South Scranton Little League – 430 Meadow Avenue
Councilman Mark McAndrew Asked:
Can DPW Management and the Business Administration Office please revisit the water issue project reviewed and promised to the South Scranton Little League? Is American Rescue Plan Funding applicable to this location?
Our Solicitor’s Response:
The East Mountain Stormwater study and associated work is the first step in addressing this issue. Residents can attend a community meeting tomorrow night, on Wednesday, October 25, at 5:30 p.m., at Howard Gardner Multiple Intelligence Charter School, 1615 E. Elm St., Scranton.
Please review this release for more information:
Public Meeting to Update East Mountain Residents about Stormwater Plans | Press Release
Resolution No. 313-2023 Performance Hi Fidelity Contract to Perform Audio Visual Services
Scranton City Council Asked:
Can the City’s law department revisit the contract for clarification and adjustment to the vendor’s invoice estimate showing a 6% sales tax charge, as the City is exempt from this tax?
Our Solicitor’s Response:
The administration is aware of the price disparity in the supporting documents and the legislation. However, the contract price is $23,389.00, as included in the legislation, and that price is exempt from the tax. The vendor is aware of and agrees to the same.
5C For Introduction – Resolution Related to Registry of Foreclosed Properties
5C FOR INTRODUCTION – A RESOLUTION – AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND OTHER APPROPRIATE CITY OFFICIALS TO EXECUTE AND ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH BREAK POINT LAW TO PERFORM PROFESSIONAL REGISTRY SERVICES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO MANAGING AND MAINTAINING A REGISTRY OF FORECLOSED PROPERTIES IN THE CITY OF SCRANTON
Scranton City Council Asked:
From what criteria are the penalties and interest calculated, and can you further clarify the annual renewal process?
Our Solicitor’s Response:
- Work and Services: Foreclosure Registry Services
- Cost to City: No up-front expenses. Contractor’s fees ($100 of each registration fee collected and 20% of all penalties and late fees) are paid out of registration fees.
- Term: 1 year, with up to three automatic one-year renewals at the discretion of the City.
- The vendor’s mining system analyzes every foreclosure listing and associated filings nationwide every day. This system will be analyzing foreclosure and associated property activity for the City daily and will capture a record of every foreclosure case since the ordinance’s effective date. They record whether the listing is active and include all information in the filing, including the property address, trustee, servicer, bank mortgagee, property preservation company, and most importantly, any assignments of mortgage and deeds that either end the obligations or send the property to REO status.
- If the foreclosure has not been recorded with the city, the vendor will solicit payment on the city’s behalf and invoice the city.
Resolution 308, 2023
A Scranton Resident Asked:
Can the city please advise:
- Is there a timeframe for the street sign project in Resolution 308, 2023?
- Has an RFQ been prepared for a vendor?
- May the already configured DPW database of city street signs be used?
Our Solicitor’s Response:
Resolution 308, 2023, was for the execution and application of a grant application. The grant was applied for in September 2023, and a decision by the state has not been made on this application at this time. The city does not issue RFQ/RFP’s for grant projects until the grant has been awarded. The city has continued to use the DPW database for the production of street signs.
Lackawanna Ave Streetscape at Radisson Streetscape Project & Grant
A Scranton Resident Asked:
Can I get an update on the Lackawanna Avenue wall and sidewalk project and grant?
Our Solicitor’s Response:
The City and its engineer met with representatives from the Radisson Hotel, who agreed with our project to move forward. Since the transfer of the multimodal grant from Lackawanna County, the City was also awarded an LSA to continue wall repair, sidewalk, and bus stop relocation. The City then met with Lackawanna County Transit, who also concur that the bus stop needs to be moved for safety reasons. We are in the process of engineering and design, as well as acquiring permits needed. While our engineer is confident that this project can be completed by June 30, 2024, the City will ask for an extension on the grant to June 2025 to ensure that all aspects of the project are completed.
Scranton Firefighter’s Contract
Scranton City Council Asked:
Can the City provide an update on the firefighter’s contract? [Asked in the context of its lack of posting on the website.]
Our Solicitor’s Response:
In progress: The document is currently being worked on by labor counsel for the City and Union. This is a lengthy process, and a comprehensive document has not been completed since 1996. The labor counsels are actively working on this issue and are scheduled to meet again in the next month.
Delinquent Database Collection
Scranton City Council Asked:
Can the City provide an update on the delinquent database collection? [Asked in the context of its lack of posting on the website.]
Our Solicitor’s Response:
In light of the recent lawsuit settlement agreement regarding delinquent refuse accounts, the City is working diligently with Portnoff to ensure that all accounts reflect the accurate amount owed. Accordingly, the City has updated it’s database and posting, and another list will likely be forthcoming before the year’s end.
Last modified: November 1, 2023
