LCTA Board of Directors Reorganization Meeting Minutes - January 8, 2026

Luzerne County Transportation Authority

Attendance

Present

Absent

Administrative Staff

Others

None.

Meeting Minutes

  1. Pledge of Allegiance: Chairman Mr. Sciandra welcomed everyone and invited those present to join him in the Pledge of Allegiance.
  2. Roll Call: The following board members were present or available by phone for the meeting: Mr. Alshefski, Mr. Cefalo, Mr. Padavan, Mr. Polakoski, Ms. Villano, Mr. Young, Mr. Zeller, and Mr. Sciandra.
  3. Purpose of Meeting: Mr. Sciandra said this was the reorganization meeting for the selection of officers and committee chairs and members moving forward. He asked if there was any public comment and then turned the meeting over to Attorney Blazosek.
  4. Public Comment: None.
  5. Explanation of Meetings and Offices: Attorney Blazosek welcomed everyone and explained that the Authority bylaws require an annual meeting each January to elect officers for calendar year 2026. He stated that he would serve as temporary chairman for the election of officers. He also noted that proper notice and advertising were provided, a quorum was present, and the available offices were Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, and Assistant Secretary.
  6. Election of Officers:
    • Chairman: Charles Sciandra was nominated by Mr. Cefalo and seconded by Mr. Zeller. The nomination was closed by motion of Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Cefalo. All votes were for Mr. Sciandra after a roll call vote.
    • Vice Chairman: Michael Cefalo was nominated by Mr. Padavan and seconded by Mr. Sciandra. The nomination was closed by motion of Mr. Sciandra and seconded by Mr. Zeller. All votes were for Mr. Cefalo after a roll call vote.
    • Treasurer: Joseph Zeller was nominated by Mr. Alshefski and seconded by Mr. Sciandra. The nomination was closed by motion of Mr. Young and seconded by Mr. Zeller. All votes were for Mr. Zeller after a roll call vote.
    • Assistant Treasurer: John Young was nominated by Mr. Sciandra and seconded by Mr. Cefalo. The nomination was closed by motion of Mr. Sciandra and seconded by Mr. Padavan. All votes were for Mr. Young after a roll call vote.
    • Secretary: Lynette Villano was nominated by Mr. Sciandra and seconded by Mr. Young. The nomination was closed by motion of Mr. Sciandra and seconded by Mr. Padavan. All votes were for Ms. Villano after a roll call vote.
    • Assistant Secretary: Gary Polakoski was nominated by Mr. Sciandra and seconded by Mr. Cefalo. The nomination was closed by motion of Mr. Sciandra and seconded by Mr. Zeller. All votes were for Mr. Polakoski after a roll call vote.
  7. Introduction of New Officers: Attorney Blazosek stated that with the slate of officers in place, his role had ended. He welcomed the new officers and turned the meeting over to Chairman Mr. Sciandra.
  8. Comments:

    Mr. Sciandra said he appreciated the confidence that the board had in all the officers. He said the board represents a good sample of the county and brings different skills from life and career experience. He recognized Mr. Fiume as a strong leader and said the organization had become stronger with new leaders in different positions.

    Mr. Sciandra stated that board members are unpaid and give back to the community. He said decisions are not rubber-stamped and that, even when there are disagreements, the board works toward solutions. He credited Mr. Fiume's experience and connections at the state and federal levels, and also credited consultant Mr. Toby Fauver as an asset. He noted that Mr. Cefalo is in charge of the strategic plan and said 2026 should be a good year.

    Mr. Fiume said Jerry Alshefski is the newest board member, replacing Mr. Driscoll.

  9. Appointment of Committees: Mr. Sciandra read the list of committees.
  10. Approval of 2026 Meeting Dates and Times: Mr. Sciandra reviewed the list of dates for upcoming 2026 meetings. A motion to approve the meeting dates was made by Ms. Villano and seconded by Mr. Zeller. All members present voted yes; motion carried.

    The board went into executive session at 5:20 p.m. and returned at approximately 5:45 p.m.

  11. General Purposes: None.
  12. Comments: None.
  13. Adjournment: With all business completed, Mr. Young made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mr. Cefalo. Motion carried.

2026 LCTA Committees and Members

Personnel and Continued Progress Committee

Chair: Joe Padavan

Committee Members: Mike Cefalo, John Young, Gary Polakoski, Lynette Villano, Charles Sciandra, and Jerry Alshefski

Management Chairs: Human Resources Director and Executive Director

Responsibilities: Work with management to hire and train top-notch personnel and ensure the Strategic Plan is accomplished through department goals, direction, and KPI measurement.

Finance and Budget Committee

Chair: Joe Zeller

Committee Members: John Young and Mike Cefalo

Management Chairs: Director of Finance and Executive Director

Responsibilities: Maintain proper budgeting and adherence to the budget. Conduct an annual audit, negotiate major contracts, and maintain the General Ledger and Balance Sheet.

Operations / Safety Committee

Chair: Gary Polakoski

Committee Members: Joe Zeller

Management Chairs: Safety / Security Manager and Director of Shared Ride

Responsibilities: Maintain and adhere to proper operations and safety protocols along local, state, and federal guidelines.

Customer Service and Marketing Committee

Chair: Dr. Valerie Kepner

Committee Members: Joe Padavan, Charles Sciandra, John Young, and Jerry Alshefski

Management Chairs: Marketing Director and Human Resources Director

Responsibilities: Integrate and increase ridership through proper marketing penetration with adherence to the annual marketing plan. Welcome ridership opinions and opportunities and mirror best practices throughout the state.

Strategic Planning Committee

Chair: Mike Cefalo

Committee Members: John Young and Joe Padavan

Management Chairs: Executive Director and Director of Finance

Responsibilities: Adhere to strategic planning and proper views and adjustments.

Respectfully submitted by: Tracy Kline, Secretary to the Board