KINGSTON TOWNSHIP | September 2024

As we bid farewell to summer and welcome the crisp, cool breeze of fall, we're excited to bring you the latest updates, events, and news from out vibrant community. After celebrating the official first day of Fall on September 22nd, it's the perfect time to embrace the changing season and all that it has to offer.

Welcome Our Newest Members!

Kingston Township is excited to introduce three new members who have recently joined our team. Their diverse skills and experiences will contribute significantly to our community. Let's extend a warm welcome to:

Police Officer, Brian Baranski

Pictured above, on August 14th, 2024, Officer Brian Baranski was sworn in as the newest member of our Kingston Township Police Department. The oath of office was administered by the Board of Supervisor's Chairman, Thomas Ketchner. Pictured from left to right: Township Manager, Fred J. Rosencrans, Officer Baranski, & Chief of Police, Martin Maransky.

Township Clerk, Brynn Kukosky

We are delighted to welcome Brynn Kukosky as our new Township Clerk. Brynn's role is vital in ensuring the smooth operation of township affairs, from assisting with administrative tasks and providing support to both the Board of Supervisors and the public, to publishing monthly newsletters, meeting agendas for the board and meeting minutes.

Public Works Department Road Worker, Heath Jones

Heath Jones has joined our Public Works Department team, brining hands-on experience and a strong work ethic to our team. Heath will be involved in a variety of maintenance and infrastructure projects throughout the township.

We're excited to have Brian, Brynn, & Heath join our Kingston Township team and look forward to the positive contributions they will make!

Approval of Minutes - August

We are pleased to announce that the minutes from August's Public Works Session and Regular Supervisors Meeting have been officially approved. These minutes provide detailed records of the discussions, decisions, and actions taken during these important meetings, covering various matters that impact our community.

We encourage all residents to stay informed by reviewing these approved minutes. They are now available for public viewing on our eCodes platform, accessible from our website.

eCodes

Re-accreditation by PLEAC

We are thrilled to share some fantastic news with the Kingston Township community. Our Police Department has been re-accredited by the Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (PLEAC) through May 10th, 2027. This prestigious achievement highlights our commitment to maintaining high standards of law enforcement and operational excellence. Township Manager, Fred J. Rosencrans, expressed his sincere appreciation and took a moment to recognize the efforts involved to achieve this milestone for its rigorous and challenging process. Chief of Police, Martin Maransky extended his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to this success, Mr. Rosencrans, the Board of Supervisors, Public Works Department, and both retired and current officers, whose hard work and dedication over the past three years were instrumental in achieving and maintaining the department's high standards.

New Equipment for Public Works Department

The Board of Supervisors approved the sale of the 2009 International 10-ton dump truck to Northmoreland Township. This decision came as part of our township's strategic efforts to update its Public Works Department equipment. The sale was contingent upon the approval and ordering of a replacement truck for the Public Works Department, which took place September 17th.

The decision to sell this truck was guided by the diligent research by Road Superintendent, Todd Chamberlain, who evaluated the market value and confirmed that this price represents a favorable deal for the Township. Additionally, this sale reflects Kingston Township's commitment to supporting neighboring municipalities by providing them with valuable resources and equipment.

The Board is confident that this transaction is beneficial for both Kingston and Northmoreland Townships, and looks forward to the acquisition of a new Public Works Department truck that will better serve our community's needs for many years to come.

Harris Hill Road Bridge Update

At the September 24, 2024 meeting, the Luzerne County Council approved Resolution R-2024-186, which allocates American Rescue Plan Interest Funds to replace the Harris Hill Road Bridge in Kingston Township. The project will receive $1.9 million from these funds, addressing critical infrastructure needs. This decision is part of a broader strategy to use available funds for essential county projects without raising taxes.

Celebration of Service!

Last month, we honored an extraordinary milestone in the Kingston Township Public Works Department - a remarkable 50 years of unwavering commitment and outstanding service by Lawrence Cummings. For five decades, Mr. Cummings has exemplified a work ethic that is second to none. From early morning to late nights, his dedication has been the backbone of countless projects and improvements throughout our community. Colleagues and residents alike have consistently praised Mr. Cummings for his professionalism, reliability, and genuine care for his work. His legacy is etched in every road paved, every facility maintained, and every challenge met with determination and skill. Please join us in celebrating this incredible achievement and expressing our deepest gratitude for Mr. Cummings' half-century of exceptional service.

Congratulations, Mr. Cummings, and thank you for your extraordinary 50 years of service to our Township!

Meet K-9 Dilly!

Introducing the superstar of Kingston Township Police! At just 3 years old, this Dutch dynamo is ready to sniff out trouble and track down the bad guys.

Name: Dilly

Origin: Born in the Netherlands

Specialty: Certified in narcotics detection and tracking

With her keen nose and playful spirit, Dilly isn't just a working dog - she's a beloved member of the force! Whether she's on duty or enjoying a game of fetch, Dilly brings joy to everyone she meets.

Join us in celebrating this incredible K-9! Let's give a round of applause for Dilly, the cutest crime-fighter around!

Important Update: October Compost Hours

As the seasons change, so does Kingston Township Compost hours. For the month of October 2024, please note the following updated hours for composting:

Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Professional Towing Services Bid

Kingston Township is inviting sealed bids for professional towing services. Bids must be submitted to the Kingston Township Administrative building by 3:00 PM on October 4th, 2024. The bids will be publicly opened and announced at the Board of Supervisors meeting on October 9th at 7:00 PM. Bid Proposals must be on the forms provided by the township and should follow the specifications outlined in the bidding documents.

Center Street Park Public Water Service Project Bid

The Kingston Township Board of Supervisors is inviting bids for the construction of the Center Street Park Public Water Service. This project involves the installation of essential infrastructure, specifically:

Pre-cast concrete water meter and backflow prevention vault.
1.5-inch HDPE water service pipe.
Installation of a 2-inch conduit in a common trench for future utility use.

Bid Submission Details:

Bids must be submitted electronically via the PennBid Program found via Kingston Township Request for Proposals & Bids.
Deadline is 12:00 PM on October 7, 2024.

We encourage all qualified contractors to participate and submit their bids through the PennBid system by the specified deadline.

Website Update

Check out our updated and improved website at Kingston Township! We've made it easier for you to find important information, access community resources, and stay connected with local events.

Enjoy a more user-friendly design and enhanced features that reflect our commitment to serving the community better. Explore everyday to see what’s new!

Welcome New Business

Drip Coffee Co. is Shavertown's newest destination for premium coffee, teas, sweet treats, and cozy vibes. Located in the heart of the township, we celebrated their grand opening ceremony on September 13th, marking the beginning of their journey to serve our community with expertly crafted brews, baked goods, and welcoming atmosphere. Experience the perfect blend of comfort and taste!