[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6226865,"mediaKeyId","3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120","parentId",3503699,"title","Resident urges Scranton to investigate alleged underground water erosion near Robinson Park","audioSeconds",2175,"startMs",875000,"endMs",3050000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120&start=875&end=3050","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120/thumbnail_875000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6226865/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Resident-urges-Scranton-to-investigate-alleged-underground-water-erosion-near-Robinson-Park","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226865-b94b26e6c4d944a39cf56e9e6536da5b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165163&Signature=ZQXCEYYJeNUr~O0K1EENHEhpx0X4yYq7u8pDHQjqwlo8BiyP6hHgQD099PPTBTOcakq-mCGSkjYKEmD3Iu18ilh~mWCqs93adWxXWQdyY5MQPk8f6yhh7HXAWZz0Isgz5ZahivdzeXatx6stTf9VaBF~4HBZh-Wsrj1-qMAC4Owb0ZLhOtr9~q43IehMqCjG11nPyqVenr6sCviBaD7xak0y5aU2a93HdEoivkT2cri~wRyJ82dHLFo74VfHR9qSoHddz1IhiLBHZyCk8qLs392DQxWsvRT59-eXHgVZ~4K2Ci2oHdgsoLUEBS-ljYIPKVR3mmm2Wq8MSbfbBSXftg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Scranton, PA","date","2025-05-25T06:24:51.177Z","article","Resident Chris Matthews (identified in public comment as speaking from the area near Robinson Park) told the council he had met with the Department of Public Works director and a city engineer about persistent groundwater and suspected underground water erosion near his property.

Matthews said the area was historically mined and that the neighborhood sits on reclaimed mine land; he said a nearby air shaft was filled in 2005 and that prior mining (he named Spunk's/Mountain Lake coal companies) removed large quantities of coal decades earlier. He told the council he believes groundwater emerging about 800 feet from his house has eroded soil under curbing and that a six-foot curb gap left in the neighborhood provides a concentrated egress where water pours into the ground.

Matthews said his attempts to draw city attention were ignored, that an engineer and the DPW director had downplayed his evidence, and he requested a formal investigation and water testing at Mountain Lake run-off locations. A council member (Tom Shuster) acknowledged the concern and said he would ask administration whether the city had undertaken water testing at Mountain Lake and whether the city would pursue testing. The council requested follow-up from the administration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Scranton City Council Public Meeting 5-22-25","oneSentenceSummary","A resident told council engineers and the DPW director that groundwater and alleged mine-related runoff are causing erosion that threatens multiple properties near Robinson Park and asked the city to take the issue seriously and conduct testing.","taxTitle","Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania","taxId",2973,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226869,"Scranton council approves multiple grant applications and project authorizations for streetscape, stormwater and parks",334,3671000,4005000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120&start=3671&end=4005","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120/thumbnail_3671000.jpg","/articles/6226869/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Scranton-council-approves-multiple-grant-applications-and-project-authorizations-for-streetscape-stormwater-and-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226869-9d6f307fd7d0d49376c1b7a4a95f2684/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165163&Signature=ZKM3-CkdplozxsJ9n3fbtL5xLFmc6NgLWD2qQ9aPH83s37K6dpVeoAYSBWNvxd~V4Vl61mxtvnwBwjbd-aMJbnVRc3oSEGDHSOhzYCpO7aevM-S5PTgh6SCA8~sejh2WNglSmXYgr6bCecmWWtwN7HO1NgVHxyo6k4BJuJ-oW-LAMC1wkZDI-2P5aLOU7dyUtimJD1KKW-qSahew7uSStQzW1j8~oPa9aSOGAYUbes-r-5c-0g0JapuagjnL6M1sJN46z04o1nwFVIkKZ51kMRonJ3sWyRmZZmNOeugxVSESf2f4rFpctvDqsdqRyF04NHOb-w16ieFAUEayFRibOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scranton City Council voted to ratify and approve multiple grant applications, project authorizations and contract actions aimed at infrastructure, stormwater and recreation projects.

Key items the council adopted by roll call included:
- A federal appropriations community project funding request for up to $3,000,000 for the Pittston Avenue infrastructure streetscape project (resolution 205-2025).
- A federal appropriations community project request for up to $363,618 for a separate project (resolution 206-2025).
- A request for up to $1,000,000 for purchase of police technology and equipment (resolution 207-2025).
- A federal appropriations community project request for up to $2,343,750 (resolution 208-2025).
- Approval to submit a Pennsylvania Small Water and Sewer Program grant application for $425,080 for phase 2 of the Fawn Woods stormwater improvement project (item 5 d introduced earlier and referred for committee; the introduction amount was $425,080).
- Authorization to contract with Barry & Associates for design and engineering of the Grace Street Playground (resolution 209-2025 adopted by the Committee on Public Works).
- Authorization to apply for up to $175,000 from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for phase 2 of the inclusive playground at Neog Park (resolution 211-2025).
- Authorization to apply for up to $118,289 for Fellows Park improvements (resolution 212-2025).
- Adoption of resolution accepting a $1,000 grant from Lackawanna County for an electronics recycling event (resolution 214-2025).

Council members voted by roll call to adopt each committee recommendation. When the items were presented, committee chairs recommended final passage and the council recorded yes votes and declared the items legally and lawfully adopted.

Some council members commented that moving forward with stormwater and streetscape projects was “great to see,” reflecting an administrative push to advance infrastructure and recreational improvements.","Council adopted a series of resolutions and authorizations to submit federal and state grant applications and to contract for design and equipment for parks, streetscape and stormwater projects, including a $3 million Pittston Avenue request and $425,080 for Fawn Woods stormwater phase 2.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226874,"Council introduces resolution opposing elimination of tax exemption for municipal bonds",0,3511000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120&start=3511&end=3511","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120/thumbnail_3511000.jpg","/articles/6226874/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Council-introduces-resolution-opposing-elimination-of-tax-exemption-for-municipal-bonds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226874-e2c96f7a66175fda8dfa1821a0cdffca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165163&Signature=cA2cTCFxOkyLJMLrXVwL6qW~J3HA0MejT7kzvfrADb5LvPKeOqqII97WC1Z6aDq9taMpS43H2P~DiFbgOib9o5JzIYvYwst2uLf0W3NVNlYCf7Bq17ebty9oPoRKuEdzGWceSVKJWah6z2GwsGnEodFTGzpa59K0A0fESM5He4yfiYmcLm171pTD2jRrE57QXgNd7jXiM2B38qBKr6PeUp3q5xNV5vJKxavKaXVVjfnBL7bv2u9twS1sTJ7JB~VivcrbqctwV8lrmQW6eP~Z18M8OLV64dkCxTmSrNS3u4FFWqTHlwjxhgFkhOEBs~FAl4Hw-7PDf4AQUi4UEcFlWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council introduced a resolution declaring support for preserving the federal tax exemption on municipal bonds, a tax treatment that municipal officials said supports local borrowing and investment.

During public comment, Joan Hoduanas urged the council to oppose elimination of the municipal bond tax exemption, arguing that changing the exemption would discourage investors and increase borrowing costs for cities. She told the council that while proponents say repeal could save the federal government large sums, the change would raise costs for households and businesses and would “discourage people from buying munis.”

Council members expressed support for the introduction. The resolution was introduced into the appropriate committee for further action; there was no final vote to send a position to federal lawmakers during the meeting.","Council introduced a resolution declaring support for preserving the federal tax exemption for municipal bonds; public commenters urged the council to oppose changes that could raise local borrowing costs.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226879,"Council introduces extension of special counsel contract for delinquent tax collections",76,3474000,3550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120&start=3474&end=3550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120/thumbnail_3474000.jpg","/articles/6226879/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Council-introduces-extension-of-special-counsel-contract-for-delinquent-tax-collections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226879-a72ae78822492522fb441863e77e3b97/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165163&Signature=N5jDmBKZDrYcIu-HbQ5etuJX29I5RTsbGWlBiDvq85obbYHK~O-UVSATZa74tXmgTkYWj0HoKjo1PFQLIoWLA4mS2zrimYakkeiczbhmHYmdKsfhMsJUPXa0DydSBfKSp2gK3xubT93YK2~H1I2xIzYUVyBe-4FQ7apoICtgmdVuf9iNgvJ-t1HbnZpvRcrLm0mnCUD2H4WFR57PQw382td7bOwZYHP5BIqEuLyOeelk8jOaiO2zg9bhDwYWRk0Xf0ZWj~glmH8fuY~6ZN3GZYTA0O-U5uB6-QatmfnfbP27nO4LsDN4aYZXu0~BvdyD9~jUuz~0SMwL1mfyxe-PzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council introduced a resolution authorizing the mayor and city officials to execute a contract extension with Kathleen M. Thomas, Esquire, to serve as special counsel for delinquent business privilege and mercantile tax collection.

During public comment, resident Joan Hoduanas raised questions after reviewing the controller’s report for April. She noted an entry showing a $47,799.37 payment to the U.S. Department of the Treasury (reported as “US Department of Revenue”) under professional services in the business administration’s office and asked what it was for. Council members said they would inquire with the administration and provide an update.

At the time the resolution was introduced, a council member also asked administration to provide an update on delinquent BPM (business privilege and mercantile) tax collections, including the total dollar amount collected annually from delinquencies. The administration said it would provide that information to council.","Council introduced a resolution to extend a contract with Kathleen M. Thomas, Esquire, for delinquent business privilege and mercantile tax collection and asked the administration for updated figures on annual collections; a public commenter asked about a payment to the U.S. Department of Revenue shown in the controller's report.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6226883,"Scranton council notes signed MOA with IAFF Local 60 on firefighter residency",113,127000,240000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120&start=127&end=240","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3503699-f1bf4816a02ae07e761c799a1ff32120/thumbnail_127000.jpg","/articles/6226883/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Scranton-council-notes-signed-MOA-with-IAFF-Local-60-on-firefighter-residency","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6226883-938f10ce5f375ef012879311a1de1326/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165163&Signature=BJjPuH84VX7A3441aPcBR0hI5G7AgNz8lSHvUemQgcpTBt5DZw9uZ1kQJ8gfT-qLBAv5Gv9DK2PCnIXHCuifcFp2Xh6XoOdTPm9~h5QPuwKzF-EsX0cVBJwvrqWeitAvUqHICIL9r2Z5K9soPhc0p7QT6apf6woY9Llx2wFQct2TZse~MFyAexwlm8aPO0lMk62xgSoRN~3CyBkGxK0Mf2ELzqqn7OCm0-z1tHfPxCqpfzQYgT-Ec6YYNlReoLHEKRxN21OQ7i0qD8CcnqY4z-fwi96ffc4g8jt6M1gqIkcaU8ebCsYathzJXBbSiQNiNy0LvWIjut-vQ4vvhv15Zg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A memorandum of agreement between the City of Scranton and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 60 on residency requirements for bargaining-unit members was presented to the council and marked received and filed.

Council members said the agreement had been completed and signed by both sides after negotiations that extended through the council's August recess. One council member said the item had been “rushed” before the recess and that they were glad it was finalized and signed by both parties.

Council members and commenters asked whether similar residency provisions appear in other municipal labor contracts. A member of the public—Joan Hoduanas—asked whether a similar memorandum of understanding or MOA would be needed for the Department of Public Works and the clerical union; a council member replied that residency language typically appears in those unions’ contracts and that it should be addressed as each contract comes up for negotiation.

The item was included in the consent/third-order documents list and formally received and filed by council action; there was no separate vote to adopt a new ordinance during the meeting.","Council members said a memorandum of agreement resolving firefighter residency requirements between the City of Scranton and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 60 was completed and filed with the council.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges Scranton to investigate alleged underground water erosion near Robinson Park

Scranton council approves multiple grant applications and project authorizations for streetscape, stormwater and parks

Council introduces resolution opposing elimination of tax exemption for municipal bonds

Council introduces extension of special counsel contract for delinquent tax collections

Scranton council notes signed MOA with IAFF Local 60 on firefighter residency