James Hazen

The board addressed several operational and financial matters, including the approval of payables for the correction center and prison. Reports from the Controller, Community Corrections, and the Warden covered inmate account reconciliations, canteen investments, program statistics, and staffing updates. Board members discussed the regulation of canteen account usage, the acquisition of a grant for medically assisted treatment programs, and strategies to mitigate high overtime costs stemming from staffing vacancies and leaves of absence. A public comment highlighted successful efforts in providing educational and vocational opportunities for the inmate population.

The Board of Commissioners discussed and approved several items, including a proclamation for the Valley View Cougars softball team following their state championship win. The meeting covered the ratification of county payables, the approval of a cooperation agreement with the Scranton Chamber of Commerce for a labor market analytics platform, and the authorization of service agreements for the Area Agency on Aging. Furthermore, the board approved mural preservation easement agreements and discussed the county's preparations for an upcoming community event and the establishment of cooling centers to address an ongoing heatwave.

The board meeting addressed several administrative and community development items. Key discussions included a proclamation for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and an update from the Literacy Committee regarding their initiatives for dyslexia awareness and tutoring programs in the county prison. The commissioners approved payables, contracts for drug and alcohol treatment programs for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, and cooperation agreements for sidewalk and park improvements in Archbold and Clark Summit. Additionally, the board ratified CDBG budget revisions and approved addendums for professional service contracts within the Office of Youth and Family Services to address increased needs in interpretation, forensic interviews, and substance use screenings.

The meeting included the introduction of veterans and the Pledge of Allegiance. Proclamations were issued declaring Child Welfare Professionals Appreciation Week and Family Reunification Month in Lackawanna County, with representatives from the Office of Youth and Family Services and Outreach Center for Community Resources participating. The board approved payables for the general fund and electronic fund transfers. Additionally, a cooperation agreement with the Borough of Jessup was authorized for the Sarah Brady Park ADA improvement project, including the award of a construction contract.

The board meeting included a land bank property disposition update, a Blight Task Force report, and discussions on property acquisition and disposition. Approvals were granted for resolutions concerning property acquisition from the tax sale bureau, conveyance of land bank-owned property, permission to sell property prior to the end of the five-year retention policy, and an option agreement for preemptive bids at the judicial sale. Additionally, the board discussed issues regarding treasurer deeds and tax collection, noting the need for coordination with the assessor's office and tax claim bureau.