1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,640 That's the story. 2 00:00:07,640 --> 00:00:10,040 Thank you. 3 00:00:14,720 --> 00:00:18,000 Roll call, please, Ms. Lawrence. 4 00:00:19,160 --> 00:00:22,040 Mr. Haas. Here. 5 00:00:21,080 --> 00:00:23,760 Ms. Krysnowsky. Here. 6 00:00:22,800 --> 00:00:27,280 Mr. Skamitz. Here. 7 00:00:25,200 --> 00:00:29,160 Ms. McDermott. Here. 8 00:00:27,960 --> 00:00:30,800 Mr. Sabatino. Here. 9 00:00:30,000 --> 00:00:32,560 Ms. Smith. Here. 10 00:00:31,760 --> 00:00:33,800 Ms. Stevenson. Here. 11 00:00:33,040 --> 00:00:34,960 Mr. Thornton. Here. 12 00:00:34,240 --> 00:00:37,120 Mr. Wolovich. Here. 13 00:00:35,880 --> 00:00:38,480 Mr. Lombardo. Here. 14 00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:42,560 All present. Thank you. We have three ceremonial 15 00:00:40,560 --> 00:00:45,040 proclamations prior to the beginning of our meeting. 16 00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:48,080 First is for Luzerne County Mental Health Awareness Month. 17 00:00:48,560 --> 00:00:53,440 Whereas mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being 18 00:00:51,920 --> 00:00:57,280 and all people experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives. 19 00:00:55,280 --> 00:01:00,480 And whereas one in five Americans will experience a mental health condition in 20 00:00:58,840 --> 00:01:04,360 any given year and millions more are affected by mental health challenges of 21 00:01:02,080 --> 00:01:08,200 a loved one. And whereas Luzerne County recognizes that mental health conditions 22 00:01:06,440 --> 00:01:12,760 are real and treatable and recovery is possible with proper support, access to 23 00:01:10,480 --> 00:01:16,360 services and community understanding. And whereas stigma and misconceptions 24 00:01:14,800 --> 00:01:20,600 surrounding mental illness can prevent individuals from seeking the help they 25 00:01:18,320 --> 00:01:23,080 need and deserve. And whereas Luzerne County is committed to building a 26 00:01:21,800 --> 00:01:26,920 culture where mental health is prioritized equally with physical health 27 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:31,200 and where individuals and families are supported in seeking care without shame. 28 00:01:29,240 --> 00:01:34,680 And whereas mental health awareness provides an opportunity to educate the 29 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:39,040 public, reduce stigma and promote mental well-being for all community members. 30 00:01:37,200 --> 00:01:41,720 And whereas Luzerne County acknowledges the importance of working 31 00:01:40,160 --> 00:01:45,640 collaboratively with mental health professionals, advocates, educators and 32 00:01:43,720 --> 00:01:49,520 community organizations to ensure access to appropriate resources and services. 33 00:01:47,960 --> 00:01:53,000 Now, therefore, we, the Luzerne County Council, do 34 00:01:50,880 --> 00:01:56,360 proclaim May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Luzerne County and 35 00:01:54,600 --> 00:01:59,880 encourage all residents, schools, businesses and community organizations 36 00:01:58,320 --> 00:02:03,560 to join in activities that promote mental wellness, raise awareness, and 37 00:02:01,800 --> 00:02:07,479 support those affected by mental health conditions. 38 00:02:05,720 --> 00:02:12,680 Thank you. Who Oh, Maggie coming up to accept it. 39 00:02:11,560 --> 00:02:14,880 Would you like to say a couple words or anything? 40 00:02:18,120 --> 00:02:24,720 All right, thank you. Okay, next up we have a proclamation for 41 00:02:22,240 --> 00:02:28,600 Alan Stout. Whereas Alan Stout has made significant 42 00:02:26,920 --> 00:02:32,120 contributions to the community through his dedication, service, and commitment 43 00:02:30,520 --> 00:02:37,120 to enhancing the lives of the residents of Luzerne County. Whereas Alan Stout is 44 00:02:34,560 --> 00:02:40,920 a 2025 inductee to the Luzerne County Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame. And 45 00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:44,200 whereas Alan Stout's efforts in promoting local culture, supporting 46 00:02:42,680 --> 00:02:48,200 charitable initiatives, and fostering community engagement have left a lasting 47 00:02:46,360 --> 00:02:52,120 impact. And whereas Alan Stout has championed local talent through print 48 00:02:49,720 --> 00:02:56,000 journalism and radio broadcasting. And whereas Alan Stout, as executive 49 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:59,320 director of Visit Luzerne County, has spearheaded local cultural events, 50 00:02:57,640 --> 00:03:03,080 including Rock'n the River and Rock'n the Mountain. And whereas Alan Stout has 51 00:03:01,440 --> 00:03:07,400 interviewed over 40 rock and roll Hall of Famers. And whereas it is fitting to 52 00:03:05,360 --> 00:03:11,000 proper and proper to recognize the extraordinary contributions of 53 00:03:09,120 --> 00:03:14,480 individuals like Alan Stout, who exemplify the spirit of community and 54 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:18,880 service. Whereas in honor of Alan Stout's achievement and to inspire 55 00:03:16,640 --> 00:03:23,840 others to contribute positively to our community, we hereby declare April 22nd 56 00:03:21,160 --> 00:03:28,080 as Alan Stout Day in Luzerne County. Now therefore, we, the Luzerne County 57 00:03:25,320 --> 00:03:31,720 Council, do hereby proclaim April 22nd as Alan Stout Day in Luzerne County, 58 00:03:29,959 --> 00:03:35,800 encouraging all residents to recognize and celebrate Alan's contributions and 59 00:03:33,800 --> 00:03:40,040 to commit themselves to service in their own communities. Congratulations, Alan. 60 00:03:48,640 --> 00:03:53,880 That means you get to buy everybody drinks. 61 00:03:51,280 --> 00:03:56,200 Good job, Alan. Good job. Congratulations, Alan. 62 00:03:55,000 --> 00:04:01,440 Yeah. Do you Do you want to say a couple words? 63 00:03:57,760 --> 00:04:01,440 Okay. Just make sure the mic is on. 64 00:04:05,520 --> 00:04:10,880 I don't think it's on, Alan. You got You know how to work one of those 65 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:10,880 things. 66 00:04:14,480 --> 00:04:17,720 Oh. There you go. 67 00:04:16,120 --> 00:04:20,959 I'm a little overwhelmed right now. I didn't know 68 00:04:19,239 --> 00:04:24,160 Romilda, who's on the screen, said make sure you're at the council meeting 69 00:04:22,480 --> 00:04:27,240 tomorrow night. Um 70 00:04:25,440 --> 00:04:32,040 I just want to say thank you so much for this this honor. It's been 71 00:04:30,080 --> 00:04:35,320 an absolute privilege to celebrate the arts and entertainment 72 00:04:34,080 --> 00:04:38,520 community here in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Luzerne County for the 73 00:04:37,000 --> 00:04:44,480 past 33 years of my life. And 4 years ago, 74 00:04:42,200 --> 00:04:47,200 when the county trusted me with our relatively new event at the time, 75 00:04:46,000 --> 00:04:51,320 Rockin' the River, which was just starting to get its footing, 76 00:04:49,040 --> 00:04:57,440 I I took that responsibility very seriously, and I consider it a privilege 77 00:04:54,200 --> 00:05:01,400 to oversee those shows every summer and to work with our great team. 78 00:04:59,360 --> 00:05:05,440 And to last year also take help take those shows to Hazleton. So, um I just 79 00:05:04,160 --> 00:05:07,840 want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I used to come into this 80 00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:10,880 building all the time when I was a little boy. My 81 00:05:09,360 --> 00:05:15,080 grandmother worked in the cafeteria downstairs. And um 82 00:05:13,600 --> 00:05:20,640 my grandfather used to come and pick her up from work, and I would run in to to 83 00:05:18,600 --> 00:05:25,520 let her know that we were here for the ride. And I'm talking about 1974 or 75. 84 00:05:24,440 --> 00:05:29,320 I was 7, 8 years old. 85 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:32,840 And I always marveled at this building. And so, to receive this honor here 86 00:05:31,480 --> 00:05:36,760 today, I'm you know, I'm sure she's Hopefully, 87 00:05:34,800 --> 00:05:39,680 she's proud. And I I thank you all very much. Thank you. 88 00:05:43,280 --> 00:05:48,120 Thank you, Alan. Thank you, Romilda. 89 00:05:46,400 --> 00:05:51,280 It's an absolute honor to have you as a an employee of Luzerne County. 90 00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:58,320 All right, our final proclamation for the evening is for Kaylary Santos 91 00:05:56,400 --> 00:06:02,320 from the 911 center. Whereas 911 telecommunicators serve as 92 00:06:00,280 --> 00:06:05,840 the first responders, the first first responders, providing critical 93 00:06:04,080 --> 00:06:09,160 life-saving assistance and guidance in times of emergency and are a vital link 94 00:06:07,840 --> 00:06:14,280 between the public and emergency services. And whereas on Sunday, April 95 00:06:11,560 --> 00:06:17,840 13th, 2025, Luzerne County 911 telecommunicator Kaylary Santos 96 00:06:16,800 --> 00:06:21,880 demonstrated exceptional professionalism, composure, 97 00:06:20,320 --> 00:06:26,400 assisting a caller through a child birth emergency using a murder emergency 98 00:06:23,760 --> 00:06:29,560 medical dispatch protocols. And whereas Kaylary provided clear and effective 99 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:34,480 instructions not only during a high-stress medical situation, but also 100 00:06:31,760 --> 00:06:37,880 did so in Spanish, ensuring language was not a barrier to care and showing a 101 00:06:36,040 --> 00:06:41,960 profound commitment to serving all members of our community. And whereas 102 00:06:39,919 --> 00:06:46,200 her swift action, calm demeanor, and accurate guidance directly contributed 103 00:06:44,000 --> 00:06:50,520 to a successful outcome and exemplify the highest standards of emergency 104 00:06:47,600 --> 00:06:53,520 response service. And whereas each telecommunicator has exhibited 105 00:06:52,160 --> 00:06:58,040 compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance 106 00:06:55,520 --> 00:07:01,640 of their job. Now, therefore, we Luzerne County Council do hereby recognize and 107 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:06,480 commend Luzerne County 911 telecommunicator Kaylary Santos for her 108 00:07:04,320 --> 00:07:10,480 extraordinary service and dedication and extends heartfelt gratitude for her her 109 00:07:08,919 --> 00:07:16,160 role in safeguarding the health and well-being of Luzerne County residents. 110 00:07:12,960 --> 00:07:16,160 Congratulations, Kaylary. 111 00:07:29,680 --> 00:07:32,560 All right, thank you, everybody. 112 00:07:32,600 --> 00:07:38,280 Okay, do we have any deletions from the voting session agenda? 113 00:07:36,960 --> 00:07:39,640 Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? So moved. 114 00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:41,040 Second. All in favor? 115 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:45,600 Aye. Opposed? Agenda's adopted. 116 00:07:43,760 --> 00:07:48,840 We have one public comment slip from Thomas B. Widlick. 117 00:07:48,880 --> 00:07:54,160 Oh, this is on Oh, never mind. I apologize. This is for 118 00:07:51,760 --> 00:07:58,640 a non-agenda item. Okay. We'll get back to you at the end 119 00:07:55,920 --> 00:08:03,120 of the at the end of the voting. Anybody for public comment on agenda 120 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:03,120 items only? 121 00:08:04,200 --> 00:08:07,480 Anybody? Anybody on the Zoom? 122 00:08:09,880 --> 00:08:14,600 All right, hearing none. Is there a motion to approve the minutes of the 123 00:08:12,720 --> 00:08:16,200 April 8th, 2025 voting session? So moved. 124 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:18,960 Second. Motion in a second. All in favor? 125 00:08:18,160 --> 00:08:21,840 Aye. Opposed? 126 00:08:20,120 --> 00:08:24,640 Minutes are approved. Number one, motion to adopt the 127 00:08:23,120 --> 00:08:27,600 resolution authorizing the county manager to execute a contract with 128 00:08:26,200 --> 00:08:30,880 Pennsylvania Economy League for the preparation of a strategic plan and 129 00:08:29,200 --> 00:08:35,880 five-year financial plan. Second. 130 00:08:32,080 --> 00:08:35,880 There's a motion in a second. Roll call. 131 00:08:36,360 --> 00:08:38,919 Mr. Haas? Yes. 132 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:40,680 Ms. Krysinski? Yes. 133 00:08:39,640 --> 00:08:42,479 Mr. Lisgavage? Yes. 134 00:08:41,599 --> 00:08:43,680 Ms. McDermott? Yes. 135 00:08:42,960 --> 00:08:45,600 Mr. Perry? Yes. 136 00:08:44,520 --> 00:08:47,400 Mr. Sabatino? Yes. 137 00:08:46,640 --> 00:08:48,800 Ms. Smith? Yes. 138 00:08:48,040 --> 00:08:50,560 Ms. Stevenson? Yes. 139 00:08:49,240 --> 00:08:51,760 Mr. Thornton? Yes. 140 00:08:51,040 --> 00:08:53,240 Mr. Wlodyka? Yes. 141 00:08:52,440 --> 00:08:54,320 Mr. Lombardo? Yes. 142 00:08:53,680 --> 00:08:57,160 Unanimous. Number two, motion to introduce 143 00:08:55,520 --> 00:08:59,880 ordinance amending Article 6 Administrative Code in accordance with 144 00:08:58,600 --> 00:09:01,640 Home Rule Charter of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. 145 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:04,440 So moved. Second. 146 00:09:02,440 --> 00:09:07,520 There's a motion and a second. Roll call. 147 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:09,280 Ms. Krysinski? Yes. 148 00:09:08,440 --> 00:09:10,720 Mr. Lisgavage? Yes. 149 00:09:10,000 --> 00:09:12,000 Ms. McDermott? Yes. 150 00:09:11,240 --> 00:09:13,720 Mr. Perry? Yes. 151 00:09:12,680 --> 00:09:15,680 Mr. Sabatino? Yes. 152 00:09:14,360 --> 00:09:17,000 Ms. Smith? Yes. 153 00:09:16,200 --> 00:09:18,280 Ms. Stevenson? Yes. 154 00:09:17,520 --> 00:09:19,560 Mr. Thornton? Yes. 155 00:09:19,200 --> 00:09:21,440 Wlodyka? Yes. 156 00:09:20,240 --> 00:09:22,960 Mr. Haas? Yes. 157 00:09:22,240 --> 00:09:24,080 Mr. Lombardo? Yes. 158 00:09:23,400 --> 00:09:27,680 Unanimous. Number three, introduction of ordinance 159 00:09:25,640 --> 00:09:30,000 amending the 2025 fiscal year budget for Luzerne 160 00:09:32,520 --> 00:09:37,560 Oh, it's I'm sorry. It's It's automatically introduced because it's 161 00:09:35,280 --> 00:09:39,920 for manager Carl Kimmell. I apologize. Thank you for introducing that. 162 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:46,440 Okay. Thank you, manager Crocamo. 163 00:09:42,240 --> 00:09:46,440 All right. That was a record timing. 164 00:09:46,920 --> 00:09:51,280 All right, is there any public comment on non-agenda items? 165 00:09:52,240 --> 00:09:58,720 We have uh Mr. Wildrick, Thomas Wildrick. 166 00:09:56,480 --> 00:09:58,720 Mhm. 167 00:10:04,760 --> 00:10:10,520 I'm not as eloquent as Mr. Stout, so I had to write down what I would like to 168 00:10:08,720 --> 00:10:14,720 say here today to you council members. So, just as an introduction, uh my name 169 00:10:13,080 --> 00:10:18,000 is Thomas Wildrick. I am a resident of Swoyersville. 170 00:10:16,280 --> 00:10:23,640 And for the record, I'm a licensed funeral director here in Luzerne County, 171 00:10:20,280 --> 00:10:27,320 as well as a concerned taxpayer. I am standing here before you this 172 00:10:25,840 --> 00:10:30,880 evening. And at this time, I'm going to ask my 173 00:10:28,680 --> 00:10:34,440 fellow colleagues who are present to please stand because I'm also speaking 174 00:10:32,880 --> 00:10:37,680 on their behalf. So, if my fellow colleagues would stand. 175 00:10:37,840 --> 00:10:43,200 The reason I am standing before all of you here 176 00:10:41,520 --> 00:10:47,520 is in regard to the county manager's choice of hire for the position of 177 00:10:44,960 --> 00:10:51,800 county coroner. After home rule came into effect, 178 00:10:50,160 --> 00:10:55,160 I, I know, along with many of my colleagues, 179 00:10:53,120 --> 00:11:00,680 I was hopeful that those hired to county positions, such as 180 00:10:57,120 --> 00:11:05,400 coroner, would be thoroughly vetted. Unfortunately, I, along with my fellow 181 00:11:02,800 --> 00:11:09,600 colleagues, feel that proper vetting was not conducted in the hiring process for 182 00:11:07,520 --> 00:11:14,160 this position. In a recent news article, it was brought 183 00:11:11,720 --> 00:11:17,480 to light of an incident that occurred in Pittston involving the newly hired 184 00:11:16,040 --> 00:11:22,640 coroner. However, 185 00:11:19,200 --> 00:11:25,760 this was not the only time our now hired print 186 00:11:23,680 --> 00:11:32,320 in newspaper print for issues stemming from his from his employment as an 187 00:11:27,720 --> 00:11:37,440 officer of the law and EMT paramedic. Yesterday, I sent you the council 188 00:11:34,920 --> 00:11:42,760 members an email with a PDF file containing these other published 189 00:11:38,800 --> 00:11:46,080 articles for your review. If you haven't had a chance to review 190 00:11:44,600 --> 00:11:49,280 these articles, I at the very least would ask you to 191 00:11:47,960 --> 00:11:52,560 allow me to read off the headlines of some of 192 00:11:51,160 --> 00:11:56,080 those articles and I don't know if that is proper to do here in this meeting or 193 00:11:54,720 --> 00:11:59,160 not. You can As long as you're being 194 00:11:57,480 --> 00:12:02,360 respectful, you can continue to read your remarks. 195 00:12:00,560 --> 00:12:08,400 In 2005, an article headlined "Secret Service 196 00:12:04,160 --> 00:12:13,200 Agent Alleges Cop Misconduct." In 2006, there were five headlines. 197 00:12:10,600 --> 00:12:17,400 "West Pittston Cop's Job Eliminated." "West Pittston West Pittston Cop Fired 198 00:12:15,640 --> 00:12:21,600 After Fracas." "Part-time West Pittston Police Officer 199 00:12:19,640 --> 00:12:27,440 Is Fired After an Incident With Another Cop." "Wyoming Council Fires Same Cop 200 00:12:24,840 --> 00:12:33,680 Cut Last Week By West Pittston." And "Pics Allegedly Show Cops Under 21 201 00:12:31,560 --> 00:12:37,839 Females Drinking." In 2010, 202 00:12:35,560 --> 00:12:43,839 an article "Judge Completely Rebuts Cop's Firing Claim." 203 00:12:40,280 --> 00:12:47,800 An article entitled, excuse me, Furthermore, on the vetting process in 204 00:12:45,480 --> 00:12:52,960 this hiring, the press release that the county manager set out sent out stated 205 00:12:50,600 --> 00:12:57,920 that our newly hired coroner attended Luzerne County Community College with 206 00:12:54,680 --> 00:13:02,040 studies in mortuary science. Let me clarify that one does not study 207 00:13:00,160 --> 00:13:05,320 mortuary science at Luzerne County Community College. 208 00:13:05,400 --> 00:13:10,760 The curriculum at Luzerne County Community College is in pre-mortuary 209 00:13:09,280 --> 00:13:15,760 science. Otherwise, the core subjects to get one 210 00:13:13,600 --> 00:13:17,760 accepted to mortuary school. Your time is up, sir. 211 00:13:16,960 --> 00:13:20,360 Okay. Yeah, you If you want to come up and and 212 00:13:19,320 --> 00:13:22,839 speak again at the end of the work session, you're more than welcome to. 213 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:27,040 stop it right there. All right, thanks. Anybody else for 214 00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:27,040 public comment? 215 00:13:27,280 --> 00:13:32,520 Public comment non-agenda items. Anybody on the zoom? 216 00:13:33,880 --> 00:13:36,440 Is there a motion to adjourn? Motion. 217 00:13:35,920 --> 00:13:37,920 Second. All in favor? 218 00:13:37,160 --> 00:13:40,480 Aye. Opposed? Meeting's adjourned. Do you 219 00:13:39,520 --> 00:13:44,720 want to just go right into the work session? Is that okay? 220 00:13:42,240 --> 00:13:44,720 All right. 221 00:13:45,040 --> 00:13:52,160 Yeah, it's only six It's 6:16, so can't All right, I'd like to call the uh work 222 00:13:50,760 --> 00:13:55,160 session to order. We had the pledge of allegiance and a 223 00:13:53,360 --> 00:13:57,600 moment of silence. Roll call, Miss Lawrence. 224 00:13:56,960 --> 00:13:59,480 Mr. Haas? Yes. 225 00:13:58,600 --> 00:14:01,040 Miss Krishnowsky? Here. 226 00:14:00,080 --> 00:14:02,560 Mr. Lescavage? Here. 227 00:14:01,720 --> 00:14:03,720 Miss McDermott? Here. 228 00:14:02,960 --> 00:14:05,480 Mr. Perry? Here. 229 00:14:04,400 --> 00:14:07,200 Mr. Sabatino? Present. 230 00:14:05,960 --> 00:14:08,520 Miss Smith? Here. 231 00:14:07,640 --> 00:14:09,600 Miss Stevenson? Here. 232 00:14:08,880 --> 00:14:10,760 Mr. Thornton? Here. 233 00:14:10,040 --> 00:14:12,320 Mr. Wolovich? Here. 234 00:14:11,200 --> 00:14:13,560 Mr. Lombardo? Here. 235 00:14:12,720 --> 00:14:16,200 All present. Thank you. 236 00:14:14,760 --> 00:14:18,600 Any additions or deletions from the work session agenda? 237 00:14:17,320 --> 00:14:20,480 Mr. Chairman? Yes. 238 00:14:18,920 --> 00:14:23,640 I don't know if it's appropriate to um talk about the request from Wright 239 00:14:21,600 --> 00:14:28,320 Township about like we talked about earlier with all of council got it about 240 00:14:25,600 --> 00:14:32,520 their 5K and also the C-CAP resolution regarding um they'd like 241 00:14:30,080 --> 00:14:37,080 affidavit support that uh Luzerne County all got that same email on the feed. 242 00:14:35,280 --> 00:14:40,160 That um um we have our our constables are 243 00:14:38,560 --> 00:14:42,920 independent contractors. So, they're just looking for some 244 00:14:41,120 --> 00:14:45,920 affirmation on that. Okay. 245 00:14:44,240 --> 00:14:48,760 Would Would you like to add something to the agenda to that effect? 246 00:14:47,640 --> 00:14:51,000 I I think we just have a brief discussion on it like we talked about I 247 00:14:50,080 --> 00:14:54,800 don't know if I think it needs necessarily council approval, but I 248 00:14:52,480 --> 00:14:56,800 think we should all be aware of it this which is out there. I don't know if 249 00:14:56,160 --> 00:14:59,960 that's appropriate. It's up to you. If you want to add 250 00:14:58,120 --> 00:15:02,960 something to the agenda, that's fine. St. Jude's in the in the C-CAP 251 00:15:01,200 --> 00:15:06,600 resolution regarding constables. Okay, discussion regarding St. Jude's 5K 252 00:15:04,839 --> 00:15:07,400 and then discussion regarding the C-CAP constable 253 00:15:07,200 --> 00:15:08,600 Yes. uh litigation. 254 00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:10,080 affidavit affidavit, sorry. 255 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:13,200 That's it. Okay. That'll be number seven and eight 256 00:15:12,000 --> 00:15:14,720 then. Thank you. 257 00:15:13,440 --> 00:15:17,360 Okay. Any further additions or deletions? 258 00:15:17,680 --> 00:15:21,880 Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? Second. 259 00:15:21,080 --> 00:15:25,560 All in favor? Aye. 260 00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:29,960 Opposed? Motion is adopted. Okay. 261 00:15:26,880 --> 00:15:29,960 Uh budget reports. 262 00:15:34,960 --> 00:15:40,440 Do we have Do we have There All right. 263 00:15:44,080 --> 00:15:48,960 Thank you. Um included in your packet are your budget 264 00:15:47,240 --> 00:15:53,720 reports for the month of March. The first report is the revenue report. Our 265 00:15:51,520 --> 00:15:57,240 revenue earned is currently at 13% of budget or $21,950,000. 266 00:15:57,360 --> 00:16:03,920 Our current year tax collections at the end of March are at 13.6 million, which 267 00:16:01,720 --> 00:16:07,360 represents 11% of the current year tax revenue budget. So, that's about a month 268 00:16:05,760 --> 00:16:12,560 of collections, about 5 and 1/2 weeks actually. 269 00:16:08,680 --> 00:16:17,120 Um expenses are at 26,412,438 or 17% of budget. Next, you have the 270 00:16:15,320 --> 00:16:20,920 listing of your budget transfers followed by the accounts payable detail. 271 00:16:19,520 --> 00:16:25,520 The last report is the treasurer's report showing a cash balance of 272 00:16:22,520 --> 00:16:25,520 125,768,558 273 00:16:25,920 --> 00:16:32,000 at the end of March. The cash balance at the end of February was 120,041,088. 274 00:16:32,920 --> 00:16:42,240 The interest that we've earned for the month of March is 415,538.37. 275 00:16:37,920 --> 00:16:42,240 Of that, ARPA accounts were 251,187.65. 276 00:16:42,520 --> 00:16:47,560 So, our year-to-date total interest is 1,115,0884. 277 00:16:48,400 --> 00:16:55,240 Our ARPA cash balance still sits at 42,087,405. 278 00:16:53,080 --> 00:16:59,360 We've earned ARPA interest year-to-date um for the first 3 months of 598,307. 279 00:16:59,480 --> 00:17:04,400 And our ARPA interest earned in total is 8.4 million. 280 00:17:03,160 --> 00:17:09,600 Does anyone have any questions about the reports? 281 00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:13,800 Any questions for Ms. Roselle? All right. Thank you very much. 282 00:17:12,280 --> 00:17:17,240 Moving on, discussion regarding the ordinance regarding resolution 283 00:17:15,439 --> 00:17:21,640 committing a local match match for state operating assistance to Hazleton Public 284 00:17:19,000 --> 00:17:21,640 Transit. 285 00:17:22,079 --> 00:17:24,839 Is Mr. Sharp here? 286 00:17:25,839 --> 00:17:34,320 He should be on by Zoom. He indicated he would be on by Zoom. 287 00:17:30,800 --> 00:17:34,320 Mr. Sharp, are you on the Zoom? 288 00:17:35,400 --> 00:17:37,800 Yeah. 289 00:17:40,560 --> 00:17:44,480 Uh Ralph is the name. 290 00:17:48,800 --> 00:17:56,000 Mr. Sharp, you can try uh unmuting yourself now. 291 00:17:53,000 --> 00:17:56,000 We should be able to hear you. 292 00:17:59,360 --> 00:18:05,480 Hello. There you are. 293 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:09,320 Okay. Um good evening. Um my name is Ralph Sharp. I'm the director for 294 00:18:07,160 --> 00:18:15,200 Hazleton Public Transit. Um I am here once again this year 295 00:18:11,520 --> 00:18:21,240 requesting our local match um from uh to receive our uh state operating funds of 296 00:18:18,240 --> 00:18:21,240 2,835,157 297 00:18:21,840 --> 00:18:27,600 dollars in order to uh receive these funds to 298 00:18:25,560 --> 00:18:33,120 help us operate in uh Luzerne County, we need a local 299 00:18:29,640 --> 00:18:40,680 match of 229,000 778 dollars. I did submit the uh 300 00:18:36,920 --> 00:18:45,760 paperwork from our local city council um requesting uh 301 00:18:42,440 --> 00:18:45,760 our local match also. 302 00:18:47,440 --> 00:18:51,920 All right. Uh are there any questions for Mr. Sharp? 303 00:18:51,160 --> 00:18:54,640 Mr. Wilovich? Uh I was just wondering if for the 304 00:18:52,920 --> 00:18:58,240 resolution if we could also carbon copy the state representative and the state 305 00:18:56,320 --> 00:19:03,680 senator for the area. Absolutely. Yeah, we can add that before 306 00:19:00,760 --> 00:19:06,520 we pass it in the next meeting. Any other questions for Mr. Sharp? 307 00:19:05,480 --> 00:19:08,240 Any other discussion? I have the annual question if I could, 308 00:19:07,680 --> 00:19:11,000 Mr. Chair. Mr. Haas? 309 00:19:08,840 --> 00:19:14,960 Uh hey, Mr. Sharp. Good to good to um speak with you. But just again 310 00:19:12,800 --> 00:19:17,960 You, too. the um um because the HPT goes into neighboring 311 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:25,080 counties, we've talked about this before, about $20,000 of um costs we 312 00:19:21,320 --> 00:19:28,400 estimated has lines into Carbon and I believe it's Google counties. So I 313 00:19:26,560 --> 00:19:32,440 know Mr. Sabatino was talking about that last week. We're working on that. Um 314 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:35,440 what are the odds we can secure that extra funding before 315 00:19:34,040 --> 00:19:41,440 the match is is due? Well well since since since last year 316 00:19:38,440 --> 00:19:45,720 when I came before city county council asking for a local match, I I've been 317 00:19:43,600 --> 00:19:51,120 working and trying and looking for avenues in, but every year it's just 318 00:19:49,160 --> 00:19:54,800 I I I don't get I'm not making any leeway with it to to 319 00:19:53,440 --> 00:19:58,200 obtain those funds. I'm I'm being honest. 320 00:19:56,800 --> 00:20:01,640 Mr. Sabatino, you want to just talk about your conversations that you had 321 00:19:59,400 --> 00:20:06,200 with Carbon County Commissioners? Um at C-CAP I did speak with one of the 322 00:20:03,680 --> 00:20:11,840 Carbon County Commissioners and they he is open to contributing over the next 323 00:20:09,600 --> 00:20:14,760 couple years and ramping up to I think their their part of the match is about 324 00:20:13,280 --> 00:20:18,000 $8,000. Um County Manager Crocamo is going to be 325 00:20:16,520 --> 00:20:23,800 meeting with them and she'll discuss that the details with them. 326 00:20:20,640 --> 00:20:27,640 Yeah, we have meetings set up uh actually 327 00:20:25,360 --> 00:20:30,720 one is because we share a bridge with Carbon County 328 00:20:29,080 --> 00:20:35,080 and that bridge is in dire need of repair. 329 00:20:34,040 --> 00:20:38,520 Uh so we'll we'll be meeting with them on 330 00:20:36,920 --> 00:20:44,200 that and uh we'll also be 331 00:20:40,440 --> 00:20:49,400 with the Carbon County Commissioners uh to maybe do some joint 332 00:20:46,600 --> 00:20:57,480 work when it comes to our 911 and emergency response. I did 333 00:20:52,480 --> 00:21:00,880 reach out to uh Commissioner Safranko yesterday 334 00:20:59,000 --> 00:21:04,800 uh actually indicating to him that if Carbon County 335 00:21:02,760 --> 00:21:07,840 needed any assistance uh 336 00:21:05,360 --> 00:21:11,960 for because of the fires that we would 337 00:21:09,480 --> 00:21:16,880 be more than willing to to assist. I know EMA reached out to them. 338 00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:23,040 So, we're developing a very strong relationship with Carbon County. 339 00:21:19,840 --> 00:21:30,000 And I think that they will start contributing 340 00:21:24,800 --> 00:21:33,720 to this fund. I have not reached out to any of the commissioners from Schuylkill 341 00:21:32,640 --> 00:21:38,480 County. But, I'm hoping to to do that as well. 342 00:21:37,040 --> 00:21:43,840 But, we're making some headway with Carbon County. I think 343 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:49,800 we bordered bordered Carbon County and uh 344 00:21:46,880 --> 00:21:54,560 I think it's time that we reach out and we collaborate. And I I think that 345 00:21:52,840 --> 00:22:00,560 they're open to that. I I have the exact dollar values from 346 00:21:58,320 --> 00:22:03,920 the local match that we are looking for, which is 229,778. 347 00:22:03,960 --> 00:22:08,600 Luzerne County portion is 205,191.76. 348 00:22:09,480 --> 00:22:17,720 Carbon County is 20,450.24 and Schuylkill County is 4,136. 349 00:22:24,280 --> 00:22:29,080 All right, thank you, Mr. Sharp. Any other questions? 350 00:22:27,440 --> 00:22:32,560 Oh, Mr. Thornton. Yeah, Mr. Santino, I think a few minutes 351 00:22:31,120 --> 00:22:33,960 ago you said it was I had the numbers flipped for the 352 00:22:33,680 --> 00:22:35,080 counties. Oh, okay. 353 00:22:34,840 --> 00:22:37,800 Yeah. So, 20,000 is probably correct for 354 00:22:37,280 --> 00:22:38,840 Carbon. Correct. 355 00:22:38,240 --> 00:22:41,040 Thank you. Yeah. 356 00:22:39,520 --> 00:22:43,440 Okay. Any other questions? I think 357 00:22:42,240 --> 00:22:46,360 I have a comment and a question if I could, Mr. Chair. First of all, thanks 358 00:22:45,000 --> 00:22:49,480 for Mildura for offering help to Carbon County. That was a that was a strange 359 00:22:48,360 --> 00:22:53,520 thing. I saw that fire on the news. That was a class act offering our our help. 360 00:22:51,720 --> 00:22:56,680 And secondly, that I really appreciate you dialoguing with our neighbors cuz 361 00:22:55,320 --> 00:22:59,280 that just makes good governance for all our people. 362 00:22:57,800 --> 00:23:01,600 And um I know there's an administrative 363 00:23:00,480 --> 00:23:04,840 conference coming up. I don't know if management's going to attend to that, 364 00:23:02,680 --> 00:23:07,840 but I fully support that 100%. Might be a good venue to do that as well. 365 00:23:06,920 --> 00:23:12,560 Um and the question just flew out of my my 366 00:23:09,520 --> 00:23:13,920 brain. Um but that happens often. What's that? 367 00:23:12,880 --> 00:23:16,040 I am a uh 368 00:23:14,520 --> 00:23:19,440 that conference Councilman Haas. 369 00:23:17,560 --> 00:23:21,720 Wonderful. I encourage that 100%. Um 370 00:23:22,600 --> 00:23:25,840 All right. We'll save some time. Thanks, Mr. Chairman. 371 00:23:25,240 --> 00:23:31,560 That's okay. They they have privilege in for that. 372 00:23:29,440 --> 00:23:33,960 Fourth coffee for the day. Try Any other questions from council 373 00:23:32,600 --> 00:23:36,400 members? All right. Thank you, Mr. Sharp. We 374 00:23:34,920 --> 00:23:38,800 appreciate it. Thank you. 375 00:23:37,320 --> 00:23:42,000 All right. Next up, discussion regarding resolution committing a local match for 376 00:23:40,720 --> 00:23:47,000 state operating assistance for the Luzerne County Transportation Authority. 377 00:23:44,440 --> 00:23:47,000 Mr. Fiume. 378 00:23:47,600 --> 00:23:51,040 Make sure the mic is on. 379 00:23:51,800 --> 00:23:54,640 Button on the side. 380 00:23:57,400 --> 00:24:02,720 Thank you. Good evening, everyone. I'm Bob Fiume, executive director of the 381 00:24:01,000 --> 00:24:09,680 Luzerne County Transportation Authority. I'm also here requesting our local match 382 00:24:05,400 --> 00:24:09,680 for fiscal year 2025-2026. 383 00:24:09,760 --> 00:24:18,400 So, under section 1513 of title 74 of the PA codes, we receive 384 00:24:16,600 --> 00:24:22,200 approximately uh 385 00:24:19,200 --> 00:24:22,200 $8,678,868 386 00:24:23,800 --> 00:24:31,720 in operating money from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. So, under 387 00:24:28,560 --> 00:24:36,840 Act 89 of 2013, we're required to match that with local match. Right now, this 388 00:24:34,680 --> 00:24:43,720 match that I'm requesting from the from the council is $871,609. 389 00:24:40,360 --> 00:24:47,960 I think we're at about 11% local match. Every transit agency in the state 390 00:24:45,360 --> 00:24:53,400 eventually is going to reach 15%. So, it goes up gradually till you um get 391 00:24:50,840 --> 00:24:57,560 to the 15%. So, my request is for $871,609. 392 00:24:55,880 --> 00:25:03,000 That will match our operating money and allow us to continue to operate through 393 00:24:59,720 --> 00:25:03,000 this next fiscal year. 394 00:25:03,120 --> 00:25:06,720 All right, thank you. Any questions? Any questions? 395 00:25:05,760 --> 00:25:08,480 I think this is my question, Mr. Chairman. If you'd like to me, so sorry 396 00:25:08,200 --> 00:25:11,560 everybody. Oh, that's okay. 397 00:25:09,120 --> 00:25:16,400 So, I know in a few years ago, we used some ARPA funds for the match that 398 00:25:14,520 --> 00:25:20,880 particular year. I don't think I know that's not available now, but it's a 399 00:25:17,960 --> 00:25:23,280 question more for Romilda. Romilda, any hidden pots out there of money that we 400 00:25:22,240 --> 00:25:26,560 have to take from the general fund to provide the match for HPTN Luzerne 401 00:25:25,160 --> 00:25:29,240 County? LCTA? 402 00:25:29,920 --> 00:25:34,280 None that I'm aware of. Thank you. 403 00:25:33,920 --> 00:25:37,880 Mr. Chairman. Okay. 404 00:25:35,120 --> 00:25:37,880 Any other questions? 405 00:25:38,120 --> 00:25:41,360 All right. Okay, thank you everybody. 406 00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:44,000 Thank you very much. Okay, next up we have discussion 407 00:25:42,440 --> 00:25:47,640 regarding the resolution acknowledging the name change of the opioid fund 408 00:25:45,760 --> 00:25:53,120 recipient Always Believe Recovery to True North Recovery of NEPA. 409 00:25:51,160 --> 00:25:58,080 Um I requested that this be on our agenda, 410 00:25:56,160 --> 00:26:02,520 uh mostly because so the the um 411 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:05,600 the the mission statement is the same for the organization. It's the same 412 00:26:04,120 --> 00:26:08,640 organization, um but one of the things that did change 413 00:26:07,160 --> 00:26:11,800 was not only just the the name, so people are aware that it's the same 414 00:26:10,400 --> 00:26:17,000 organization just going by a different name, but they also changed their uh tax 415 00:26:14,280 --> 00:26:21,000 ID number, um their EIN. Uh so I I I kind of figured to be on the 416 00:26:18,920 --> 00:26:24,240 safe side, we should just re- like recommit like recommit these 417 00:26:22,760 --> 00:26:29,520 funds just to the it's the same organization just obviously there's a 418 00:26:26,240 --> 00:26:33,440 new EIN number, uh new technical name, but it's it's the same organization. 419 00:26:31,000 --> 00:26:36,880 We're just I guess recommitting the the funding. That's all. 420 00:26:35,280 --> 00:26:40,000 Question, Mr. Chairman. Yeah, go ahead. 421 00:26:38,040 --> 00:26:40,920 Mr. Wolowicz first, sorry. He raised his hand. 422 00:26:40,280 --> 00:26:43,760 I was wondering if there's any additional paperwork that needs to be 423 00:26:42,080 --> 00:26:46,640 done from that organization to make sure that they're in line with the former 424 00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:52,600 agreement. Uh 425 00:26:48,480 --> 00:26:52,600 is there somebody from Go ahead. 426 00:26:57,560 --> 00:27:05,160 Hi, my name is uh Chris Cooley and I was hired to uh manage the project through 427 00:27:02,400 --> 00:27:08,520 the development stage uh of this. Once we got the 428 00:27:06,600 --> 00:27:12,320 uh a grant agreement, we saw the minor modifications that had to be done. And 429 00:27:10,640 --> 00:27:17,800 as um uh John had indicated, it's the same 430 00:27:14,520 --> 00:27:22,720 mission statement uh same project uh and they purely just they meaning the owners 431 00:27:20,200 --> 00:27:27,480 uh decided to uh just change names from a marketing uh point of view. And that 432 00:27:24,520 --> 00:27:27,480 and that was really it. 433 00:27:27,840 --> 00:27:31,600 Okay. Any other questions? 434 00:27:29,880 --> 00:27:34,400 Ms. McDermott, are you sure? You good? Okay. 435 00:27:33,120 --> 00:27:36,440 Okay. Okay. Thanks. 436 00:27:34,920 --> 00:27:39,680 So when I I actually do have a question cuz the EIN number, that was a little 437 00:27:38,120 --> 00:27:43,560 confusing to me as to why that had to change. Um was it just 438 00:27:42,240 --> 00:27:46,200 just because the name had to change so the EIN had to change as well? 439 00:27:44,920 --> 00:27:48,760 They Yeah, they just created a whole new entity. So new entity 440 00:27:47,600 --> 00:27:50,280 I'm not super familiar with that process. 441 00:27:49,600 --> 00:27:51,520 new entity EIN. 442 00:27:50,560 --> 00:27:53,000 Okay. That's all they did. All right. Okay. 443 00:27:52,640 --> 00:27:55,520 Thank you. Okay. No problem. 444 00:27:54,480 --> 00:27:59,400 All right. Any other questions from council members? 445 00:27:58,200 --> 00:28:01,400 All right. Thank you. You're welcome. 446 00:28:00,040 --> 00:28:04,800 Number five, discussion regarding the resolution adopting changes to existing 447 00:28:03,240 --> 00:28:08,520 cooperation agreement pertaining to the redevelopment assistance capital program 448 00:28:06,600 --> 00:28:11,440 grant on behalf of Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks. 449 00:28:13,360 --> 00:28:16,120 Sparich. 450 00:28:17,440 --> 00:28:24,080 There was a request um the consultant is here as well. But any RCAP that passes 451 00:28:22,320 --> 00:28:27,760 through the county um the county is the applicant, the entity receiving the RCAP 452 00:28:26,200 --> 00:28:31,640 funds is the subrecipient or the subgrantee. And we always put a 453 00:28:29,600 --> 00:28:35,040 cooperation agreement in place and the office of the budget came back um in the 454 00:28:33,760 --> 00:28:39,080 agenda submittal, they had three changes. The second bullet I did not 455 00:28:37,360 --> 00:28:43,920 agree with because that language has been included in all of the cooperation 456 00:28:40,880 --> 00:28:48,000 agreements. So they did come back um and suggest uh 457 00:28:45,520 --> 00:28:52,440 new language. The sub the subgrantee will reimburse the grantee local 458 00:28:49,640 --> 00:28:57,200 municipality for any ineligible expenses for which the grantee local municipality 459 00:28:54,520 --> 00:29:01,160 reimburses the state. So, you know, if if council is okay with 460 00:28:59,280 --> 00:29:05,120 that and our solicitor's office is good, then we would just ask that the changes 461 00:29:03,320 --> 00:29:07,880 be made and a new cooperation agreement be signed. 462 00:29:06,600 --> 00:29:10,800 I don't know if you have any questions regarding the project cuz this was done 463 00:29:09,520 --> 00:29:13,520 a few years ago. Attorney Skin. 464 00:29:15,280 --> 00:29:21,720 So, if the state take money back, 465 00:29:19,840 --> 00:29:24,120 we would pay and then they'd have to pay us back? 466 00:29:22,520 --> 00:29:27,600 I we would have them pay directly. I mean, they would pay us. We wouldn't 467 00:29:25,720 --> 00:29:30,320 take it from our county coffers from any of our funds. 468 00:29:28,800 --> 00:29:32,960 Okay. It says that in the agreement that they 469 00:29:30,720 --> 00:29:38,600 It It maybe the check would have to come from the from us, but but 470 00:29:36,720 --> 00:29:41,520 provide that. Okay. What if the subgrantee doesn't 471 00:29:40,040 --> 00:29:45,720 have money? Well, do you want to answer those 472 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:45,720 questions? 473 00:29:49,120 --> 00:29:56,760 Good evening. Yeah, I believe the subgrantee does possess the money. They 474 00:29:54,120 --> 00:30:00,640 paid for this project in full. Um it was over a million dollars and then they're 475 00:29:58,840 --> 00:30:03,720 just being reimbursed for that. So, Sir, can you just state your name? 476 00:30:01,680 --> 00:30:05,520 I'm Eric Trautman. I work for Benesch. We're the engineering consultant. 477 00:30:05,080 --> 00:30:10,560 great. Yeah. 478 00:30:07,000 --> 00:30:10,560 Okay. Any questions? 479 00:30:11,040 --> 00:30:17,760 All right. Okay. Thank you very much. All right. Next up, we have discussion 480 00:30:16,080 --> 00:30:23,000 regarding resolution to renew the lease for the city for magisterial district 481 00:30:19,720 --> 00:30:23,000 court 110404. 482 00:30:24,880 --> 00:30:31,800 Mr. Highmarsh. Yes, sir. Mr. Chair. Hi. Good evening, 483 00:30:29,600 --> 00:30:36,920 Council. Uh you're we're once again here to 484 00:30:34,720 --> 00:30:43,120 update an expired lease for one of our magisterial districts. 485 00:30:38,760 --> 00:30:48,560 Uh the district court of 11104. Uh we're looking to extend the expired 486 00:30:45,760 --> 00:30:53,080 lease by 2 years at a a modest increase in rent. The city of 487 00:30:50,440 --> 00:30:57,760 Pittston has housed the magisterial district office for many, many years and 488 00:30:55,600 --> 00:31:00,760 they've continued to make improvements uh 489 00:30:58,800 --> 00:31:04,280 in the facilities themselves, including some security 490 00:31:02,880 --> 00:31:08,760 enhancements for the MDJ. 491 00:31:06,720 --> 00:31:13,720 So, we respectfully request that you vote in favor of extending the lease. 492 00:31:11,040 --> 00:31:13,720 Any questions? 493 00:31:13,880 --> 00:31:21,480 All right. Thank you very much. Next up, discussion regarding the 5K run 494 00:31:19,840 --> 00:31:22,560 and the shutting down of the road. Absolutely. 495 00:31:22,040 --> 00:31:26,040 Yeah, go ahead. Yeah, I I got to just rule that. I mean, 496 00:31:24,120 --> 00:31:30,480 we all got Sperrazza's email. I think it's just a managerial thing, but 497 00:31:29,320 --> 00:31:34,280 um just to make sure we approve the 5K race that 498 00:31:32,680 --> 00:31:36,440 St. Jude's is going to have in South County. 499 00:31:34,960 --> 00:31:39,640 Yeah. Manager Carole Krumo, is that something that I I I don't think it has 500 00:31:38,560 --> 00:31:43,000 to go through council, but is that something that your office would need to 501 00:31:41,280 --> 00:31:46,280 approve? Uh yes. 502 00:31:44,560 --> 00:31:51,000 It wouldn't have to go through council. And just so that council and everyone is 503 00:31:49,080 --> 00:31:55,960 aware, it's uh safer with the road shut down for for 504 00:31:54,600 --> 00:31:59,480 the uh for the race. They will have race 505 00:31:57,760 --> 00:32:02,200 officials there and uh 506 00:32:03,280 --> 00:32:07,480 Any questions? Yep. Thanks, Ms. Carole Krumo. Thanks, 507 00:32:05,560 --> 00:32:10,400 Mr. Chair, about that. The second one, everybody, you got an email. I think it 508 00:32:09,080 --> 00:32:15,400 was just yesterday and I appreciate Sharon printing out um the contents of 509 00:32:12,640 --> 00:32:19,640 it. It was from CCAP and it's a there's a two-ply. It's a memorandum just to 510 00:32:17,080 --> 00:32:23,440 explain what what they're looking for. Um those of you who have attended CCAP 511 00:32:21,640 --> 00:32:27,320 gatherings before, there's strength in numbers. When we have issues with the 512 00:32:25,320 --> 00:32:30,920 state, CCAP is a wonderful I found a wonderful organization to really help us 513 00:32:28,840 --> 00:32:34,120 navigate some difficult waters sometimes and also just 514 00:32:32,240 --> 00:32:39,240 um help us out on the ground, just in in the act of governing. So, what what this 515 00:32:36,200 --> 00:32:42,560 is asking us to do, they need 25% of counties to sign an affidavit 516 00:32:41,440 --> 00:32:47,400 just to affirm that we have we designate our 517 00:32:44,920 --> 00:32:51,120 constables as independent contractors just like we do on election day with our 518 00:32:48,800 --> 00:32:55,160 poll workers. They're a component of the of the elections board there locally. 519 00:32:53,440 --> 00:32:58,800 So, that's how they're paid and that's all they're really asking for us to sign 520 00:32:56,520 --> 00:33:02,240 this to get that out to Frank Mazza, I think is the point person with that Mr. 521 00:33:00,600 --> 00:33:05,680 Chair. And again, you all received the email. Just wanted to 522 00:33:04,240 --> 00:33:10,160 It looks like manager we can do this as well. Carmella, does I don't know if you 523 00:33:07,480 --> 00:33:13,400 got a chance to look at that, but it seems like from his email time is more 524 00:33:12,080 --> 00:33:17,920 of the essence even though the memorandum's dated 2016. There's 525 00:33:16,480 --> 00:33:21,960 something with Adams County that I think they need it because of of some kind of 526 00:33:19,560 --> 00:33:25,200 legal action, but I thought we could we could be very neighborly and and get 527 00:33:23,320 --> 00:33:29,280 that on the way. I can get that out. Yes. 528 00:33:27,840 --> 00:33:33,600 All right. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, manager Carmella. Any other questions 529 00:33:30,880 --> 00:33:33,600 regarding this? 530 00:33:33,720 --> 00:33:39,880 All right. Record time tonight. Public comment. 531 00:33:38,280 --> 00:33:44,040 Sir, you want to go back up and finish your comments, Mr. Weidlich? 532 00:33:41,920 --> 00:33:47,040 All right. Make sure this is on. 533 00:33:47,400 --> 00:33:53,760 There you go. There you go. So, just continuing where I left off. 534 00:33:51,400 --> 00:33:59,120 Now to my final point in the hiring of the county corner, I wish to clarify 535 00:33:57,200 --> 00:34:02,360 for everyone that he is not a licensed funeral director. 536 00:34:00,440 --> 00:34:06,400 He may be associated with the funeral home and serves as president, but he 537 00:34:04,600 --> 00:34:11,000 never received formal education in mortuary science, 538 00:34:08,200 --> 00:34:14,960 which includes in my own opinion educate most valuable thing in my opinion 539 00:34:12,919 --> 00:34:20,560 education on the laws surrounding the funeral industry. 540 00:34:17,800 --> 00:34:24,200 I along with my fellow colleagues in the industry 541 00:34:22,320 --> 00:34:29,399 have in the past come to county council meetings to raise concern over a funeral 542 00:34:27,280 --> 00:34:33,480 director or an employee of a funeral home serving in the role of county 543 00:34:30,760 --> 00:34:37,280 coroner. And let me just specify, not a deputy coroner, 544 00:34:35,040 --> 00:34:42,320 the role of county coroner, the head the head role. 545 00:34:39,639 --> 00:34:46,520 Let me share this following opinion with you all. 546 00:34:44,639 --> 00:34:51,000 The county coroner should not be a funeral director, nor 547 00:34:48,800 --> 00:34:53,960 should the coroner have or had any affiliation or employment with the 548 00:34:52,440 --> 00:34:58,600 funeral home. It leads to a protect a potential 549 00:34:55,800 --> 00:35:02,280 conflict of interest as recommendations may be made by the coroner to use a 550 00:35:01,160 --> 00:35:07,240 funeral home in which there is an affiliation. Now, I understand ethics 551 00:35:04,680 --> 00:35:12,080 clauses are most likely signed by all deputies and the coroner, but I just 552 00:35:09,480 --> 00:35:15,520 needed it to make that point clear. So, given that the newly highly hired 553 00:35:14,000 --> 00:35:19,880 coroner is an unlicensed employee and serves as 554 00:35:17,760 --> 00:35:23,840 president of a funeral home, who is to say that he will not be 555 00:35:22,000 --> 00:35:29,880 filtering business in his direction or into the direction 556 00:35:27,040 --> 00:35:33,920 of one of his friends? After all, in the Eyewitness News 557 00:35:32,080 --> 00:35:37,160 interview, he walked around his funeral home of employment, sat at a desk with 558 00:35:35,840 --> 00:35:41,280 the reporter with the name of his funeral home smack-dab on the computer 559 00:35:39,640 --> 00:35:45,960 screen. To close my time here, 560 00:35:43,480 --> 00:35:48,960 I would ask that you, the county council members, 561 00:35:47,560 --> 00:35:53,160 please have a meeting with the county manager. I don't know exactly how that 562 00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:59,080 works, but I think you need to re-review this with with the county manager, and I 563 00:35:55,200 --> 00:36:01,480 thank you all for your time here today. Thank you. 564 00:36:01,920 --> 00:36:06,120 Anybody else public comment in the audience? 565 00:36:06,960 --> 00:36:10,480 We have a hand up on the Zoom, Mark. 566 00:36:13,200 --> 00:36:19,600 Mr. Chairman, this is Mark Rabo, Hazleton speaking. Can you hear me? 567 00:36:16,920 --> 00:36:19,600 Yes, we can. 568 00:36:20,120 --> 00:36:26,080 This is in regards to uh what was 569 00:36:23,680 --> 00:36:30,920 uh approved last week by the Board of Elections, the souped-up, as I call it, 570 00:36:28,600 --> 00:36:36,440 the souped-up drop box, the Runbeck drop box, whatever you want to call it. Uh 571 00:36:33,120 --> 00:36:40,480 drop box, the modified drop box. Uh 572 00:36:37,880 --> 00:36:45,800 it's not about whether, you know, the the same debate that's been going on for 573 00:36:42,840 --> 00:36:50,120 since 2020 about the legitimacy of drop boxes. This is about the liability issue 574 00:36:48,520 --> 00:36:54,920 to the county in regards to this purchase. 575 00:36:52,480 --> 00:37:00,040 As I made clear to the election board and to the bureau at last week's 576 00:36:57,160 --> 00:37:03,960 meeting, I would hope that the council and especially the county manager and 577 00:37:02,160 --> 00:37:09,640 the office of law would look at putting a uh since this is 578 00:37:06,800 --> 00:37:13,240 a pilot program and this machine has not been certified, and this is an important 579 00:37:11,480 --> 00:37:19,160 point, Mr. Chair. This the machine, the Runbeck drop box, 580 00:37:16,240 --> 00:37:23,720 has not been certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania nor the 581 00:37:20,960 --> 00:37:28,480 Department of State. So, therefore, since this is a pilot program, I 582 00:37:26,000 --> 00:37:33,440 strongly suggest that I urge and plead with the council and the manager and the 583 00:37:30,960 --> 00:37:40,120 office of law to put an indemnification clause in the agreement with Runbeck, so 584 00:37:37,280 --> 00:37:45,680 that way it would hold harmless the county of Luzerne in case anything 585 00:37:42,520 --> 00:37:51,160 happens with this machine with regards to chain of custody or liability issues 586 00:37:48,640 --> 00:37:56,400 that would would come from this purchase of this uh modified drop box. That's all 587 00:37:54,280 --> 00:37:59,440 I ask, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much and have a good evening. 588 00:37:57,680 --> 00:38:01,920 Thank you, Mr. Rebo. Any other public comments? 589 00:38:00,640 --> 00:38:05,200 Anybody else on the Zoom? Anybody in the audience? 590 00:38:03,160 --> 00:38:06,720 Uh Mr. Thornton has something he would like to say. 591 00:38:05,800 --> 00:38:11,080 Very very brief. Thank you. 592 00:38:09,560 --> 00:38:15,520 County Council has no purview or authority over the election board. I 593 00:38:12,520 --> 00:38:19,040 realize that and uh I just want to state my uh disappointment in the election 594 00:38:17,640 --> 00:38:24,000 board in their decision to go forward with this newfangled high-tech drop box. 595 00:38:22,480 --> 00:38:27,160 I'm against them. I've been against them from the very beginning. I thought 596 00:38:25,200 --> 00:38:31,040 during COVID they were necessary and that was fine. But, um, 597 00:38:29,440 --> 00:38:36,400 I don't understand how they're really more secure because in this day and age, 598 00:38:34,440 --> 00:38:40,720 people wear masks all the time, medical masks. It's accepted in society. People 599 00:38:38,960 --> 00:38:44,120 could wear a mask going to that dropbox. Nobody will know who they are and I 600 00:38:42,480 --> 00:38:48,640 don't understand how the same person can't go back every 2 days or every 3 601 00:38:46,440 --> 00:38:53,120 days and drop another ballot. I don't know who would even know to stop them. 602 00:38:51,240 --> 00:38:57,760 Uh, they can't be identified with a a medical mask and a hoodie on. Uh, but I 603 00:38:55,600 --> 00:39:00,840 do know this, if people had a vote in person, 604 00:38:59,080 --> 00:39:03,760 that person cannot go to the machine and vote and then get it back in line and 605 00:39:02,280 --> 00:39:08,760 vote a second time and then get back in line and vote a third time. However, uh, 606 00:39:06,800 --> 00:39:13,040 I I think it's very possible with these dropboxes and I'm just voicing for the 607 00:39:11,320 --> 00:39:16,640 uh, sake of everybody here that I'm against them. Thank you. 608 00:39:14,880 --> 00:39:19,440 Thank you, Mr. Thornton. All right. Is there a motion to adjourn? 609 00:39:18,920 --> 00:39:20,520 Second. All in favor? 610 00:39:20,120 --> 00:39:23,160 Aye. Aye. 611 00:39:20,880 --> 00:39:25,720 Opposed? Meeting's adjourned. Thank you very much, everybody.