Scranton public meetings in 2024

COUNCIL

The City Council voted to take the 2025 operating budget (File of Council No. 42, 2024) from the table and place it in Seventh Order for a final vote. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

• Moved 2025 operating budget (File of Council No. 42, 2024) to Seventh Order for final vote

COUNCIL

City Council voted to take the 2025 operating budget from the table and place it in the seventh order for a final vote. Members also discussed a resident petition to keep Fire Department Engine 10 on East Mountain.

• Approved motion to take File of Council No. 42, 2024 (2025 operating budget) from the table for final vote (4-0)

City Planning Commission Meeting

The Scranton City Planning Commission approved a preliminary/final land development plan for a new construction project at 3 W Olive St. The meeting also included the approval of previous meeting minutes and a motion to adjourn.

• Approved April 2024 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved construction plans for 3 W Olive St. (6-0)
• Motion to adjourn made and seconded

COUNCIL

The meeting was largely procedural. Council received and filed correspondence, reports, and minutes from city departments and boards. Public comment period included concerns about the 2023 audit, homeless plan, police collective bargaining, and a personal complaint about code enforcement. No ordinances or resolutions were voted on, and no substantive decisions were made.

• Received and filed correspondence from BA/ARPA director regarding ARPA budget transfers
• Received and filed memorandum re: Comcast check deposit
• Received and filed correspondence re: department budget transfers
• Received and filed Controller's report for month ending October 31, 2024
• Received and filed Scranton Parking Authority special board meeting minutes
• Received and filed Scranton Historic Architecture Review Board meeting minutes
• Received and filed Lackawanna County 2024 certified assessment roll

City Planning Commission

The commission reviewed land development plans for a Wawa food market and a spec building. A preliminary subdivision plan for a senior duplex community was also received. The minutes do not record final votes or decisions for these items.

• Reviewed Final Land Development Plan for Wawa at 1130 Moosic Street
• Received Preliminary Major Subdivision Plan for senior duplexes between Reece St and Wilbur St
• Reviewed Preliminary/Final Land Development Plan for spec building at 3 W Olive St

City Planning Commission

The commission approved a final minor subdivision plan by the Lackawanna County Land Bank for properties at 520-526 3rd Ave in the R-2 Zone. Two waivers were granted for map scale and utility location data. The plan was approved 5-0 after the waivers.

• Elected Todd Pousley as Chairman (5-0)
• Elected Joe Enten as Vice Chairman (5-0)
• Approved February meeting minutes (5-0)
• Granted waiver for scale from 1"=50' to 1"=20' (5-0)
• Granted waiver for sewer line, stormwater, water line, bridge and culvert locations (5-0)
• Approved final minor subdivision plan with waivers (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting

City Planning Commission

The Commission approved the final land development plan and three waivers for a school/dormitory at 930 Hickory Street. It also approved the land development plan for the Pennsylvania American Water operations center at 2500 Sanitary Drive.

• Approved January minutes (5-0)
• Approved waiver for 10-inch stormwater pipe size at 930 Hickory Street (5-0)
• Approved waiver for management release concept at 930 Hickory Street (5-0)
• Approved waiver for 1"=30' drawing scale at 930 Hickory Street (5-0)
• Approved final land development plan for Yeshiva Beth Moshe school/dormitory at 930 Hickory Street (5-0)
• Approved land development plan for Pennsylvania American Water operations center at 2500 Sanitary Drive (5-0)

COUNCIL

The Council meeting consisted of procedural filings and public comments. No legislative actions, approvals, or denials were recorded. Members provided announcements regarding a road closure and police operations.

COUNCIL

The Council received several pieces of correspondence regarding budget transfers and ARPA updates. No substantive legislative decisions or votes were recorded during this meeting.

• Received correspondence regarding department budget transfers (filed)
• Received correspondence regarding ARPA 3rd quarter update (filed)
• Received correspondence regarding payroll preparation tax collections (filed)

COUNCIL

The council received and filed an overtime report and minutes from the Scranton Lackawanna Health & Welfare Authority. No ordinances, resolutions, or contracts were voted on. The meeting consisted primarily of public comments and announcements about upcoming budget work sessions and the rescheduled meeting due to Election Day.

• Received and filed October 2024 overtime report (unanimous)
• Received and filed Scranton Lackawanna Health & Welfare Authority minutes from June 20, 2024 (unanimous)

COUNCIL

The Scranton City Council meeting on October 22, 2024, was largely procedural. Council received and filed the controller's report, pension board minutes, a budget transfer request, and planning commission reports. No substantive votes were taken on ordinances or resolutions; the bulk of the session consisted of public comment, including a lengthy discussion on homelessness and a reminder about a DPW trunk-or-treat event.

• Received and filed Controller's Report for September 2024
• Received and filed minutes of Non-Uniform Municipal Pension Board meeting (Sept 18, 2024)
• Received and filed agenda for Non-Uniform Municipal Pension Board meeting (Oct 16, 2024)
• Received and filed minutes of Composite Pension Board meeting (Sept 18, 2024)
• Received and filed correspondence on department budget transfer (Oct 18, 2024)
• Received and filed Lackawanna County Planning Commission subdivision/land development reports (Oct 21, 2024)

COUNCIL

The Council received and filed the September 2024 meeting minutes for the Scranton Parking Authority and the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority. No other substantive decisions were made during this meeting.

• Received and filed Scranton Parking Authority September 2024 meeting minutes
• Received and filed Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority September 2024 meeting minutes

COUNCIL

The City Council voted to take the 2025 Capital Budget from the table and place it in Seventh Order for a final vote. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

• Approved motion to take File of the Council No. 31 of 2024 (2025 Capital Budget) from the table for final vote (5-0)

COUNCIL

The Council received correspondence regarding budget transfers and an overtime report for all departments. No substantive legislative decisions or votes were recorded during this meeting.

• Received September 19, 2024, correspondence from City Historic Architectural Review Board
• Received September 25, 2024, overtime report for all departments
• Received September 25, 2024, correspondence from the Business Administration regarding budget transfers

COUNCIL

The Council voted to take Resolution No. 96 of 2024 from the table and place it in Seventh Order for a final vote. The resolution concerns the transfer of a restaurant liquor license. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Moved Resolution No. 96 of 2024 (restaurant liquor license transfer) to Seventh Order for final vote (5-0)

COUNCIL

The Scranton City Council received and filed a Single Tax Office comparison report and the Controller’s report for August 2024. Council members announced an upcoming caucus with PA American Water and fielded questions about water infrastructure. Two citizens addressed the council: Glynis Johns criticized a $70,000 community health and safety report as lacking local relevance, and Joan Hodowanitz requested a POW/MIA flag be flown, asked about union contracts, and questioned various agenda items. No ordinances or resolutions were voted on during the portion of the meeting recorded.

• Received and filed Single Tax Office city funds comparison report year-to-date September 9, 2024
• Received and filed Controller’s report for month ending August 31, 2024
• Heard citizen comments on community health analysis, POW/MIA recognition, union contracts, and other matters

COUNCIL

The City Council received the Muflehun 'Community Health & Safety Landscape Analysis' report. Members discussed the report's findings and methodology during the meeting.

• Received and filed the Muflehun Community Health & Safety Landscape Analysis report

COUNCIL

Scranton City Council took from the table and approved File of Council No. 26, 2024, the 2024 HARP Annual Action Plan, by a 5-0 vote. No other substantive votes were held; the remainder of the meeting consisted of a proclamation, reports received and filed, and citizen comments.

• Approved 2024 HARP Annual Action Plan (5-0)

COUNCIL

Council voted 5-0 to approve an ordinance removing outdated flood plan management provisions from the city code. The body also voted to suspend rules and move a contract for demolishing and replacing a 130-foot retaining wall to a final vote later in the meeting. Citizens raised questions about residency repeal, emergency shelters, and ARPA budget transfers, but no further actions were taken on those topics.

• Approved ordinance removing outdated flood plan management provisions (5-0)
• Moved retaining wall demolition/replacement contract to seventh order for final vote via rule suspension (voice vote, all ayes)

COUNCIL

City Council voted to take Resolution 61 of 2024 from the table for a final vote. The administration requested the withdrawal of Resolution 5-B, which will be rebid next month. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Voted to take Resolution 61 of 2024 (agreement with Woodland Design Associates for city planning and zoning professional services) from the table for final vote
• Withdrew Resolution 5-B (retaining wall project) at administration request to be rebid next month

COUNCIL

The meeting was procedural only. Council received and filed three reports (planning commission subdivision evaluations, tax office fund distribution comparison, and licenses & permits reports) and heard public comments from three residents. No ordinances or resolutions were voted on.

• Received and filed Lackawanna County Planning Commission subdivision/land development evaluation reports
• Received and filed Single Tax Office city funds distribution comparison report
• Received and filed 2024 cumulative and June licenses & permits report

COUNCIL

The Council discussed a governmental agreement between the City of Scranton and the Borough of Moosic, as well as a sewage facilities plan revision for 923 Wyoming Avenue. Discussions also included updates regarding Nay Aug Park and upcoming legislation related to the park's pool.

• Received and filed correspondence regarding payroll tax collections
• Received and filed correspondence regarding fire department budget transfers

COUNCIL

The Scranton City Council meeting on July 2, 2024, was largely procedural. Council received and filed minutes from the Police Pension Commission and the Scranton/Lackawanna Health and Welfare Authority, along with financial statements. No ordinances, resolutions, contracts, or other substantive decisions were voted on. The remainder of the meeting consisted of citizen comments and council announcements.

• Received and filed Police Pension Commission minutes from May 15, 2024 (unanimous)
• Received and filed Scranton/Lackawanna Health and Welfare Authority meeting minutes from January 18, 2024 (unanimous)
• Received and filed Health and Welfare Authority combined financial statements for 2023 and 2022 (unanimous)

COUNCIL

The Council received the Scranton Firefighters Pension Commission minutes from May 15, 2024. They also received an overtime report for all departments, noting that Parks and Rec has used 83 percent of its budget as of June.

• Received Scranton Firefighters Pension Commission minutes (May 15, 2024)
• Received city-wide overtime report for June 2024

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission voted 2-0 to schedule an entry-level police officer exam and removed Commissioner Walter Barron from the board. They also approved January meeting minutes, solicitor invoices totaling $2,992.50, and a $67.14 advertising invoice. Fire promotional exam updates were discussed but no votes taken.

• Approved January 2024 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Approved solicitor invoices: $1,178.00 (Jan) and $1,814.50 (Feb)
• Approved Scranton Times invoice for meeting ads ($67.14)
• Approved scheduling SPD entry-level examination (2-0)
• Removed Commissioner Walter Barron from Civil Service Commission (2-0)

Civil Service Commission

The Commission approved several invoices for legal and administrative services. Members also discussed the scheduling of various fire and police promotional and entry exams.

• Approved April 2024 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Approved $665.00 payment to Solicitor Christian Owens
• Approved $237.00 payment to Maria McCool for Robert Haines Hearing
• Approved $181.96 payment to Scranton Times for Police Entry Exam ad
• Approved motion to send letter to NTN requesting background check information (2-0)
• Approved motion for Solicitor Owens to request failed 3rd party background checks be forwarded to SPD (2-0)

Civil Service Commission

The Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from the March 2024 meeting and a $1,510.50 payment to Solicitor Christian Owens for March invoices, both by 2-0 votes. They also scheduled several firefighter promotional exams for 2024 and discussed a physical exam waiver for police candidates. A motion was passed to request additional background check information from NTN regarding a pending appellate hearing.

• Approved March 2024 meeting minutes (2-0)
• Approved $1,510.50 payment to Solicitor Christian Owens (2-0)
• Motioned to request more information from NTN on background checks for Robert Haines hearing (moved by McClatchy, seconded by Solfanelli)

COUNCIL

The Scranton City Council held a regular meeting on June 18, 2024. No ordinances or resolutions were voted on. The council received and filed pension board minutes and a controller's report. Public comment addressed various topics including code enforcement, the climate action plan, and city services.

• Received and filed pension board minutes and controller's report (unanimous consent)

COUNCIL

Council voted 3-2 to remove Resolution No. 49 (a Memorandum of Understanding with the Scranton Redevelopment Authority) from the table, allowing it to move to a final vote. The resolution authorizes $900,000 for streetscape improvements in North Scranton. No other substantive decisions were made; correspondence was received and filed.

• Voted 3-2 to take Resolution No. 49 (MOU with Scranton Redevelopment Authority) from the table for a final vote

COUNCIL

The Council received and filed the May 2024 overtime report for all city departments. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

• Received and filed May 2024 overtime report for all departments

COUNCIL

The meeting consisted of council member announcements and public comments. No substantive votes or legislative decisions were recorded in the provided text.

COUNCIL

The Council received and filed minutes from various pension boards and a controller's report. Correspondence regarding the city's bond sale and Rubicon usage was also received. No substantive actions were taken.

• Received and filed pension commission minutes (Firefighters, Non-uniform, Police, Composite)
• Received and filed Non-uniform Municipal Pension Board agenda
• Received Controller's report for April 2024
• Received correspondence from PFM Advisors regarding 2024 General Obligation Bonds
• Received correspondence from DPW regarding Rubicon usage update
• Received 2024 cumulative licenses & permits report
• Council member King announced a free community meal at Hickory Street United Presbyterian Church
• Council member King announced Robinson Park renovation timeline

COUNCIL

Council received and filed a tax office funds comparison report and updated payroll preparation tax collection correspondence. No substantive legislative decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

• Received and filed Single Tax Office City Funds Distributed Comparison Report (May 3, 2024)
• Received and filed City Business Administration correspondence regarding payroll preparation tax collections (April 30, 2024)

Scranton Housing Authority

The Scranton Housing Authority approved the minutes of the February 5, 2024 meeting after adding two amendments: one to document a question about using undedicated Section 8 funds for staffing, and another to note that personnel policies would be discussed at the next meeting. The treasurer's report for February 2024 was also approved, showing total funds of $9,322,185.51. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting consisted mainly of reports on utilities, delinquent accounts, construction projects, and legal matters.

• Approved amended minutes of February 5, 2024 meeting (4-0)
• Approved treasurer's report for period February 1-29, 2024 (4-0)

COUNCIL

The Scranton City Council voted unanimously to take File No. 14 of 2024 from the table and place it in Seventh Order for a final vote. The ordinance would convert the 600 block of Deacon Street from one-way to two-way traffic between 625/628 Deacon Street and the Sanderson Avenue intersection. No other substantive decisions were made; the remainder of the meeting consisted of correspondence, citizen comments, and announcements.

• Unanimously advanced Deacon Street two-way conversion ordinance (5-0)

COUNCIL

The meeting primarily consisted of public comments and announcements. No substantive votes or legislative decisions were recorded in the provided text.

COUNCIL

The Council held a regular meeting on April 24, 2024, where members received announcements from residents regarding local cleanups and community events. The session concluded with citizen participation, including a resident reporting on pedestrian signal malfunctions and another addressing property tax concerns.

• Received and filed pension board minutes (3.A-3.D)
• Received revenue and permit reports (3.E-3.F)
• Received correspondence from Council President Smurl (3.G)
• Received citizen report on pedestrian signal infrastructure
• Received citizen report on property tax classification

Civil Service Commission

The Commission approved three payments for legal services, public notices, and police exams. It also established the Chairperson and Secretary roles and noted a hearing request from a removed police entry list candidate.

• Approved December minutes (2-0)
• Approved $807.50 payment to Solicitor Christian Owens
• Approved $124.72 payment to Scranton Times
• Approved $2,634.38 payment to Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police for SPD Entry Oral Exams
• Established Christopher McClatchy as Chairperson and Bob Solfanelli as Secretary

Ethics Board

The Board of Ethics conducted an organizational meeting. It approved the minutes from November 2023, appointed officers (Chair David Falchek, Vice Chair Harry McKay, Secretary Alexander Placke, Solicitor John Finnerty, and committee assignments), and adopted a schedule of meetings every two months on the third Wednesday. No public comments or complaints were received.

• Approved minutes of November 15, 2023 meeting (unanimous)
• Reappointed David Falchek as Board Chair by acclamation
• Appointed Harry McKay as Vice Chair by acclamation
• Appointed Alexander Placke as Secretary by acclamation
• Reappointed John Finnerty as Solicitor by acclamation
• Assigned Andrew LaZella to Gift Subcommittee by acclamation
• Assigned Harry McKay to Finance Committee by acclamation
• Adopted meeting schedule: third Wednesday every two months (March 20, May 15, July 17, September 18, November 20) with potential for special meetings

City Planning Commission

The commission approved two land development plans: the University of Scranton Workforce Development Building on Madison Avenue and a Johnson College HVAC Department Building Addition on North Main Avenue. Both approvals included conditions and waivers as recommended by the city engineer. Public comments on a separate dormitory project were noted but no action taken.

• Approved University of Scranton Workforce Development Building land development plan with two waivers and four conditions (7-0)
• Approved Johnson College HVAC Department Building Addition land development plan with five conditions (6-0-1, Davis abstained)

Scranton Housing Authority

The Scranton Housing Authority approved opening the Section-8 Housing Choice Voucher Program application waiting list, allowing new applicants to apply. It also increased the small-purchase procurement threshold from $22,500 to $23,200 and authorized disposal of excess equipment. After a contentious debate, the board appointed John Cappelloni as Deputy Executive Director on a 3-2 vote, rejecting a six-month contract amendment. The board approved permanent status for a clerk/cashier/occupancy specialist.

• Approved minutes of January 8, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved treasurer's report showing $8.6M total funds (unanimous)
• Resolution 24-7: Increased small purchase threshold to $23,200 (unanimous)
• Resolution 24-8: Opened Section-8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list (unanimous)
• Resolution 24-9: Approved disposal of excess equipment (unanimous)
• Defeated amendment to appoint Deputy Executive Director on 6-month contract (2-3)
• Appointed John Cappelloni as Deputy Executive Director (3-2)
• Approved permanent status for Georgianne Gedman as Clerk/Cashier/Occupancy Specialist (unanimous)