City Council

CITY OF BA WILKES- S RE PENNSYLVANIA CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 6, 2025 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ROLL CALL PUBLIC INPUT ON PENDING LEGISLATION RESOLUTIONS MINUTES ORDINANCE PRESENTATION BY COUNCIL MEMBERS PUBLIC DISCUSSION ADJOURNMENT  CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 6,2025 RESOLUTIONS Authorizing the proper city officials to sign any and all documents related to awarding the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Pennsy Supply, Inc. in the amount of 00 One 533. 133, 1, three thousand five hundred thirty- ( million, one hundred thirty- three dollars zero cents) for the Project using CDBG and Liquid Fuels funding. Designating Mayor George C. Brown and Controller Tony Thomas as the officials to execute Barre and the Commonwealth all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining a Statewide Local Share 00 to be used for City Hall Renovations —Phase III project. Assessment grant of $533, 860. The funding will be used to remove the existing windows, purchase, and install new energy efficient windows along with the repointing of the exterior brick joints of the building, if the application is approved. Designating Mayor George C. Brown and Controller Tony Thomas as the officials to execute Barre and the Commonwealth all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining a Statewide Local Share Barre Public Works 00 to be used for the City of Wilkes- Assessment grant of $224, 102. Facility Garage Doors Replacement project. The funding will be used to purchase and install new energy -efficient garage doors for the Public Works Facility, if the application is approved. Designating Mayor George C. Brown and Controller Tony Thomas as the officials to execute Barre and the Commonwealth all documents and agreements between the City of Wilkes- Financing Authority to facilitate and assist is obtaining a Statewide Local Share 00 to be used for the City of Wilkes- Assessment grant of $904, 760. Barre Downtown Public Square Pathways Improvements Phase II project if the application is approved. Designating Mayor George C. Brown and Controller Tony Thomas 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 a Statewide Local Share 00 to be used for the City of Wilkes- Assessment grant of $60, 898. Barre Fire Emergency Department/ Medical Services defibrillator monitor/ project. The funding will be defibrillator with the latest technology that features large, used to purchase a monitor/ easy -to -use touchscreen and advanced clinical decision support tools, if the application is approved.  CITY COUNCIL NOVEMBER 6, 2025 RESOLUTIONS ( CONTINUED) Designating Mayor George C. Brown and Controller Tony Thomas 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 a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $ 841, 00 to be used for the City of Wilkes- 295. Barre Horton Street Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements project, if the application is approved. MINUTES Of the Regular Session of City Council of October 9, 2025. Of the Regular Session of City Council of October 23, 2025. Of the Planning Commission of September 17, 2025. Of the Zoning Hearing Board of September 17, 2025. ORDINANCE FILE OF COUNCIL NO. 6 OF 2025 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE V. OF CHAPTER 29 BY REPEALING SEC. 29- 103 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WILKES- BARRE ENTITLED " TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLES"AND ENACTING A NEW SEC. 29- 103. FIRST READING)  CITY COUNCIL November 6, 2025 Barre met in Regular Session on November 6, The City Council of the City of Wilkes- 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 - present Mirin - present McClay, Vice Chairperson - absent Brooks, Chairperson - present Also Present: George Brown, Mayor Tony Thomas, Controller Tim Henry, City Attorney Charlie 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. Sam Troy, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to File of Council No. 6 of 2025 (Traffic and Motor Vehicle) and the LSA Grants ( Resolutions). CONSENT AGENDA ( RESOLUTIONS/ MINUTES) 1 RESOLUTION NO. R0050- 25 Whereas, the City of Wilkes- Barre advertised for bid the 2025 Various Street Paving Project ( the " Project")on September 11 and September 12, 2025. Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved by the City Council of the City of Wilkes- Barre that the proper City officials are hereby authorized to sign any and all documents related to awarding the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, Pennsy Supply, Inc. in the amount of $ 1, 00,One( 533. 133, Million, One Hundred Thirty Three Thousand, Five Hundred Thirty Three Dollars & Zero Cents) for the Project using CDBG and Liquid Fuels funding. Streets ( or portions thereof) being paved in the Project: Mundy Street ( Scott to Spring) N. Fulton Street ( Amber to Coal) South Main Street (Hazle to E. Ross) South Main Street ( Pennsylvania to Wood) Shiber Lane ( High to Grove) East Thomas Street ( Scott to City Line) Burrier Street (Hillman to end) N. Pennsylvania Ave. (E. North to Butler) RESOLUTION NO. R0051- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $ 533, 00 from the Commonwealth 860. Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used the City Hall Renovations — Phase III project. The funding will be used to remove the existing windows, purchase, and install new energy efficient windows along with the repointing of the exterior brick joints of the building. 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 City Hall Renovations — Phase III 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 November 6, 2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the minutes of the City of Wilkes- Barre and remains in effect as of this date. 2  In Witness Thereof, I affix my hand and attach the seat of the City of Wilkes- Barre, this 6th day of November 2025. RESOLUTION NO. R0052- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $ 224, 00 from the Commonwealth 102. Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the City of Wilkes- Barre Public Works Facility Garage Doors Replacement project. The funding will be used to purchase and install new energy -efficient garage doors for the Public Works Facility. 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 Barre and the Commonwealth Financing Authority agreements between the City of Wilkes- to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant along with any or all other project Barre Public Works Facility Garage Doors documents, related to the City of Wilkes- Replacement 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 November 6,2025 and said Resolution has been recorded in the minutes of Barre and remains in effect as of this date. the City of Wilkes- In Witness Thereof, I affix my hand and attach the seal of the City of Wilkes- Barre, this 6th day of November 2025. RESOLUTION NO. R0053- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $904, 00 760. from the Commonwealth Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the City of Barre Downtown Public Square Pathways Wilkes- Improvements Phase II project. The funding will be used for pathway improvements, which will benefit the various events that are held through the year on Public Square..The Farmer' s Market, which runs from June to October each year, brings food, crafts, and music to our downtown. Also, the Fine Arts Fiesta, a week- long festival on the Square, brings live performances and art exhibits to our residents and visitors. Additionally, the permanent stage has resulted in Public Square being used more frequently for different types of events. Lastly, Public Square is the central point of city' s parades as well as numerous block parties and holiday celebrations. 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 City of Wilkes- Barre Downtown Public Square Pathways Improvements Phase II if project, 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 November 6, 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 6th day of November 2025. RESOLUTION NO. R0054- 25 Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $60, 00 from the Commonwealth Financing 898. Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used by the City of Wilkes- Barre Fire Emergency Medical Services monitor/ Department/ defibrillator project. The funding will be used to purchase a monitor/ defibrillator with the latest technology that features large, easy -to -use touchscreen and advanced clinical decision support tools. 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 monitor/ defibrillator 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 November 6, 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 6th day of November 2025. RESOLUTION NO. R0055- 25 4  Be It Resolved, that the City of Wilkes- Barre, Luzerne County hereby requests a Statewide Local Share Assessment grant of $841, 00 from the Commonwealth 295. Financing Authority of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to be used for the City of Barre Horton Street Stormwater Infrastructure Wilkes- Improvements project. The funding will be used to continue improvements related to the stormwater infrastructure on Horton Street. 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 Horton Street Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements 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 November 6, 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 6th day of November 2025. MINUTES Or the Regular Session of City Council of October 9, 2025. Of the Regular Session of City Council of October 23, 2025. Of the Planning Commission of September 17, 2025. Of the Zoning Hearing Board of September 17, 2025. Mr. Mirin moved to adopt the Consent Agenda ( Resolutions/ Minutes). The motion was seconded by Mr. Barrett and adopted by the following yea and nay vote: Yeas Barrett, Belusko, Mirin, and Brooks ( Chairperson) - 4 - being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Nays none. Absent - McClay - 1. 5  ORDINANCE FILE OF COUNCIL NO. 6 OF 2025 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE V. OF CHAPTER 29 BY REPEALING SEC. 29- 103 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WILKES- BARRE ENTITLED " TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLES"AND ENACTING A NEW SEC. 29- 103. FIRST READING) Mr. Belusko moved to adopt the Ordinance. The motion was seconded by Mr. Mirin and adopted by the following yea and nay vote: Yeas Barrett, Belusko, Mirin, and Brooks ( Chairperson) —4 —being a majority of the members elected to City Council. Nays none. Absent —McClay - 1 PUBLIC DISCUSSION Jamie Smith, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to juvenile crime rates,juvenile detention centers, skate park lights, and snack bar, and to give an update on 64 W. Ross Street community garden. Mr. Barrett recommended that Mr. Smith should talk with juvenile probation for crime rates. Mr. Brooks said that juvenile detention centers would be the responsibility of the county. Mayor Brown said that there is a concession stand at the skate park, and the city has been approached by someone who would like to run it. The mayor said that the city is also using their electrician to give the Administration an idea of what it would take to install lighting there. Tom Gagatek, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to the Hotel Sterling property, food trucks, Blackman Street Bridge ( public hearing), and the flood wall in South Wilkes- Barre. Mr. Brooks responded that food trucks must have licenses and inspections, they need permission from the property owner, and they pay mercantile tax. 6  Tony Scarnulis, Plains PA appeared before Council relative to the Old Police Pension Fund (cost of living increase). Mr. Brooks said he would need some legal advice on how Council can help, what the pension fund can do, and what the police union can do. Mr. Barrett said that the Old Police Pension fund has no one contributing to it anymore. Most of the members in that fund have been retired for decades, and eventually it will be dissolved totally. Many of those that retired ( decades ago) have had no cost -of - living allowance. Mr. Barrett said he did some research and the pension fund could come to City Council and ask that a Resolution be passed supporting some actions they would want to take. Sam Troy, Wilkes- Barre, PA appeared before Council relative to Horton Street project, gun buy back program, homeless, upgrade to city neighborhoods, State building on South Washington Street, budget hearing, and sewer fee ( increase). Mr. Belusko pointed out that all the LSA grants on the agenda are for city departments. projects/ There being no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 6: 17 p. m. TonyB ATTEST: Cathy Pa e, City/Jerk 7