1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 SCRANTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ECEIVEN OCT 5: U OFFICEOF CITY COUMCILCIYCIERK HELD: Tuesday, September 28, 2010 LOCATION: Council Chambers Scranton City Hall 340 North Washington Avenue Scranton, Pennsylvania CATHENE S. NARDOZZI, RPR - OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER 2 1 2 CITY OF SCRANTON COUNCIL: 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 JANET EVANS, PRESIDENT PAT ROGAN, VICE-PRESIDENT ROBERT MCGOFF FRANK JOYCE JOHN LOSCOMBE NANCY KRAKE, CITY CLERK CATHY CARRERA, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK BOYD HUGHES, SOLICITOR 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 (Pledge of Allegiance recited and moment of reflection observed.) MS. EVANS: Roll call, please. MS. CARRERA: Mr. McGoff. MR. MCGOFF: Here. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Rogan. MR. ROGAN: Here. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Loscombe. MR. LOSCOMBE: Here. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Joyce. MR. JOYCE: Here. MS. CARRERA: Mrs. Evans. MS. EVANS: Here. Dispense with the reading of the minutes. MS. KRAKE: THIRD ORDER. 3-A. APPLICATIONS ALONG WITH THE DECISIONS RENDERED BY THE ZONING HEARING BOARD ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010. MS. EVANS: Are there any comments? If not, received and filed. MS. KRAKE: 3-B. MINUTES OF THE SCRANTON-LACKAWANNA HEALTH AND WELFARE AUTHORITY'S REGULAR BOARD MEETING HELD AUGUST 19, 2010. MS. EVANS: Are there any comments? 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 If not, received and filed. MS. KRAKE: 3-C. MINUTES OF THE SCRANTON SEWER AUTHORITY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING HELD AUGUST 24, 2010. MS. EVANS: Are there any comments? If not, received and filed. MS. KRAKE: 3-D. MINUTES OF THE SCRANTON SEWER AUTHORITY'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS SPECIAL MEETING HELD AUGUST 31, 2010. MS. - EVANS: Are there any comments? If not, received and filed. Clerk's notes, please. MS. KRAKE: We do have a few responses first. The first is from Don King, city planner, he replied by sending us a - copy of his application for OECD funding, and we also have a response from the Scranton Parking Authority concerning their decision to install these meters. They are saying that the Parking Authority simply followed the ordinance forwarded by the City of Scranton. That was from Bob Scopelliti, executive director. And we have a reply from OECD 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 concerning a request for the amount of money in the UDAG account. Linda Aebli, the executive director, tells us that of July 30, the balance is $4,163.19, and we also got a reply from the business administrator since we did a Right-to-Know request and in his reply he tells us he needs an additional 30 days in which to respond to our two questions which was the total dollar amount of UDAG and what dollar amount UDAG will be realized in 2011 and 2012. MS. EVANS: Thank you. MS. KRAKE: From Brian Swanson, Les Spindler had asked about the Lackawanna Avenue Bridge. He told me this person he did not send a written response, that he walked the bridge and he could not find the crack in the bridge, but if we had any further direction for him he would be glad to check it out further. MS. EVANS: Thank you. MS. KRAKE: We had two requests that were not answered by the city engineer. The first was the intersection of Price and North Merrifield for an additional two stop 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 signs, and the second was council's request that they do an assessment of Lake Scranton Road concerning truck traffic being prohibited there. We also did not have two responses from the city controller, they were concerning Mulberry Street and Harrison Avenue where they intersect that the traffic signals were not working. The controller did convene a meeting which I attended and Councilman Loscombe will be reporting on that later. MS. EVANS: Thank you. MS. KRAKE: We have eight nonresponses from Director of DPW, Jeff Brazil, and we have nine combined nonresponses from Tom Oleski, the Deputy Director of License and Inspections, and Mark Seitzinger, the Director of License and Inspections. MR. MCGOFF: Could I just interrupt for a moment, just to mention the DPW. I was talking to Jeff Brazil today and he did mention that there are three things that I think were requested, the Cosmo Iacavazzi 7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 sign along with the school district they had reinstalled that, O'Neill and Penman Street have been paved, and the stop sign at Hemlock and Crown has been replaced. I don't know if they were part of it or not, the requests. I'm sorry to interrupt. MS. EVANS: Thank you. MS. KRAKE: And we have five nonresponses from the mayor, direct questions that were to him, that first was concerning violators and trespass on private property and political campaign signs. The second was a request from Citizens Savings Association about the planter. The third was the traffic signal as Mulberry and Harrison. And the fourth was asking him to reconsider the decision to install parking meters on Mattes Avenue. And the fifth was the request from Councilman Rogan, permission to meet with the newly appointed police chief. And then we have six nonresponses that we were instructed to send any requests of the police chief to the mayor, so these are six responses that we were asked to 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 prepare to pass onto the police chief: First was Mulberry and Harrison; the second was the makeshift tents by the railroad tracks off of Olive Street; the third, Finn McCool's Bar on Cedar Avenue; fourth, the 1100 block of Prospect Avenue, Scarfield's Bar; and the fifth, junk stored in the back yards of 1340 East Elm Street and 1114 Froud Avenue; and the fifth the overgrown property at 316-318 Phelp Street. MS. EVANS: So again, just sO I understand this correctly, the mayor has not granted permission for those letters to be sent to the police chief or they have been given to the chief and he hasn't responded? MS. KRAKE: When Police Chief Dan Duffy first started he called to inform us of a request that he had completed and during that telephone conversation he asked our office very kindly please : or as he was directed any requests council would have of the police chief to send them to the mayor, so that's what we have been doing per the chief's request, which we would be in the chain of command. 9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. - EVANS: And so the mayor has not responded to this? In other words, he has not passed it along to the chief? MS. KRAKE: That would be an interesting question. I guess we don't know the answer to that and I feel badly about that. MS. EVANS: Well, I know that the traffic light at Mulberry and Harrison was taken care of a week ago Saturday, so we can certainly eliminate that. I think also, Mr. Rogan, since you are trying to obtain an appointment with the police chief perhaps you could take that list with you at such time as that meeting is granted and hopefully discuss those with Chief Duffy and then report back to all of us on his response. MR. ROGAN: Absolutely. I'm looking forward to the meeting and hopefully it will be very shortly. MS. KRAKE: And we have a few more nonresponses. Bill Shane, the executive director of the Scranton Redevelopment Authority, council asked about a 1 1/2 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 million dollar RACP grant for Lackawanna College in conjunction with the SRA. From Gene Barrett, director of the Sewer Authority, the storm drain at Spruce Street and Adams, and also to Gene Barrett request the catch basins be cleared of debris during to prevent flooding during the fall months. MS. - EVANS: Let's submit those again, please. MS. KRAKE: And that's all I have. MS. EVANS: Thank you, Mrs. Krake. Do any council members have announcements at this time? MR. LOSCOMBE: Yes, I have a couple. MR. MCGOFF: Go ahead. MR. LOSCOMBE: First, I want to remind everybody of the all you can eat spaghetti dinner fundraiser for the Holy Rosary Boy Scout Troop 57. It will be held Friday. October 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph's Church, which is at the corner of Theodore and North Main Avenue. The price is $8.00 for adults, twelve and over, and $5 for children, under two are free. Takeouts 11 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 are also available. Also, the West Side Falcons are continuing their gun raffle. Tickets can be purchased at Big Rich American Sports Shop on the 100 block of South Main Avenue in the Jones building. The dinner will be : the raffle will be held on November 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be 12 guns raffled with a combined value of $5,000, a donation of $25 for the raffle only or $40 for the raffle and the dinner. Dinner and beverages will be served. There is only a limited number of tickets available for the dinner raffle and you can get your tickets again by contacting any board member going onto www.westsideralcons.org going to Big Rich American Sports Goods. And I also received an e-mail, the men's group of Elm Park Church is having a cook off this Saturday, October 2, from 4 to 7 p.m. Cooks from different area churches will be competing. The cost of the tickets is $12 for tasting the cook's food and the buffet, which is provided by the men of Elm Park Church. The buffet for the men's group 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 of Elm Park Church is only $10, if you just want to go for the buffet, the $12 tickets you can get the sample the competitor's food and you get to vote people's choice award. Tickets will be available at the door, and that is all I have. Thank you. MS. EVANS: Thank you. Anyone else? MR. MCGOFF: I assume that's at the church? MR. LOSCOMBE: Yes. MR. MCGOFF: It doesn't say, but I assume it's there. I was on the same e-mail. Pages and Places is a having a book signing October 2 from 12 to 1 at the book expo on the courthouse square, part of their overall book festival. A11 of the 2010 panelists will be there. If you are into the book signings or have read some of the books of the authors that are going to be present they will be there from 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., October 2, courthouse square. MR. ROGAN: On Monday, October 4, there will be an Alzheimer's fundraiser held at Kilcoyne's Tavern at 129 South Main Avenue, West Scranton, from 7 to 10 p.m. in 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Honor of Bobby Beck. There be will a celebrity bartender's night and all tips will be donated to the Alzheimer's Association. Also, on Saturday, October 9, a memory walk will be the held at PNC Field. Registration will be begin at 9 a.m. and the walk starts at 10 a.m. And also I received a letter from a resident who would like me to announce this at the meeting that a member of the Troop 16 Hickory Street Church Boy Scout Troop is here tonight and I see that Greg Schwartz is here and he is working on his citizenship in the community badge. I'm glad to have you here tonight, and that's all. MS. EVANS: I - wish to respectfully remind council speakers that all requests for information, reports, and complaints must be submitted in writing to Mrs. Carrera, assistant city clerk. This is done in an effort to efficiently provide responses and to prevent your requests from falling through the cracks. Council appreciates your cooperation in this matter. 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Saints Peter and Paul Church, 1309 West Locust Street in Scranton will celebrate it's 100th anniversary on Sunday, October 17, 2010. The choir will perform at 3:30 p.m. and the centennial mass will be celebrated by the most Reverend Joseph Bambera, Bishop of Scranton, at 4 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Following the mass a dinner will be held at St. Mary's Center, 320 Mifflin Avenue in Scranton. Dinner tickets are $40 for adults, $10 for children under 11 years of age, and are available at the weekend masses. You may also purchase tickets by calling the rectory between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at 343-7015. Mrs. Krake, please prepare a proclamation to honor the 100th anniversary of Saints Peter and Paul Church on behalf of Scranton city council. The Dearly Departed Players of the Dunmore Cemetery Tour will present their seventh annual performance this Sunday, October 3, and again on Sunday, October 10. Both performances begin at 2 p.m. at the Warren Street entrance to the Dunmore 15 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Cemetery and are free to the public. Donations are not accepted. Talented director Julie Estin, together with a troop of 15 actors, will portray the famous and not so famous who have made positive contributions to Northeastern Pennsylvania and are buried in the Dunmore Cemetery. These dearly departed come to live to describe their lives and the eras in which they existed. The actors are costumed in clothing style representative of their characters. Bring the entire family to this informative, entertaining and historical event. Don't miss your free and enjoyable opportunity to travel back into our Pennsylvania history, and that's it. MS. KRAKE: FOURTH ORDER. CITIZENS' PARTICIPATION. MS. EVANS: Our first speaker this evening is Marie Schumacher. MS. SCHUMACHER: Good evening, Council. Marie Schumacher, city resident and member of the Taxpayers' Association. MS. - EVANS: Good evening. MR. JOYCE: Good evening. 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. SCHUMACHER: Last Thursday I attended the Vacant Property Review Committee meeting. This is the body charged with getting vacant city properties sold and back onto the tax rolls and in the hands of persons who will care for them and remove blight. The good news is of 42 properties on the list 17 of them have interested buyers and there is :- the number of public attendees outnumbered the number of committee members, which is a very rare occurrence. The bad news is that the last two meetings of this body had to be cancelled due to a lack of a quorum. As a matter of fact, the September meeting had to be rescheduled for the same reason and last Thursday's meeting came close to having to be cancelled for lack of a quorum, but a late arrival saved the cancellation, Further, though city council has a seat at the table, they were not represented at the meeting. And as a council interested this blight reduction and removal, I found 17 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the lack of attendance disappointing. Now, as threatened last week back to BRT Ice. First, I'd like to state that I believe that I have the valid agreement as it was obtained from the city through a Right-to-Know request. Awhile back, Andy Sbaraglia questioned why we are paying insurance for the property as the property is being leased for $1 a year. Now, the terms, as I read the contract, and I'm certainly not a solicitor, but 6-B says, "The insurance shall be maintained for the --" this is the responsibility of BRT Ice. "The insurance shall be maintained for the mutual benefit of lessor and lessee. Any succeeding owners of the fee title and the leased land and any successors and assignees of this lease. The insurance policy or policies shall name both lessor and lessees as insured as their interests appear. It is understood that a lender or lenders may also be listed as loss payee." So if the agreement calls for them to pay the insurance for both lessor and 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 lessee, I don't know why we are wasting tax dollars and our policy paying for that. So I also : that's sort of a minor point. My major point is back to the $600,000 payment to the city. Again, I'd like to read Section 203 of the agreement as provided under the Right-to-Know Act. "Lessee shall pay $600,000 to lessor as rent for the Teased premise. Lessee shall make minimum annual payments every 12 months beginning on the date hereof for the amount of no less than $1. Provided, however, that any unpaid rent under this paragraph: (A) shall be paid by lessee to lessor in a lump sum within 30 days following the occurrence of the last to occur of (1), vacation of the leased premise by DPW in total as on the date provided for hereunder, - and as we are all aware that has been achieved; "or two, certification of the leased land by the City of Scranton Planning Commission as within a redevelopment area as that term is defined by 3aw. Approval of a redevelopment contract for the leased land, including transfer of 19 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the leased land to the lessee by the SRA and approval of said Redevelopment contract by Scranton City Council." Now, I also have a copy here of the blight certification for the City of Scranton Department of Public Works, sO that condition has been met. Back in the original : the original agreement is dated 2002. Again, back in 2006 there was : Scranton Redevelopment Authority did send a recommended ordinance to council and without digging it out it did change the terms, I believe it would have extended the payments it was either 20,000 for 30 years or 30,000 for 20 years, I believe it was the latter. However, that ordinance was not passed. Now, early on in this board's administration Attorney Hughes went through some figures that showed it's only going to : they're only going to be charged $1 a year for like 198 years because some options were extended. However, again, I :- the paperwork that was attached to that deed when it was : when it was filed was signed by City Solicitor : excuse me one minute, 20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 city clerk Jay Saunders, I don't know how you pronounce his name, but I have not found, and I will put it in writing, I have not found any approval for that change that was made to extend that to 198 years by city council, so as far as I'm concerned BRT owes the $600,000 as soon as the counciT takes action, so I would hope you could have the solicitor relook at that one more time and if it's due make that billing. Thank you very much. MS. EVANS: Thank you. And again, as you said Mrs. Schumacher, if you would put that in writing to Ms. Carrera then we can pass it along to our attorney and see what we are able to do. MS. SCHUMACHER: Thank you. MS. EVANS: Thank you. Lee Morgan. MR. MORGAN: Good evening, Council. MS. EVANS: Good evening. MR. MORGAN: You know, I really appreciated the discussion we had last week and I just would like to try to expand on that a little bit, if I may. Mrs. Evans, you asked a question on why the Sewer 21 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Authority won't answer your questions about federal stimulus monies; is that true? MS. EVANS: Idon't know that I put it in the form of a question, but : MR. MORGAN: You said they wouldn't answer your : MS. EVANS: - I did reference that. MR. - MORGAN: Well, what I want to say is this, you have a solicitor right there and council has oversight over the Scranton Sewer Authority and all of the authorities and if you aren't getting the answers you need as council members you need to talk to your solicitor because any question you have they can answer, and I'm just really amazed that we are going down this path. - mean, you know, Mr. Loscombe you said you were : that you just couldn't understand why politics was mentioned or that you were insulted or : you know, and I-- I just don't know where you get those comments from because in my opinion this SAPA plan is all about politics. I was just to Dunmore's council meeting yesterday 22 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 and Mr. Nardozzi was there and he is hoping that Scranton Council reconsiders. But, you know, in my opinion, and I'm going to be real honest, we have asked some questions that I can't understand why this council asked them like why don't other communities join? I mean, if you understand the SAPA plan you already understand it's locked. I mean, I'm just -- I'm sitting here listening to a council trying to debate an issue which in my opinion, and it's only my own, I really don't think you understand that plan and I'm not really sure you have read it, and that's a very, very troubling think. You know, the other thing is council has at numerous occasions discussed it and it's come through council, can't understand is all. I mean, you know, some people got up and they spoke on SAPA. Mr. Dobrzyn talked about transportation and people coming from outside of the city and al7 of the pollution, but part of the SAPA plan is transportation. It's about Lackawanna Transit Authority and other modes of 23 transportation. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Im mean, say in the paper you find where the former Chamber of Commerce building is in trouble, the Plaza is in trouble, Leonard's former hardware store is in trouble. I think, Mr. Rogan, you said this isn't the right plan and I am just wondering maybe this council should enlighten all of the people in this city what the right plan is because evidently when only three members of this council vote on this plan why don't we bring these people forward? Why don't we discuss it with these people and put this plan together. Why isn't Mr. King down here talking with this council? This council ran and said it was going to be transparent. I don't find that. C don't even see the backup for the : anything on the agenda ever. It hasn't made it through the IT Department, and I just in my personal opinion think it's all politics. 1 think all of the residents of this city have a right to have this council move forward. I mean, to be honest with you, so 24 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 many times in this council chamber we have talked about why we can't find answers to problems. I have never seen subpoenas issued to any of the authorities. Why not? Why are we asking the same questions decade after decade? I think I have been coming to this council chamber longer than all of the people that are seated here today and I just find it to be something that revolves with politics continually, okay, and I think it's really ashame. I think the residents really deserve a council that's going to work for them. You went into Court, the judge didn't think much of what you did with the last budget. We still haven't seen the minutes to that, and I just want wonder, you know, what does the council plan to do the next budget? Are there $8 million worth of cuts and where are they and why are we still proceeding with the PEL if it hasn't given us anything? Why? I don't understand why. I hear a lot of rhetoric from council, this one and previous ones, and the truth of the matter is the members of SAPA 25 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 should come here and present the plan, five council members should vote, not three, five, okay? I think it's really time to put everything on the table and I really think that nobody on this council right now particularly likes what I'm saying and I know you'11 have plenty of comments to make when I step away from the podium and you know what my one comment is, let's bring the SAPA in here, let's sit them down, let's bring Mr. King in, let's sit him down. Mr. Rogan, let's listen to your plan because you know what, to be truthfully honest with you, your plan just has just as much merit as anybody else's, but let's have a - plan. Let's worry about the people in this community, let's worry about the working core who have no job, okay? It's pretty obvious that city has the infrastructure for this plan. At one time it had close to 140,000 people here. We are wondering why the people in SAPA's communities want to bring it here, and to be bluntly honest they don't have the infrastructure. Thank you. 26 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. LOSCOMBE: Mr. Morgan, I would just like to make a brief comment, you hit the nail on the head in your comments regarding today's newspaper articles. If you remember, our biggest concern has been our taxes, especially the mercantile taxes. That was one of the big points brought out in the newspaper today why these companies are moving out of here. SAPA isn't going to be the answer to the mercantile tax. We have to get our taxes in order before something 7ike SAPA could be considered, and to point fingers at us and say it's political, you can say what you want it's not political with me, but if that's what you feel that's what it is. The only politics involved with me is that I represent Scranton and what's best for Scranton and until anything else is changed that's the way I'm going to stand on it. - have read the plan, you said you doubted we read the plan, I believe everybody has read the plan inside out and looked at the maps. There is nothing going to change until we have equitable taxes with 27 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 our surrounding neighbors then a plan like that would be ideal And us on council we are striving to work towards something like that, but we are taking one step at a time. That's all I have to say on that. MS. EVANS: I just wanted to add that as Mr. Loscombe said this is not a political issue for Scranton City Council. This is a financial issue. However, I believe it has evolved in a sense into a political issue for candidates for state office. Now, Mr. Morgan, you have been coming to council a long time, that's true, longer than I have been seated here. You have announced it many times you have a plan for cutting 10 percent of the operating budget which would amount to muiti-millions of dollars. I'm still waiting for those cuts. Council is working on the budget as we speak and it would be very appreciative of seeing your 10 percent worth of cuts and, you know, I hope before the proposed budget comes down on November 15 from the mayor that you be able to find some time in your 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 schedule to come up with those proposals and present them to council. Thank you. MR. ROGAN: I would just like to add I would agree with what my colleagues said and whether it's on a local level, state level or a national level taxes are the number one obstacle for businesses. We see this debate being played on a national level now and when taxes are increased and when taxes are higher it's harder for small businesses to start up, it's harder for small businesses to stay in business. And as far as it being a political issue for me, it wasn't political at all. I just firmly believe that the SAPA plan would not help the City of Scranton, and again, there is no firm cost. We don't know what the cost is up front and that's about three weeks in a row Mr. Morgan mentioned that it's political. I don't understand why he would think that. It's not political at all. If we were running for office outside of the city up in the Abingtons then I could see how it could be a political issue, but none of us are running for anything now. We 29 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 are just looking out for the people of Scranton. MS. EVANS: Les Spindler. MR. SPINDLER: Good evening, Council. Les Spindler, city homeowner, resident and taxpayer. First off, about what Mrs. Krake said about Brian Swanson saying there is no cracks on Lackawanna Avenue bridge, I can give Cathy my phone number and if he wants to call me I could show him where those cracks are, there is no doubt in my mind. My eyes aren't what they used to be, but there is a big crack on the deck of that bridge and also cracks in the sidewalk. MS. EVANS: Very good. We'17 try to get the two of you together then. MR. SPINDLER: Okay. You know what, a few weeks ago I stated my stance on SAPA, a few months ago, I said I won't speak about it again, but after watching last week's meeting and listening tonight I have to say my stance again. I said at that time I agreed with Councilman Loscombe and Councilman Rogan, taxes are what keeping 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 people out of this city, SAPA is not going to help with that, and I said the prime example was the Mt. Pleasant Corporate Center, they didn't get their KOZ extension, all they wanted was a free ride, but they didn't pay our outrageous taxes and all it is now and all it's going to be is an eyesore. It's going to be overgrown weeds eventually, nobody is moving in there, and I said before it was even started, I said, we have so much empty office space downtown why do we need an office park? Like I said that's a huge example right there. Moving on, I was watching the meeting at home last week and I was listening to Mrs. Franus say about an incident that she had with an ECTV employee. Well, a few years ago when the previous council wanted to give themselves raises we were protesting on the steps of city hall, Mrs. Evans, you might remember that. MS. EVANS: Yes. MR. SPINDLER: And that same ECTV employee, I was standing their holding a sign and he walked by me and hit my sign, sO 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to me that's shows this gentleman has anger issues and if Fay Franus is watching this if he she needs my help I would be more than willing to help her out and be a witness for her. As a matter of fact, Bill Jackowitz was also standing next to me and he saw the incident, also. I just never brought it up because I didn't feel I had to. If Mrs. Franus has a problem, I think I might be of some help to her. Those meters on Mattes Avenue, I have spoken about them before, just a waste there, they are not making any money, I have a good idea, when the mayor's visitor's center is done up at Nay Aug they can move them up there are for the all of the people that are going to go to that visitor's center. We'17 make a fortune. Not. Awhile back in the Doherty newsletter there was an article the mayor stated that the city will no longer hang banners throughout the city that they used to do I think for nonprofits, they don't have the manpower. The first block of Spruce Street coming into the city off the 32 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Central City Expressway, there is a sign : a banner was just put up I think this week and I saw it the other day advertising for the Back Yard Ale House fall festival they are having this weekend. I would like to know, I didn't get this in writing, I'm sorry, who hung that banner. If the city did it or if they paid to do it like the mayor said they were supposed to, and can a business advertise with banners hanging in the city like that? I thought just nonprofits could? Maybe if council could look into that? MS. EVANS: Yes. MR. SPINDLER: And moving on, a few weeks ago on a Saturday night there was an incident down at the Tripp Park softball complex. There was a young girl sitting on a bench in the softball fields. She was approached by three young men and a juvenile and they made sexual innuendos and I think they harassed her and everything. To make along story short, these men were arrested like three blocks from my house that night. My point being, I was called tonight 33 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 by a fellow member off Tripp Park Neighborhood Crime Watch, council could possibly look into getting better lighting. The lighting in that complex is not good at all when it gets dark. Even though this incident did take place during daylight, it was like 7:00 so it was still Tight out, but if we can get better lighting in there maybe that would help, but we don't want stuff like that happening in our neighborhood. I thank God they caught these men. The person that called me tonight he knew this girl personally, so that's why he wanted me to come and comment about it tonight, sO that's all I have and thank you for your time. MS. EVANS: Thank you. Mr. Spindler, the only think I wanted to add would be when you first spoke tonight you were referring to the KOZ program, I believe, and one of those locations, Leonard's Hardware, which houses a theatre was going up for auction or sale, I believe, they had been granted a KOZ and coincidentally, I believe, that KOZ expires now in 2010, sO it just seemed, you know, 34 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 seemed a bit coincidental that the sale of the theatre was taking place at the time that a KOZ was going to expire thereby preventing the owner from paying taxes to the city, school district and county. MR. SPINDLER: And I forgot to say, Mr. Loscombe did steal my thunder a little bit, I forgot to say I meant to speak about the front page of the Doherty newsletter today. The two big office buildings that are almost empty, they can't even sell them. n mean, the old Chamber of Commerce building has an elevator that doesn't work, the air conditioning doesn't work, and we have more problems to worry about in this city I think than worrying about SAPA. Again, thank you for your time. MR. LOSCOMBE: Mr. Spindler, I'11 be getting ahold of that gentleman tomorrow from Tripp Park, I got the message. Thank you. MS. EVANS: Ron Ellman. MR. ELLMAN: Good evening, Council. MR. JOYCE: Good evening. MS. EVANS: Good evening. 35 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. ELLMAN: I - didn't have your company last week I had to take Miss Rosie to a funeral. MS. - EVANS: Sorry. MR. ELLMAN: I - had a dozen people ask me where I was. It's Tike I said one time I miss supper when I don't come up here and exercise my lungs. I got a question, I was told when a house is condemned by drugs it's supposed to last six months; is that true? MR. LOSCOMBE: You mean the condemnation is supposed to last six months? MR. ELLMAN: When it's condemned because of drug traffic. MR. LOSCOMBE: I don't believe there is any time frame on it. MR. ELLMAN: A policeman told me he thought that was the : MR. LOSCOMBE: If it's condemned it's condemned for structural or other problems. They may have had a drug situation and found structural problems, plumbing, electric stuff like that, but there is no time limit. That stuff would 36 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 have to be brought up to code and changed in order to bring it up to standards to be able to open it again or occupy it, but there is noset -- I mean, it doesn't just expire in six months. MR. ELLMAN: Why is everybody worried about South Side, you know. There is a north side. From my house one block up Ig got the old Smith house that's condemned for years and years. Behind me is a house that ought to be saved that's condemned that's in my backyard, across the street is a house that is condemned now. Next to it, three houses down on the corner of Alfred is a C condemned house; on Alfred was a house that was condemned for drugs. That a block of three empty houses in row, you know, my neighborhood is going to pot. And all I hear about when I look it the paper is South Side, money for this, and money for that and pave the streets, whatever, there is other parts of this city. This house on Alfred Street was condemned for drugs, and this was a bad bunch of people there, I don't know that 37 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 address, that's where that girl had the baby in the garage or something. That was a bad bunch of : been nothing but trouble, God knows when. The police are there all the time, you know, and now they are trying to move back in. In this town it seems like you just make a phone call if you know someone that makes a phone call, makes a phone call, everything is over with. I wish I was a better speaker, you know. Well, about my favorite college here the University. They seem to just be masters of deception, somebody told me a family member tried to get a job there, I don't know of a teacher or what, and I said never seen an ad in the paper for employment with them. And this is nothing, but nepotism to get a job in these schools. You know, you just don't apply for a job with it. I'd sure like to see Mr. Kelly join forces with Mr. McKenna and put in black and white what we are supposed to do to recover all of this money. He keeps attacking you people in the paper. you know, to me when 38 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 they attack council and editorials that's an attack on the people in this city because we put you there, that's like biting the hand that feeds you to me, you know. I would like to see the salaries these people get in the print in the paper. It's no secret. I'd like to see their retirement benefits. I'd like to see all of the benefits, but they won't tell you nothing. I - phoned the school to ask them once, all they seem to be interested in is just their greedy goals, you know, just they are the University of Scranton is the death knoll of this city. They have to destroyed our tax base. I just don't, you know, a lot smarter people than me say that you can't survive with a loss of over a third of your tax base. You people just got to forget about asking for donations and start supporting the bills that come up in Harrisburg. It's passed asking for donations. They are a bunch of greedy deadbeats. I bet the University teaches greed is one of the seven deadly sins, but they practice it left and right. 39 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 And, Brother McGoff, last week or two weeks ago you said that the institutions are having financial problems, too, but they are growing by leaps and bounds. Every week in the paper they have taken another piece of property. It seems like the worst of times is better for them. We have got to get control on this, you know. Now, the few amount of good that these schools do in town is overcome by the tremendous loss of tens of millions of dollars in taxes. It's just, you know, talking about what's going to happen in 20 years from now or 30 years from now that's not helping the city. You know, you realize that probably the next dozen mayors will be fooling with this very problem of these deadbeats that this school has taken all the houses off our tax rolls. It's going to last for 50 years. Thank you. MR. ROGAN: Thank you. MR. LOSCOMBE: Mr. Ellman, just to touch base, I know I mentioned it before, but you touched on it again about working with the state legislation and stuff, we 40 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 have been : we are making phone calls, we are going to get into some meetings and stuff like that, as we said, we are not the only ones in this boat, so the more we get around the state the better opportunity we have to change these laws on the tax exempts. MR. ELLMAN: Sometimes I don't think council realizes the urgency. MR. LOSCOMBE: We do realize the urgency, but you know the bureaucracy of the major :- MR. ELLMAN: Every Friday they got like 100 houses that are being lost. You should talk to someone that like I have, not foreclosure, you should talk to someone who lost a house that was paid for because they just couldn't afford it no more. That's a heart break. I - talked to a man he told me, he said, "I sold my car and I done this and - done that, you know, I gave up the newspaper, " he done everything trying to hold onto his property. MR. LOSCOMBE: I mean, there are some good programs for people like that 41 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 through the United States Neighborhood Centers and that they can contact. They would do anything they can to help them with the programs that are in the : MR. ELLMAN: Well, this part I don't. MR. LOSCOMBE: And some state programs that would help them save their homes so they could contact us for information and we could forward it. MR. ELLMAN: We talked about that, you know, in the tax : the Thursday meeting, but it's ashame. There is no reason in this country somebody should lose a - home that's paid for because they couldn't afford taxes and insurance and, you know, all of the upkeep. I know the last five years I'd say everything is more than doubled on owning a house. Thank you. MS. EVANS: Thank you. Is there anyone else who cares to address council? MR. TALIMINI: Good evening. Joe Talimini. It think just last week we discussed the mercantile and as Mr. Rogan and Mr. Joyce and Mr. Loscombe are aware 42 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 nobody wants to move in here because of the mercantile tax, they can't afford it, and you have a very prominent attorney in today's paper said that he was moving out of here because of the mercantile tax. Now, I mean, I don't know what it takes to the powers that be to get the message, but apparently they are way out of touch, all of them. If find it ludicrous that Jeff Brazil, who is an employee of the city, Mark Seitzinger, who is an employee of the city, and some of these other department heads will not answer questions to the council. Apparently they work for the mayor and Mr. Doherty apparently works for the mayor, too, because he sure in hell doesn't work for the city, so I would suggest, and I'm hoping that there are citizens in this community who will get up in arms about this and let Mr. Doherty start paying Mr. Brazil's salary, and Mr. Seitzinger's salary out of his own pocket, because if he is not going to answer to the residents who pay his salary, and the mayor certainly 43 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 doesn't go to answer to the residents who pay his salary, then there is something radically wrong with in city and for people to come up here and chastise this council, I mean, I'm not running for any political office and I don't have the benefit of anybody who has sat in on these meetings for the last couple of years in an official capacity, but I see nothing wrong with what this council is doing and I have been monitoring you since the word go and I don't think I'm in touch with any one of you on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, Mrs. Evans, you and I have had more conversations before this council was elected, and it's just that simple. So if anybody thinks that this is a one-way street and I'm protecting you people that's absolutely not the case. I'm going to come down on you just as I do anybody else who isn't doing their job, but sO far I haven't seen you people avoiding your jobs, and I mean, I think you are to be commended, but as I say, possibly when I run for public office if I ever decide to do you are all in 44 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 trouble. Thank you very much. MR. JOYCE: Thank you. MS. EVANS: Thank you. Is this anyone else who would like to address council? MR. LOSCOMBE: I would just like to mention something, I don't know, I'm sorry, I have an answer for everybody tonight, but Mr. Talimini, I'm not defending any of the department heads or anything like that, but we are in a Catch-22 situation. I found speaking to them personally you get a lot of things done, we get a lot of things answered. We do have to submit letters to them sO we have a record of it and paper trails. Is spoke to Mr. Brazil, and he said it would be easier to come in and see him because he is on the road, he doesn't have a chance to answer like that and I know Mr. McGoff has spoken to him and he got some information today. I can understand that to a certain point, but we are not allowed to go directly to them until we go through the mayor and so there is all of these steps 45 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 in-Detween. Mr. Seitzinger I have spoken to on several occasions and he reacted very quickly. It doesn't look good when they don't respond to our requests, but we are in a - tough spot. We can't make an appointment to meet them every week. We have lives, too. We are working on a lot of other stuff here. If the mayor gave us the authority to meet these department heads personally when we have these situations, it might be easier and more effective for everyone, but the problem is now we have to jump through hoops. And, like I said, the department heads that I have spoken to have been very cooperative with us, however, you know, some of them aren't too good at responding to letters and that, however, they can react if you could get to them in person. MR. TALIMINI: May I just respond to that? I did mention the fact that I don't believe that Mr. Brazil or Mr. Seitzinger work for the mayor, I believe they work for the city, and it's my tax dollars and your 46 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 tax dollars that are paying their salaries. MS. EVANS: Yes. MR. TALIMINI: And if the mayor does not appreciate that then the mayor should pay them out of his own pocket. MS. EVANS: Yes, we understand. MR. TALIMINI: Because they are responsible to the city and the taxpayers, not to the mayor, and the mayor is also responsible to the city and to the taxpayers. MS. EVANS: Thank you, Mr. Talimini. MR. TALIMINI: Thank you. MR. ROGAN: I would also like to add, as Mr. Loscombe mentioned, you know we sent a letter, I asked Mrs. Krake to send a letter to the mayor asking to meet with the new police chief and we have been waiting for two weeks and there is still no response and, you know, definitely what Mr. Talimini said it's disappointing when we get requests that don't get answered, for instance, I have one that I'm going to read off later that's nine months on Cameron : a stop sign at the corner of Price and Jackson and the 47 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 flooding on Cameron Avenue, and I was over there today and what makes it even worse is not only are many of the department heads not answering our requests the department heads get paid more than the mayor, and I personally find that appalling. MS. EVANS: Mr. Dobrzyn. MR. DOBRZYN: Good evening, Council, Dave Dobrzyn, resident of Scranton, member of the Taxpayers'. Once again, I'm going to have to put it the top of the my list with SAPA. Why don't they just join the county planning commission and get together with them? We have a county plan commission and, you know, why do we have to have all of these separate groups all over trying to do something different and tugging in different directions, sO that's my take on it. Now, I was happy to hear a very recent statement from John on these nonprofits. Personally, I think that it's beating it to death that we have to ask some of them for money. Some of them probably have lots of money like our : my friend there says, then a hospital, I just was up 48 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to CMC and they have these little pamphlets there and you take them out and it tells you how much free or uncompensated medical care is what they call it, okay? And currently if council is our only income, Pat, I'm pleased to let you know you are almost 50 percent below the threshold, you know. So, like, in other words, you can earn about $20,000 or $21,000 a year. If you get hit by a car or get appendicitis and go up to the CMC and you are probably have to go through a lot of paperwork, but you would not be required to pay the hospital bill. So it's easy to see why somebody like the CMC might start running out of money with conditions being what they are and 10 percent of the work force unemployed and so forth, sO I do feel that going in the state legislature and staying on them to get honest compensation for the state they are the ones that require it through the state constitution, let them come up with some ideas on how we should pay our bills. Im mentioned this before on the trash, and I talked to the person that I 49 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 always mention that mows the lawns down by the Trolley Town there and she said that she would like to see if somebody dumps trash along the road, which it has been at times, maybe the DPW could call it in and get permission from their boss to remove it even though it's not at a specific address. That would be an idea for keeping some of that because that trash is still hanging out there, so and I see the trouble we have getting anything done, you know, and they have to get : you know, you might get permission from Jesus sooner. And on these budgets, I have a question for everybody in Scranton how do you make a budget when the city is always so far behind on the audits? Every year that I have come here I have heard that we are rounding up an audit for 2008 or, you know, two years behind or things like that and it's just not right. It's just not right that these departments are getting their figures back out and I think personally they need a little : a couple of pep pills or something. 50 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 And finally, I'm going to keep it short tonight, the golden parrot award goes to the US Chamber of Commerce for opposing Tegislation to bring back outsourced jobs, jobs that were outsourced to Indian and China. They have opposed it, there are certain Congressmen that have tried to introduce legislation to bring these jobs back and instead the US Chamber of Commerce is opposed to it, well, I have a question for them, too, how do I afford goods that the US Chamber of Commerce members are selling if we don't have a job. Thank you and have a good night. MS. EVANS: Thank you. MR. UNGVARSKY: Good evening, city council. I'm Tom Ungvarsky. MS. EVANS: Good evening. MR. UNGVARSKY: And I'd like to thank Mr. Rogan for bringing up this report two weeks ago about HUD and the delinquent payments. However, in that same report there are several other items that can be in violation such as the number of hirees they have. I wish you would look into that. 51 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Also, last week you voted to give Attorney Greco another $25,000. Since we only pay $70,000 to a full-time solicitor maybe it would be wise to look into hiring a second solicitor and doing away with Mr. Greco. I wish you look into that. This past week I received a call from a person who was having trouble with some potholes. He has called every office in the city, he has been down to the mayor's office, well, he said he didn't get into see the mayor, he made several visits there. He has called several members of city council. He would like to know what's going on. Alls he wants is somebody to contact him and tell him when he can expect to get those potholes filled. They are on Earth Avenue and Hickory Street and he is having trouble getting out of his carport. I hope somebody can get ahold of city workers, I'm sorry, and get those potholes fixed. Just a short sentence on SAPA. I noticed in the Scranton Times again this week they have an editorial. I guess whatever city council is for they are going 52 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to be against. That is the Scranton Times. I hope city council will stick to their conviction because I see nothing that they can do for Scranton that we don't already have. Thank you. MS. EVANS: Thank you. MR. LOSCOMBE: I'm sorry, but I do have to respond. I did meet the gentleman on Earth Court and I took some photos and we actually submitted a letter about two weeks or sO ago, it's one that we haven't had a response yet. I'11 see if I can get down there before Friday and get some response directly. And I did call the gentleman today, but I didn't get him, he didn't have an answering machine, sO I'11 try him again tomorrow. MR. UNGVARSKY: I'm sure he would appreciate that and, as he says, it's getting late in the season and he would like to have it taken care of. MR. LOSCOMBE: Sure. No, I know it's rough. MR. UNGVARSKY: Because he has been talking to so many people about it. Thank 53 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 you. MS. EVANS: Thank you. Is there anyone else who cares to address council? MR. ANCHERANI: Good evening. Nelson Ancherani, First Amendment Rights. In approximately seven weeks the 2011 city budget will be presented to you by the administration. It will be curious to see if it will be more than the 577,800,000 budgeted for this year. We can't forget that this council attempted to amend the administration's budget by approximately $700,000, which would have put the budget in at approximately 77 million. Over the last nine years, and including this year, the budgets have increased by $111 million cumulatively, increased by $111 million dollars and what improvements have we seen in the infrastructure in the city? I have to remind everyone that the taxpayers are footing the bills for that $111 million increase. Over the course of the last nine years the totals of the budgets and Toans 54 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 and bonds the city has taken out puts us over the three-quarter billion mark for the money taken in in revenue. Remember the three-quarter billion, 700,000 savings was a drop in the bucket compared to what was taken in in revenues. Make your budget at $60 million. Cut the fat. The economy isn't the best sO let's tighten our belts. Let's stop the pork spending. Let's stop giving lien-free demolitions to select businesses. There is sO much more, but we don't have enough time to tell it all. A couple weeks ago I came before you and said you should set the 2011 budget at 60 million. That's 18 million less than the 2010 budget that you were unable to amend and 24 million less than the 2008 budget. These are hard times and if the unions are successful it may be very much harder for the city and it's taxpayers, especially if the city has not put money aside for when all of the city appeals come home to roost, but as I said before, it will be the unions who get the blame. 55 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Over the last nine years over 25 million was given out in raises and new hires while both the police and fire unions got nothing from this administration and you hear nothing in the papers, nothing in the media. It's always against the unions. We have to remember that the expenditures of the police and fire departments has remained static over the last nine years. It took the Courts to give us a raise. Bring the salary of the favorites back to the 2002 rates and give out 7 1/2 percent raises. Even out of the playing field. No one is saying take any money back retroactively, just make the playing field even. I'm not coming here to scare anyone, especially the taxpayers, I'm just trying to lessen the impact when Peter comes to the door looking for his money, the money we borrowed from him to pay Paul, and good luck on your budget. Stand firm, be strong. We, the people, are counting on you. Thank you. MS. EVANS: Thank you. MR. JOYCE: Hey, Chrissy. MR. LOSCOMBE: Chrissy. 56 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. SLEDENZSKI: Hi, Jackie. Well, Jack, we winning against these guys. They are winning. MR. LOSCOMBE: How about that game? MR. SLEDENZSKI: Jack, that was the best game in the world. Jack, I was - I almost fell over. MR. LOSCOMBE: Beautiful night for the game. MR. SLEDENZSKI: This week, North Pocono this week. West, good luck this week. Thank you. MR. LOSCOMBE: Take care, Chrissy. MS. EVANS: Thank you. Is there anyone else who cares to address council? MS. KRAKE: 5-A. MOTIONS. MS. EVANS: Mr. McGoff, any comments or motions? MR. MCGOFF: Very brief. We did receive : we received two items, questions about properties, an apartment house at 746-748 River Street, and then another property at 418 and 420 Alder Street. I will attempt to contact Mr. Oleski and Mr. Seitzinger tomorrow, if not tomorrow the 57 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 next day concerning these two properties and see it there is any resolution for dealing with them, and while I'm there I'17 even look into the one for Mr. Talimini, the one Mr. Talimini mentioned I'17 be speaking to him about it, also about the paving as well. and that's all. Thank you. MS. EVANS: Mr. Rogan, any comments or motions? MR. ROGAN: Yes. I have a list of citizens' requests and a few comments. The first one that I mentioned earlier is there is still no stop sign at the corner of Price and Jackson Street, that has been requested nine months ago. It was a two-way stop and they added a third and now with the three-way it's even more dangerous than with the four because residents are confused, and also the 200 block of North Cameron Avenue the flooding problems there are terrible. I was over there today in the afternoon and we had rain in morning so I was able to see how it puddles and on the side of the road, you know, this is - I was there a few hours after the rain stopped, there was a very 58 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 large puddle into the person's yard and come winter that's going to form ice, and they did a lot work on the 500 block, but the 200 block nothing was done. So, Mrs. Krake, could we please forward that to Director Brazil and, Mr. McGoff, if you would also like to mention that when you go that would be great. Secondly, the Bryn Mawr Cafe at 1544 Bryn Mawr Street has been condemned for several months and the garbage hasn't been collected, and also in the alley there are rodents and the grass and weeds are overgrown. Mrs. Krake, could we please send that to the DPW as well as Licensing and Inspections? The South Side Shopping Center, there was a request that we received probably about six months ago and I believe we sent a letter to the shopping complex. It was about the garbage pickups they were 3:30, 4:00 in the morning and it was waking up neighbors in the area and they started collecting them at a later time after they received our letter, but according to the 59 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 resident that contacted me they are starting doing them at 4:00 in the morning again, and the dumpsters is making or waking up people in the neighborhood behind the center. And this is a rather long one, but I'1) just sum it up. The first part :- the letter was sent to us by the residents on 800 block of Prescott Avenue and the principal of Prescott Elementary School. They would like council's assistance and had no cooperation from the department heads concerning a blighted property on their block. They are thoroughly frustrated and feel their concerns have gone on deaf ears. Our calls to the blight director as well as Mark Seitzinger have gone unreturned. They are tired of being ignored. The property they are referring to is a double home located at 837-839 Prescott Avenue in the Upper Hill Section, and the property was condemned two years ago and this letter goes on, it's almost two pages. It goes onto detail all of the problems with it and I will pass this along to Mrs. Krake and hopefully we can get something done. 60 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Next, a resident at 1402 reports that a 1402 South Irving Street kids broke the porch lights and the gate is open, and this resident has given up on the city inspectors, and before I get to the last one. You know, just after the comment Mr. McGoff made last week about requests being answered and department heads doing their job and listening to Mrs. Krake tonight and the clerk's notes listing all the nonresponses we have had, just in a week I think there was four or five different citizens' requests who before contacting council they contacted the departments first, which is the right way to go about it. First try to get in touch with the department, if they fall on deaf ears get in touch with council, and we will try our best to help you, but it's the most frustrating part of this job is going out every day, and we all do it, to residents who have problems and trying to help them and them having department heads who won't answer the requests. And personally, I don't think it 61 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 should matter if it's in written form or if it's a personal visit or it's a phone call, their job is to work for all of the people of Scranton as is our job and that's what we are trying to do, we are just trying to help people, and personally believe come budget times there has to be cut, the salary should be reduced to less than the mayor's. I think they are overpaid and underworked, And my final request is about a mobile trailer parked in front of 418 to 420 Alder Street and this File of Council No. 216, 2003, an ordinance attached to it, that prohibits these type of trailers being parked on the street, and they also mention that they're worried that if there is a fire or ambulance that needs to come down the road because the mobile home is taking up so much of the road they are worried that they won't be able to get down, so I would also like to give this tos Mrs. Krake. I guess it would go to the chief, but we'17 just talk about that after the meeting, and that is it. Thank you. MS. EVANS: Thank you. 62 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Mr. Loscombe, any comments or motions? MR. LOSCOMBE: Yes. Thank you, Mrs. Evans. First, as Mrs. Krake alluded to earlier, we did have a meeting this Friday regarding the problem with our traffic signalization. We have had some lights in some major intersections that were left on flashing for quite some time, so we had a meeting here convened by Roseanne Novembrino, our solicitor was here, myself, Mrs. Krake, Mr. McGoff, our city engineer and DPW director. We were all present along with two representatives from Urban Electric and basically, you know, we pointed out issues on the contract and, you know, it was getting a little contentious and then it was back and forth, but I think all in all they saw our point. There was a meeting of the minds. They have agreed to : the biggest thing is all of our interest is in the public safety. I mean, there were several accidents at some of those intersections, so they have agreed to : their big thing was that they had to order new control boxes and 63 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 apparently that takes some time, and we had asked them about they had obviously have different parts on hand, at least control boxes are a big ticket item and they didn't have them, but they had agreed to have a control box on standby and they would program it in the event that something Tike that happened again with the control box which would expedite the process. So I think all in all they heard our side and they have agreed to expedite the process and we have requested some information from them on some of the projects they have worked on and we'11 be waiting for that and observing and I think hopefully we will see some action, we won't have those problems that we had prior, so all in all I think it worked out to be a fairly good meeting. Next, Mr. Rogan, you had mentioned something that I was going to touch on, too, the flooding issues back the valley. Idid several weeks ago I think I mentioned I had a meeting at Representative Murphy's Office with different members of PennDOT, the Sewer 64 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Authority, and stuff like that. I did run into Representative Murphy, Tom Tell and Gene Skeleton from the Sewer Authority the other day and I'm happy to say that two of the major issues that we had discussed, one has been taken care of and we just have to keep an eye on it, that was the one in Minooka according to go Mr. Skeleton, the other one at 15th and Luzerne Street they have ordered the material for that and that should be in process very shortly and he also did a project that I had mentioned up on I believe it was Dorothy Street. But Mr. Murphy and Mr. Tell : or Representative Murphy and Mr. Tell from Representative Murphy's Office and Mr. Skeleton we agreed to convene another meeting very shortly because there are several other issues just like this and one of them and I was made aware of it, too, and have witnessed it myself the Keyser Valley area there is a couple of different spots there that we have to pay attention to and also up in the Tripp's Park area I had a couple of issues up there that we would like 65 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to look at, sO if any of other areas come up please don't hesitate to bring them up to me and I'11 present them to them and I'17 let you know when our meeting is. And just Tastly, you know, in this position we see a lot of bidding going through for different projects and stuff like that, and it just crossed my mind in these economic times and stuff like that the city does not have a bottomless piggybank. We get bids for some of these projects that I think, you know, on a normal level should be considerably less. I realize there is prevailing wages, there is permit fees and stuff like that, but I would like to ask the contractors dealing with the city that are going to be submitting bids in the future to consider our economic status at this point, too, and to help us out because I know some of these bids are quite high and I just think they feel it's government money, it's free, but if they can tighten up their bids a little bit more and help the city out it will allow for more money in the piggy bank for more projects. That's all I have to 66 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 say. Thank you. MS. EVANS: Mr. Loscombe, when you have your next meeting though would you please be certain to have these gentlemen visit the 200 block of North Merrifield? MR. LOSCOMBE: Yes. MS. EVANS: This has been going on and on and on. MR. LOSCOMBE: That's definitely a target area. MS. EVANS: It may have been out there possibly a year and a half, two years ago, and something was done to address this the situation, but it wasn't successful and the flooding has been ongoing since and they really do need to return and take another in-depth look at it and prescribe what needs to be done. MR. ROGAN: It's the 200 block of Cameron actually. MS. EVANS: I'm sorry, right. North Cameron Avenue. MR. LOSCOMBE: And that one at Merrifield still backs up with the pump station there and : 67 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. EVANS: Yes. MR. LOSCOMBE: And i also impacts over on the back of Dewey Avenue, too, so there is whole big area that's at issue and we have to resolve that definitely. MS. EVANS: Thank you. MR. LOSCOMBE: Thank you. MS. EVANS: And, Mr. Joyce, any comments or motions? MR. JOYCE: Just a few. The first thing I wanted to talk about tonight are 888 funds. Council has received notification last week that the Single Tax Office has issued the city a check in the amount of $555 - roughly about $557,000, give or take a few dollars and cents here and there. The amount of this check was a payment of 888 funds collected. To further inform everyone, I know that some people at home are probably wondering what are 888 funds. Basically, 888 funds are funds that are collected by the tax office from residents who work within the city limits and do not already pay a municipal wage tax to their home 68 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 community, sO these are nonresidents working within the city limits who did not pay a municipal wage tax to their own home communities. The amount that is collected from these individuals is 1 percent of their wages, therefore, if you live in town "X", which does not have a municipal wage tax, a 1 percent tax will be collected from you. Anyhow, from prior research I understand that the last time 888 funds were sent from the Single Tax Office was in 2009. Prior to that, no 888 funds were sent from the tax office for quite sometime. In fact, t think it was a few years prior to 2009. In discussing earlier with the Single Tax Office, the recent check that was issued includes funds from not only the prior year being 2009, but also previous years as well. With this in mind, Mrs. Krake, would you be able to send a formal request to Mr. Courtright at the Single Tax Office and ask him for a breakdown of the $557,000 that was sent from the tax office to the city as far as what year those 888 funds were for? 69 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 And I have a few citizens' requests. I have been informed by various South Scranton residents that there are suspicious activities occurring in the Nativity Church parking lot, and this is at nighttime. Some of the residents that I spoke with mentioned that they smelled an odor of marijuana when walking their pets and fear that other drugs are being used or sold in the lot at night. Mrs. Krake, can you please send a letter to Chief Duffy and copy Mayor Doherty as - well and maybe, Pat, since you are planning on speaking with the chief maybe you can mention this. MR. ROGAN: Yes. MR. JOYCE: Thank you. If you would notify him of this activity and ask him if he could inform whoever is patrolling that area at night to keep a close eye on that lot for these activities. Also, I was informed by a Minooka resident there are various cracks in the road in front of 115 Pequest Drive as well as the ditch on the corner of Pequest and Penwood, that's up in the Minooka section of 70 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Scranton. The resident is inquiring if these road disturbances could be patched up. Mrs. Krake, if you could please send a request to Mr. Brazil and ask him if he could fill in the cracks in front of this resident's house. This is an elderly resident who upon going to their various appointments and getting out their wheelchair is getting struck in the cracks and it's becoming quite frustrating for them, so if we could have this taken care of that would be very much appreciated by them and so if you could send that request to them that would be greatly appreciated, and that's all I have for tonight. MR. ROGAN: I'm sorry to interrupt, but I just received a message, Mrs. Krake, it's one more request, I just got it now. The light on Parallel Drive is still out and - have the number, I believe we sent a request maybe a month ago but I have the number for you, it's pretty long, so I'11 give it to you after the meeting. MS. EVANS: Good evening. I'm pleased to announce the inclusion in 71 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 tonight's agenda of legislation to amend the Administrative Code of the City of Scranton to publically bid for professional services when the payment for such exceeds the threshold of $10,000 in one calendar year. This first cooperative step by the administration is in response to city council's call for bidding of professional services. After five months of continuous requests, this ordinance will finally provide a level playing field for businesses and proressionals, increase transparency and accountability in city government, and often save taxpayers dollars. In addition, legislation will be introduced to create and establish a special city account entitled "Police, Fire and Ambulance Report Fees" for the receipt and dispersement of report fees collected as amended by this council. Victims of crime no longer pay for police reports. The funds in the newly created account must be used solely for the purchase of police vehicles and if there are a sufficient number of police vehicles, then funds will be used to 72 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 purchase equipment necessary for police officers. This is another step taken by the administration in an effort to cooperate with this council and we do hope cooperative efforts will continue to benefit the people of Scranton. Next, late yesterday city council members received an e-mail from Denise Prowell, SAPA secretary, in response to city council's September 13 letter. In her e-mail Mrs. Prowell states, and I quote: "It should be noted that any SAPA implementation steps that Don King can do in-house for Scranton would have, of course, be accepted as implementation of the plan." She further states, "Adoption carries no cost obligation for any of the communities and no obligation for specific implementation steps. We do hope that all communities that have adopted will go to some type of implementation. After Don King provides a written summary of his thoughts regarding which SAPA implementation steps for Scranton could be done in-house, SAPA 73 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 will include this information in a more detailed letter to city council." It seems that Mrs. Prowell may not understand the offer proposed by Scranton City Council. Therefore, Mrs. Krake, please send another letter to Mrs. Prowell and SAPA on behalf of Scranton City Council. Council recognizes that there is no cost obligation for adoption and for specific implementation steps. Council wishes to know the actual defined costs for each year before it may decide to reconsider adoption of the SAPA implementation plan. In other words, please tell us the actual costs that we may or may not be obligated to pay. Second, Scranton City Planner, Don King, can provide implementation steps such as zoning updates to regulations without Scranton's membership in SAPA. In fact, Scranton is no longer a member of SAPA since like North Abington it did not adopt implementation of the plan. City council has proposed that SAPA accept Don King's services to SAPA members as Scranton's total contribution to the SAPA implementation 74 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 plan. His in-kind services are not simply to cover costs for select services he provides to Scranton, since Mr. King's job for which he is paid by Scranton taxpayers can be accomplished independent of SAPA. Finally, council will accept only defined annual costs for Scranton's portion of the SAPA implementation plan or a written agreement stating that the City of Scranton will incur no financial costs for it's membership in SAPA and it's implementation of the SAPA plan from 2010 through 2030. Scranton will provide the services of it's city planner to SAPA in lieu of any and all payments for membership and implementation of the plan. When defined costs or the aforementioned written agreement is presented to Scranton City Council, it will reconsider adoption of the implementation of the plan. Until such time, Mr. King should only provide his participation and services to SAPA outside of the daily working hours required by his paid position as Scranton city planner. His personal participation is 75 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 not to be construed in any way manner as an agreement by the city to implement the SAPA plan. Next, I wish to respond and clarify some of the remarks made by Councilman McGoff at last week's council meeting. First, Mr. McGoff stated that since 2002 the loan portfolio for economic development has had 61 total loans. Are you aware, Mr. McGoff, that the city's best loan portfolio was sold in 2005? Loans considered high risk were rejected by the purchaser and remained in the possession of OECD. Also, having reviewed the reports sent by Mrs. Aebli I noticed that ECTV's loan was not included, whereas, it had been previously included in reports as forgiven. Do you know how many of the satisfied loans were actually forgiven and not paid off? Incidentally, loan forgiveness decrease the amount of dollars available for new businesses to receive loans. The seven loans that are in litigation are a serious 76 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 concern. The total dollar amount of the seven loans in litigation is $1,240,000. The loss of these loan payments affects the overall quality and quantity of the Toan program and the city pays at least one attorney, Mr. Greco, and perhaps others to pursue this litigation. It's a pleasant motion to see through rose-colored glasses, but a distressed city that faces a Targe deficit needs to be realistic and examine all of the facts and figures. Second, Mr. McGoff stated that it's been his experience that every citizen request made to departments of the city are acted upon. The only request that may not be acted upon are those that are received anonymously. And, oh, I wish that were true. City council requests to department heads are made on behalf of citizens and they are not anonymous, yet at least 50 percent of those requests are ignored. No responses, no actions, no explanations. Also, Mr. McGoff stated that he thinks that a more personal relationship with the city departments is going to be 77 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 much more appropriate, and I do agree, however, the mayor requires that city council members obtain his permission to speak to department heads. He also requires that city council submit it's requests only as a body, yet, Mr. McGoff seems able to speak to department heads and phone in his requests by passing the requirements for permission. Luckily, I think Mr. McGoff enjoys a personal relationship with the mayor and his administration that unfortunately is largely unavailable to this council majority and to many city taxpayers. Most Scranton residents have been well aware of these personal relationships and the purposeful lack thereof since 2002. Third, Mr. McGoff addressed Comcast's contract. The facts are stubborn and regardless of how you try to twist them they still remain the facts. Council approved the Comcast contract for renewal because council amended the contract to include most of the changes it believed were fair and necessary. At the same time, it 78 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 offered numerous compromises to the mayor. The mayor, however, vetoed the contract and on the advice of council solicitor, Boyd Hughes, council did not override the mayor's veto, which I previously stated at council meetings. Also, an RFP or request for proposals was requested by council but it was never signed by Attorney Hughes and it was never agreed to by council. Some attorney other than Attorney Hughes drafted a I model RFP without council's input. After having read the model RFP, council decide that the language of the RFP was nappropriate as discussed at a prior council meeting. The RFP, like the contract, must be rewritten. Mr. McGoff also said that ECTV has been criticized by a number of people for a lack of programming and then it was criticized for agreeing to have programming for the school district. Perhaps Mr. McGoff didn't listen to the full comments provided previously. Since ECTV has no contract, it appears that it cannot enter into agreements 79 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 with any entities to provide future programming. To do so is to misrepresent itself and any new franchise agreement. In addition, ECTV agreed to provide 17 hours of daily programming to the school district from 12 a.m. to through 5 p.m. each day. Local colleges, universities and private schools apparently will receive zero programming. Further, this schedule leaves nearly seven hours or less than 1/3 of the programming to the presentation of city and county government meetings. A responsible education and government EG channel administrator would provide a more balanced offering of programs. Council is not vacillating on what it wishes to do and is not stagnating the entire process as our honorable colleague, Mr. McGoff, remarked. Council demanded financial accountability, an EG channel contract, a fair and reasonable RFP and funding for a future EG channel administrator. The mayor vetoed these amendments and the contract causing a return 80 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 to contract negotiations. These demands remain on the table as well as a renewed interest in a ten-year contract and the return of a second EG channel as a result of the mayor's veto. Now, if you wish to waste time pointing the finger of the blame, please point it where it belongs, Mr. McGoff, and as a councilman, rather than a personal friend, encourage the administration to get this process moving. Finally, I have a few citizens' requests for the week. MR. MCGOFF: May I respond to : MS. EVANS: When I finish, please. Ih have a few citizens' requests for the week, and some of them I think Mr. Rogan and Mr. Loscombe have already taken care of thankfully. Residents report that stop sign they requested at the corner of Price and North Merrifield Avenue was still not installed. Installation was requested by council at least three times in the last nine months. Residents of North Cameron, we got 81 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 that. Neighbors report that the property owner of the 104 Yesu Drive is digging trenches at the top of her sidewalks which are causing flooding issues on neighboring properties. There are additional problems, Mr. Loscombe, and I know I gave you some of that information prior to this evening's meeting in the hope that you will give it your precious attention. City residents report that the police department did a highly commendable job on Saturday evening, September 25. Residents listened to scanners, heard a number of code red calls as well as reports of police chases, apprenensions, and words of appreciation exchanged among police personnel. These residents requested that kudos 9o out to our men and women of the Scranton Police Department, and this councilwoman is very happy to grant this request. East Mountain residents ask for an update on 403 Stafford Avenue from Councilman McGoff. They also report that 82 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 the large posting board remains at the corner of the Meadow and River Street and they soon anticipate the placement of campaign signs, so again they request an update from Mr. McGoff on this matter as well. Install a permit parking sign in the middle of the 500 block of Quincy Avenue as soon as possible. Both sides of this block are permit parking only and signs remain at the end of both of the block. However, the permit parking only sign was removed from the middle of the block. Consequently, police officers will not ticket vehicles parked at this location without appropriate signage. Residents of Pike Street again request their street is paved. It has not been paved in 23 years. The DPW recently patched several potholes but the materials spilled out and has created additional problems while at the same time numerous large potholes still remain untouched. Vehicles are traveling in oncoming traffic lanes to avoid large holes and are causing 83 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 dangerous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. This is a repeated request for paving. Also, please clean the drainage ditches on the westerly side of Pike Street. The water ponds and freezes during the cold weather months creating even more treacherous road conditions, and I believe this is a repeat request as well. Finally, city council requests a proclamation for Rudolph Michael Drasba on the occasion of his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. For his project, Rudolph of purchased and installed high visibility marker polls on each of the closest fire hydrants to 19 public schools in Scranton. Rudolph felt these poles would help Scranton firefighters to locate the hydrants quickly, particularly, in a snow emergency and at night. He passed his Eagle Scout Board of Review on September 15, 2010. Council wishes to add it's official proclamation to those which will be displayed at his Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony, and Scranton City Council commends Rudolph Michael 84 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Drasba, son of Joyce and Rudolph Drasba, for his numerous accomplishments and his outstanding contribution to public safety in our city. MR. MCGOFF: I just wanted to respond to two things that were mentioned. First, prior to the meeting I did mention to Attorney Hughes that I misspoke last week and attached his name to the RFP and I explained to him how it happened and I do want to say that I did make a mistake in saying his name was on that RFP for the PEG channel. That was totally my fault and I do publically apologize as well for doing that. MR. HUGHES: Thank you, Mr. McGoff. MR. MCGOFF: Secondly, I didn't think that we were, you know, discussing SAPA at any point in time anymore. Although was in favor of the original proposal, I would just like to comment that I think that SAPA is aware of what the parameters are for council reconsidering the proposal and I think right now the ball is in their court and until they're willing to send something to council that meets those parameters for 85 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 council reconsidering it, I think any criticism of council concerning SAPA is really unwarranted. It's been made quite clear what people's feelings are on SAPA on the council and under what conditions we will reconsider it, sO until SAPA themselves do something I don't think that there is anything council needs to respond to as far as criticism, and that was all. Thank you. MS. - EVANS: Thank you. Mrs. Krake. MS. KRAKE: 5-B. ACCEPTING A ONE THOUSAND ($1,000.00) DOLLAR CONTRIBUTION FROM SANOFI PASTEUR PRESENTED TO THE CITY OF SCRANTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. MS. EVANS: At this time I'11 entertain a motion that Item 5-B be introduced into it's proper committee. MR. JOYCE: So moved. MR. LOSCOMBE: Second. MS. EVANS: On the question? A71 those in favor of introduction signify by saying aye. MR. MCGOFF: Aye. MR. ROGAN: Aye. 86 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. LOSCOMBE: Aye. MR. JOYCE: Aye. MS. EVANS: Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it and sO moved. MS. KRAKE: 5-C. AMENDING THE ADMINISTRATIVE CODE OF THE CITY OF SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, SECTION 6-14 CONTRACTS, SUBSECTION (C) TO PUBLICLY BID FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES. MS. EVANS: At this time I'11 entertain a motion that Item 5-C be introduced into it's proper committee. MR. JOYCE: So moved. MR. ROGAN: Second. MS. EVANS: On the question? A1l those in favor of introduction signify by saying aye. MR. MCGOFF: Aye. MR. ROGAN: Aye. MR. LOSCOMBE: Aye. MR. JOYCE: Aye. MS. EVANS: Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it and so moved. MS. KRAKE: 5-D. CREATING AND ESTABLISHING SPECIAL CITY ACCOUNT NO. 87 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 02.229597 ENTITLED "POLICE, FIRE AND AMBULANCE REPORT FEES" FOR THE RECEIPT AND DISBURSEMENT OF THE REPORT FEES COLLECTED PER FILE OF THE COUNCIL NO. 28, 2010 (AS AMENDED). MS. EVANS: At this time I'11 entertain a motion that Item 5-D be introduced into it's proper committee. MR. ROGAN: So moved. MR. JOYCE: Second. MS. EVANS: On the question? A1l those in favor of introduction signify by saying aye. MR. MCGOFF: Aye. MR. ROGAN: Aye. MR. LOSCOMBE: Aye. MR. JOYCE: Aye. MS. EVANS: Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it and so moved. MS. KRAKE: SIXTH ORDER. NO BUSINESS AT THIS TIME. SEVENTH ORDER. 7-A. FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - FOR ADOPTION - FILE OF COUNCIL NO. 40. 2010- AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND 88 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 OTHER APPROPRIATE OFFICIALS OF THE CITY OF SCRANTON TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE CONSOLIDATED SUBMISSION FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS TO BE FUNDED UNDER THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM, HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP (HOME) PROGRAM AND EMERGENCY SHELTER GRANT (ESG) PROGRAM. MS. EVANS: What is the recommendation of the Chairperson for the Committee on Community Development? MR. ROGAN: As Chairperson for the Committee on Community Development, I recommend tabling Item 7-A. MR. LOSÇOMBE: Second. MS. EVANS: On the question? MR. ROGAN: Yes. The reason I'm asking to table Item 7-A tonight is to allow the public a 30-day comment period before the vote, the final passage. MS. EVANS: A17 those in favor of tabling Item 7-A signify by saying aye. MR. MCGOFF: Aye. MR. ROGAN: Aye. MR. LOSCOMBE: Aye. 89 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MR. JOYCE: Aye. MS. EVANS: Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it and so moved. MS. KRAKE: 7-B. FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOR ADOPTION-RESOLUTION NO. 36, 2010 ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD ("HARB") AND APPROVING THE CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS FOR HEMMLER + CAMAYD ARCHITECTS, 409 LACKAWANNA AVENUE, SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA FOR FAÇADE MASONRY CLEANING; PAINTING OF TRIMS AND PANELS; NEW ALUMINUM COPING; FACING FINISHING AND PAINTING OF NEW SIGN FRIEZE; NEW SIGNAGE; RECONSTRUCTION OF FIRST-FLOOR STOREFRONTS; CERAMIC TILE KNEE WALL; NEW ALUMINUM GLAZING AND NEW PILASTERS AND DOOR SURROUND AT 426 SPRUCE STREET, SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA. MS. EVANS: What is the recommendation of the Chair for the Committee on Community Development? MR. ROGAN: As Chairperson for the Committee on Community Development, I 90 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 recommend final passage of Item 7-B. MR. JOYCE: Second. MS. EVANS: On the question? Roll call, please? MS. CARRERA: Mr. McGoff. MR. MCGOFF: Yes. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Rogan. MR. ROGAN: Yes. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Loscombe. MR. LOSCOMBE: Yes. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Joyce. MR. JOYCE: Yes. MS. CARRERA: Mrs. Evans. MS. EVANS: Yes. I hereby declare Item 7-B legally and lawfully adopted. MS. KRAKE: 7-C. FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMITTEE ON RULES - FOR ADOPTION- RESOLUTION NO. 37, 2010 - APPOINTMENT OF WAYNE EVANS, 717 ALDER STREET, SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, 18505, TO THE HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE REVIEW BOARD. MR. EVANS WILL REPLACE JOHN T. COGNETTI WHO RESIGNED ON AUGUST 10, 2010. MR. EVANS' WILL FULFILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF MR. COGNETTI, WHOSE TERM WILL EXPIRE OCTOBER 11, 2014. 91 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 MS. EVANS: As Chairperson for the Committee on Rules, I recommend final passage of Item 7-C. MR. ROGAN: Second. MS. EVANS: On the question? I'm sure Mr. Evans will do a splendid job in his appointment to the Historical Architecture Review Board. I know it's been one of his areas of interest and expertise for many years. Roll call, please. MS. CARRERA: Mr. McGoff. MR. MCGOFF: Yes. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Rogan. MR. ROGAN: Yes. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Loscombe. MR. LOSCOMBE: Yes. MS. CARRERA: Mr. Joyce. MR. JOYCE: Yes. MS. CARRERA: Mrs. Evans. MS. EVANS: Yes. I hereby declare Item 7-C legally and lawfully adopted. MS. - KRAKE: 7-D. FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMMITTEE ON RULES - FOR_ADOPTION- RESOLUTION NO. 38, 2010 - APPOINTMENT OF GENE P. TESEROVITCH, 1514 THACKERY STREET, 92 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA, 18504, AS A MEMBER OF THE ETHICS COMMISSION. MR. TESEROVITCH WILL BE REPLACING WAYNE EVANS, WHO RESIGNED ON AUGUST 11, 2010. MR. TESEROVITCH WILL FULFILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM OF MR. EVANS, WHOSE TERM WILL EXPIRE ON JULY 12, 2015. MS. EVANS: As Chair for the Committee on Rules, I recommend the tabling of Item 7-D. MR. ROGAN: Second. MS. EVANS: On the question? MR. LOSCOMBE: I just wanted to explain why we are tabling it. Basically, you know our policy, we need a resume for anyone that's appointed to these boards and such, we have made that known from day one, however, before the final vote we have always sent out a reminder letter to the candidate to at least remind them, they may not see us on TV or whatever to know about it, unfortunately, we forgot to get this one out in the mail, so that's the reason we are tabling it. Nothing against Mr. Teserovitch or anything, but just to give him an opportunity sO we could remind him. That's 93 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 all. MS. EVANS: A1l those in favor of tabling Item 7-D signify by saying aye. MR. MCGOFF: Aye. MR. ROGAN: Aye. MR. LOSCOMBE: Aye. MS. EVANS: Aye. Opposed? The ayes have it and sO moved. (Mr. Joyce was not present for this vote.) MS. EVANS: If there is no further business, I'11 entertain a motion to adjourn. MR. LOSCOMBE: Motion to adjourn. MS. EVANS: This meeting is adjourned. 94 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 CERLLFICATE IH hereby certify that the proceedings and evidence are contained fully and accurately in the notes of testimony taken by me at the hearing of the above-captioned matter and that the foregoing is a true and correct transcript of the same to the best of my ability. RNh.lon CATHENE S. NARDOZZI, RPR OFFICIAL COURT REPORTER