City of Wilkes-Barre Council - Combined Session 10.6.26

Wilkes-Barre City Council held a combined and regular session on October 7, 2026 (the meeting title references 10.6.26). Council unanimously approved a resolution urging Pennsylvania’s General Assembly to authorize local governments to freeze property taxes for residents aged 65 and older who have owned and occupied their homes for more than 10 years. Discussion noted pending state bills and estimated that a local program could reduce city revenue by roughly $150,000; a council member suggested seeking state reimbursement. Council also approved the appointment of retired state trooper Jim Dunlavy to the police civil service commission. No contract awards, vendor selections, or procurement votes were identified.

Other topics included a request for state-level restrictions on e-bikes and scooters, enforcement concerns, tree-ordinance improvements, and affordable housing, including a reported Habitat for Humanity effort to build five homes over several years. Members mentioned paving work planned for roughly 20–25 streets and asked residents not to remove temporary no-parking signs; no paving contract or expenditure was discussed. Public commenters raised concerns about park conditions, speeding near schools, stormwater fees, grants, and responsiveness from city departments.