web1_Bleachers.jpg

Avoca council members discuss damage to Memorial Field bleachers

web1_King-s-College-Logo.jpg

King’s plans to demolish inn, use its liquor license for Leo’s on Mane

<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; City council discussed a mix of old and new topics Thursday night.</p><p>It approved all of the resolutions and ordinances listed on the agenda, including a $422,690 insurance package for comprehensive coverage through the Joyce Insurance Group of Pittston.</p><p>Five companies responded to a Request for Proposals issued by the city, but only Joyce submitted a proposal, said city Administrator Ted Wampole. Joyce&#8217;s proposal is $8,012 lower than the existing package it provides the city. There would have been more savings if the city did not add cyber insurance to cover potential damages caused by hackers, according to Wampole.</p><p>Council also approved spending $165,841 for computer upgrades and the hiring of Aelaric Inc., of Carbondale, as an information technology consultant. Aelaric&#8217;s one-year contract is for $104,000 and did not have to be bid because it is a professional service.</p><p>PFM Group Consulting LLC of Philadelphia will continue to act as the city&#8217;s financial adviser. Council voted to enter a $200,000 contract with the firm that has been working with the city through the state&#8217;s Early Intervention Program for municipalities on the verge of financial collapse. The city must pay a 20 percent share of the bill, and the remainder is covered through a state grant.</p><p>Council also approved the appointment of Jean Brodie-Druby to the Planning Commission and named Jim Walsh, a World War II veteran, honorary chairman of the City of Wilkes-Barre Flag Fund for the purchase of American flags.</p><p><strong>Quality-of-life issues</strong></p><p>Rolling Mill Hill Residents&#8217; Association President Linda Joseph asked about the status of the Quality of Life ordinance passed earlier this year by council. The ordinance is similar to one that took effect in Scranton in 2014 and deals with nuisance issues such as the improper storage of trash, junk vehicles and snow and ice removal. Fines and penalties are attached to the violations.</p><p>Joseph believes the ordinance will help improve neighborhoods. &#8220;It is a more aggressive violation policy that hopefully will result in a faster outcome in these situations,&#8221; she said.</p><p>City Attorney Tim Henry said a number of logistical and administrative hurdles have to be overcome before the ordinance is enforced. The tickets to be issued for violations have been printed, but software and IT issues have to be cleared up so the fines can be properly accounted for by the finance department.</p><p>&#8220;So we&#8217;re real close, but it&#8217;s not been enforced yet,&#8221; Henry said.</p><p>In other business, council approved:</p><p>&#8226; An ordinance prohibiting the use of tobacco products in all city parks and recreation areas.</p><p>&#8226; An ordinance amending the fire prevention code with the 2oo9 edition of the International Fire Code regarding the storage, handling and use of hazardous materials and substances.</p><p>&#8226; Two ordinances that allow the city to join with other municipalities in a regional stormwater management program by the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority.</p><style>
.neFileBlock {
	margin-bottom: 20px;
}
.neFileBlock p {
	margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px;
}
.neFileBlock .neFile {
	border-bottom: 1px dotted #aaa;
	padding-bottom: 5px;
	padding-top: 10px;
}
.neFileBlock .neCaption {
	font-size: 85%;
}
</style>
<div class='neFileBlock'>
<div class="neFile"><img class="neImage" src="https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_WB-City-logo-2.jpg">
<div class="neCaption"></div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/web1_WB-City-logo-2.jpg</photo0><caption0></caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Jerry Lynott</p><p>jlynott@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Wilkes-Barre council OKs insurance deal, pact with financial adviser