Ken Bartuska

The agenda includes administrative updates, specifically a presentation by the Mayor regarding a proclamation for a local citizen's act of heroism, and reports from the City Manager. New business includes the authorization of payments for payroll and accounts payable. Correspondence will be reviewed regarding a donation acknowledgement from the LCCC Police Academy and a thank you note from the Nanticoke Historical Society. Announcements will cover preparations for the upcoming Annual Big Bang Celebration and Parade, celebrating the centennial of the City of Nanticoke and the semiquincentennial of the United States of America, including calls for raffle donations and parade participants.

The Work Session agenda included discussions and potential motions for the first reading of Ordinance #1 of 2026, which amends the Refuse/Recycling Fee Due Dates. Other significant items involved approving Resolution #4 of 2026 regarding the revision to the Act 537 Plan and Resolution #5 of 2026 authorizing the disposition of City records. The Council also planned to approve the 2026 City's Engineering Rates from Pennoni Associates, Inc. Administrative updates included the re-appointment of Jonathan Lang as the 504 Officer via Executive Order #8 of 2026 and the posting of December 2025 Department Reports. The subsequent Council Meeting agenda listed approval of bill payments totaling $929,853.12 (Payrolls) and $154,452.52 (Accounts Payable), and covered the same ordinance and resolution approvals listed in the Work Session.

The meeting included discussions and potential actions regarding the approval of the city's budget for 2026, establishing a millage rate of taxation for 2026, and approving collection and attorneys' fees and costs for delinquent refuse accounts. The council also addressed the acceptance of a resignation letter from the Police Captain. Additionally, there were administrative updates from the City Manager and announcements about the City of Nanticoke's Annual Christmas Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting.

The agenda included discussions and potential actions regarding a resolution to apply for an LSA Grant for North Market Street Bridge Improvements, amending a resolution to establish fees for certificates of non-conformance and compliance, and approving the revision of the FY 2022 Community Development Block Grant. Also on the agenda was the approval of funding requirements for the City's 2026 Minimal Municipal Obligation (MMO) and the approval of the Collective Bargaining Agreement for White Collar, Non-Professional Employees. Administrative updates included the review of August 2025 Department Reports. New business included approving the payment of bills. The City is holding a Fall Festival on October 11, 2025.

The 2023-2024 School Improvement Plan for the Greater Nanticoke Area School District focuses on improving student achievement in Keystone Exams (Algebra I, Biology, Literature) and increasing regular student attendance. The plan uses a data-driven approach to identify students needing remediation or enrichment through the WIN program. Strategies include collaborative instructional planning, parent communication (text/email), and attendance incentive programs. The plan also addresses challenges related to collaboration time, staffing, substitute teacher availability, and student engagement in the school's cyber program.