Scranton public meetings in 2023
35 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Ethics Board
The Board approved the September 21, 2022, meeting minutes and authorized payments for legal and printing services. Members established a bi-monthly meeting schedule for 2023.
- Approved September 21, 2022, meeting minutes
- Approved $465 solicitor invoice
- Approved $175 city print invoice
- Set 2023 meeting schedule for every other month at 6 pm
Ethics Board
The Ethics Board approved three payments and a fee agreement for legal services. The Board also reached a consensus to have the Solicitor develop a draft policy regarding complaints where the subject does not request an evidentiary hearing.
- Approved minutes of the March 16, 2022 meeting
- Approved $270 invoice payment to former Solicitor John Hart
- Approved $300 invoice payment to Solicitor Jamie Schelling
- Approved fee agreement submitted by Solicitor Jamie Schelling
- Consensus to have Solicitor Schelling develop a draft policy for complaints without evidentiary hearing requests
Ethics Board
The Ethics Board appointed Jamie Davis as Board Solicitor at $150 per hour and ratified a previously circulated Advisory Opinion concluding that the City Controller would not have a conflict of interest in issuing a check to a community agency on whose board the Controller sits. The Board also approved minutes from the prior meeting and a $76.92 invoice from the Scranton Times-Tribune.
- Appointed Jamie Davis as Board Solicitor at $150/hour (motion passed)
- Ratified Advisory Opinion on conflict of interest regarding City Controller and Agency of Community Empowerment grant (motion passed)
- Approved minutes of January 19, 2022 meeting (motion passed)
- Approved payment of $76.92 invoice to Scranton Times-Tribune (motion passed)
Ethics Board
The Board approved the prior meeting minutes, elected David Falchek as Chair and Kathryn Lafferty-Danner as Vice Chair, and reappointed Stephanie Bressler as Secretary. No fiscal officer was appointed; Board members McKay and LaZella were designated to the Gift Subcommittee, and Solicitor John Hart was continued. The Board discussed the status of Complaint 20-001, which remains pending with no request for an evidentiary hearing yet filed.
- Approved December 15, 2021 meeting minutes (motion passed)
- Elected David Falchek as Chair (by yes vote)
- Elected Kathryn Lafferty-Danner as Vice Chair (by yes vote)
- Reappointed Stephanie Bressler as Secretary (by yes vote)
- Decided not to appoint a Fiscal Officer for 2022
- Designated Board Members McKay and LaZella to the Gift Subcommittee
- Continued appointment of John Hart as Board Solicitor (unanimous consent)
- Agreed to advise future Investigative Officers to register as vendors and submit invoices within 60 days
Ethics Board
The Ethics Board approved invoices for the Investigative Officer and the City Solicitor. The Board also reviewed the status of Complaint 20-001 following the completion of a Findings Report.
- Approved November 17th meeting minutes
- Approved payment of $3465 to Investigative Officer Ryan Campbell
- Approved payment of $1215 to Solicitor John Hart
Ethics Board
The Board approved a $77.80 invoice for a public notice in the Scranton Times. Solicitor Hart reported that the Findings Report for Complaint 20-001 is being completed. The Board also noted two current vacancies and a $10,000 proposed budget line item for 2022.
- Approved minutes of the October 20th meeting
- Approved $77.80 invoice for Times-Tribune public notice
Ethics Board
The Scranton Ethics Board approved payment of two invoices totaling $97.35 for meeting announcements in the Scranton Times. The board also approved minutes from the July 12 meeting and discussed an ongoing complaint, board vacancies, and a draft Quick Guide to the Code of Ethics. No final action was taken on the pending complaint or the Quick Guide.
- Approved minutes of July 12 meeting (motion passed, no vote tally recorded)
- Approved payment of $46.40 and $50.95 invoices to the Scranton Times for meeting announcements (motion passed, no vote tally recorded)
Ethics Board
The Board approved the solicitor's invoice and the previous meeting's minutes. It also decided to focus campaign reporting enforcement on candidates advancing to the general election and agreed to compile a list of potential ethics code revisions for City Council.
- Approved $2,535 solicitor invoice (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of June 9 meeting (unanimous)
- Notified Mayor that acceptance of used office furniture from AHT Insurance is appropriate
- Decided to focus campaign reporting compliance on candidates advancing to the general election
- Agreed to compile a list of possible ethics code changes for City Council
Ethics Board
The Ethics Board approved two advisory opinions regarding conflicts of interest for the City Solicitor and police officers. The Board also approved a payment for a legal advertisement and the minutes from the April 21, 2021, meeting.
- Approved minutes of the April 21, 2021, meeting
- Accepted Advisory Opinion 21-004 regarding City Solicitor conflict of interest
- Accepted Advisory Opinion 21-005 prohibiting police officers from seeking political office while employed
- Approved $82.80 invoice for Scranton Times Tribune legal advertisement
Ethics Board
The Board approved the posting of a new Advisory Opinion request form to its webpage. Members also reviewed the status of an ongoing investigation and confirmed that all city candidates filed Statements of Financial Interests.
- Approved minutes of the March 17, 2021 meeting
- Approved posting of Advisory Opinion request form to the Board webpage
- Authorized use of subpoena forms for investigation of Complaint 20-001
Ethics Board
The Scranton Ethics Board appointed attorney Ryan Campbell as Investigative Officer to handle complaint 20-001, after a conflict prevented the original appointee. The board also approved minutes and a $82.80 invoice for meeting advertising, elected officers for 2021, and discussed campaign contribution limits for the upcoming municipal election.
- Approved minutes of December 29, 2020, meeting (unanimous)
- Approved $82.80 Scranton Times Tribune invoice for meeting advertisement (unanimous)
- Appointed attorney Ryan Campbell as emergency Investigative Officer for complaint 20-001 (unanimous)
- Elected Matt Meyer as Board Chair; Andy Heller as Vice Chair; Stephanie Bressler as Secretary; Brad Kovaleski as Fiscal Officer (all unanimous)
- Re-appointed John Hart as Board Solicitor (unanimous)
- Accepted attorney Jamie Davis's offer to monitor P.O. box and retrieve complaints (unanimous)
- Agreed to assign Investigative Officers on a case-by-case basis and to recruit a third attorney if needed
- Set next meeting date for February 10, 2021
Ethics Board
The Scranton Ethics Board approved minutes with a wording correction, authorized invoices totaling $959.55 to the Scranton Times Tribune, and appointed Stephanie Bressler as Acting Secretary and Carol Migliorino as Fiscal Officer. The Board also approved a complaint form based on models from Reading and Pennsylvania. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved April 17, 2020 minutes with correction (employers → employees) (unanimous)
- Approved invoices: $60.05, $469.10, $232.95, $96.45, $101 to Scranton Times Tribune (unanimous)
- Appointed Stephanie Bressler as Acting Secretary to take meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Appointed Carol Migliorino as Fiscal Officer to monitor expenditures (unanimous)
- Approved complaint form per Ethics Code Section 9B (unanimous)
Scranton Redevelopment Authority
The Scranton Redevelopment Authority voted 5-0 to hire Shaquera Martindale as Executive Director at an annual salary of $95,000 plus benefits, effective October 1, 2023. The board also approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Scranton to manage payroll for the position, ratified by Resolution #4. Other actions included approving August 2023 meeting minutes, paying an attorney invoice of $2,325, and authorizing an emergency temporary easement for PennDOT to install warning signs on SRA property regarding bridge height restrictions.
- Approved hiring Shaquera Martindale as Executive Director at $95,000/year plus benefits (5-0)
- Approved MOU with City of Scranton for Executive Director payroll management (5-0)
- Ratified Resolution #4 approving the MOU (5-0)
- Approved payment of $2,325 attorney invoice to Paul A. Kelly (5-0)
- Approved August 2, 2023 regular meeting minutes (5-0)
- Approved July 2023 financial statements from Fidelity Bank (5-0)
- Authorized emergency temporary easement for PennDOT signage on N. Main Ave property (unanimous)
- Directed solicitor to reject purchase offers for 513 Lackawanna Ave ($25,000) and Prescott & Vine St ($10,000)
Scranton Housing Authority
The Scranton Housing Authority board voted 3-2 to accept Executive Director Gary Pelucacci's resignation effective immediately and appointed Deputy Executive Director Karl P. Lynott as his replacement. Routine actions included approving minutes, treasurer's report, a three-year audit contract with Jump, Perry & Co., and the permanent placement of a manager. Two commissioners opposed the personnel moves, citing a lack of board involvement in the selection process.
- Accepted resignation of Executive Director Gary Pelucacci effective end of meeting, with pay for accrued sick leave at $75/day and 2,982 hours of vacation/personal leave at current hourly rate (3-2)
- Appointed Karl P. Lynott as Executive Director at current salary and benefits until social security retirement age or a 10-year term (3-2)
- Approved minutes of August 7, 2023 meeting (5-0)
- Approved Treasurer's Report for August 2023 showing $9,890,264.61 total (5-0)
- Awarded 3-year audit services contract to Jump, Perry and Company, LLP at $20,000 per year (5-0)
- Placed Awilda (Wendy) Luciano permanently as Manager of 201 Units and Over effective June 12, 2023 (5-0)
Civil Service Commission
The Commission approved payments for legal services and police entry testing. It also agreed to waive a testing fee for a candidate whose laptop failed during an exam.
- Approved August 1, 2023 minutes (2-0-0)
- Approved August 11, 2023 special meeting minutes (2-0-0)
- Approved $2,052.00 payment for Solicitor Christian Owens June-July invoice
- Approved $5,291.85 payment for Scranton Times Police Entry Testing invoice
- Agreed to waive exam fee for candidate Joel Beatty
Scranton Redevelopment Authority
The Scranton Redevelopment Authority approved listing agreements for two properties to be sold on the open market. The board also approved several invoices and the June 2023 financial statements.
- Approved Resolution #2 of 2023 to list 513 Lackawanna Ave for $149,999 (3-0)
- Approved Resolution #3 of 2023 to list 1506 Vine St for $149,999 (3-0)
- Approved $1,237.50 payment for Attorney Paul Kelly (3-0)
- Approved $350.00 payment to Chamber of Commerce for SRA membership (3-0)
- Approved $363.05 payment for Mark Pomilio Jr. hotel stay (3-0)
- Approved June 2023 Fidelity Bank financial statements (3-0)
- Approved July 5, 2023 meeting minutes with correction to $95,000.00 (3-0)
Scranton Housing Authority
The Scranton Housing Authority approved its proposed operating budget for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2023. The board also approved the minutes from the July 10, 2023 meeting and the Treasurer's report for July 2023. Residents of Hilltop Manor raised concerns about animal control, parking, and safety issues.
- Approved minutes from July 10, 2023 meeting
- Approved Treasurer's Report for July 2023
- Approved Resolution No. 23-14 for 2024 operating budget
- Set meeting with residents to address Hilltop Manor concerns
Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission approved several actions including payments, exam orders, and a new testing standard. Most notably, they moved to adopt the MoPex standard for entry-level police testing as required by the Pennsylvania Police Commission. They also scheduled a special meeting to clarify NTN test scores.
- Approved June 2023 minutes (2-0)
- Approved payment of Solicitor invoice $1,045.00 for June-July
- Scheduled special meeting for August 11 to discuss NTN test scores
- Approved $5,000 payment to purchase SFD entry exam questionnaire
- Approved fee agreement for Solicitor services
- Ordered SPD 1st Line Supervisor exam per deputy mayor request
- Ordered SPD 2nd Line Supervisor exam per deputy mayor request
- Moved to MoPex standard for entry-level police testing (motion made, no recorded opposition)
Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission approved the use of a 70% weighted score for police entry-level online exams. The Commission also authorized a new testing period for entry-level candidates from early September to October.
- Approved using 70% weighted score for police entry-level online exams (All in favor)
- Authorized new SPD entry-level candidate testing period for early September to October (All in favor)
Scranton Redevelopment Authority
The Scranton Redevelopment Authority approved payments, property listing agreements, and an easement for FEMA cleanup. It also voted to re-advertise the Executive Director position with a salary increase from $85,000 to $95,000 per year and tabled a grant application for property remediation.
- Approved minutes of June 14, 2023 (4-0)
- Approved $1,237.50 legal bill for Attorney Kelly (4-0)
- Approved $57.80 to Scranton Times (4-0)
- Approved $200 title search invoice for Renaissance Plaza (4-0)
- Approved listing agreements for 513 Lackawanna Ave and Vine/Prescott Ave at $150,000 each (4-0)
- Approved easement agreement for FEMA cleanup on Hickory Street parcel (4-0)
- Approved May 2023 financial statements (4-0); deferred June statements
- Approved re-advertising Executive Director position with salary increase to $95,000 (4-0)
Scranton Housing Authority
The board approved four construction contracts totaling $4,106,606 for the comprehensive renovation of Buildings 13 and 14 at Valley View Terrace. They also approved submission of the Agency Plan to HUD, accepted the treasurer's report showing $9.88M in total funds, and placed a clerk on permanent status. All votes were unanimous (4-0). An executive session discussed legal matters but no decision was recorded.
- Approved $2,890,106 general construction contract for Valley View Terrace to Multiscape, Inc. (4-0)
- Approved $649,500 plumbing contract to Cosgrove North End Plumbing (4-0)
- Approved $177,000 HVAC contract to Robert P. Harrington, Inc. (4-0)
- Approved $390,000 electrical contract to Leber Electric, Inc. (4-0)
- Approved Resolution No. 23-13 submitting the Agency Plan to HUD (4-0)
- Approved minutes of June 5, 2023 meeting (4-0)
- Approved treasurer's report for June 2023 (4-0)
- Approved placing Joanne Glogowski on permanent status as Clerk/Cashier/Occupancy Specialist (4-0)
Historical Architecture Review Board
The board approved certificates for awnings at 310 Penn Ave, roofing at 600 Linden St, and alterations/renovation at 507 Linden St. A certificate for awnings at 539 Linden St was tabled. All votes were unanimous. The board also approved the previous meeting minutes and an invoice.
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 310 Penn Ave awnings (all in favor)
- Tabled Certificate of Appropriateness for 539 Linden St awnings (all in favor)
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 600 Linden St roofing (all in favor)
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 507 Linden St alteration, renovation, restoration (all in favor)
- Approved June 22, 2023 meeting minutes (all in favor)
- Approved $119.72 Scranton Times invoice (all in favor)
Civil Service Commission
The commission certified the Fire Administrative Captain Oral Exam and approved two payments totaling $1,742.50: $807.50 to Solicitor Christian Owens and $935 to Fire Service Testing Company. It also approved minutes from the May 2023 meeting (3-0). A solicitor fee agreement was circulated for review but will be voted on in August. Chair Elizabeth Garcia resigned.
- Approved May 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved payment of $807.50 to Solicitor Christian Owens (all in favor)
- Approved payment of $935 to Fire Service Testing Company for Administrative Captain's Exam (all in favor)
- Certified Fire Administrative Captain Oral Exam (all in favor)
Ethics Board
The Scranton Ethics Board approved the minutes of the March 15, 2023 meeting and voted to enter executive session to discuss the open solicitor position. The board also reviewed a finance report showing year-to-date expenses of $1,740 with an unspent balance of $8,260. Public comments raised concerns about financial disclosure forms and website updates.
- Approved minutes of March 15, 2023 meeting (passed)
- Moved to executive session at 6:22 PM to discuss solicitor vacancy (motion passed)
- Ended executive session at 6:50 PM (motion passed)
Historical Architecture Review Board
The Historic Architectural Review Board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a mural at 535-539 Linden St. and authorized repairs to a rear door at 203 N. Washington Ave. Two other applications were withdrawn. The board also approved two invoices for the Scranton Times.
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for mural at 535-539 Linden St. (All in favor)
- Approved repairs to the rear door of 203 N. Washington Ave. (All in favor)
- Approved $138.84 Scranton Times invoice for May 11, 2023 meeting (All in favor)
- Approved $105.38 Scranton Times invoice for June 22, 2023 meeting (All in favor)
- Approved May 11, 2023 meeting minutes (All in favor)
Historical Architecture Review Board
The Historic Architectural Review Board voted on six Certificate of Appropriateness applications. They approved four applications (201 Franklin Ave, 116 N. Washington Ave, 401 Jefferson Ave, 404 N. Washington Ave) and denied two (234 Adams Ave for windows, 103 Lackawanna Ave for signage due to irreversible building damage). The board also rescheduled the June meeting to June 22 and approved a $100.60 invoice for publication.
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 201 Franklin Ave signage (unanimous)
- Denied Certificate of Appropriateness for 234 Adams Ave windows, recommending dark brown fiberglass and 2-over-2 panes replacement in kind (unanimous)
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 116 N. Washington Ave windows, awning, and masonry with applicant's changes (unanimous)
- Denied Certificate of Appropriateness for 103 Lackawanna Ave signage due to irreversible building damage; recommended painting sign on building (unanimous)
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 401 Jefferson Ave as presented (unanimous)
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 404 N. Washington Ave as presented (unanimous)
- Rescheduled June 8, 2023 meeting to June 22, 2023 (unanimous)
- Approved payment of $100.60 invoice from Scranton Times for April 13 meeting publication (unanimous)
Scranton Redevelopment Authority
The Scranton Redevelopment Authority approved payments for legal bills, land appraisals, and tree removal. The board also approved a retroactive fee agreement for the solicitor and approved April 2023 financial statements.
- Approved $2,235.64 legal bill (5-0)
- Approved $600.00 land appraisals (5-0)
- Approved $2,475.00 tree removal (5-0)
- Approved retroactive solicitor fee agreement (5-0)
- Approved April 2023 financial statements (5-0)
- Deferred May 2023 financial statements
- Directed title search on Renaissance Plaza property (5-0)
- Tabled hiring of Executive Director pending interviews
Scranton Housing Authority
The board approved the minutes of the May 1 meeting, the treasurer’s report showing over $10.2 million in total funds, and awarded a $29,282.21 cleaning supplies contract to One Point, Inc. (all votes 4-0). Construction updates were provided on elevator, roof, and door/window projects, and the Valley View Terrace renovation faced high bids and missing electrical bids.
- Approved minutes of May 1, 2023 (4-0)
- Approved treasurer's report for April 27–May 30, 2023 (4-0)
- Awarded cleaning supplies contract to One Point, Inc. for $29,282.21 (4-0)
Scranton Redevelopment Authority
The Authority approved several property-related actions, including a grant writing process for 513 Lackawanna Avenue and a title search for Renaissance Plaza. The Board also approved the March 2023 financial statements and a legal bill.
- Approved April 5, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved $875.00 payment to Attorney Paul Kelly (3-0)
- Approved grant writing process for 513 Lackawanna Avenue remediation (3-0)
- Authorized Chairman Hanley to acquire property appraisal via John Cognetti or other appraisers (3-0)
- Authorized Solicitor Kelly to accept third-party sale offers for presentation on June 14, 2023 (3-0)
- Authorized Attorney Kelly to conduct a title search for Renaissance Plaza (3-0)
- Approved March 2023 Fidelity Bank financial statements (3-0)
Scranton Housing Authority
The board re-elected its current officers to their existing positions and approved the permanent appointment of an Administrative Assistant of Operations. The board also approved the April 3, 2023 meeting minutes and the treasurer's report.
- Approved minutes of the April 3, 2023 meeting (5-0)
- Approved Treasurer's Report for March 30 to April 26, 2023 (5-0)
- Re-elected Mary Anne Sinclair as Chairman (5-0)
- Re-elected Michael Hanley as Vice Chairman/Assistant Secretary (5-0)
- Re-elected Devendrabhai Dave as Vice Chairman/Assistant Treasurer (5-0)
- Re-elected Krista Murray as Treasurer (5-0)
- Re-elected Terrence V. Gallagher as Secretary (5-0)
- Approved permanent status for Carita Connors as Administrative Assistant of Operations (5-0)
Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission approved the payment of $2,080 for solicitor invoices and $500 for proctoring services for fire department exams. The meeting also discussed the status of police testing and the scheduling of fire captain oral exams.
- Approved April 2023 minutes (3-0-0)
- Approved $2,080 solicitor invoices
- Approved $125 to Haileigh Finnerty for proctoring
- Approved $125 to Jennifer Pennington for proctoring
- Approved $125 to Grace Hambrose for proctoring
- Approved $125 to Jennifer Pennington for proctoring
- Discussed police testing timeline
- Discussed scheduling fire captain oral exams
Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission approved the April 2023 minutes and authorized payments for solicitor services and proctor fees for fire department exams. The board also discussed updates on police entry-level testing, fire agility exams, and fire captain oral exams. It agreed to delay the chauffeur exam pending a resolution on a new testing company.
- Approved April 2023 minutes (3-0)
- Approved payment of $2,080 to Solicitor Christian Owens for March and April invoices (all in favor)
- Approved payment of $125 to Haileigh Finnerty for proctoring fire entry-level exams (all in favor)
- Approved payment of $125 to Jennifer Pennington for proctoring fire entry-level exams (all in favor)
- Approved payment of $125 to Grace Hambrose for proctoring fire entry-level exams (all in favor)
- Approved payment of $125 to Jennifer Pennington for proctoring fire captain written exams (all in favor)
- Agreed to hold off on scheduling the fire chauffeur exam until a resolution on a new testing company is reached
Ethics Board
The Board approved a draft advisory opinion regarding potential conflicts of interest during Planning Commission zoning votes. The Board also approved a $780 solicitor invoice and the January 18 meeting minutes. Additionally, the Board noted the resignation of Solicitor Jamie Schelling.
- Approved January 18, 2023, meeting minutes
- Approved $780 solicitor invoice
- Approved draft advisory opinion regarding Planning Commission conflicts (with two abstentions)
- Noted resignation of Solicitor Jamie Schelling
Historical Architecture Review Board
The board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for 201 Franklin Ave., including revised window glazing and a blue awning, with signage deferred to a future meeting. Richard Leonori was appointed as the board's Right to Know officer. Two invoices were not received and deferred to the next meeting. Minutes from March 9, 2023, were approved.
- Approved March 9, 2023, meeting minutes (all in favor)
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 201 Franklin Ave. with revised window glazing and blue awning (all in favor)
- Deferred signage portion of 201 Franklin Ave. application to May meeting
- Appointed Richard Leonori as HARB Right to Know officer
- Deferred review of Scranton Times invoice to May meeting
- Deferred review of Solicitor invoice for March-April to May meeting
Historical Architecture Review Board
The board approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage at 343 Adams Avenue. They also approved invoices for advertising and legal services, and voted to relocate a card reader at the Chase Bank project. Appointment of a Right to Know officer was postponed to a future meeting.
- Approved January 12, 2022 meeting minutes (all in favor; Gilmartin abstained)
- Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 343 Adams Ave. signage (all in favor)
- Postponed appointment of Right to Know officer to future meeting
- Approved Scranton Times advertisement invoice of $91.04
- Approved solicitor invoice of $199.50
- Voted to move card reader at the 203 N. Washington Chase Bank project