City of Wilkes-Barre Council - Combined Session 11.5.26

Wilkes-Barre City Council combined session, November 6, 2026: Council considered grant-related procurement and capital needs. The items included purchasing a lead-paint analyzer through a Pennsylvania Department of Health lead hazard control grant (approximately $27,000 was cited in public comment); seeking a $234,848 Luzerne County Local Share Account (LSA) grant for the Little Theatre roof; seeking $734,200 for two 2028 refuse-truck chassis with 20-cubic-yard compactors; and seeking $400,000 for Public Square electrical upgrades. The Little Theatre said its previously awarded $150,000 roof grant remains unspent because bids exceeded available funds amid prevailing-wage and inflation costs, and requested additional support to complete the roof replacement. The administration said truck costs were based on recent purchase pricing and the electrical work is needed to update an aging system and support events. These were grant authorizations or requests, not reports of final grant awards or contract awards.

Council approved the four resolutions and minutes as a consent agenda, on a motion and second; three members voted yes and one abstained, citing a future role related to the items. During public input, the administration explained that individuals cannot receive LSA grants directly, that the city submits applications and acts as a pass-through, and that state legislators decide allocations. Other discussion covered the process for filling an expected council vacancy, neighborhood maintenance concerns, and the Veterans Memorial dedication; no additional procurement action was identified.