Luzerne County meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Luzerne County Council to weigh budget amendments, capital plan; ACE Commission approves invoice

Luzerne County's only formal decision in the past two weeks came from the Accountability, Conduct, and Ethics Commission, which voted unanimously to approve its June 2 meeting minutes and a $175 invoice from Johnson Duffie Law Offices. The commission tabled several old business items, including a memorandum discussion, because its solicitor was absent. The Planning Commission's Aug. 13 meeting was cancelled with the concurrence of Chairperson Sal Marsico.

County Council

The County Council will hold a voting session Aug. 25 with two public hearings. It will consider adopting the 2027 Long-Range Operational, Fiscal and Capital Plan, which includes spending and revenue projections through 2029 and a ranked list of capital projects. The council also will vote on amending the 2026 budget to accept a $260,482 Justice Reinvestment Initiative 2 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for the Probation Department. The grant, totaling $412,581 over April 2026–March 2028, would fund raises for 14 positions, three new probation officer positions, and operating costs. If approved, the county would later need to cover about $83,000 in taxes and pension costs from the General Fund after the grant ends.

The council will also consider authorizing a contract with eCollect for hotel room tax collection, a resolution requesting a $300,000 Statewide Local Share Account grant for Huntsville Road Extension in Jackson and Lehman Townships, and a resolution urging the state to increase the 911 surcharge.

Earlier Aug. 25, the council will hold a work session to review a Wellpath presentation on jail healthcare, the fiscal year-to-date budget report as of July 31, and a resolution asking the Board of Elections to examine potential locations for additional ballot drop boxes for the 2026 General Election.

Other recent agendas

At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Board of Elections considered motions to place five questions on the Nov. 3 ballot, including a Hazleton Home Rule Charter question, adding two supervisors to the Sugarloaf and Jenkins Township boards, and a county charter amendment on stock trades. The board also reviewed ballot drop box findings from the May primary.

The Correctional Services Committee met Aug. 20 to discuss a facilities assessment and feasibility analysis for a new prison, as well as a proposed multi-year capital plan. The agenda included a 10-year facility condition assessment totaling $78,503,148 for county buildings, and a proposed 2026–2028 capital projects list of $4,833,743, including a prison roof ($175,000), security entrance ($175,000), and camera upgrades ($125,000).

The Arts Advisory Board's Aug. 19 agenda items were based on a 2007 cultural plan, not current decisions. The plan proposed creating a dedicated arts funding stream of at least $500,000 annually, with a possible local option tax, and a regranting program administered by a local nonprofit.

Coming up

• **Aug. 25** – County Council voting session and work session (public hearings at 5:55 p.m., Courthouse)
• **Aug. 26** – Commission on Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement (OMAAC) to review five applications totaling about $1.08 million, including a $130,000 request from Dallas Township Police for a narcotics detection K-9 program
• **Sept. 1** – Zoning Hearing Board to hear a use variance application from Yalick CCJ LLC to convert an intermediate school into 25 apartments at 20 Sunset Lake Road, Hunlock Township

All meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are available on the county website.

Luzerne County Council votes to exempt Crestwood drainage project from union rules; budget amendments and charter changes on tap

Luzerne County Council voted 11-0 to exempt the Crestwood Industrial Park drainage project from the county's Responsible Contractor Ordinance, allowing the American Rescue Plan Act-funded project to proceed without union labor requirements. The vote came during the council's July 28 meeting, which also included public hearings on two budget amendments and a slate of proposed ordinances and resolutions still awaiting action.

Council votes to exempt Crestwood drainage project

Council approved Resolution R-2026- acknowledging that the Crestwood Industrial Park drainage project is not a public works project under the county's Responsible Contractor Ordinance. The 11-0 vote clears the way for the project, funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars, to move forward without union labor requirements.

Budget amendments and grants on the table

Council held public hearings on two proposed budget amendments but has not yet voted on them:

• A $4,105,890 increase to the Wyoming Valley Airport Grant Account (Fund 350) for projects at the Wilkes-Barre/Wyoming Valley Airport. Revenue sources include PennDOT ($34,294.50), the Department of Transportation ($651,595.50), and other income ($3,420,000). The funds come from the Federal State Block Grant Program and the State Capital Budget Program, awarded after the 2026 budget was approved.
• A $200,000 increase to the Probation department's budget for Drug Treatment Court testing expenses, using opioid settlement funds previously allocated under R-2026-57.

Council also considered a resolution to partner with the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) to apply for a $330,153 HUD Continuum of Care grant for a 14-person veteran transitional housing program. If approved, CEO would manage housing placement, case management, and HUD reporting, while the Office of Human Services would handle grant disbursement.

Human Relations Commission and charter amendments

Council is set to vote on an ordinance establishing a 13-member Human Relations Commission to address discrimination complaints. The body also introduced four charter amendments for the November ballot: per diem election workers' eligibility, Joint Airport Board representation, creation of a Correctional Facility Oversight Board, and ballot placement. A separate discussion proposed renaming the County Jail Oversight Board to the Correctional Facility Oversight Board and clarifying its advisory-only role.

Facilities and capital projects

During a work session, council reviewed a proposed 2026-2028 capital projects list totaling $4,833,743, including $1.5 million for Brominski Courtroom Renovations and $1 million for Courthouse sewer repairs. A 10-year facility condition assessment for Penn Place was also discussed, totaling $11,739,544. Council additionally considered increasing the 911 surcharge to support Next Generation 911 services.

Other recent meetings

The Zoning Hearing Board met August 4 to hear requests for a solid waste transfer station at 108 Garden Drive, Hunlock Township; a cidery/meadery at 288 Main St., Dupont Borough; a bed-and-breakfast at 55 Spencers Rd., Fairmount Township; short-term rentals at 102 and 192 Lakeview Drive, Ross Township; and yard setback variances at 65 Reynolds St., Hughestown Borough.

The Convention Center Authority met August 5 to consider paying bills totaling $332,064.46, including $329,147.46 to CMTA, Inc., and to review a Benesch engineering proposal, a 2026-2027 property insurance renewal from Assured Partners, and updates on air handler coils and a CFA Multimodal grant application.

Coming up

The Accountability, Conduct & Ethics Commission will meet August 11 to approve legal invoices from West Group Law, Johnson Duffie, and Lehman Law for services since June 2026, and to approve minutes from its June 2 meeting. The agenda also includes old business from December 2025 and a solicitor's report.

Luzerne County Council Considers $4.1M Airport Budget Amendment; Opioid Commission Reviews $2.5M in Grant Requests

Luzerne County Council's July 28 meeting agenda included a proposed $4,105,890 budget amendment for Wyoming Valley Airport projects and a separate $200,000 amendment for Drug Treatment Court testing, while the Commission on Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement reviewed five grant requests totaling approximately $2.5 million. All meetings summarized below are agenda-only items; minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not confirmed unless explicitly noted.

County Council — July 28

Council's agenda listed public hearings on two budget amendments before a voting session. The first would increase the Wyoming Valley Airport Grant Account (Fund 350) by $4,105,890 in both revenue and expenses, funded by the Federal State Block Grant Program and the State Capital Budget Program. Revenue sources listed were PennDOT ($34,294.50), the Dept. of Transportation ($651,595.50), and other income ($3,420,000). The second amendment would increase the Probation department budget by $200,000 using opioid settlement funds for Drug Treatment Court testing expenses.

Council was also scheduled to vote on establishing a 13-member Human Relations Commission to handle discrimination complaints and to introduce four charter amendment proposals for the November 3, 2026 ballot: authorizing a Correctional Facility Oversight Board, allowing per diem Election Day workers to serve on county boards, changing county representation on the Joint Airport Board to council members only, and allowing mid-year salary increases for council.

A work session agenda included proposed 2026-2028 capital projects totaling $4,833,743 funded by County Bond Funds, including $1.5 million for Brominski Courtroom Renovations and $1 million for Courthouse sewer repairs. A 10-year facility condition assessment for Penn Place was listed at $11,739,544.

Council was also set to consider a $330,153 HUD Continuum of Care grant for a 14-person veteran transitional housing program, with the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) managing housing placement and case management.

One agenda item states Council voted 11-0 to acknowledge the Crestwood Industrial Park drainage project is not a public works project under the county's Responsible Contractor Ordinance, allowing it to proceed without union labor requirements. The project is funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars.

Opioid Commission (OMAAC) — July 22

The Commission on Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement reviewed five funding requests:

• Dallas Township Police Department — $130,000 for a K-9 program
• Phoenix House Recovery and Wellness, LLC — $999,620 for a women's recovery residence
• Prevention Point NEPA — $1,060,000 for a mobile harm reduction clinic
• Beyond Addiction — $300,000 for a women's and children's halfway house
• District Attorney's Office — $6,010 for drug destruction equipment

A separate agenda item covered a presentation on the Dallas Township Police K-9 Program, established in 2006 and transitioned to narcotics detection in 2009. Chief Executive Officer Brian Feeney outlined the program's history and request for continued funding.

Operational Services Committee — July 22

The committee reviewed infrastructure project updates, including the Harris Hill Road Bridge Replacement ($1.9 million in ARPA funds, awarded to Fabcor), Sweet Valley Road Re-Surfacing (bid awarded to H&K Group), Broadway Road Bike Lanes (bid awarded to American Asphalt), Crestwood Industrial Park Drainage Improvements (bid awarded to New Enterprise), and the Nanticoke Bridge (contract approved with Modjeski & Masters). An update on the Forty Fort Airport was also listed.

Correctional Services Committee — July 21

The committee's agenda included approving May 5, 2026 minutes, discussing upgrades to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility, receiving an update on the agency's vehicle fleet, and setting the next meeting date.

Code Review Committee — July 22

The committee discussed four proposed charter amendments for the November 3, 2026 ballot: a County Jail Oversight Board, per diem election worker eligibility, Joint Airport Board representation, and mid-year council salary increases.

Coming Up

• **Aug. 4 — Zoning Hearing Board:** Variance requests include a solid waste transfer station at 108 Garden Drive, Hunlock Township, and a cidery/meadery at 288 Main St., Dupont Borough. Special exceptions are listed for a Bed & Breakfast at 55 Spencers Rd., Fairmount Township, and short-term rentals at two Ross Township addresses.
• **Aug. 5 — Convention Center Authority:** The authority will consider payment of bills totaling $332,064.46, including $329,147.46 to CMTA, Inc., plus insurance renewal review and engineering proposals.

Luzerne County Council Eyes $4.1M Airport Budget Amendment; Opioid Commission Reviews $2.5M in Grant Requests

Luzerne County Council introduced a proposed ordinance on July 14 to increase the 2026 budget for the Wyoming Valley Airport Grant Account (Fund 350) by $4,105,890, with a public hearing and vote scheduled for July 28. The funds, from the Federal State Block Grant Program and the State Capital Budget Program, were awarded in 2026 after the fiscal year budget was already approved. All recent meetings listed below had agendas published but minutes not yet available, so outcomes are not confirmed.

County Council

The July 14 agenda included votes on settlements in two lawsuits — K.D. v. Luzerne County Children & Youth and Luzerne County v. Redevelopment Authority of the County of Luzerne. Council was also scheduled to vote on granting a right of way to PPL Electric Utilities over county-owned property in Dorrance Township and approving a lease amendment with the U.S. Government for the Keystone Job Corps property in Butler Township.

A separate July 14 agenda listed review of a CliftonLarsonAllen LLP audit report, discussion of repository property sales, a municipal financial advisory services contract, and June 2026 budget reports.

Code Review Committee

The committee met twice, on July 13 and July 22. The July 13 agenda included a vote on an ordinance amending Administrative Code §8.02 to require County Council approval for County Manager personnel actions including salary increases over 5% and creation of new positions. A charter amendment to §8.02h regarding conflicts of interest for board and commission members was also listed.

On July 22, the committee discussed four proposed charter amendments for the November 3, 2026 ballot: authorizing a County Jail Oversight Board, allowing per diem election workers to serve on county boards, changing county representation on the Joint Airport Board to council members only, and a mid-year salary increase provision for council.

Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement Commission

The commission's July 22 agenda listed five funding requests totaling approximately $2,495,630:

• Dallas Township Police Department — $130,000 for a K-9 program
• Phoenix House Recovery and Wellness, LLC — $999,620 for a women's recovery residence
• Prevention Point NEPA — $1,060,000 for a mobile harm reduction clinic
• Beyond Addiction — $300,000 for a women's and children's halfway house
• District Attorney's Office — $6,010 for drug destruction equipment

A separate agenda item included a presentation on the Dallas Township Police K-9 program, established in 2006 and transitioned to narcotics detection in 2009.

Other Committees

The Correctional Services Committee met July 21 to discuss upgrades to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility and receive an update on the agency's vehicle fleet. The Operational Services Committee met July 22 for updates on road, bridge, and building projects, including the Harris Hill Road Bridge Replacement ($1.9 million in ARPA funds, awarded to Fabcor) and the Nanticoke Bridge contract with Modjeski & Masters. The Board of Elections and Registration met July 15 to vote on Resolution 2026-1, establishing hearing procedures for initiative and referendum petition reviews, and to consider a request from C. Belles for additional time to submit petition challenges.

Coming Up

• **July 28 — County Council** (public hearings and voting session): Public hearings on the $4,105,890 airport budget amendment and a $200,000 Drug Treatment Court budget amendment using opioid settlement funds. Council will also vote on establishing a 13-member Human Relations Commission, introduce four charter amendments for the November ballot, and consider allocations of opioid settlement proceeds to Beyond Addiction, the DA's Office, and Pathway to Recovery Counseling. A work session the same day covers proposed 2026–2028 capital projects totaling $4,833,743 and a 10-year facility condition assessment for Penn Place totaling $11,739,544.
• **August 4 — Zoning Hearing Board**: Variance and special exception requests including a solid waste transfer station at 108 Garden Drive, Hunlock Township, and a cidery/meadery at 288 Main St., Dupont Borough.

Luzerne County meetings: Airport budget amendment, lawsuit settlements on council agenda; advisory board approves minutes

Luzerne County's advisory boards and councils met across a busy two-week stretch, with most agendas focused on budget amendments, zoning appeals, and personnel authority. Only one meeting produced confirmed decisions in the available record; the remainder were agenda-only items with minutes not yet published.

Children & Youth Advisory Board — minutes approved

The only confirmed decision in the available record came July 8, when the Children & Youth Advisory Board unanimously approved minutes from its April 8, 2026 meeting. Members also discussed upcoming fundraisers, including a Barnes & Noble event in August, a RailRiders game in September, and a Bingo event in Mountain Top. No other votes were recorded.

County Council — airport budget, settlements on agenda

County Council's July 14 meeting agenda included several consequential items, though minutes have not yet been published to confirm outcomes. The agenda listed introduction of an ordinance to increase the 2026 budget for the Wyoming Valley Airport grant fund by $4,105,890, sourced from the Federal State Block Grant and State Capital Budget.

Council was also scheduled to vote on approving settlements in two lawsuits: K.D. v. Luzerne County Children & Youth and Luzerne County v. Redevelopment Authority of the County of Luzerne. Additional agenda items included a motion to grant a right of way to PPL Electric Utilities over county-owned property in Dorrance Township and a lease amendment with the U.S. Government for the Keystone Job Corps property in Butler Township. A separate council agenda included review of a CliftonLarsonAllen LLP audit report, June 2026 budget reports, and discussion of repository property sales.

Code Review Committee — personnel authority amendment

The County Code Review Committee met July 13 to discuss and vote on an ordinance amending Administrative Code §8.02, which would require County Council approval for County Manager personnel actions including compensation increases over 5% and creation of new positions. The committee also planned to discuss a charter amendment to §8.02h regarding conflicts of interest for board and commission members, and approval of April 23, 2026 minutes. Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Zoning Hearing Board — nine appeals scheduled

The Zoning Hearing Board had nine appeals on its July 7 agenda, including a special exception request for an in-patient residential drug rehabilitation facility at 477 Bonnieville Rd., Huntington Township, in an agricultural district. Other items included variances for short-term rental properties in Ross and Fairmount townships, a retroactive expansion of a non-conforming manufacturing building at 1450 Shoemaker Ave., West Wyoming Borough, and a use variance for commercial bus storage at 19 Kabata Rd., Ross Township. Decisions were to follow public testimony; minutes are not yet published.

Other meetings

The Convention Center Authority's July 8 agenda included a $2,917 invoice payment for a June 2026 retainer, a capital project to replace water fountains with refillable water stations, insurance renewal with Joyce Insurance Group for 2026–2027, and rescheduling the August meeting to Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The Planning Commission's July 9 meeting was cancelled, with no business conducted. The Board of Elections and Registration met July 15 to consider Resolution 2026-1 on hearing procedures for initiative and referendum petitions and a request from C. Belles for additional time to submit petition challenges.

Coming up

• **July 21 — Correctional Services Committee:** Discussion of upgrades to the Luzerne County Correctional Facility and a vehicle fleet update.
• **July 22 — Commission on Opioid Misuse and Addiction Abatement:** Funding requests totaling roughly $2.5 million, including $1,060,000 for Prevention Point NEPA's mobile harm reduction clinic, $999,620 for Phoenix House Recovery and Wellness, $130,000 for Dallas Township Police K-9, $300,000 for Beyond Addiction, and $6,010 for the District Attorney's Office drug destruction equipment.
• **July 22 — Operational Services Committee:** Updates on road, bridge, and building projects and the Forty Fort Airport.