Pottsville Public WireBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

Click here to read the ordinance in PDF format.

1st Reading: October 29, 2026.Bill Number 32/2026

An ordinance amending the codified ordinances of the City of Pottsville, to add Chapter 199, Synthetic Drugs, and Regulating the Sale and/or Distribution of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Cathinones, Tianeptine, Kratom, Kratom Alkaloids, Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids, Phenibut, and Nitrous Oxide for Human Consumption or Ingestion or Recreational Inhalation; And, Prohibiting the Manufacture and Production Thereof for Human Consumption or Ingestion or Recreational Inhalation, and Establishing Penalties Therefor.

Dear Residents, Business Owners, and Friends of Pottsville,

One year ago, you placed your trust in me to serve as Mayor of this great city. It has been the honor of my life, and I want to thank each of you for your support, ideas, and your hard work in making Pottsville a place we're all proud to call home.

Over the past year, we've accomplished a great deal of together, and I'm excited about where we're headed. To celebrate a great deal together, I invite you to join me for a press conference:

October 15, 2026 - The City of Pottsville is requesting letters of interest to fill an unexpired term on the Recreation Commission. If you are interested in submitting a letter, please email your letter to the City Clerk at cityclerk@pottsvillepa.gov or drop it off in person to Pottsville City Hall located at 401 North Centre Street between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Letters are due by Monday, November 2, 2026 , by 2:00 PM .

Attest : Lisa M Shuman, City Clerk

Click here to read the ordinance in PDF format.

1st Reading - October 12, 2026.2nd Reading - November 9, 2026.Bill Number: 32/2026

An ordinance amending the codified ordinances of the City of Pottsville, to add Chapter 199, Synthetic Drugs, and Regulating the Sale and/or Distribution of Synthetic Cannabinoids, Synthetic Cathinones, Tianeptine, Kratom, Kratom Alkaloids, Synthetic or Semi-Synthetic Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids, Phenibut, and Nitrous Oxide for Human Consumption or Ingestion or Recreational Inhalation; And, Prohibiting the Manufacture and Production Thereof for Human Consumption or Ingestion or Recreational Inhalation, and Establishing Penalties Therefor.

The City Council of the City of Pottsville will hold a Special Meeting regarding General Purposes on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 12:00 PM in Council Chambers, Second Floor, City Hall, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA. Please visit the Calendar/Agenda page for more details.

Attest:

Lisa M. ShumanCity Clerk

The following table lists streets that will be paved, starting Monday, September 21, 2026. Liquid Fuels Tax is being used to fund these street improvements.

Robert J. Straebel, City Administrator

Dear Residents:

The City of Pottsville is committed to maintaining clean, safe, and sanitary neighborhoods for everyone who lives, works, and visits our community. Keeping our neighborhoods clean is a shared responsibility, and we are asking residents to take an active role in maintaining the appearance and cleanliness of their properties and surrounding areas.

Recently, the City has observed instances of garbage being left outside of appropriate trash cans or roll-off receptacles. Unsecured garbage and trash bags can attract rats, insects, and other vermin and can create unsanitary conditions.

The City of Pottsville is requesting letters of interest to serve an unexpired term of the Planning Commission. If you are interested inn submitting a letter of interest, please email your letter to the City Clerk at cityclerk@pottsvillepa.gov by Friday, September 4, 2026 @ 12:00 Noon .

Thank you!

The City of Pottsville is accepting applications for the full-time position of Code Enforcement and Compliance Officer. Knowledge of code enforcement, building and construction practices, and municipal regulations is needed. The ideal candidate will possess good communication and problem-solving skills. Appropriate U.C.C. Certifications must be obtained. Training will be available to motivated, career minded persons.

Click here to view the full job description.

Application materials including Job description may be obtained in the Office of the City Administrator, City Hall, Third Floor, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, Pennsylvania.

The City of Pottsville is seeking a dynamic, highly organized, and entrepreneurial professional to serve in a newly created hybrid leadership position combining municipal administration, authority management, economic development coordination, and grant administration. This innovative role is designed to maximize efficiency and regional collaboration by centralizing several professional functions into one strategic position whose cost may be shared among multiple entities, including the City of Pottsville, Pottsville Parking Authority, and Pottsville Redevelopment Authority.

Desired qualifications are: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Planning, Business Administration, Political Science, Economic Development, or related field preferred; Minimum 3-5 years of experience in municipal government, economic development, redevelopment, grant administration, or authority management; Strong understanding of municipal finance, redevelopment, grants, and public administration; Experience managing federal or state grants preferred; Knowledge of CDBG and HUD compliance strongly preferred; Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills; and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.…

The City of Pottsville is seeking a dynamic, highly organized, and entrepreneurial professional to serve in a newly created hybrid leadership position combining municipal administration, authority management, economic development coordination, and grant administration. This innovative role is designed to maximize efficiency and regional collaboration by centralizing several professional functions into one strategic position whose cost may be shared among multiple entities, including the City of Pottsville, Pottsville Parking Authority, and Pottsville Redevelopment Authority.

Desired qualifications are: Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Planning, Business Administration, Political Science, Economic Development, or related field preferred; Minimum 3-5 years of experience in municipal government, economic development, redevelopment, grant administration, or authority management; Strong understanding of municipal finance, redevelopment, grants, and public administration; Experience managing federal or state grants preferred; Knowledge of CDBG and HUD compliance strongly preferred; Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills; and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.…

The Pottsville Redevelopment Authority is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated professional to serve as its part-time Executive Director. This position will require approximately 20-30 hours per month. The executive director plays a critical role in leading community revitalization efforts, securing and administering grants, and managing Authority-owned assets, including a large commercial building in downtown Pottsville. The ideal candidate will possess experience in public sector or nonprofit leadership, urban redevelopment, and property management.

Click here to view the full job description.

The City of Pottsville is now accepting 2026 tax payments online. There is as service fee required by GovPayNet/AllPaid, the payment processing company. The following link will take you to the payment screen: https://www.govpaynow.com/gps/user/cyg/plc/a002ge

Please fill in all the information, and under the Parcel # or bill number you can enter the bill number, which is located on the Real Estate and Per Capita Tax bills. Please make sure the bill number or parcel id is correct so payment is applied correctly. If you are paying the Per Capita tax, the amount is $79.26 (City/County) and $135.33 (School). If you are applying for the exemption, which includes retirees, homemakers, disabled, or anyone whose earning are less then $5,000.00 for the year 2026, that amount is $16.50 (City/County). If you are applying for the exemption, you still must submit an exemption form. If you are paying Real Estate, please pay the amount that is due under July-Dec (City/County) Aug (School). If any payment is entered incorrectly, your payment will be rejected. If you have any questions, please contact us at (570) 628-2044.…

The City of Pottsville's 2026 budget has been posted on the Audit & Budget page (click to view) .

Former Mayor Dave Clews' segments on the Sam Lesante Show are now available to view on YouTube. Click on the link above to view the playlist.

The City of Pottsville is requesting letters of interest to fill the position of Recreation Director at a salary of $100.00 per week. Interested parties can submit their letter of interest to Pottsville City Hall located in 401 North Centre Street, or they can be emailed to the City Clerk at cityclerk@pottsvillepa.gov no later than Monday, August 3, 2026 by 3:00 PM .

Attest:

Lisa M. ShumanCity Clerk

All past and future meeting agendas for the City of Pottsville will be posted in the Calendar / Agenda page of the website.

Meetings will be posted 24 hours in advance of their scheduled dates.

The City of Pottsville currently has three available crossing guard positions located throughout the city and is seeking civic minded persons to support the safety and welfare of our community.

Essential Functions include requesting school children to wait at the curbing for safe crossing and while loading on or off the school bus; halts traffic by hand signal and/or stop paddle; alerts motorists of pedestrians using the school crossing; observes and reports any incidents or conditions that present a potential safety hazard to school children or the guard.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions require a crossing guard to stand for extended periods of time and be available to perform the essential functions during inclement weather.

Pottsville City Council is pleased to announce the selection of Robert J. Straebel as the City's next City Administrator. Council is expected to formally approve his appointment at its regular meeting on June 8, 2026, with Mr. Straebel anticipated to begin serving in the position in the next few weeks.

A resident of Norwegian Township, Straebel brings more than 25 years of municipal leadership experience to the role. Throughout his distinguished career, he has served communities across the country, including the Village of Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico; the Cities of Charlevoix and Petoskey, Michigan; and most recently the Town of St. Michaels, Maryland.

As a dedicated servant leader, Straebel has deep experience in collaborative leadership, strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, and community engagement. His skill sets also include overseeing municipal operations, leading infrastructure and capital improvement projects, managing personnel and organizational development initiatives, and securing and administering grant-funded programs.…

The City of Pottsville is requesting letters of interest to serve Redevelopment Authority. If you are interested in submitting a letter of interest, please email your letter to the City Clerk at cityclerk@pottsvillepa.gov by 3:00 PM on Monday, June 1, 2026 .

Attest:

Lisa M. ShumanCity Clerk

A new page, entitled Audit & Budget , can be found on our website (under Government ) which contains documents the 2023 Audit and 2025 Budget.

Date of Notice: March 16, 2026Responsible Entity: City of PottsvilleAddress: Pottsville City Hall, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901Telephone: 570-628-4417

These notices shall satisfy two separate but related procedural requirements for activities to be undertaken by the City of Pottsville.

On or about April 1, 2026, the City of Pottsville (City) will submit a request to the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the release of Community Development Block grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383) (Act), as amended, to be used for the project known as Harrison Street Retaining Wall. The project proposes the replacement of the retaining wall located on Harrison Street between N 3rd Street and N 4th Street in Pottsville, PA. The wall is in danger of collapsing. Temporary measures using a concrete block wall are in place as of March 2025 to stabilize the wall. The existing deteriorated wall will be partially removed approximately four feet, to lower it below the elevation of the new sidewalk. A new retaining wall will then be constructed in front of the temporary wall that was previously installed to provide additional structural support for the street and the project area. A sidewalk will be poured over the tops of all three walls to help prevent future water erosion. Additionally, a four-foot-high barrier or fence will be installed along the top of the new wall to protect pedestrians from potential fall hazards. New sidewalks and curbs will be installed along Harrison Street and 3rd Street, limited to the areas directly affected by the work. A barrier or fence will only be placed in locations where there is a drop-off on the far side of the retaining wall; no barrier will be installed where the sidewalk transitions to ground level. Estimated CDBG Funding: FY 2021 - $166,082; FY 2022 - $150,986; FY 2025 - $154,229. Total estimated project cost: $471,294.…

Date of Notice: March 16, 2026Responsible Entity: City of PottsvilleAddress: Pottsville City Hall, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901Telephone: 570-628-4417

On or after March 24, 2026, the City of Pottsville (City) will submit a request to the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the release of Community Development Block grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383) (Act), as amended, to undertake the following project:

Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Residential Demolition, Multi-Year FY2025-2029, City-wide

Date of Notice: March 9, 2026Responsible Entity: City of PottsvilleAddress: Pottsville City Hall, 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901Telephone: 570-628-4417

On or about March 17, 2026, the City of Pottsville will authorize the Pottsville Housing Authority (PHA) to submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of Public Housing Capital Fund Program funds authorized under Section 9 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437g), as amended, to undertake a project known as 646 N 2nd St Disposition and/or Demolition for the purpose of disposition and/or demolition of the single-family residential structure located at 646 N 2nd St in Pottsville, PA. The Pottsville Housing Authority wishes to dispose of the vacant, condemned property to a buyer. If the sale falls through, the authority will demolish the structure. Demolition materials would be disposed of following state and federal regulations at a C& D landfill. Clean fill would be utilized for site restoration. There would be no immediate plan for reuse following demolition. Estimated CFP Funds: FY 2024 - $25,000; FY 2025 - $25,000. Total estimated project cost $50,000.…

Date of Notice: February 25, 2026Responsible Entity: City of PottsvilleAddress: 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901Telephone: 570-628-4417

On or after March 5, 2026, the City of Pottsville will submit a request to the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the release of Community Development Block grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383) (Act), as amended, to undertake a project known as Pottsville Library Improvements . The project will replace three (3) doors, two in the rear alley and one roof door and fourteen (14) windows at the Pottsville Free Public Library located at 215 W Market St, Pottsville, PA 17901. The door replacements involve the installation of new metal frames, metal doors, door closers, rim exit devices, hinges, and weather strips. The aluminum windows will have their glass replaced with insulated glass. Estimated CDBG funding: FY2024 - $60,000. Estimated total project cost: $60,000.…

Date of Notice: January 26, 2026Responsible Entity: City of PottsvilleAddress: 401 North Centre Street, Pottsville, PA 17901Telephone: 570-628-4417

On or after February 3, 2026, the City of Pottsville will submit a request to the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for the release of Community Development Block grant (CDBG) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-383) (Act), as amended, and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds under Title II of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act of 1990, as amended, to undertake the following project:

Tier 1 Broad Review Project/Program Title: Housing Rehabilitation Program

In an effort to avert a number of potential issues, I would like to respond to the "Black Rock Free Beer Giveaway." As you can imagine, this is a problematic matter. If the City shuts down the Black Rock Free Beer Event, we are viewed by some as "the Big Bad City of Pottsville," keeping a business closed. If nothing is done, someone could get injured or sick, and we are not holding each business to the same standards of health and safety.

The owner of Black Rock Brewing Company must comply with the same codes that every other business must meet. After the fire, Black Rock was given several opportunities to reopen by correcting specific issues. That path was not taken. The new approach was not to reopen; it included additional changes that required plans. Those new plans and drawings have been reviewed on severl occasions by the City and a Review Board. Both have agreed that Black Rock has not met code standards. He has chosen to now take that to the County Courthouse.…

As with every situation, there are two sides, so goes the Black Rock and City matter. You've read or heard the Black Rock side, now it's time for the city to simply present the facts of the matter.

Yes, on May 17 th there was a kitchen fire at Black Rock. Yes, a Police vehicle in passing, heard the alarms and called it in, which dispatched the Pottsville Fire Department. Yes, the Police Officer was able to enter the building, find a fire extinguisher and put the fire out. And, yes, our first responders risked injury to help a city business. If the Police were in a different area of Pottsville, this could have been a much bigger fire. Smoke detectors were not phone connected for emergency dispatch. Although not required for code, alarms with emergency connection are just smart business practice. It should be noted that the kitchen contained a deep fryer and flat top grill without a fire suppression system that were installed after the initial inspection was completed.…

• Municipal Declarations COVID-19 Schuylkill County (As of 3/26/2020)

• Pennsylvania Department of Health - COVID-19 Situation Report

• Pennsylvania Department of Health - COVID-19 Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Pottsville, Pennsylvania - 4 October 2019 - ParkMobile , the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in the United States, has partnered with the City of Pottsville to enable drivers to pay for parking from their mobile device. The ParkMobile app is now available at approximately 800 spaces around the city.

New stickers and signage will provide information to drivers on how to pay for parking using the app. ParkMobile is available for free for both iPhone and Android devices, and users can additionally register on parkmobile.io.

After setting up their account, customers can immediately begin using the system with their registered mobile device. Users simply enter the zone number posted on nearby signage, choose the duration of time they'd like to park, and hit the "Start Parking" button to begin their session. The ParkMobile app gives users the ability to pay for parking on-the-go by allowing them to remotely view and update or add time to their parking session - right from their mobile device.…