City Council

CITY COUNCIL September 25, 2025 The City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre met in Regular Session on September 25, 2025 at 6: 00 p. m., in City Council Chambers, City Hall, Wilkes- Barre, Pennsylvania, for the purpose of general business. The meeting was organized with Chairperson Tony Brooks in the Chair. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given. Mr. Brooks read the opening prayer. Roll Call: Barrett present Belusko excused Mirin present McClay, Vice Chairperson - present Brooks, Chairperson present Also Present: George C. Brown, Mayor Tony Thomas, Controller Maureen Collins, Assistant City Attorney Charles McCormick, Administrator Cathy Payne, City Clerk Lisa Sanfilippo, Administrative Assistant Tracy Smith, Assistant City Clerk City Clerk Cathy Payne read a statement outlining Council' s Rules and Procedures. The Chairperson asked if there was anyone wishing to address Council on pending legislation. PUBLIC INPUT ON PENDING LEGISLATION Sam Troy, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to the LSA grant for CV LTD' s Penn Plaza Revitalization project and King' s College Safety and Security project.  Brian Ferry, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to the LSA grants for CV LTD' s Penn Plaza Revitalization project and King' s College Safety and Security project. Tom Butchko, King' s College, appeared before Council to answer questions relative to the safety and security project. Mr. Barrett asked that the Resolutions be voted on separately. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. R0043- 25 Whereas, the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania is most vulnerable to natural and human- caused hazards which may result in loss of life and property, economic hardship, and threats to public health and safety, and Whereas, Section 322 of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 ( DMA 2000) requires state and local governments to develop and submit for approval to the President a mitigation plan that outlines processes for identifying their respective natural hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities, and Whereas, the City of Wilkes- Barre acknowledges the requirements of Section 322 of DMA 2000 to have an approved Hazard Mitigation Plan as a prerequisite to receiving post- disaster Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funds, and Whereas, the Luzerne County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update has been developed by the Luzerne County Department of Planning& Zoning and Luzerne County Emergency Services in cooperation with other county departments, local municipal officials, institutional stakeholders, and the citizens of Luzerne Council, and Whereas, a public involvement process consistent with the requirements of DMA 2000 was conducted to develop the Luzerne County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update, and Whereas, the Luzerne County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update recommends mitigation activities that will reduce losses to life and property affected by both natural and human- caused hazards that face the County and its municipal governments. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre: The Luzerne County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update is hereby adopted as the officials Hazard Mitigation Plan of the City of Wilkes- Barre, and  The respective officials and agencies identified in the implementation strategy of the Luzerne County 20205 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update are hereby directed to implement the recommended activities assigned to them. Mr. Barrett moved to adopt the Resolution. The motion was seconded by Mrs. McClay and adopted by the following yea and nay Vote: Yeas Barrett, Mirin, McClay, and Brooks ( Chairperson)- 4- being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Nays none. Absent- Belusko- 1. RESOLUTON NO. R0044- 25 Be It Resolved that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant of$ 367, 472. 00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the City of Wilkes- Barre Fire Department Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Purchase project. The funding will be used to purchase a new advanced life support ambulance. Be It Further Resolved, that the Applicant does hereby designate George C. Brown, Mayor and Tony Thomas, City Controller as the officials to execute all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Barre and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant along with any or all other project documents, related to the City of Wilkes- Barre Fire Department/ Emergency Medical Services Ambulance Purchase project, if the application is approved. I, Cathy Payne, duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre at a regular meeting held September 25, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the Minutes of the City of Wilkes- Barre and remains in effect as of this date. In Witness Thereof, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the City of Wilkes- Barre, this 25th day of September, 2025. Mr. Mirin moved to adopt the Resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barrett and adopted by the following yea and nay vote:  Yeas Barrett, Mirin, McClay, and Brooks ( Chairperson)— 4— being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Nays none. Absent—Belusko— 1. RESOLUTION NO. R0045- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant of$ 476, 045. 00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the King' s College Safety and Security and Security Project— Phase 3. Be It Further Resolved, that the Applicant does hereby designate George C. Brown, Mayor and Tony Thomas, City Controller as the officials to execute all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Barre and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant along with any or all other project documents, related to the King' s College Safety and Security Project— Phase 3, if the application is approved. I, Cathy Payne, duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre at a regular meeting held September 25, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the Minutes of the City of Wilkes- Barre and remains in effect as of this date. In Witness Thereof, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the City of Wilkes- Barre, this 25th day of September, 2025. Mr. Barrett moved to adopt the Resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mirin and adopted by the following yea and nay vote: Yeas Barrett, Mirin, McClay, and Brooks ( Chairperson)— 4— being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Nays none. Absent—Belusko— 1. RESOLUTION NO. R0046- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant of$ 185, 000. 00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Field Lighting project. The funding will be used to purchase and install field lighting at the baseball field, which is located at the BOG public park on Dewy Lane. Be It Further Resolved, that the Applicant does hereby designate George C. Brown, Mayor and Tony Thomas, City Controller as the officials to execute all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Barre and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant along with any or all other project documents, related to the Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Field Lighting project, if the application is approved. I, Cathy Payne, duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre at a regular meeting held September 25, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the Minutes of the City of Wilkes- Barre and remains in effect as of this date. In Witness Thereof, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the City of Wilkes- Barre, this 25th day of September, 2025. Mrs. McClay moved to adopt the Resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mirin and adopted by the following yea and nay vote: Yeas Barrett, Mirin, McClay, and Brooks ( Chairperson)— 4— being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Nays none. Absent—Belusko— 1. RESOLUTION NO. R0047- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant of$ 346, 500. 00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the City of Wilkes- Barre Back- up Generator project. The funding will be used to purchase and install a back- up generator for the Coal Street Complex to provide power to the facility in the event of a power outage. Be It Further Resolved, that the Applicant does hereby designate George C. Brown, Mayor and Tony Thomas, City Controller as the officials to execute all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Barre and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant along with any or all other project documents, related to the City of Wilkes- Barre Back- up Generator project, if the application is approved. I, Cathy Payne, duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre at a regular meeting held September 25, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the Minutes of the City of Wilkes- Barre and remains in effect as of this date. In Witness Thereof, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the City of Wilkes- Barre, this 25th day of September, 2025. Mrs. McClay moved to adopt the Resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barrett and adopted by the following yea and nay vote: Yeas Barrett, Mirin, McClay, and Brooks ( Chairperson)— 4— being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Nays none Absent— Belusko— 1. RESOLUTION NO. R0048- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant of$ 307, 250. 00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the CV LTD' s Penn Plaza Revitalization project.The funding will be used to install updated sliding door entryways, energy- efficient HVAC systems, and new flooring at the plaza facility located on South Main Street and Hazle Street. Also, exterior improvements will replace deteriorating sidewalks to improve safety and accessibility along with removing aging trees. These improvements will beautify a busy section of the city and enhance pedestrian access. Be It Further Resolved, that the Applicant does hereby designate George C. Brown, Mayor and Tony Thomas, City Controller as the officials to execute all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Barre and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant along with any or all other project documents, related to the CV LTD' s Penn Plaza Revitalization project, if the application is approved. I,Cathy Payne, duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre at a regular meeting held September 25, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the Minutes of the City of Wilkes- Barre and remains in effect as of this date. In Witness Thereof, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the City of Wilkes- Barre, this 25th day of September, 2025. RESOLUTION DIED FOR LACK OF A MOTION. MINUTES Of the Zoning Hearing Board of August 20, 2025. Of the Regular Session of City Council of September 9, 2025. Of the General Municipal Authority of August 26, 2025. Mrs. McClay Moved to adopt the Minutes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Barrett and adopted by the following yea and nay vote: Yeas Barrett, Mirin, McClay, and Brooks ( Chairperson)— 4— being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Nays none. Absent—Belusko— 1. RESOLUTION NO. R0049- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant of$ 10, 000. 00 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services Computer Purchase project. The funding will be used to purchase 12 computers that are Windows 11 compliant.  Be It Further Resolved, that the Applicant does hereby designate George C. Brown, Mayor and Tony Thomas, City Controller as the officials to execute all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Barre and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant along with any or all other project documents, related to the Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services Computer Purchase project, if the application is approved. I, Cathy Payne, duly qualified City Clerk of the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, hereby certify that the forgoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution duly adopted by a majority vote of the City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre at a regular meeting held September 25, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the Minutes of the City of Wilkes- Barre and remains in effect as of this date. In Witness Thereof, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the City of Wilkes- Barre, this 25th day of September, 2025. Mrs. McClay moved to adopt the Resolution. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mirin and adopted by the following yea and nay vote: Yeas Mirin, McClay, and Brooks ( Chairperson)— 3— being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Abstain - Barrett Nays none. Absent— Belusko— 1. PRESENTATIONS BY COUNCIL MEMBERS Mrs. McClay thanked the administration for their quick response regarding getting the properties she reported cleaned up. She asked if Code Enforcement is doing city sweeps and if not, could they start doing that. Mayor Brown said they are still finishing the districts that have been previously started. PUBLIC DISCUSSION Virginia Thomas, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to Dana Street between Hazle Street and Park Avenue.  Beth Ann McTavish, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to stormwater/ sewage drain overflow in front of 82 Darling Street. Linda Joseph, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council to ask for an update on the former Stanton Lanes and questions on the permit ordinance. Tom Gagatek, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to e- bikes/ scooters, food trucks, a city pool, junk cars, boarded up homes and animal control. Mrs. McClay said currently the e- bikes must follow the rules. But the current Ordinance is still being worked on. Mrs. McClay said the food trucks have increased but she is being told they are putting their applications in, getting inspected and licensed. Mrs. McClay said all the grants are awarded by Harrisburg, the city is just a conduit. Mrs. McClay said if any resident needs an animal trap, they can contact animal enforcement. Sam Troy, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to a Controller' s Report, gun buy back program, 10 East South Street( damaged trees), increasing speaker time and homelessness. Brian Ferry, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to e- bikes. There being no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 6: 48 p. m. 7/ Bro k , C Tony erson ATTEST: A i Al , :. Cathy Pa e, Ci Clerk 7