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Wilkes-Barre mayor announces parking-authority appointment; council discusses parks, cameras and enforcement of cut-through ordinance
Summary
At the April 22 work session the mayor said William Murtha will be appointed to the parking authority; councilmembers discussed park enhancements at the BOG, a donated camera system, Earth Day tree planting at Kirby Park, skatepark visitors, line painting, and a dormant 2008 ordinance used to deter motorists cutting through parking lots.
Mayor announced at the April 22 Wilkes-Barre work session that the city will appoint William Murtha to the parking authority and noted Murtha currently serves on the Fire Civil Service Commission.
The mayor also said Gail Malloy asked to present on Challenger baseball; the mayor suggested and councilmembers agreed to schedule her brief presentation for an upcoming Thursday meeting so the public can attend.
Council discussion that followed covered park improvements, donated equipment, traffic enforcement tools and neighborhood complaints. The mayor described enhancements at the BOG, including fencing to prevent driving on grassy areas, an expanded playground with a special-needs component and plans for six pickleball courts. Donnie Douglas Evans was identified in the meeting as the person who installed a donated camera system currently showing progress at the BOG.
Councilwoman McClay praised the camera, which the mayor said was donated by a vendor and installed by Evans. McClay asked whether the city could consider similar camera systems for other parks as a public-safety tool; the mayor said he would check costs with Evans and follow up.
Council members also reported community events and concerns: the mayor and council members said about 78 junior-high students planted a tree at Kirby Park for Earth Day, and council members said visitors from Reading traveled to use the city’s skateboard park.
Councilman Barrack raised a longstanding local enforcement tool he said was adopted in 2008 to deter motorists who cut through private parking lots to avoid traffic signals. "I just want to let you know that we do have an ordinance pertaining to this type of action," Barrack said, noting the ordinance carries a $50 fine and is distinct from state vehicle-code citations. He asked the administration and police to review the ordinance and consider whether the fine should be increased; the mayor said he would circulate the ordinance and asked that Chief and Captain Boyle be made aware.
Other operational matters discussed included citywide line painting and curb markings, which the mayor said are under contract or handled by the Department of Public Works as weather allows, and neighborhood code issues such as junk reported at 206 Old River Road and tire piles near Franklin and Wood. A problem block on Blackman Street was raised as a recurring issue; council members said enforcement is challenging when a resident has been evicted or is incarcerated.
The transcript records these announcements and discussions but does not show a formal recorded vote on Murtha’s appointment or the Malloy presentation during the work session.
