Joseph Coffay

The council meeting addressed various departmental reports, including updates on police pension alignment and contract negotiations, fire and ambulance response statistics, and upcoming recreational events. The engineering report noted efforts to secure a grant extension for road projects. Public comments included discussions on neighborhood street maintenance, the installation of banners, and drainage concerns. Business items included the scheduling of traffic counts, the purchase of additional security door fobs, and the discussion of potential future appointments.

The council convened to address the necessity of obtaining a demolition permit for St. Anthony's church, which had been deemed an unfit and dangerous structure for the community. The action was prompted by structural concerns and a recent fire incident at the property. The council officially motioned and voted to proceed with the demolition of the building and its surrounding properties.

The council discussed various departmental reports including updates on police, solicitor activities, fire and ambulance services, recreation, road maintenance, and engineering projects. Public comments addressed road conditions, utility work, banner displays on poles, and questions regarding the police station regionalization project. Business actions included the appointment of a representative to the WSRPD, the procurement of a hot box for the Public Works department, approval for stormwater management repairs, and a donation to the local Little League. An executive session was held to discuss financial or administrative matters.

The meeting includes a presentation from the engineer regarding project updates and various department reports. Key business items involve the acceptance of a resignation from the Zoning Board, the appointment of a temporary third-party inspection agency, and the approval of funding for new Fire Department cameras. Furthermore, the council will address resolutions concerning the construction of an inclusive sensory playground and the transfer of the police pension plan to a regional commission, alongside the authorization of bill payments.

Key discussions included an update on the reorganization of the WSRPD, the Solicitor's work on storm water and tower lease easements, and the Fire Department's monthly response statistics. Public comments addressed concerns regarding road paving schedules, the hanging of Hometown Heroes banners, and persistent issues with property maintenance and debris on Schrader Street. The Council reviewed reports and tabled the assignment of committees. New business featured a presentation on the Lower South Valley Land Bank and South Valley COG, with plans to potentially join the COG in March pending a resolution. A multimodal grant of $500,000 was approved for future paving projects on Howard Street, E. State Street, and Lance Hill. Resolutions were passed to waive annual contributions to the firefighters' pension plan and for the emergency repair of the borough's HVAC system. Furthermore, the council approved using the storm water account to construct a new salt shed and authorized an application for a $100,000 Tax Anticipation Note from M&T Bank. An appointment was made to the Planning Board, and permission was granted for the Luzerne County Referees to use the Council Chambers on Sundays.