POTTSVILLE — The Pottsville City Council officially began its 2026 term Monday morning with the swearing-in of Mayor Tom Smith and Councilmen Scott P. Price and Jonathan Marsh, marking the start of what city leaders described as a new era focused on modernization, accountability, and quality-of-life improvements.
In his first public remarks of the new term, Mayor Smith emphasized the need to improve efficiency and eliminate past fiscal waste, particularly through expanded use of technology. He pointed to the city’s long-term goal of moving routine services online, saying, “I can see a day where you don’t even need to come to city hall to get zoning clearance, permits, so forth. That’s all going to be done online.”
Smith also acknowledged costly shortcomings from previous administrations, referencing a major information technology purchase that never became operational. “We just paid over $100,000 for something that’s not being used,” he said. “That needs to be corrected.” Despite those challenges, Smith expressed optimism for the city’s direction, adding, “We’re headed for a great renaissance in Pottsville. We really are with a lot of good people.”
Councilman Scott P. Price, who was appointed Director of Accounts and Finance during the meeting, said his focus will be on changing the internal culture of city government through what he described as a “root cause analysis” approach. Under the new framework, departments will be required to provide both short- and long-term reports at each council meeting.
“We’re going to be changing the culture in city hall, and each department will have to provide a short and long-term report at every city council meeting,” Price said. He noted that the reporting process is designed not as a punitive measure, but as a way to better support department leadership. “This is giving the ability for these department heads to directly communicate with the public and with the city leadership to ask for help, ask for any assistance with things they need.”
Emphasis on Fiscal Accountability
Councilman Scott P. Price was appointed Director of Accounts and Finance and immediately outlined a new transparency initiative that will require monthly departmental reports. Beginning with the police department in February, the reports will include Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), performance metrics, and detailed direct and indirect labor costs.
Price described the effort as a “root cause analysis” approach aimed at giving department heads a clearer way to communicate operational needs to council and taxpayers while allowing the public to better understand how city resources are allocated.
In addition to increased reporting, council approved measures designed to strengthen the city’s financial position. A newly approved lease agreement with the Parking Authority for the Capitol parking deck is expected to generate approximately $96,000 annually for the city’s general fund.
Council also approved the appointment of Gretchen Sterns as interim city solicitor and Shane Hobbs as interim assistant solicitor. The move is projected to reduce legal expenses by roughly 40 percent, with the interim solicitors billing at $200 per hour, compared to the previous rate of $350 per hour.
Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development
Economic development featured prominently in the meeting with a presentation on the “Main Street Matters” designation. Project Manager Denise Klinger outlined a five-year revitalization plan centered on a “313 strategy,” positioning Pottsville as a destination that can engage visitors for three hours, one day, or three days.
The initiative aims to secure approximately $300,000 in funding and would give the city priority consideration for certain state-level revitalization grants.
To further support long-term planning, council approved a contract with the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) for grant writing and financial forecasting services. PADCO representative Savas Logothetides said the city has historically submitted few internally generated grant applications. The new agreement, which includes the development of a five-year financial forecast, is intended to shift city decision-making from a reactive approach to informed capital planning.
Quality-of-Life Initiatives and Proposed Ordinances
Council members also signaled action on several quality-of-life issues raised during the campaign season. Councilman Jonathan Marsh announced that ordinances are being prepared to limit the concentration of skill games and vape shops in the downtown area.
In addition, council is working with the Parking Authority to explore more senior-friendly parking options. Proposed changes could include free parking windows for residents aged 62 and older, allowing them to conduct downtown business without concern over parking enforcement.
Board Appointments and Term Corrections
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to Resolution 11, described as a comprehensive “cleanup” effort to correct expiration dates for appointments to city boards and authorities. Solicitor Sterns explained that several prior appointments incorrectly granted full five-year terms to individuals filling mid-term vacancies, contrary to state requirements for staggered terms.
Appointments approved during the meeting included Jonathan Morris to the Sewer Authority; Noble "Bud" Quandel and Denise Klinger to the Redevelopment Authority; and Amber Grube, James Humphrey, Sean Reilly, and Robert Hoppe to the Parking Authority.
Lasting Legacy Board Appointments and New Direction
Council also finalized appointments to the newly restructured Lasting Legacy board, formally distinguishing between voting members and those serving on an Advisory Committee as part of a broader effort to rebuild the board from the ground up.
Council members said the move was necessary because there were no remaining active members whose terms had not already expired, with prior leadership dispersing due to retirements and deaths. The new administration described the effort as a “fresh start,” aimed at forming a new coalition of residents with new ideas to complete long-term projects that will benefit the city for years to come.
The individuals appointed to the Lasting Legacy Advisory Committee, with terms expiring in January 2029, are:
- Darlene Young
- Aaliyah McKean
- David Clark
- Brandy Esler
- William Rich
Council also approved the following voting members, with staggered terms to ensure continuity:
- Terms expiring January 2027: Kayley Hampford, Alfredo Mercuri, and Todd Richter
- Terms expiring January 2028: Marley Mikovich, Jason Bower, and Gina Gargano
- Terms expiring January 2029: Jerry Enders, Lisa Schuman, and Joseph Ferhat
During discussion, council approved residency waivers for several appointees, including William Rich, Aaliyah McKean, Jerry Enders, Jason Bower, and Marley Mikovich.
Council members emphasized that all appointees were selected from a pool of citizens who submitted letters of interest and resumes. Officials said the goal was to “spread it evenly,” noting that applicants not placed on a primary board were often considered for advisory roles.
One advisory seat on the Lasting Legacy board remains open.
The purpose of the board is to complete fundraising initiatives and projects—such as the city’s Christmas light project—that are intended to create a “lasting legacy” for Pottsville well into the future.
Council members announced a special meeting will be held on January 26 at 5:00 p.m. to finalize additional appointments, including positions on the Recreation Commission.
As the meeting concluded, Price highlighted the volume of appointments made during the reorganization as a sign of renewed civic engagement. “For the first time in a long time, we’ve appointed two dozen people today,” he said. “There’s finally some hope in Pottsville.”
You can watch the nearly 2-Hour Meeting here: