[0:00] That's the story.

[0:07] Thank you.

[0:14] Roll call, please, Ms. Lawrence.

[0:19] Mr. Haas. Here.

[0:21] Ms. Krysnowsky. Here.

[0:22] Mr. Skamitz. Here.

[0:25] Ms. McDermott. Here.

[0:27] Mr. Sabatino. Here.

[0:30] Ms. Smith. Here.

[0:31] Ms. Stevenson. Here.

[0:33] Mr. Thornton. Here.

[0:34] Mr. Wolovich. Here.

[0:35] Mr. Lombardo. Here.

[0:37] All present. Thank you. We have three ceremonial

[0:40] proclamations prior to the beginning of our meeting.

[0:43] First is for Luzerne County Mental Health Awareness Month.

[0:48] Whereas mental health is essential to everyone's overall health and well-being

[0:51] and all people experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives.

[0:55] And whereas one in five Americans will experience a mental health condition in

[0:58] any given year and millions more are affected by mental health challenges of

[1:02] a loved one. And whereas Luzerne County recognizes that mental health conditions

[1:06] are real and treatable and recovery is possible with proper support, access to

[1:10] services and community understanding. And whereas stigma and misconceptions

[1:14] surrounding mental illness can prevent individuals from seeking the help they

[1:18] need and deserve. And whereas Luzerne County is committed to building a

[1:21] culture where mental health is prioritized equally with physical health

[1:25] and where individuals and families are supported in seeking care without shame.

[1:29] And whereas mental health awareness provides an opportunity to educate the

[1:32] public, reduce stigma and promote mental well-being for all community members.

[1:37] And whereas Luzerne County acknowledges the importance of working

[1:40] collaboratively with mental health professionals, advocates, educators and

[1:43] community organizations to ensure access to appropriate resources and services.

[1:47] Now, therefore, we, the Luzerne County Council, do

[1:50] proclaim May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Luzerne County and

[1:54] encourage all residents, schools, businesses and community organizations

[1:58] to join in activities that promote mental wellness, raise awareness, and

[2:01] support those affected by mental health conditions.

[2:05] Thank you. Who Oh, Maggie coming up to accept it.

[2:11] Would you like to say a couple words or anything?

[2:18] All right, thank you. Okay, next up we have a proclamation for

[2:22] Alan Stout. Whereas Alan Stout has made significant

[2:26] contributions to the community through his dedication, service, and commitment

[2:30] to enhancing the lives of the residents of Luzerne County. Whereas Alan Stout is

[2:34] a 2025 inductee to the Luzerne County Arts and Entertainment Hall of Fame. And

[2:39] whereas Alan Stout's efforts in promoting local culture, supporting

[2:42] charitable initiatives, and fostering community engagement have left a lasting

[2:46] impact. And whereas Alan Stout has championed local talent through print

[2:49] journalism and radio broadcasting. And whereas Alan Stout, as executive

[2:53] director of Visit Luzerne County, has spearheaded local cultural events,

[2:57] including Rock'n the River and Rock'n the Mountain. And whereas Alan Stout has

[3:01] interviewed over 40 rock and roll Hall of Famers. And whereas it is fitting to

[3:05] proper and proper to recognize the extraordinary contributions of

[3:09] individuals like Alan Stout, who exemplify the spirit of community and

[3:12] service. Whereas in honor of Alan Stout's achievement and to inspire

[3:16] others to contribute positively to our community, we hereby declare April 22nd

[3:21] as Alan Stout Day in Luzerne County. Now therefore, we, the Luzerne County

[3:25] Council, do hereby proclaim April 22nd as Alan Stout Day in Luzerne County,

[3:29] encouraging all residents to recognize and celebrate Alan's contributions and

[3:33] to commit themselves to service in their own communities. Congratulations, Alan.

[3:48] That means you get to buy everybody drinks.

[3:51] Good job, Alan. Good job. Congratulations, Alan.

[3:55] Yeah. Do you Do you want to say a couple words?

[3:57] Okay. Just make sure the mic is on.

[4:05] I don't think it's on, Alan. You got You know how to work one of those

[4:08] things.

[4:14] Oh. There you go.

[4:16] I'm a little overwhelmed right now. I didn't know

[4:19] Romilda, who's on the screen, said make sure you're at the council meeting

[4:22] tomorrow night. Um

[4:25] I just want to say thank you so much for this this honor. It's been

[4:30] an absolute privilege to celebrate the arts and entertainment

[4:34] community here in Northeastern Pennsylvania and Luzerne County for the

[4:37] past 33 years of my life. And 4 years ago,

[4:42] when the county trusted me with our relatively new event at the time,

[4:46] Rockin' the River, which was just starting to get its footing,

[4:49] I I took that responsibility very seriously, and I consider it a privilege

[4:54] to oversee those shows every summer and to work with our great team.

[4:59] And to last year also take help take those shows to Hazleton. So, um I just

[5:04] want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I used to come into this

[5:06] building all the time when I was a little boy. My

[5:09] grandmother worked in the cafeteria downstairs. And um

[5:13] my grandfather used to come and pick her up from work, and I would run in to to

[5:18] let her know that we were here for the ride. And I'm talking about 1974 or 75.

[5:24] I was 7, 8 years old.

[5:27] And I always marveled at this building. And so, to receive this honor here

[5:31] today, I'm you know, I'm sure she's Hopefully,

[5:34] she's proud. And I I thank you all very much. Thank you.

[5:43] Thank you, Alan. Thank you, Romilda.

[5:46] It's an absolute honor to have you as a an employee of Luzerne County.

[5:51] All right, our final proclamation for the evening is for Kaylary Santos

[5:56] from the 911 center. Whereas 911 telecommunicators serve as

[6:00] the first responders, the first first responders, providing critical

[6:04] life-saving assistance and guidance in times of emergency and are a vital link

[6:07] between the public and emergency services. And whereas on Sunday, April

[6:11] 13th, 2025, Luzerne County 911 telecommunicator Kaylary Santos

[6:16] demonstrated exceptional professionalism, composure,

[6:20] assisting a caller through a child birth emergency using a murder emergency

[6:23] medical dispatch protocols. And whereas Kaylary provided clear and effective

[6:28] instructions not only during a high-stress medical situation, but also

[6:31] did so in Spanish, ensuring language was not a barrier to care and showing a

[6:36] profound commitment to serving all members of our community. And whereas

[6:39] her swift action, calm demeanor, and accurate guidance directly contributed

[6:44] to a successful outcome and exemplify the highest standards of emergency

[6:47] response service. And whereas each telecommunicator has exhibited

[6:52] compassion, understanding, and professionalism during the performance

[6:55] of their job. Now, therefore, we Luzerne County Council do hereby recognize and

[7:00] commend Luzerne County 911 telecommunicator Kaylary Santos for her

[7:04] extraordinary service and dedication and extends heartfelt gratitude for her her

[7:08] role in safeguarding the health and well-being of Luzerne County residents.

[7:12] Congratulations, Kaylary.

[7:29] All right, thank you, everybody.

[7:32] Okay, do we have any deletions from the voting session agenda?

[7:36] Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? So moved.

[7:38] Second. All in favor?

[7:40] Aye. Opposed? Agenda's adopted.

[7:43] We have one public comment slip from Thomas B. Widlick.

[7:48] Oh, this is on Oh, never mind. I apologize. This is for

[7:51] a non-agenda item. Okay. We'll get back to you at the end

[7:55] of the at the end of the voting. Anybody for public comment on agenda

[8:00] items only?

[8:04] Anybody? Anybody on the Zoom?

[8:09] All right, hearing none. Is there a motion to approve the minutes of the

[8:12] April 8th, 2025 voting session? So moved.

[8:15] Second. Motion in a second. All in favor?

[8:18] Aye. Opposed?

[8:20] Minutes are approved. Number one, motion to adopt the

[8:23] resolution authorizing the county manager to execute a contract with

[8:26] Pennsylvania Economy League for the preparation of a strategic plan and

[8:29] five-year financial plan. Second.

[8:32] There's a motion in a second. Roll call.

[8:36] Mr. Haas? Yes.

[8:38] Ms. Krysinski? Yes.

[8:39] Mr. Lisgavage? Yes.

[8:41] Ms. McDermott? Yes.

[8:42] Mr. Perry? Yes.

[8:44] Mr. Sabatino? Yes.

[8:46] Ms. Smith? Yes.

[8:48] Ms. Stevenson? Yes.

[8:49] Mr. Thornton? Yes.

[8:51] Mr. Wlodyka? Yes.

[8:52] Mr. Lombardo? Yes.

[8:53] Unanimous. Number two, motion to introduce

[8:55] ordinance amending Article 6 Administrative Code in accordance with

[8:58] Home Rule Charter of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.

[9:00] So moved. Second.

[9:02] There's a motion and a second. Roll call.

[9:06] Ms. Krysinski? Yes.

[9:08] Mr. Lisgavage? Yes.

[9:10] Ms. McDermott? Yes.

[9:11] Mr. Perry? Yes.

[9:12] Mr. Sabatino? Yes.

[9:14] Ms. Smith? Yes.

[9:16] Ms. Stevenson? Yes.

[9:17] Mr. Thornton? Yes.

[9:19] Wlodyka? Yes.

[9:20] Mr. Haas? Yes.

[9:22] Mr. Lombardo? Yes.

[9:23] Unanimous. Number three, introduction of ordinance

[9:25] amending the 2025 fiscal year budget for Luzerne

[9:32] Oh, it's I'm sorry. It's It's automatically introduced because it's

[9:35] for manager Carl Kimmell. I apologize. Thank you for introducing that.

[9:39] Okay. Thank you, manager Crocamo.

[9:42] All right. That was a record timing.

[9:46] All right, is there any public comment on non-agenda items?

[9:52] We have uh Mr. Wildrick, Thomas Wildrick.

[9:56] Mhm.

[10:04] I'm not as eloquent as Mr. Stout, so I had to write down what I would like to

[10:08] say here today to you council members. So, just as an introduction, uh my name

[10:13] is Thomas Wildrick. I am a resident of Swoyersville.

[10:16] And for the record, I'm a licensed funeral director here in Luzerne County,

[10:20] as well as a concerned taxpayer. I am standing here before you this

[10:25] evening. And at this time, I'm going to ask my

[10:28] fellow colleagues who are present to please stand because I'm also speaking

[10:32] on their behalf. So, if my fellow colleagues would stand.

[10:37] The reason I am standing before all of you here

[10:41] is in regard to the county manager's choice of hire for the position of

[10:44] county coroner. After home rule came into effect,

[10:50] I, I know, along with many of my colleagues,

[10:53] I was hopeful that those hired to county positions, such as

[10:57] coroner, would be thoroughly vetted. Unfortunately, I, along with my fellow

[11:02] colleagues, feel that proper vetting was not conducted in the hiring process for

[11:07] this position. In a recent news article, it was brought

[11:11] to light of an incident that occurred in Pittston involving the newly hired

[11:16] coroner. However,

[11:19] this was not the only time our now hired print

[11:23] in newspaper print for issues stemming from his from his employment as an

[11:27] officer of the law and EMT paramedic. Yesterday, I sent you the council

[11:34] members an email with a PDF file containing these other published

[11:38] articles for your review. If you haven't had a chance to review

[11:44] these articles, I at the very least would ask you to

[11:47] allow me to read off the headlines of some of

[11:51] those articles and I don't know if that is proper to do here in this meeting or

[11:54] not. You can As long as you're being

[11:57] respectful, you can continue to read your remarks.

[12:00] In 2005, an article headlined "Secret Service

[12:04] Agent Alleges Cop Misconduct." In 2006, there were five headlines.

[12:10] "West Pittston Cop's Job Eliminated." "West Pittston West Pittston Cop Fired

[12:15] After Fracas." "Part-time West Pittston Police Officer

[12:19] Is Fired After an Incident With Another Cop." "Wyoming Council Fires Same Cop

[12:24] Cut Last Week By West Pittston." And "Pics Allegedly Show Cops Under 21

[12:31] Females Drinking." In 2010,

[12:35] an article "Judge Completely Rebuts Cop's Firing Claim."

[12:40] An article entitled, excuse me, Furthermore, on the vetting process in

[12:45] this hiring, the press release that the county manager set out sent out stated

[12:50] that our newly hired coroner attended Luzerne County Community College with

[12:54] studies in mortuary science. Let me clarify that one does not study

[13:00] mortuary science at Luzerne County Community College.

[13:05] The curriculum at Luzerne County Community College is in pre-mortuary

[13:09] science. Otherwise, the core subjects to get one

[13:13] accepted to mortuary school. Your time is up, sir.

[13:16] Okay. Yeah, you If you want to come up and and

[13:19] speak again at the end of the work session, you're more than welcome to.

[13:22] stop it right there. All right, thanks. Anybody else for

[13:24] public comment?

[13:27] Public comment non-agenda items. Anybody on the zoom?

[13:33] Is there a motion to adjourn? Motion.

[13:35] Second. All in favor?

[13:37] Aye. Opposed? Meeting's adjourned. Do you

[13:39] want to just go right into the work session? Is that okay?

[13:42] All right.

[13:45] Yeah, it's only six It's 6:16, so can't All right, I'd like to call the uh work

[13:50] session to order. We had the pledge of allegiance and a

[13:53] moment of silence. Roll call, Miss Lawrence.

[13:56] Mr. Haas? Yes.

[13:58] Miss Krishnowsky? Here.

[14:00] Mr. Lescavage? Here.

[14:01] Miss McDermott? Here.

[14:02] Mr. Perry? Here.

[14:04] Mr. Sabatino? Present.

[14:05] Miss Smith? Here.

[14:07] Miss Stevenson? Here.

[14:08] Mr. Thornton? Here.

[14:10] Mr. Wolovich? Here.

[14:11] Mr. Lombardo? Here.

[14:12] All present. Thank you.

[14:14] Any additions or deletions from the work session agenda?

[14:17] Mr. Chairman? Yes.

[14:18] I don't know if it's appropriate to um talk about the request from Wright

[14:21] Township about like we talked about earlier with all of council got it about

[14:25] their 5K and also the C-CAP resolution regarding um they'd like

[14:30] affidavit support that uh Luzerne County all got that same email on the feed.

[14:35] That um um we have our our constables are

[14:38] independent contractors. So, they're just looking for some

[14:41] affirmation on that. Okay.

[14:44] Would Would you like to add something to the agenda to that effect?

[14:47] I I think we just have a brief discussion on it like we talked about I

[14:50] don't know if I think it needs necessarily council approval, but I

[14:52] think we should all be aware of it this which is out there. I don't know if

[14:56] that's appropriate. It's up to you. If you want to add

[14:58] something to the agenda, that's fine. St. Jude's in the in the C-CAP

[15:01] resolution regarding constables. Okay, discussion regarding St. Jude's 5K

[15:04] and then discussion regarding the C-CAP constable

[15:07] Yes. uh litigation.

[15:08] affidavit affidavit, sorry.

[15:09] That's it. Okay. That'll be number seven and eight

[15:12] then. Thank you.

[15:13] Okay. Any further additions or deletions?

[15:17] Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? Second.

[15:21] All in favor? Aye.

[15:22] Opposed? Motion is adopted. Okay.

[15:26] Uh budget reports.

[15:34] Do we have Do we have There All right.

[15:44] Thank you. Um included in your packet are your budget

[15:47] reports for the month of March. The first report is the revenue report. Our

[15:51] revenue earned is currently at 13% of budget or $21,950,000.

[15:57] Our current year tax collections at the end of March are at 13.6 million, which

[16:01] represents 11% of the current year tax revenue budget. So, that's about a month

[16:05] of collections, about 5 and 1/2 weeks actually.

[16:08] Um expenses are at 26,412,438 or 17% of budget. Next, you have the

[16:15] listing of your budget transfers followed by the accounts payable detail.

[16:19] The last report is the treasurer's report showing a cash balance of

[16:22] 125,768,558

[16:25] at the end of March. The cash balance at the end of February was 120,041,088.

[16:32] The interest that we've earned for the month of March is 415,538.37.

[16:37] Of that, ARPA accounts were 251,187.65.

[16:42] So, our year-to-date total interest is 1,115,0884.

[16:48] Our ARPA cash balance still sits at 42,087,405.

[16:53] We've earned ARPA interest year-to-date um for the first 3 months of 598,307.

[16:59] And our ARPA interest earned in total is 8.4 million.

[17:03] Does anyone have any questions about the reports?

[17:06] Any questions for Ms. Roselle? All right. Thank you very much.

[17:12] Moving on, discussion regarding the ordinance regarding resolution

[17:15] committing a local match match for state operating assistance to Hazleton Public

[17:19] Transit.

[17:22] Is Mr. Sharp here?

[17:25] He should be on by Zoom. He indicated he would be on by Zoom.

[17:30] Mr. Sharp, are you on the Zoom?

[17:35] Yeah.

[17:40] Uh Ralph is the name.

[17:48] Mr. Sharp, you can try uh unmuting yourself now.

[17:53] We should be able to hear you.

[17:59] Hello. There you are.

[18:02] Okay. Um good evening. Um my name is Ralph Sharp. I'm the director for

[18:07] Hazleton Public Transit. Um I am here once again this year

[18:11] requesting our local match um from uh to receive our uh state operating funds of

[18:18] 2,835,157

[18:21] dollars in order to uh receive these funds to

[18:25] help us operate in uh Luzerne County, we need a local

[18:29] match of 229,000 778 dollars. I did submit the uh

[18:36] paperwork from our local city council um requesting uh

[18:42] our local match also.

[18:47] All right. Uh are there any questions for Mr. Sharp?

[18:51] Mr. Wilovich? Uh I was just wondering if for the

[18:52] resolution if we could also carbon copy the state representative and the state

[18:56] senator for the area. Absolutely. Yeah, we can add that before

[19:00] we pass it in the next meeting. Any other questions for Mr. Sharp?

[19:05] Any other discussion? I have the annual question if I could,

[19:07] Mr. Chair. Mr. Haas?

[19:08] Uh hey, Mr. Sharp. Good to good to um speak with you. But just again

[19:12] You, too. the um um because the HPT goes into neighboring

[19:17] counties, we've talked about this before, about $20,000 of um costs we

[19:21] estimated has lines into Carbon and I believe it's Google counties. So I

[19:26] know Mr. Sabatino was talking about that last week. We're working on that. Um

[19:31] what are the odds we can secure that extra funding before

[19:34] the match is is due? Well well since since since last year

[19:38] when I came before city county council asking for a local match, I I've been

[19:43] working and trying and looking for avenues in, but every year it's just

[19:49] I I I don't get I'm not making any leeway with it to to

[19:53] obtain those funds. I'm I'm being honest.

[19:56] Mr. Sabatino, you want to just talk about your conversations that you had

[19:59] with Carbon County Commissioners? Um at C-CAP I did speak with one of the

[20:03] Carbon County Commissioners and they he is open to contributing over the next

[20:09] couple years and ramping up to I think their their part of the match is about

[20:13] $8,000. Um County Manager Crocamo is going to be

[20:16] meeting with them and she'll discuss that the details with them.

[20:20] Yeah, we have meetings set up uh actually

[20:25] one is because we share a bridge with Carbon County

[20:29] and that bridge is in dire need of repair.

[20:34] Uh so we'll we'll be meeting with them on

[20:36] that and uh we'll also be

[20:40] with the Carbon County Commissioners uh to maybe do some joint

[20:46] work when it comes to our 911 and emergency response. I did

[20:52] reach out to uh Commissioner Safranko yesterday

[20:59] uh actually indicating to him that if Carbon County

[21:02] needed any assistance uh

[21:05] for because of the fires that we would

[21:09] be more than willing to to assist. I know EMA reached out to them.

[21:14] So, we're developing a very strong relationship with Carbon County.

[21:19] And I think that they will start contributing

[21:24] to this fund. I have not reached out to any of the commissioners from Schuylkill

[21:32] County. But, I'm hoping to to do that as well.

[21:37] But, we're making some headway with Carbon County. I think

[21:42] we bordered bordered Carbon County and uh

[21:46] I think it's time that we reach out and we collaborate. And I I think that

[21:52] they're open to that. I I have the exact dollar values from

[21:58] the local match that we are looking for, which is 229,778.

[22:03] Luzerne County portion is 205,191.76.

[22:09] Carbon County is 20,450.24 and Schuylkill County is 4,136.

[22:24] All right, thank you, Mr. Sharp. Any other questions?

[22:27] Oh, Mr. Thornton. Yeah, Mr. Santino, I think a few minutes

[22:31] ago you said it was I had the numbers flipped for the

[22:33] counties. Oh, okay.

[22:34] Yeah. So, 20,000 is probably correct for

[22:37] Carbon. Correct.

[22:38] Thank you. Yeah.

[22:39] Okay. Any other questions? I think

[22:42] I have a comment and a question if I could, Mr. Chair. First of all, thanks

[22:45] for Mildura for offering help to Carbon County. That was a that was a strange

[22:48] thing. I saw that fire on the news. That was a class act offering our our help.

[22:51] And secondly, that I really appreciate you dialoguing with our neighbors cuz

[22:55] that just makes good governance for all our people.

[22:57] And um I know there's an administrative

[23:00] conference coming up. I don't know if management's going to attend to that,

[23:02] but I fully support that 100%. Might be a good venue to do that as well.

[23:06] Um and the question just flew out of my my

[23:09] brain. Um but that happens often. What's that?

[23:12] I am a uh

[23:14] that conference Councilman Haas.

[23:17] Wonderful. I encourage that 100%. Um

[23:22] All right. We'll save some time. Thanks, Mr. Chairman.

[23:25] That's okay. They they have privilege in for that.

[23:29] Fourth coffee for the day. Try Any other questions from council

[23:32] members? All right. Thank you, Mr. Sharp. We

[23:34] appreciate it. Thank you.

[23:37] All right. Next up, discussion regarding resolution committing a local match for

[23:40] state operating assistance for the Luzerne County Transportation Authority.

[23:44] Mr. Fiume.

[23:47] Make sure the mic is on.

[23:51] Button on the side.

[23:57] Thank you. Good evening, everyone. I'm Bob Fiume, executive director of the

[24:01] Luzerne County Transportation Authority. I'm also here requesting our local match

[24:05] for fiscal year 2025-2026.

[24:09] So, under section 1513 of title 74 of the PA codes, we receive

[24:16] approximately uh

[24:19] $8,678,868

[24:23] in operating money from Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. So, under

[24:28] Act 89 of 2013, we're required to match that with local match. Right now, this

[24:34] match that I'm requesting from the from the council is $871,609.

[24:40] I think we're at about 11% local match. Every transit agency in the state

[24:45] eventually is going to reach 15%. So, it goes up gradually till you um get

[24:50] to the 15%. So, my request is for $871,609.

[24:55] That will match our operating money and allow us to continue to operate through

[24:59] this next fiscal year.

[25:03] All right, thank you. Any questions? Any questions?

[25:05] I think this is my question, Mr. Chairman. If you'd like to me, so sorry

[25:08] everybody. Oh, that's okay.

[25:09] So, I know in a few years ago, we used some ARPA funds for the match that

[25:14] particular year. I don't think I know that's not available now, but it's a

[25:17] question more for Romilda. Romilda, any hidden pots out there of money that we

[25:22] have to take from the general fund to provide the match for HPTN Luzerne

[25:25] County? LCTA?

[25:29] None that I'm aware of. Thank you.

[25:33] Mr. Chairman. Okay.

[25:35] Any other questions?

[25:38] All right. Okay, thank you everybody.

[25:39] Thank you very much. Okay, next up we have discussion

[25:42] regarding the resolution acknowledging the name change of the opioid fund

[25:45] recipient Always Believe Recovery to True North Recovery of NEPA.

[25:51] Um I requested that this be on our agenda,

[25:56] uh mostly because so the the um

[26:00] the the mission statement is the same for the organization. It's the same

[26:04] organization, um but one of the things that did change

[26:07] was not only just the the name, so people are aware that it's the same

[26:10] organization just going by a different name, but they also changed their uh tax

[26:14] ID number, um their EIN. Uh so I I I kind of figured to be on the

[26:18] safe side, we should just re- like recommit like recommit these

[26:22] funds just to the it's the same organization just obviously there's a

[26:26] new EIN number, uh new technical name, but it's it's the same organization.

[26:31] We're just I guess recommitting the the funding. That's all.

[26:35] Question, Mr. Chairman. Yeah, go ahead.

[26:38] Mr. Wolowicz first, sorry. He raised his hand.

[26:40] I was wondering if there's any additional paperwork that needs to be

[26:42] done from that organization to make sure that they're in line with the former

[26:45] agreement. Uh

[26:48] is there somebody from Go ahead.

[26:57] Hi, my name is uh Chris Cooley and I was hired to uh manage the project through

[27:02] the development stage uh of this. Once we got the

[27:06] uh a grant agreement, we saw the minor modifications that had to be done. And

[27:10] as um uh John had indicated, it's the same

[27:14] mission statement uh same project uh and they purely just they meaning the owners

[27:20] uh decided to uh just change names from a marketing uh point of view. And that

[27:24] and that was really it.

[27:27] Okay. Any other questions?

[27:29] Ms. McDermott, are you sure? You good? Okay.

[27:33] Okay. Okay. Thanks.

[27:34] So when I I actually do have a question cuz the EIN number, that was a little

[27:38] confusing to me as to why that had to change. Um was it just

[27:42] just because the name had to change so the EIN had to change as well?

[27:44] They Yeah, they just created a whole new entity. So new entity

[27:47] I'm not super familiar with that process.

[27:49] new entity EIN.

[27:50] Okay. That's all they did. All right. Okay.

[27:52] Thank you. Okay. No problem.

[27:54] All right. Any other questions from council members?

[27:58] All right. Thank you. You're welcome.

[28:00] Number five, discussion regarding the resolution adopting changes to existing

[28:03] cooperation agreement pertaining to the redevelopment assistance capital program

[28:06] grant on behalf of Change Academy Lake of the Ozarks.

[28:13] Sparich.

[28:17] There was a request um the consultant is here as well. But any RCAP that passes

[28:22] through the county um the county is the applicant, the entity receiving the RCAP

[28:26] funds is the subrecipient or the subgrantee. And we always put a

[28:29] cooperation agreement in place and the office of the budget came back um in the

[28:33] agenda submittal, they had three changes. The second bullet I did not

[28:37] agree with because that language has been included in all of the cooperation

[28:40] agreements. So they did come back um and suggest uh

[28:45] new language. The sub the subgrantee will reimburse the grantee local

[28:49] municipality for any ineligible expenses for which the grantee local municipality

[28:54] reimburses the state. So, you know, if if council is okay with

[28:59] that and our solicitor's office is good, then we would just ask that the changes

[29:03] be made and a new cooperation agreement be signed.

[29:06] I don't know if you have any questions regarding the project cuz this was done

[29:09] a few years ago. Attorney Skin.

[29:15] So, if the state take money back,

[29:19] we would pay and then they'd have to pay us back?

[29:22] I we would have them pay directly. I mean, they would pay us. We wouldn't

[29:25] take it from our county coffers from any of our funds.

[29:28] Okay. It says that in the agreement that they

[29:30] It It maybe the check would have to come from the from us, but but

[29:36] provide that. Okay. What if the subgrantee doesn't

[29:40] have money? Well, do you want to answer those

[29:43] questions?

[29:49] Good evening. Yeah, I believe the subgrantee does possess the money. They

[29:54] paid for this project in full. Um it was over a million dollars and then they're

[29:58] just being reimbursed for that. So, Sir, can you just state your name?

[30:01] I'm Eric Trautman. I work for Benesch. We're the engineering consultant.

[30:05] great. Yeah.

[30:07] Okay. Any questions?

[30:11] All right. Okay. Thank you very much. All right. Next up, we have discussion

[30:16] regarding resolution to renew the lease for the city for magisterial district

[30:19] court 110404.

[30:24] Mr. Highmarsh. Yes, sir. Mr. Chair. Hi. Good evening,

[30:29] Council. Uh you're we're once again here to

[30:34] update an expired lease for one of our magisterial districts.

[30:38] Uh the district court of 11104. Uh we're looking to extend the expired

[30:45] lease by 2 years at a a modest increase in rent. The city of

[30:50] Pittston has housed the magisterial district office for many, many years and

[30:55] they've continued to make improvements uh

[30:58] in the facilities themselves, including some security

[31:02] enhancements for the MDJ.

[31:06] So, we respectfully request that you vote in favor of extending the lease.

[31:11] Any questions?

[31:13] All right. Thank you very much. Next up, discussion regarding the 5K run

[31:19] and the shutting down of the road. Absolutely.

[31:22] Yeah, go ahead. Yeah, I I got to just rule that. I mean,

[31:24] we all got Sperrazza's email. I think it's just a managerial thing, but

[31:29] um just to make sure we approve the 5K race that

[31:32] St. Jude's is going to have in South County.

[31:34] Yeah. Manager Carole Krumo, is that something that I I I don't think it has

[31:38] to go through council, but is that something that your office would need to

[31:41] approve? Uh yes.

[31:44] It wouldn't have to go through council. And just so that council and everyone is

[31:49] aware, it's uh safer with the road shut down for for

[31:54] the uh for the race. They will have race

[31:57] officials there and uh

[32:03] Any questions? Yep. Thanks, Ms. Carole Krumo. Thanks,

[32:05] Mr. Chair, about that. The second one, everybody, you got an email. I think it

[32:09] was just yesterday and I appreciate Sharon printing out um the contents of

[32:12] it. It was from CCAP and it's a there's a two-ply. It's a memorandum just to

[32:17] explain what what they're looking for. Um those of you who have attended CCAP

[32:21] gatherings before, there's strength in numbers. When we have issues with the

[32:25] state, CCAP is a wonderful I found a wonderful organization to really help us

[32:28] navigate some difficult waters sometimes and also just

[32:32] um help us out on the ground, just in in the act of governing. So, what what this

[32:36] is asking us to do, they need 25% of counties to sign an affidavit

[32:41] just to affirm that we have we designate our

[32:44] constables as independent contractors just like we do on election day with our

[32:48] poll workers. They're a component of the of the elections board there locally.

[32:53] So, that's how they're paid and that's all they're really asking for us to sign

[32:56] this to get that out to Frank Mazza, I think is the point person with that Mr.

[33:00] Chair. And again, you all received the email. Just wanted to

[33:04] It looks like manager we can do this as well. Carmella, does I don't know if you

[33:07] got a chance to look at that, but it seems like from his email time is more

[33:12] of the essence even though the memorandum's dated 2016. There's

[33:16] something with Adams County that I think they need it because of of some kind of

[33:19] legal action, but I thought we could we could be very neighborly and and get

[33:23] that on the way. I can get that out. Yes.

[33:27] All right. Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, manager Carmella. Any other questions

[33:30] regarding this?

[33:33] All right. Record time tonight. Public comment.

[33:38] Sir, you want to go back up and finish your comments, Mr. Weidlich?

[33:41] All right. Make sure this is on.

[33:47] There you go. There you go. So, just continuing where I left off.

[33:51] Now to my final point in the hiring of the county corner, I wish to clarify

[33:57] for everyone that he is not a licensed funeral director.

[34:00] He may be associated with the funeral home and serves as president, but he

[34:04] never received formal education in mortuary science,

[34:08] which includes in my own opinion educate most valuable thing in my opinion

[34:12] education on the laws surrounding the funeral industry.

[34:17] I along with my fellow colleagues in the industry

[34:22] have in the past come to county council meetings to raise concern over a funeral

[34:27] director or an employee of a funeral home serving in the role of county

[34:30] coroner. And let me just specify, not a deputy coroner,

[34:35] the role of county coroner, the head the head role.

[34:39] Let me share this following opinion with you all.

[34:44] The county coroner should not be a funeral director, nor

[34:48] should the coroner have or had any affiliation or employment with the

[34:52] funeral home. It leads to a protect a potential

[34:55] conflict of interest as recommendations may be made by the coroner to use a

[35:01] funeral home in which there is an affiliation. Now, I understand ethics

[35:04] clauses are most likely signed by all deputies and the coroner, but I just

[35:09] needed it to make that point clear. So, given that the newly highly hired

[35:14] coroner is an unlicensed employee and serves as

[35:17] president of a funeral home, who is to say that he will not be

[35:22] filtering business in his direction or into the direction

[35:27] of one of his friends? After all, in the Eyewitness News

[35:32] interview, he walked around his funeral home of employment, sat at a desk with

[35:35] the reporter with the name of his funeral home smack-dab on the computer

[35:39] screen. To close my time here,

[35:43] I would ask that you, the county council members,

[35:47] please have a meeting with the county manager. I don't know exactly how that

[35:51] works, but I think you need to re-review this with with the county manager, and I

[35:55] thank you all for your time here today. Thank you.

[36:01] Anybody else public comment in the audience?

[36:06] We have a hand up on the Zoom, Mark.

[36:13] Mr. Chairman, this is Mark Rabo, Hazleton speaking. Can you hear me?

[36:16] Yes, we can.

[36:20] This is in regards to uh what was

[36:23] uh approved last week by the Board of Elections, the souped-up, as I call it,

[36:28] the souped-up drop box, the Runbeck drop box, whatever you want to call it. Uh

[36:33] drop box, the modified drop box. Uh

[36:37] it's not about whether, you know, the the same debate that's been going on for

[36:42] since 2020 about the legitimacy of drop boxes. This is about the liability issue

[36:48] to the county in regards to this purchase.

[36:52] As I made clear to the election board and to the bureau at last week's

[36:57] meeting, I would hope that the council and especially the county manager and

[37:02] the office of law would look at putting a uh since this is

[37:06] a pilot program and this machine has not been certified, and this is an important

[37:11] point, Mr. Chair. This the machine, the Runbeck drop box,

[37:16] has not been certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania nor the

[37:20] Department of State. So, therefore, since this is a pilot program, I

[37:26] strongly suggest that I urge and plead with the council and the manager and the

[37:30] office of law to put an indemnification clause in the agreement with Runbeck, so

[37:37] that way it would hold harmless the county of Luzerne in case anything

[37:42] happens with this machine with regards to chain of custody or liability issues

[37:48] that would would come from this purchase of this uh modified drop box. That's all

[37:54] I ask, Mr. Chairman. Thank you very much and have a good evening.

[37:57] Thank you, Mr. Rebo. Any other public comments?

[38:00] Anybody else on the Zoom? Anybody in the audience?

[38:03] Uh Mr. Thornton has something he would like to say.

[38:05] Very very brief. Thank you.

[38:09] County Council has no purview or authority over the election board. I

[38:12] realize that and uh I just want to state my uh disappointment in the election

[38:17] board in their decision to go forward with this newfangled high-tech drop box.

[38:22] I'm against them. I've been against them from the very beginning. I thought

[38:25] during COVID they were necessary and that was fine. But, um,

[38:29] I don't understand how they're really more secure because in this day and age,

[38:34] people wear masks all the time, medical masks. It's accepted in society. People

[38:38] could wear a mask going to that dropbox. Nobody will know who they are and I

[38:42] don't understand how the same person can't go back every 2 days or every 3

[38:46] days and drop another ballot. I don't know who would even know to stop them.

[38:51] Uh, they can't be identified with a a medical mask and a hoodie on. Uh, but I

[38:55] do know this, if people had a vote in person,

[38:59] that person cannot go to the machine and vote and then get it back in line and

[39:02] vote a second time and then get back in line and vote a third time. However, uh,

[39:06] I I think it's very possible with these dropboxes and I'm just voicing for the

[39:11] uh, sake of everybody here that I'm against them. Thank you.

[39:14] Thank you, Mr. Thornton. All right. Is there a motion to adjourn?

[39:18] Second. All in favor?

[39:20] Aye. Aye.

[39:20] Opposed? Meeting's adjourned. Thank you very much, everybody.

Live Luzerne County Council Meeting 4/22/25

Transcript