Luzerne County public meetings in 2021
64 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Job Description Review Committee
The Job Description Review Committee is meeting to discuss and revise a resolution regarding a staff position. The committee is reviewing the specific duties and requirements for an Administrative Assistant in the Office of Clerk of County Council.
- Proposed job description for Administrative Assistant to the Clerk of Council
- Annual salary of $30,000.00 for the Administrative Assistant position
County Council
Luzerne County Council is reviewing a resolution to move funds within the 2021 fiscal year budget. The transfer is intended to cover costs associated with advertising for the County Manager Search Committee following the resignation of C. David Pedri.
- Budget transfer of $1,000.00 from the Reserve Fund to the Advertising Expense line item
County Council
County Council is considering a resolution to transfer funds within the 2021 fiscal year budget. The transfer would move money from the Reserve Fund to cover registration and related costs for council members attending the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania annual conference.
- Transfer of $2,000.00 from Reserve Fund (line item 100.99.4940.585.10) to Meeting/Conference/Training (line item 100.10.4111.560.64)
County Council
The County Council is holding an interview session to evaluate candidates for the position of County Manager. Five applicants are scheduled for timed interviews.
- Interview of George F. Hayden
- Interview of Patrick Musto
- Interview of Ernest Searfoss
- Interview of John Magagna
- Interview of Walter S. Mitchell Jr.
County Council
The County Council is holding an interview session for the County Manager Search Committee. The meeting is conducted via video/teleconference.
- County Manager Search Committee applicant interviews
County Council
The provided text consists of a single public comment email. There is no formal agenda listing decisions or discussions for the July 27, 2021, meeting.
- Public comment from David G. Wright supporting the restoration of the Homestead Exemption using American Recovery funds
County Council
The County Council will hold a work session to review June 2021 budget reports and discuss the sale of certain tax claim bureau properties. The body will also consider a stormwater project request from West Hazleton Borough and the creation of an Arts Advisory Board.
- American Rescue Plan request from West Hazleton Borough for Rotary Drive and Kiwanis Boulevard Stormwater Project No. 31235.02
- Proposed ordinance and bylaws creating the Luzerne County Arts Advisory Board
- Resolution regarding the sale of property held in repository by Elite Revenue Solutions, LLC
- Review of June 2021 Budget Reports
- Discussion regarding the County Manager Search Committee
County Council
Luzerne County Council is considering an ordinance to amend the 2021 Fiscal Year Budget. The proposal seeks to increase both revenue and expenditure budgets by $400,000 to account for COVID-19 salary reimbursements.
- Proposed ordinance to increase revenue line item 260.50.4286.460.31 by $400,000
- Proposed ordinance to increase expenditure line item 260.50.4286.550.15 by $400,000
- Funding intended to offset costs for the 911 digital radio project
County Council
Luzerne County Council is considering an ordinance to amend the 2021 Fiscal Year Budget. The proposal seeks to increase revenue and expenditures by $400,000 using COVID-19 salary reimbursement funds.
- Proposed $400,000 increase to General Fund Probation Services (Line Item 100.13.4237.460.31)
- Proposed $400,000 increase to Other Contractual Services (Line Item 100.13.4237.550.15)
- Funding intended for the County Diversionary Court Program and Family Court Division
County Council
The Council is holding a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance to provide a homestead exclusion. This measure would authorize the Assessor’s Office to approve exclusions of $48,500 in assessed property value for the years 2020 and 2021 using federal funds.
- Proposed $48,500 homestead exclusion of assessed property for 2020 and 2021
- Funding sourced from The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
- Authorization for the Treasurer's Office to disburse funds to eligible owners by October 15
County Council
The Council is meeting to decide on budget amendments for 911 and Probation services, as well as a property tax exclusion. The body will also consider a tower site license agreement and changes to the Flood Protection Authority's incorporation.
- Homestead Exclusion of $50,000 of assessed property for FY2020 and 2021 using American Rescue Plan Act funds
- Budget amendments for Luzerne County 911 and Probation
- Site License Agreement with Hirschfeld Communication, LLC for a tower site in Evans Falls
- Request from Hazleton City regarding county tax considerations for Land Bank properties
- Ordinance amending the Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority’s Articles of Incorporation
County Council
The Council is considering a resolution to create the Luzerne County C-PACE Program. This program would designate the entire county as a district for clean energy initiatives and authorize the Sustainable Energy Fund to act as the program administrator.
- Establishment of the Luzerne County C-PACE Program
- Designation of the entire county as the program district
- Authorization for the Sustainable Energy Fund to administer the program
- Authorization for the County Manager to execute a Cooperation Agreement with the Sustainable Energy Fund
County Council
The County Council is meeting to recognize Michael Enochs for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. The agenda consists of a proclamation honoring his community service and mural project at St. Paul’s church.
- Proclamation honoring Michael Enochs of Boy Scout Troop 25
County Council
The provided text consists of a public comment email addressed to the Luzerne County Council. The sender requests the use of American Recovery funds to restore the Homestead Exemption for taxpayers.
- Request to restore Homestead Exemption using American Recovery money
County Council
The provided text consists of a single public comment email sent to the County Council. There are no official council actions, votes, or agenda items listed in the document.
- Public request to restore the Homestead Exemption using American Recovery funds
County Council
A public comment was submitted to the County Council requesting the restoration of the Homestead Exemption. The correspondence suggests using a portion of American Recovery funds for taxpayer distributions.
- Request for Homestead Exemption restoration
- Proposal to use $46 million of American Recovery money for taxpayer distributions
County Council
The provided text contains a public comment request regarding email auto-replies and does not list official council actions. The agenda is primarily procedural boilerplate.
- Public comment request for auto-reply setup on County email addresses
County Council
The provided text consists of a public comment submission for a voting session. The author raises questions regarding the removal of flowers from the courthouse lawn, policies for employees lying in state, and communication with the firm investigating Children and Youth services.
- Inquiry regarding the removal of flowers from the courthouse lawn
- Request for the policy on county employees being laid in state at the courthouse
- Question regarding family access to the firm hired to investigate Children and Youth
County Council
The provided text consists of a single public comment email sent to the Luzerne County Council. There are no official council actions, votes, or agenda items listed in the source document.
- Public comment in favor of restoring the Homestead Exemption
County Council
The provided text consists of a single public comment email from a resident. There is no official meeting agenda or list of council actions provided.
- Public comment requesting use of American Recovery money for Homestead Exemption
County Council
The provided text consists of a single public comment email addressed to the Luzerne County Council. The sender requests the restoration of the homestead exemption using American recovery funds.
- Public comment from Deborah Jordan requesting restoration of the homestead exemption
County Council
The provided text contains a public comment request regarding the homestead act. There is no formal agenda listing official decisions or discussion items for this meeting.
- Public comment request to reinstate the homestead act
County Council
The provided text consists of a public comment email sent to the Luzerne County Council. It is not a formal meeting agenda.
- Request to use $46 million in American Recovery Money to reinstate the Homestead Exemption
County Council
The provided text consists of a single public comment email addressed to the County Council. No official agenda items, motions, or decisions are listed in the document.
- Public comment from Jim Knittle proposing the use of American Recovery money for property tax breaks
County Council
The provided text consists of a single public comment submitted via email. A resident is requesting the restoration of the Homestead Exemption using American Recovery funds.
- Public comment regarding the use of American Recovery money for Homestead Exemption
County Council
The provided text consists of a single external email from a resident expressing support for the restoration of the Homestead Exemption. There is no official agenda or list of council actions provided.
- Public comment from Tim Martonik supporting the restoration of the Homestead Exemption
County Council
The provided text contains only a public comment email regarding the Homestead Exemption. There are no official council actions, decisions, or agenda items listed in the source document.
- Public comment received from Michael McAuvic regarding the restoration of the Homestead Exemption
County Council
The provided text consists of a single external email sent to the County Council. It contains a resident's proposal to use American Recovery funds to restore the Homestead Exemption.
- Proposal to use $46 million of $112 million in American Recovery money for taxpayer payments of approximately $300
County Council
The provided text consists of a single external email from a resident requesting the Council support a motion to restore the Homestead Exemption using American Recovery Money. There is no official agenda listing of decisions or actions for the July 27, 2021 meeting.
- Request to restore Homestead Exemption using American Recovery Money
County Council
The provided text consists of a single external email sent to the County Council. It contains a request from a resident to use American Recovery money to restore the Homestead Exemption.
- Public comment from Richard Polmounter regarding Homestead Exemption
County Council
The provided text consists of a single external email sent to the County Council. The sender requests the restoration of the Homestead exemption using American Recovery funds.
- Request to restore Homestead exemption using American Recovery money
County Council
The provided text consists of a public comment email regarding the allocation of $56.4 million in American Rescue funds. The sender suggests prioritizing public infrastructure over payments to homeowners.
- Public comment regarding the allocation of $56.4 million in American Rescue funds
County Council
The provided text consists of a single public comment email addressed to the Luzerne County Council. The sender requests the authorization of $48,500.41 from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for homestead exclusions.
- Proposal to authorize $48,500.41 for homestead exclusion via the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
County Council
The County Council is scheduled to vote on whether funds can be used for a Homestead Exemption for the years 2020 and 2021. The provided text consists of a public comment encouraging a yes vote on this matter.
- Vote on Homestead Exemption funds for 2020 & 2021
County Council
The provided text contains only a public comment email regarding taxes and the Homestead tax break. There are no official council actions, decisions, or agenda items listed.
County Council
The provided text is a public comment email addressed to the Luzerne County Council. It contains requests for mandatory drug testing for county employees and investigations into the county's judicial and foster care systems.
- Request for mandatory and random drug testing for all Luzerne County employees
- Request for state takeover of the local Children and Youth Agency
- Request for open records in family courts
- Request for income bracket restrictions for foster and kinship parents
Special Election Decision Committee
The Special Election Decision Committee is meeting to discuss a payment to the law firm of Stevens and Lee. The meeting includes a period for public comment on voting session items.
- Discussion regarding payment to the law firm of Stevens and Lee
County Council
The County Council is holding a special meeting to determine the size and membership of the County Manager Search Committee. The body will vote on the number of members and handle nominations and appointments for the committee.
- Approval of the number of members for the County Manager Search Committee
- Nominations and appointments to the County Manager Search Committee
County Council
The Council is holding an interview session regarding applicants for the County Manager position. The meeting also includes motions to suspend bylaws related to physical presence and public meeting conduct requirements.
- County Manager Search Committee Applicant Interviews
- Motion to suspend bylaws regarding physical presence requirements
- Motion to suspend bylaws regarding public meeting conduct rules
County Council
Luzerne County Council is meeting to vote on budget amendments, transportation grants, and a property assessed clean energy program. The body is also discussing a potential ballot question for a government study commission and CARES Act funding for property tax exclusions.
- Proposed $50,000 homestead exclusion for FY2020 and 2021 using American Rescue Plan Act funds
- Proposed ballot question for the November 2, 2021 election regarding a Government Study Commission
- Right of Way Agreement with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC
- Budget amendments for 911 and Probation services
- Settlement of litigation in Richard Musko v. Wilkes-Barre/Wyoming Valley Airport, Valley Aviation and Luzerne County
County Council
The provided text consists of public comments submitted by a resident. The author requests that the council implement mandatory drug testing for all county employees and expresses concerns regarding the county's prison, mental health, and foster care systems.
- Request for mandatory drug testing for all county employees, specifically those working with children, the elderly, veterans, and the mentally challenged
County Council
Luzerne County Council is holding a work session to discuss amendments to the flood protection authority's purposes and fiscal year budget updates. The body is also reviewing real estate recommendations and a tower site license agreement.
- Proposed amendment to Ordinance No. 6596 to include the Duryea Levee Rehabilitation Project
- Discussion of 2021 Fiscal Year Budget amendments for 911 and ERA
- Proposed site license agreement with Hirschfeld Communication, LLC for a tower in Evans Falls
- Request from Hazleton City regarding county tax considerations for land bank properties
- Real Estate Committee recommendations for county-owned parcels and properties assessed under $10,000
County Council
County Council is reviewing the status of $112,890,152.00 in Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. The county has received $56,445,076.00 to date. A final spending plan will be presented for council approval once the U.S. Treasury issues a Final Rule.
- Total allocation of $112,890,152.00
- Amount received to date: $56,445,076.00
- Proposed categories: Rainwater Projects (WVSA & DAMA), Small Businesses and Tourism, County Lost Revenue Projects, County Storm Water Projects, and Levee Improvements
- Deadline for funds to be incurred and obligated: December 31, 2024
- Deadline for funds to be expended and work completed: December 31, 2026
County Council
The County Council is reviewing the 2020 financial audit conducted by Baker Tilly US, LLP. The report provides an unmodified opinion on the financial statements and details the County's fund balance, debt, and internal control deficiencies.
- General Fund 2020 actual expenditures were $106,345,555
- General Fund 2020 actual revenues were $139,503,927
- Net Pension Liability of $80,098,889
- Net OPEB Liability of $9,519,988
- Identification of material weaknesses in internal controls regarding segregation of duties and account reconciliations
County Council
The Luzerne County Council is considering a resolution to create a new full-time position. This role would assist the Clerk of County Council in performing office duties and responsibilities.
- Establishment of an Administrative Assistant position for the Clerk of County Council
- Annual salary of $30,000.00 for the new full-time exempt service position
County Council
The provided text consists of a public comment submission to the Luzerne County Council. The author requests that the council implement mandatory drug testing for all county employees.
- Proposal for mandatory drug testing for all county employees
County Council
The provided text is a public comment submission from a resident to the County Council. It contains requests for mandatory drug testing for county employees and investigations into the judicial and foster care systems.
- Request for mandatory and random drug testing for all Luzerne County employees
- Request for state takeover of the local Children and Youth Agency
- Request for open records in family courts
- Request for income bracket restrictions for foster and kinship parents
County Council
The County Council is considering a resolution to endorse the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States semiquincentennial. The resolution proposes establishing a voluntary, unpaid county commission to coordinate commemorative activities.
- Resolution No. 2021- regarding AMERICA250PA endorsement
- Establishment of an AMERICA250PA County Commission
County Council
The Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority (LCFPA) is requesting approval to amend its Articles of Incorporation. This change would allow the LCFPA to assist Duryea Borough with the Duryea Levee Rehabilitation Project to meet FEMA accreditation standards.
- Proposed amendment to Section 5 of Ordinance No. 6596
- Request to award a contract for professional engineering and surveying services for the Duryea Levee Rehabilitation Project
- Proposed Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement between Duryea Borough and LCFPA for future operation and maintenance
County Council
The County Council is reviewing proposed flood control infrastructure projects funded by Coronavirus Pandemic Recovery Funding. The proposal includes equipment purchases, facility rehabilitations, and levee projects.
- Worthington Pumps Impeller Upgrades: $1,000,000
- LCFPA Command Center Bldg. Purchase and Rehab: $800,000
- Delaney Street Operations Building Rehabilitation: $750,000
- Kirby Park Market Street Preparedness Facility: $650,000
- Stormwater Pump Stations MCC Relays Upgrades: $500,000
County Council
The Council is meeting to determine the number of members for the County Manager Search Committee. They will also handle nominations and appointments to that committee.
- Approval of the number of members for the Manager Search Committee
- Nominations and appointments to the County Manager Search Committee
County Council
The County Council is holding an interview session for the County Manager Search Committee. The meeting is conducted via video/teleconference.
- County Manager Search Committee applicant interviews
County Council
The County Council is holding a work session to review May 2021 budget reports and discuss several resolutions. The body will consider budget amendments for 911 and Probation services, as well as transportation funding and a right-of-way agreement.
- Right of Way Agreement between Luzerne County and Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company, LLC
- Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant request from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority
- 2021 Fiscal Year Budget amendments for Luzerne County (911) and (Probation)
- Local match commitments for state operating assistance for Luzerne County Transportation Authority and Hazleton Public Transit
- Adoption of the Hidden Hero’s Community Plan
County Council
The County Council is holding a public hearing to receive comments on a proposed ordinance. This ordinance would amend the 2021 Fiscal Year Budget for Luzerne County (D&A).
- Public comment on proposed ordinance amending the 2021 Fiscal Year Budget for Luzerne County (D&A)
County Council
The provided text does not contain a meeting agenda, motions, or discussion items. It consists of a list of names, parcel numbers, and a GIS mapping disclaimer.
County Council
The County Council is reviewing a resolution to authorize the County Manager to execute a lease agreement with Hirschfeld Communications, LLC. The agreement allows Luzerne County 9-1-1 to install radio and microwave equipment in Evans Falls, Monroe Township, as part of the P25 digital radio project.
- Tower site lease agreement with Hirschfeld Communications, LLC in Evans Falls
- Initial $40,000 capital contribution for tower modifications
- Lease payments of $2,000 per month starting on the 41st month with 3% escalation
- Initial 10-year total agreement cost of $235,133.08
- 100% of lease payments covered by 911 funding
County Council
Luzerne County Council is conducting a public hearing and voting session to consider a zoning change for three parcels of land. The proposal seeks to rezone the property to allow for expanded parking and business growth.
- Proposed rezoning of 6.51 acres at 18-24 Sweet Valley Road from HB, AG, and R-1 zones to HB and AG zones
- Request filed by property owner Gary May
County Council
The County Council will hold public hearings regarding budget amendments and rezoning. The body is scheduled to vote on a software contract with Microsoft, a lease for the Domestic Relations Office, and a property tax exemption program for deteriorated business properties.
- Ordinance to amend the 2021 Fiscal Year Budget (D&A)
- Rezoning of 6.51 acres in Union Township from HB, AG, and R-1 to HB and AG zones
- Software acquisition and licensing contract with Microsoft Corporation
- Lease renewal with Dom Forte Enterprises, Inc. for Domestic Relations Office at 701 North Church Street, Hazleton
- Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement with Hazleton Creek Commerce Center Holdings, LLC
County Council
The meeting agenda includes budget estimates for legal tasks related to the Luzerne County District Attorney election matter. The documents outline costs for initial pleadings, briefs, and oral arguments.
- Estimated budget for Task A (Initial Pleadings) ranging from $7,475 to $9,370
- Estimated budget for Task B (Briefs and replies) ranging from $6,475 to $8,370
- Estimated budget for Task C (Oral Argument) ranging from $2,475 to $3,765
- Total estimated budget figures of $16,425 and $21,505
County Council
The Law Office of Tucker R. Hull submitted a proposed budget to Councilwoman Kendra Radle regarding litigation costs for an election law matter. The estimate covers potential legal actions through the Court of Common Pleas, the Commonwealth Court, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
- Estimated $7,500 to $12,500 for litigation before the Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas
- Estimated $8,500 to $12,250 for a single appeal before the Commonwealth Court
- Estimated $3,250 to $5,250 to file a Petition for Allowance of Appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
- Estimated $8,000 to $11,000 to litigate a case before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
- Legal billing rates of $250/hour for J. Chadwick Schnee and Tucker R. Hull, and $150/hour for paralegal Tara Rivera
Special Election Decision Committee
The Special Election Decision Committee is conducting public interviews with legal representatives. The body will discuss which candidates for outside counsel should be sent to the Council for a final decision.
- Public interview with J. Chadwick Schnee, Esq. (Law Office of Tucker Hull)
- Public interview with Peter J. Adonizio, Jr. and Hon. Thomas I. Vanaskie (Stevens & Lee)
County Council
The Council will discuss several items including a software licensing agreement with Microsoft Corporation and the establishment of a property assessed clean energy program. Other discussion topics include a lease renewal for the Domestic Relations Office and a payment in lieu of taxes agreement.
- Establishment of the Luzerne County C-PACE Program
- $1,349,492 Microsoft Corporation software acquisition and licensing contract
- Lease renewal with Dom Forte Enterprises, Inc. for 701 North Church Street
- Payment in lieu of taxes agreement with Hazleton Creek Commerce Center Holdings, LLC
- Resignation of County Manager C. David Pedri
County Council
The County Council is issuing a proclamation to recognize child welfare professionals. The action honors staff at Luzerne County Children & Youth Services for their work protecting children.
- Proclamation of Child Welfare Professionals Appreciation Week for June 7-11, 2021
Special Election Decision Committee
The Special Election Decision Committee is meeting to review an advertisement for outside legal counsel. The counsel will address whether a new succession law requires an election for District Attorney during the November 2021 General Election.
- Review of advertisement for outside counsel with at least five years of election law experience
- Deadline for letters of interest: June 1, 2021