Wilkes-Barre public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will consider authorizing the Mayor to appoint David Wilson to the Parking Authority and approve a $3 million Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note for the 2026 fiscal year. The body will also review minutes from previous meetings and authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with the Luzerne County Emergency Services Commission.

• Authorize $3,000,000 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note for 2026
• Appoint David Wilson to Parking Authority to fill unexpired term
• Authorize Mayor to execute Articles of Agreement for Luzerne County Emergency Services Commission
• Review minutes from General Municipal Authority, Zoning Hearing Board, Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority, and City Council
• Public input on pending legislation

The council appointed David Wilson to the City Parking Authority to fill an unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2028. It authorized the issuance and sale of a Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note for $3,000,000 for the 2026 fiscal year. The council also authorized the mayor to execute the Articles of Agreement of the Luzerne County Emergency Services Commission and approved the listed prior meeting minutes.

• Appointed David Wilson to the Parking Authority (term expires Dec 31, 2028)
• Authorized issuance of a $3,000,000 Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note, Series of 2026
• Authorized Mayor to execute Articles of Agreement of Luzerne County Emergency Services Commission
• Approved minutes of General Municipal Authority (Nov 25, 2025)
• Approved minutes of Zoning Hearing Board (Nov 19, 2025)
• Approved minutes of Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority (Oct 21, 2025)
• Approved minutes of City Council Regular Session (Dec 4, 2025)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing on December 17, 2025, to consider a zoning appeal for a beauty salon at 44 East Chestnut Street. The applicant seeks a special exception to change a nonconforming use and a variance to waive two parking spaces.

• Public hearing for beauty salon variance at 44 East Chestnut Street
• Request to change nonconforming use from real estate office to beauty salon
• Request to waive 2 parking spaces for the proposed use

Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre

The Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre will hold a reorganization meeting to approve prior minutes, review reports, and vote on the 2026 budget and a management agreement amendment.

• Approval of bills totaling $12,112.52
• Vote on 2026 budget
• Vote on 3rd amendment management agreement
• Discussion of flood policy
• Review of prior meeting minutes

City Council

The Wilkes-Barre City Council is deciding on the adoption of the Mayor's proposed 2026 General Fund Budget and an ordinance amending sewer utility fees. The meeting also includes a resolution to transfer a restaurant liquor license.

• Adoption of 2026 General Fund Budget
• Amendment to sewer utility fees
• Transfer of restaurant liquor license
• Purchase of electronic medical records system ($30,000)
• Public hearing on liquor license transfer

City Council

The Wilkes‑Barre City Council will adopt the Mayor's proposed General Fund Budget for calendar year 2026. It will also consider three resolutions requesting Statewide Local Share Assessment grants of $500,000, $400,000, and $984,497 for university, college, and youth‑center projects. An ordinance amending the traffic and motor‑vehicle code to restrict parking of large vehicles will be read for the second and final time.

• Adoption of the Mayor's Proposed General Fund Budget for 2026 (File of Council No. 7)
• Ordinance amending Article V of Chapter 29 to repeal and replace Sec. 29‑103 on parking of large vehicles (File of Council No. 6, second and final reading)
• Resolution requesting a $500,000 grant for Wilkes University Nursing Simulation Lab Equipment – Phase 2
• Resolution requesting a $400,000 grant for King's College Sheehy‑Farmer Campus Center 3rd Floor Improvement
• Resolution requesting a $984,497 grant for Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center Improvement

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hear appeals regarding apartment conversions, parking requirements, and building expansions. The meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

• Hearing for 2 Fresh Auto at 1330 North Washington Street to expand auto repair with outdoor storage
• Hearing for Janta Raja, LLC at 16-22 East Union Street to increase apartments from 15 to 29
• Hearing for MyGod Kelley at 54 Marlborough Avenue to build a duplex with reduced lot area
• Hearing for Vito Malacari at 147 and 155 Austin Avenue to convert churches into apartments
• Hearing for Sandy Gabin at 292-294 Carey Avenue to construct a fourth-story addition

Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre

The Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre Board of Directors will review prior minutes, receive reports from the Executive Director and Engineer, and vote on bulk monthly parking rates. The meeting will also include the approval of bills, including a payment to Valley Mart.

• Vote on bulk monthly parking rates
• Approval of bills (Valley Mart $157.98)
• Executive director contract renewal discussion
• Annual Reorganization Meeting scheduled for December 16

City Council

The City Council adopted the Mayor's proposed 2026 General Fund budget and a new ordinance prohibiting the parking of trucks, trailers, and oversized vehicles on city streets. The meeting also included resolutions requesting state grants for local university and youth center projects.

• Adoption of 2026 General Fund Budget
• Ordinance prohibiting parking of trucks, trailers, and oversized vehicles
• Resolution requesting $500,000 for Wilkes University Nursing Simulation Lab Equipment
• Resolution requesting $400,000 for King's College Sheehy-Farmer Campus Center
• Resolution requesting $984,497 for Wyoming Valley Catholic Youth Center

City Council

City Council is reviewing an ordinance to prohibit the parking or standing of trucks and tractor trailers within the city. The body is also considering several grant applications and a street paving contract.

• Proposed ordinance to prohibit parking or standing of trucks and tractor trailers within the city
• Contract for 2025 Various Street Paving Project awarded to Pennsy Supply, Inc. for $1,133,533.00
• Grant request of $904,760.00 for Downtown Public Square Pathways Improvements Phase II
• Grant request of $841,295.00 for Horton Street Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements
• Grant request of $533,860.00 for City Hall Renovations - Phase III

City Council

The agenda for this meeting consists of procedural boilerplate. No specific legislative items, contracts, or ordinances are listed for decision.

Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre

The Parking Authority Board will consider a resolution to enter into a lease agreement with Janta Raja LLC. The meeting also includes a budget review, reports on gate signage, snow removal, and lot lighting, and the approval of several invoices. Members will vote on the lease and approve the listed payments before adjourning.

• Resolution to enter into lease agreement with Janta Raja LLC
• Approval of Troy Mechanical invoice $3,139.80 for HVAC construction
• Approval of Valley Mart invoice $79.24 (Inv #2101)
• Approval of WVSA invoices totaling $385.00 (5 invoices)
• Approval of City of WB Sewer invoices totaling $150.00 (4 invoices)

Zoning Hearing Board

The Zoning Hearing Board will hold public hearings for eight zoning appeal applications. The board is considering special exceptions for businesses and residential units, as well as variances for parking and property setbacks.

• Janta Raja, LLC: request to increase apartments from 15 to 29 at 16-22 East Union Street
• D’Aaron Car Detailing: special exception for hand-detailing business at 380 Hazle Street
• 2 Fresh Auto: request for body work restoration and storage for 12 vehicles at 1330 North Washington Street
• ST Way Inc.: variance for 8-van parking area at 270-272 Carey Avenue
• BDE Properties, LLC: request to change a building to two residential units at 191 Mayock Street

City Council

The Wilkes-Barre City Council meeting on October 9, 2025 will begin with a pledge of allegiance and roll call. Council members will review the minutes from the Planning Commission meeting of June 18, 2025; the Traffic Committee meeting of August 28, 2025; the General Municipal Authority meeting of September 23, 2025; and the regular City Council session of September 25, 2025. No other agenda items such as ordinances, contracts, or public hearings are listed.

• Review minutes of Planning Commission meeting (June 18, 2025)
• Review minutes of Traffic Committee meeting (August 28, 2025)
• Review minutes of General Municipal Authority meeting (September 23, 2025)
• Review minutes of regular City Council session (September 25, 2025)

City Council

The City Council adopted the Luzerne County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update as Wilkes‑Barre’s official hazard mitigation plan. The council also designated the mayor and city controller to execute documents for several Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant applications. Grant requests include $367,472 for a new advanced‑life‑support ambulance, $476,045 for the King’s College Safety and Security Project Phase 3, $185,000 for Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Field lighting, $346,500 for a back‑up generator at the Coal Street Complex, and $307,250 for the Penn Plaza Revitalization on South Main Street and Hazle Street.

• Adoption of the Luzerne County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Update as the city’s official plan
• Request for a $367,472 grant for a new advanced life support ambulance for the Fire Department/EMS
• Request for a $476,045 grant for the King’s College Safety and Security Project – Phase 3
• Request for a $346,500 grant for a back‑up generator for the Coal Street Complex
• Request for a $307,250 grant for the CV LTD Penn Plaza Revitalization on South Main Street and Hazle Street

City Council

The Wilkes‑Barre City Council will adopt the Luzerne County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan as the city’s official mitigation plan. The council also designates the mayor and city controller to seek several Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grants for projects including an ambulance purchase, a safety and security upgrade at King’s College, a back‑up generator for the Coal Street Complex, and lighting for the Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Field. Each grant request is contingent on approval by the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

• Adopt Luzerne County 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan as city’s official plan
• Request $367,472 grant for City of Wilkes‑Barre Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services ambulance purchase
• Request $476,045 grant for King’s College Safety and Security Project – Phase 3
• Request $346,500 grant for back‑up generator project for the Coal Street Complex
• Request $185,000 grant for Wyoming Valley Challenger Baseball Field lighting at BOG public park on Dewy Lane

Zoning Hearing Board

The Wilkes-Barre Zoning Hearing Board will hear appeals regarding special exceptions and variances for auto detailing, daycare homes, and multi-unit conversions. The meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers.

• Public hearing for auto repair and detailing businesses at 380 Hazle Street and 1330 North Washington Street
• Special exception for Kings College addition at 157-171 North Franklin Street
• Variance requests for multi-unit conversions at 278 McLean Street and 307 Carey Avenue
• Special exception for a sober living facility at 415 North Main Street
• Public hearing for daycare homes at 183 Madison Street and 33 Barney Street

Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre

The Parking Authority Board will review reports and discuss parking rates for Luzerne County Community College. It will consider and vote on three bill payments, including $210 to the Postmaster and $3,082.50 to Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald. The meeting also includes routine reports from the chairman, engineer, solicitor, and executive director.

• Approve $210.00 payment to the Postmaster (PO Box 2315 annual)
• Approve $3,082.50 invoice #7503562 to Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald
• Approve annual inspection contract for Bonner Chevrolet (no dollar amount listed)
• Discuss Luzerne County Community College parking rates
• Review authority budget and LAZ report

City Council

At the September 9, 2025 meeting, the Wilkes‑Barre City Council will adopt a second‑reading ordinance amending the Reserved Parking Program, temporarily suspend open‑consumption alcohol rules for the Osterhout Rooftop Party, and designate the mayor and controller to pursue multiple Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grants—including a $904,760 grant for Downtown Public Square Pathways Improvements—and authorize a $500,000 no‑interest loan for stormwater repairs on Conyngham Avenue.

• Ordinance amending the Reserved Parking Program (second reading)
• Temporary suspension of Section 20-4 for the Osterhout Rooftop Party on Oct 3, 2025
• Grant request of $904,760 for Downtown Public Square Pathways Improvements
• Grant request of $500,000 for Wilkes University Nursing Simulation Lab Equipment
• Authorization of a $500,000 no‑interest loan for Stormwater Repair Project on Conyngham Avenue

City Council

The council unanimously adopted six resolutions and one ordinance. It authorized the mayor to sign the 2025‑2026 Winter Services Agreement, urged federal legislators to support increased black‑lung benefits, and temporarily suspended park hours for the Night Golfing Event. The council also approved awarding the Police Headquarters Replacement Project to M & B Electric LLC for $135,500.00 and accepted an insurance package from Risk Strategies costing $1,040,155.00 annually. The ordinance amending the Reserved Parking Program for handicapped parking was adopted on first reading.

• Approved Winter Services Agreement (Resolution R0030-25) – 5 yeas, 0 nays
• Approved urging of federal legislators for black‑lung benefit legislation (Resolution R0031-25) – 5 yeas, 0 nays
• Approved temporary suspension of park hours for Night Golfing Event (Resolution R0032-25) – 5 yeas, 0 nays
• Approved award of Police Headquarters Replacement Project to M & B Electric LLC for $135,500.00 (Resolution R0033-25) – 5 yeas, 0 nays
• Approved acceptance of Risk Strategies insurance package for $1,040,155.00 annual premium (Resolution R0034-25) – 5 yeas, 0 nays
• Adopted Ordinance amending Reserved Parking Program (handicapped parking) – 5 yeas, 0 nays

City Council

City Council is reviewing several administrative resolutions, including a new insurance package and a contract for police headquarters work. The body is also considering a liquor license transfer and updates to the city's reserved parking program.

• Insurance package from Risk Strategies for a total annual premium of $1,040,155.00
• Police Headquarters Replacement Project contract awarded to M&B Electric LLC for $135,500.00
• Transfer of Restaurant Liquor License # R-3625 to Ghost Six Packs To Go, LLC at 1075 Scott Street
• PennDOT Winter Services Agreement (Year 4 of 10) for $64,914.33
• Ordinance amending the 'Reserved Parking Program' regarding eligibility and definitions

City Council

The council adopted the consent agenda, authorizing the city to sign a $38,250 police alarm system contract and to submit grant applications for $3,000,000 and $597,855 for streetscape projects. The council also adopted Ordinance No. 4, the 2025 Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant program. Both actions passed with a 4‑0 vote and one member absent.

• Adopted Consent Agenda authorizing signing $38,250 police alarm contract (4-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda authorizing $3,000,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant submission for South Main Street Streetscape Phase II (4-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda authorizing $597,855 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant submission for King’s College North Main Street Streetscape Phase II (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 4, 2025 Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant program (4-0)

City Council

The City Council adopted the Consent Agenda, approving four resolutions that authorize financing for a 60" culvert repair, purchase of computer equipment, a lease‑purchase agreement for police vehicles, and acquisition of an ArcGIS Velocity program. The council also adopted Ordinance No. 4 of 2025, establishing the 2025 Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant program. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Authorized Mayor to obtain up to $600,000 finance package for emergency culvert repairs (5-0)
• Authorized purchase of 14 Panasonic Toughbook FZ‑55 computers for $52,402.00 (5-0)
• Authorized purchase of 14 Havis DS‑PAN‑432 docking stations for $16,553.04 (5-0)
• Authorized five‑year lease/purchase agreement for 5 police vehicles totaling $384,815.00, annual payment $89,231.76 (5-0)
• Authorized purchase of ArcGIS Velocity program for $52,530 funded by Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 4 of 2025 establishing the 2025 Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant and Home Program budgets (5-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda (Resolutions/Minutes) encompassing all listed resolutions (5-0)

City Council

The council approved a resolution requesting a $250,000 Greenway, Trails and Recreation Program grant for the Huber Park Improvement project and designated the mayor and controller to handle the grant paperwork. It also appointed Jerome Dunn to the General Municipal Authority for a term ending December 31, 2028. Finally, the council passed an ordinance amending traffic rules about crossing private or public property to avoid traffic signals.

• Adopted Resolution RO0O21-25 to request $250,000 GTRP grant and designate Mayor George C. Brown and Controller Tony Thomas (4 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopted Resolution R0O022-25 appointing Jerome Dunn to the General Municipal Authority (term expires 12/31/2028) (4 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)
• Adopted Ordinance File of Council No. 3 of 2025 amending Article XI of Chapter 29 on driving across private/public property (4 yeas, 0 nays, 1 absent)

City Council

The council unanimously adopted the consent agenda, reappointing Jay Delaney and Patricia Gazenski to the Housing Authority. It also adopted, on first reading, Ordinance File No. 3 of 2025 amending the city code to prohibit driving across private or public property to avoid traffic controls. All actions passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Adopted Consent Agenda, reappointing Jay Delaney to the Housing Authority (term expires Sep 10, 2029) (5-0)
• Adopted Consent Agenda, reappointing Patricia Gazenski to the Housing Authority (term expires Jun 10, 2029) (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance File No. 3 of 2025 amending the code on driving across private/public property (first reading) (5-0)
• Adopted minutes of the Zoning Hearing Board of Apr 16, 2025 (5-0)
• Adopted minutes of the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority of Mar 18, 2025 (5-0)
• Adopted minutes of the City Council regular session of Apr 24, 2025 (5-0)

City Council

The council adopted the consent agenda, which included two resolutions. It authorized city officials to contract with Panzitta Enterprises for the Hollenback Fire Station Auxiliary Garage Project at a cost of $49,500, funded by a state grant and the fire department budget. The council also appointed William Murtha to the Parking Authority, with his term set to end on December 31, 2028. The adoption passed with a 5‑0 vote.

• Adopted consent agenda (5 yeas, 0 nays)
• Authorized $49,500 contract with Panzitta Enterprises for Hollenback Fire Station Auxiliary Garage Project
• Appointed William Murtha to the Parking Authority (term expires Dec 31, 2028)

City Council

The City Council adopted a Consent Agenda that temporarily suspended the open‑container ordinance for the Fine Arts Fiesta (May 15‑18, 2025) and Rockin’ the River (July 11, 18, 25, 2025). It declared April 22, 2025 an Earth Day to promote earth‑friendly foods. The council reappointed Patricia Unvarsky to the Traffic Committee through March 21, 2028. It authorized filing a $750,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant proposal for King’s College Student Success Center and approved a $431,532 contract with Stell Enterprises for the Bog Phase II playground project.

• Adopted (5‑0) temporary suspension of open‑container ordinance for Fine Arts Fiesta
• Adopted (5‑0) temporary suspension of open‑container ordinance for Rockin’ the River
• Adopted (5‑0) Earth Day proclamation for April 22, 2025
• Adopted (5‑0) reappointment of Patricia Unvarsky to Traffic Committee (term expires 3/21/2028)
• Adopted (5‑0) authorization to file $750,000 grant proposal for King’s College Student Success Center
• Adopted (5‑0) authorization to sign contract with Stell Enterprises for Bog Phase II playground ($431,532)

City Council

Council members voted 5‑0 to adopt the minutes of the March 27, 2025 regular session. No other ordinances, resolutions, or contracts were approved, denied, or tabled during this meeting. The remainder of the session consisted of presentations and public discussion.

• Adopted the March 27, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)