WILKES-BARRE — City council’s new chairwoman said residents can expect legislation regulating e-bike use and its enforcement, as well as a possible review of city codes — including zoning code — during her term.
Jessica McClay was unanimously elected as the new chair of the legislative panel on a motion from then chairman Tony Brooks during a reorganization meeting Monday at City Hall.
Council also elected Mike Belusko as vice chairman by a 4-0 vote from which he abstained.
Council Clerk Cathy Payne administered the oaths of office to the the new chair and vice chair and Brooks handed over the gavel to McClay before they traded seats.
Mike Belusko is sworn in as the new vice chair of Wilkes-Barre City Council on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, in council chambers at City Hall. Councilman Bill Barrett, now in his sixth term, holds the bible as council clerk Cathy Payne administers the oath of office. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
In a phone interview Tuesday, McClay said many residents have voiced concerns about some e-bike riders in the city putting both pedestrians and other motorists at risk.
“Right now, the biggest complaint I hear is that they’re not following the same rules that cars are following — you know, going through red lights, stop signs, just not following the basic rules that anybody should follow when you’re on the road,” McClay said.
McClay has spent considerable time last year, when she was council vice chair, researching state e-bike laws and ordinances in other municipalities.
“We’d like to maybe tighten up something in an ordinance that will help and assist in fining (riders who violate the law) or whatever we need to do to make them a little more accountable, whether it’s that we require them have insurance, whether it’s registering them, we really have to look at all the options that are going to be available,” she said.
Asked whether she saw a potential need to update the city zoning code, McClay said she has spoken individually with some of her colleagues on council about the issue.
Wilkes-Barre City Council continues with business during a reorganization meeting Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at City Hall. Jessica McClay, fourth from left, is seated as the new council chairwoman. (JASON ARDAN / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)
“I think maybe our codes altogether might need some updating. My understanding is they’re pretty dated,” McClay said.
“Obviously, times have changed, demographics have changed, so, I think in general, we probably need to look at a lot of our zoning (codes) and ordinances to see what can be updated and what needs to be updated (to) reflect the current time versus when they were actually put in place,” McClay said. “That may be something that we will probably try to look and see if it’s something we can get done this year.”
McClay also expects residents to see continued cooperation and respect between council members and with Mayor George C. Brown’s administration.
“We want to continue to work together as much as we possibly can. Even when we don’t agree on things, you know, we’re pretty civil to each other, which is a great thing, so, just continue to have council work together with the mayor, moving the city forward,” she said.
McClay also would like to see more residents at council meetings.
“I would encourage all residents to attend the council meetings. I love when I see new faces there, whether it’s one time they might have a complaint or they just in general want to come. I encourage everyone to attend,” McClay said. “If not, I tell everyone they are more than welcome to reach out to me. Even if they’re not in my district, I’m more than happy to help.”
