WILKES-BARRE — At a short work session before the regular meeting on Thursday, the city council talked about ongoing improvements to Kirby Park and the update of the current Flood Plain Management code.
Mayor George Brown proposed entering into an agreement with PennEastern Engineers, LLC, for $25,000 to advance the next phase of the city’s project to upgrade Kirby Park and ensure the grounds are accessible to people with disabilities.
The next phase of the project will involve constructing paths that comply with ADA standards from the parking area to the main softball field, track area, and restrooms, as well as installing new ADA curb cuts and ramps in the parking lot, designated ADA parking areas, and repaving the main road into Kirby Park.
The project will be funded through the Marketing to Attract Tourist grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Previously approved updates to Kirby Park include a pathway around the entire pond and a hands-free bathroom facility.
Brown expressed his aspiration for the park to be fully accessible to people in wheelchairs, and he anticipates the project will be finished by September.
The Mayor also plans to seek approval on Thursday to update the current Flood Pain Management ordinance.
City Administrator Charlie McCormick informed the council that the city is obligated by the federal government to periodically update the zoning ordinance, and he described the changes as minor technicalities with no major modifications.
During the council presentations, members discussed the ongoing efforts to fill and pave potholes throughout Wilkes-Barre, which the city has spent $9 million on so far.
He urged council members to continue reporting potholes to administrative assistant Lisa Sanfilippo.
The next regular meeting of city council will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday in city council chambers, fourth floor, city hall.
