no other substantive decisions.

• Adopted resolution accepting Acting County Manager designee (8-1)
• Amended resolution to add $1,000 per week compensation (8-1)
• Amended resolution to accept resignation of Acting County Manager Romilda P. Crocamo, Esq. (8-1)
• Adopted amended resolution (8-1)

Real Estate Committee

The Luzerne County Real Estate Committee will consider several property-related items, including a parcel in Ashley Borough, a purchase packet for Toney, and a review appraisal for DeAndrea. The main discussion will focus on how to market 27 county-owned parcels valued under $10,000, which are listed with assessed values and locations across multiple townships.

• Ashley Borough parcel (Main St, 0.09 acres, assessed $10,000)
• Toney purchase packet
• DeAndrea review appraisal
• Discussion on marketing 27 county-owned parcels under $10,000
• List of parcels includes locations in Dallas, Exeter, Plymouth, Hanover, and other townships

Real Estate Committee

Luzerne County is offering various repository properties for sale to willing purchasers. The sale requires approval from Luzerne County Council, and the county reserves the right to negotiate prices. Vacant properties start at $500. This meeting likely discusses the sale process and specific parcels.

• Sale of vacant repository properties starting at $500
• County Council approval required for real estate sales
• County reserves right to negotiate sale prices
• Parcels offered to adjacent property owners

Real Estate Committee

The Luzerne County Real Estate Committee is discussing the sale of county-owned repository properties. The agenda includes a notice to adjacent property owners and outlines the terms of sale, including quitclaim deed conveyance, buyer responsibility for title searches, and council approval requirements.

• Sale of county-owned repository properties
• Quitclaim deed only, no general warranty
• Buyer must pay for title searches and advertising
• Payment due in full within 72 hours
• Straw purchases prohibited

Planning Commission

The Luzerne County Planning Commission will review minutes from January 13, 2022, and consider a rezoning request. The request seeks to change three parcels totaling 12.95 acres in Newport Township from a Mining District to a Two-Family Residence District for future residential use.

• Rezoning request by Joshua & Jennifer Olzinski for 675 W. Railroad St., Nanticoke, PA
• Three parcels totaling 12.95 acres to be rezoned from (MI) Mining District to (R-2) Two-Family Residence District
• Includes one parcel with existing residential structure and two vacant parcels
• Approval of minutes from January 13, 2022

The Luzerne County Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a rezoning request by Joshua & Jennifer Olzinski for three parcels totaling 12.95 acres in Newport Township, from Mining District (MI) to Two-Family Residence District (R-2), for future residential use. The recommendation will go to County Council for final decision. The commission also approved the minutes of the January 13, 2022 meeting and discussed filling a vacancy on the Lackawanna/Luzerne County Transportation Planning Advisory Committee.

• Recommended approval of rezoning for 675 W. Railroad St. and two vacant parcels (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of January 13, 2022 (unanimous)

Children & Youth Advisory Board

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board met to discuss the agency's operations, including the hiring process for a new CYS Administrator, a large vacancy rate, and donations from Dana Street School and United Way. They also addressed the baby formula shortage's impact on foster families and reviewed recommendations from Act 33 workgroups on critical case decision-making.

• CYS Administrator position posting until May 27
• Donations from Dana Street School and United Way (11 and 10 copy paper boxes of supplies/books)
• Casey Family Services on-site May 17 for strategic planning
• Act 33 workgroup recommendations on critical case decision-making team
• Formula shortage discussed; donations given to clients and foster families

The Luzerne County Children & Youth Advisory Board approved the April meeting minutes and received updates from the acting director on hiring, donations, and strategic planning. No formal policy decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational and procedural.

• Approved April meeting minutes (all in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (motion by Acosta, seconded by Elko, all in favor)

Board of Elections & Registration

The Luzerne County Board of Elections and Registration will meet to discuss and possibly vote on several election administration items, including a request to establish protocols for SURE system use by board members, a possible poll change in Harveys Lake, and updates on the May 2022 primary election. The board will also consider a vote on the 'Notice of Curing' for mail-in ballots and review complaints about candidate signs and ballot design. Public comment is limited to 4 minutes per person.

• Harveys Lake Borough request for poll change – possible vote
• Daily mail receival during mail-in ballot receiving times and chain of custody – possible vote
• May 2022 Primary Election 'Notice of Curing' – vote by board
• Cost proposal request from The Election Group consulting firm
• Climate/temperature control in warehouse where voting machines are stored – possible vote

The Luzerne County Board of Elections approved curing ballots for the May primary and tabled a $15,000 cost proposal from The Election Group until at least June 22, 2022. A motion to postpone a nursing home letter until the general election failed. The board also approved a polling site change for Harveys Lake due to a Covid outbreak.

• Approved curing ballots for May primary (unanimous)
• Tabled $15,000 Election Group cost proposal until June 22, 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved Harveys Lake polling site change to Our Lady of Victory (unanimous)
• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from April 27, 2022 (4 yes, 1 abstention)
• Motion to postpone nursing home letter to general election failed (3 no, 1 yes, 1 abstention)

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority board approved several expenditures, including a $228,500 team store relocation, computer replacements, a flat top griddle, folding tables, and a floor scrubber. They also authorized the chairwoman to negotiate an energy savings agreement and a personnel matter. The meeting included routine approvals of minutes and bills.

• Approved team store relocation for $228,500
• Approved computer replacements up to $8,000
• Approved flat top griddle purchase up to $5,500
• Approved folding tables from Mity Lite up to $16,000
• Approved walk-behind floor scrubber from Bortek Industries up to $15,000

Convention Center Authority

The Luzerne County Convention Center Authority is meeting to approve routine items including meeting minutes, payment of bills totaling $27,891.71, and receiving reports from the general manager and standing committees. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Payment of $10,000 to Snyder & Clemente for 2020 SVOG audit
• Payment of $4,770 to North End Electric for parking lot light project
• Payment of $3,243 to Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald for solicitorship (March 2022)
• Payment of $3,391 to Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald for grant funding (March 2022)
• Payment of $3,174.22 to Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald for Silvie Pomicter (March 2022)