City of Hazleton

The Regular Meeting addressed several ordinances and resolutions. Ordinance 2026-2, concerning the naming and dedication of streets within the Allen Ridge Subdivision, passed unanimously after clarification regarding street name duplication with West Hazleton. Resolution 2026-17, adopting policies for the use of City Parks, Athletic Facilities, and Public Spaces, passed after discussion about scheduling hardware, usage types (common, reserved, league), and fan decorum policies. Resolution 2026-17 establishes procedures for scheduling activities, including the forthcoming Hazleton City Pickleball League. Resolution 2026-18, authorizing compensation for the Hazleton Recreational Vehicle Appeals Board, was not presented and therefore failed, with a note that an amendment to the original ATV ordinance regarding fee structure will be presented in March. Resolution 2026-19, authorizing an agreement with No Nonsense Neutering for feral cat spay/neuter and vaccination services, passed unanimously. During comments, the City Administrator confirmed access to American Rescue Plan (ARP) money. The Junior Council representative acknowledged the dedication of National FBLA week. Council members reminded residents about winter safety, specifically concerning snow clearance around fire hydrants and caution near railroad crossings.

The Regular Meeting addressed several legislative items, including the first reading of an ordinance naming and dedicating streets within the Allen Ridge Subdivision and the second reading and passage of an ordinance terminating a right-of-way easement along South Conahan Drive. Several resolutions were passed, including a proclamation declaring FBLA Week and appointments to the Hazleton City Housing Authority and the Zoning Hearing Board for multiple individuals. A resolution concerning a Cost Savings and Implementation Proposal from Governmental Consulting Strategies LLC was tabled for further refinement following an executive session. Another resolution regarding the adoption of Amended Fire Civil Services Rules and Regulations was also tabled pending further review by labor counsel. Public comments covered issues such as snowplow debris placement, incorrect GPS mapping for an address, shared chimney repair disputes, missing street signs, parking obstruction in an alley, and concerns regarding stray cats and storm drain maintenance. The Council also discussed the need for more bilingual City Code and Enforcement employees in relation to federal immigration concerns.

The primary discussion during the work session centered on a proposed Feral and Stray Cat Neutering Program for the City of Hazleton, presented by Barbara Conway. The proposal involved contracting with No Nonsense Neutering for 50 cats at a cost of $40.00 per cat, with an initial commitment of $750.00, excluding upfront costs from the City. Discussion focused on the mechanics of voucher distribution, the possibility of utilizing a 501-C3 organization to avoid an RFP process, and administrative responsibilities for handling vouchers and program oversight, especially concerning policy development to prevent residents from falsely claiming owned pets as strays. The Mayor emphasized the need for more time to review the program details.

The meeting focused primarily on matters related to the proposed legislative body for the Hazleton Government Study Commission. PEL Consultants led a discussion requesting the Commission to review and respond to remaining questions concerning the method of election for the Council section of the Charter. They also reviewed a draft of Article II City Council incorporating feedback from previous sessions. During public comments, a resident encouraged consideration of long-term policies, such as a seven-member council, controller, and tax collector, and requested a discussion about potential law enforcement interactions with state or federal agencies at the next meeting. Another resident commented on the challenge of commissioners representing the entire city due to differing perspectives among community members.

Key discussions included a presentation on managing the city's stray and feral cat population, referencing the 'Trap, Neuter, and Return' program and potential subsidized spaying/neutering costs. Another presentation involved a government consulting strategy to save the city money through reviewing electricity procurement, natural gas agency, and insurance plans, with potential savings in the millions over three years. The bid opening resulted in the low bid for the 2026 Anti-Skid AS2 Procurement being awarded to M & J Excavation, Inc. Several actions were taken on Ordinances and Resolutions, including the first reading of an ordinance to terminate a right-of-way easement along South Conahan Drive. Resolutions passed unanimously to authorize City Hall interior water damage repair funds, approve the name of a new private roadway, authorize the sale and removal of used city vehicles, and award the contract for anti-skid material. During comments from the audience, the Firefighters Union President raised concerns regarding understaffing on firefighting shifts and urged City Council to add budget allocations for public safety.