Luzerne County

This document outlines the Vision, Mission, and Principles of Luzerne County Government. The vision is to establish a safe and healthy community characterized by a diverse, prosperous, and sustainable economy, offering excellent services while preserving its natural environment, local history, and culture. The mission is to provide honest, effective, and equitable services to residents, enhancing the quality of life through economic development and environmental stewardship. Guiding principles emphasize dignity, fairness, honesty, respect, economic stability, excellent service delivery, ethical conduct, teamwork, openness, transparency, and sound fiscal management.

The council discussed and addressed various administrative and legislative matters, including the introduction of an ordinance for the creation of a Luzerne County Land Bank and the approval of financial assistance for the West Side Regional Police Department's new headquarters. Additional agenda items included authorizing temporary right-of-ways for a drainage project at the Crestwood Industrial Park, granting permission for the demolition of a building at the Keystone Job Corps Center, and approving settlements for pending litigation involving American Asphalt and the Estate of Michelle Lynn Shotwell. Furthermore, the council finalized committee appointments and recognized several individuals through ceremonial proclamations.

The commission discussed and voted on the appointment of legal counsel and reviewed invoices for legal services. Topics included the financial impact of scheduling meetings in the evening, procedures for handling frivolous or groundless complaints, and updates regarding ongoing complaint investigations. Additionally, the commission reviewed advertising methods for requests for proposals and addressed commission duties.

The board received updates on completed construction projects and associated energy cost savings. An executive session was conducted to discuss privileged matters. Members approved a payment of bills and a resolution to apply for a $3,000,000 Multimodal Transportation Grant for pedestrian bridge projects. The board also accepted a proposal from Governmental Strategies to advocate for expense reductions. The General Manager provided a report on venue events, the implementation of a new web-based event management platform, and customer experience metrics. Additionally, the board approved a resolution honoring Mayor Carl Kuren's service.

The Council meeting involved the adoption of a Safe Streets and Roads for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan, which aims to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes. Other agenda items included the approval of an amended contract with Booth Management Consulting for American Rescue Plan Act grant management services, the authorization of a contract with LivingWorks Education for suicide prevention training, and the adoption of resolutions regarding tax exemptions for new construction, the appointment of committee representatives, and the settlement of pending litigation.