[{"_1":2,"_108":-5,"_109":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6364049,"mediaKeyId","2165399-d3381105ce10ed48d866db45c31455f2","parentId",2165399,"title","Resident asks council to file complaint over UGI rate increase; councilman to lead effort","audioSeconds",161,"startMs",3603000,"endMs",3764000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165399-d3381105ce10ed48d866db45c31455f2&start=3603&end=3764","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165399-d3381105ce10ed48d866db45c31455f2/thumbnail_3603000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6364049/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Resident-asks-council-to-file-complaint-over-UGI-rate-increase-councilman-to-lead-effort","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364049-2b49530dedd5de70cca2fef758df7080/orig.mp4?Expires=1773243157&Signature=JE1DkaFw7da943mZ-8Z4nCxksNpiJQPVNL6CC4kIBBJbYHdmWKrtBknfsx7QGkDtvTvn8cp6TcMWpAyVl0H00chPoGQVHWyy-f8xVkhFZc4GaYmdR3gxGubRnTgHhUNQ585hBRlWQmCEqXHDq-BxTTlZXKvFua~Sk-4qFw1VPrFu7~EsXeipSaaWGNQeE0zuL~09qtoBqlJD54H4O3Tiuy8kVQ7y1qh3O7Y~U~2Ek2OF9JjkjekhKcYLMAfe6cJsTZQUeQnUuwxMwg8cJP7UYeqtsYZH6Ko7wQtoygn~2k1m30O3~f4KXl7GgaCEkcO8u~z2nzwq3tBhM1mSmKBD4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Scranton, PA","date","2025-01-29T13:28:55Z","article","A resident asked the Scranton City Council on Tuesday to seek a formal review of a proposed UGI natural-gas rate increase, telling the council the hikes would further strain working-class household budgets. The rate increase discussed in public comments was described as an additional 11 percent — the third such hike in roughly a year in the region, according to a commenter.

Councilman King said he would work with the city solicitor and state representatives to organize a formal complaint to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), following the model the council used earlier to seek rate relief from a water utility. King said the prior effort helped reduce a proposed water-rate increase. He pledged to provide docket information publicly so that citizens can file supporting complaints to the PUC.

Why it matters: Utility-rate hikes are regulated by the PUC; municipal complaints and coordinated citizen filings can trigger local hearings and public comment opportunities. An organized city-level filing can prompt a formal docket and a public hearing, which supporters said would allow residents to weigh in.

Ending: Council members said they will begin organizing the complaint and will coordinate with state lawmakers and residents who wish to participate in the PUC process; a formal docket number will be published when available.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Scranton City Council 1-28-25","oneSentenceSummary","A resident urged the council to file a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission over a UGI gas-rate increase; Councilman King said he will organize a complaint and involve state representatives as he did in a prior water-rate effort.","taxTitle","Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania","taxId",2973,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364055,"Councilors and residents press for clarity on shelters, Code Blue services",150,2821000,2971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165399-d3381105ce10ed48d866db45c31455f2&start=2821&end=2971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165399-d3381105ce10ed48d866db45c31455f2/thumbnail_2821000.jpg","/articles/6364055/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Councilors-and-residents-press-for-clarity-on-shelters-Code-Blue-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364055-483c89384ae2b7735db61f7654a895b3/orig.mp4?Expires=1773243157&Signature=kSpBrjx6wChARlhoc2Jy9h2Yxf~aY1rGbjAweXdqqckzKy1K~nd3xhknLqtXany8SHtiab6TxgliZotaoMu0CBi6EpSFYZwNzuUD6MzJmCJg4tX0CiEslQQkhKQxHnI0mgs~ARiql-d32U12cg6cGYAlhDu0lryRYBoAuQJD3rA9RR6cp03Av7tkG1Ul-BKY7iTILzQicwK~XUlbwi7wZuwys9HVnVyAWipfaJ2H1kc1KgKoqT4lvMaG2Ol6JE7LQwZBxANYBO1l0~OMiRHxrqmUw22hZLq5kv4fc24t0ig3BgTMAZbO5XYI8CC4ysE9Q9YtbsvUfPnw5MjVv0rM~A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents told the Scranton City Council on Jan. 28 they want clearer information and faster action on homelessness and winter “Code Blue” shelter operations. Council members described existing shelter options and said they will work to publish a consolidated list of services.

At the meeting, Councilman McCandrell offered sympathies to residents impacted by homelessness and said local providers have options beyond the evening shelter. “There is a place for them to go after 8 o’clock,” McCandrell said, describing the coordinated shelter and daytime services. Council members and staff later outlined the city’s winter shelter procedures: the overnight shelter at Western Field (982 Providence Road) operates from 8 p.m. until 7 a.m.; the Community Intervention Center, at 445 North Sixth Ave., operates daytime hours and provides mail, referrals and other services; Saint Anthony’s Haven also provides services to people experiencing homelessness. Council staff said they will work with the mayor’s office and department staff to compile a short, public list of shelter and support locations for the city website.

Public commenters asked whether families and people with special needs would be prioritized and urged more permanent housing options, employment assistance and counseling in addition to overnight sheltering. Norma (last name not specified), who described organizing volunteers and committees in a hypothetical shelter scenario, said creating a functioning facility could take more than a year. Council members acknowledged the need for outreach and said a city task force is available and active; McCandrell said he would follow up with additional information at a later meeting.

Why it matters: Residents and service providers have pushed for clarity on where people are directed during Code Blue calls and what services are available during daytime hours. That information affects families, people experiencing homelessness and agencies coordinating shelter beds and casework.

Ending: Council members said they would work to publish a concise public guide to winter shelters and services and to follow up with additional details at future council meetings.","Public comments urged action on homelessness and Code Blue services; councilors described shelter hours and said the city would publish a consolidated list of winter shelter options and services.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364060,"Council introduces Meadowbrook easement ordinance after residents seek details",0,5143000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165399-d3381105ce10ed48d866db45c31455f2&start=5143&end=5143","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165399-d3381105ce10ed48d866db45c31455f2/thumbnail_5143000.jpg","/articles/6364060/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Council-introduces-Meadowbrook-easement-ordinance-after-residents-seek-details","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364060-03090f00b067f0234026fb5e898ff989/orig.mp4?Expires=1773243157&Signature=hOvW6ng-7SUaPVmy6mfuJz~D3y2KNZXdzEnXH0l1IdL42NrxmxMwZQsRyM99YWtKI3sWmf43uXyqOsqi02us342RU1aNgCLDr67JZ9pYRQKbP37ckG9AoSMjdH2hQZp9UyAcywgbjhrcBEmx1unVdscLPsfK-leBYWe3915ZRmHyrOcGtRxJ-ZbA1MACfFbqUMHVmx~IfU48qt4JfRSSU-fbx2CJhqtwjnhCT1U8bZN6267tkRoIHUEot-8Grcu9WmAQHlfEeIuOAKC6VHYruyR5auVrxVEITRcd5SSOYX8D2ImeEQigcsPH-Wcggap9LVCoXscAW9MvHq1-LxjwYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scranton City Council on Jan. 28 introduced an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of permanent and temporary easements, including the option to file a declaration of taking under the eminent-domain code, for the Meadowbrook flood-protection project.

The measure was introduced into its proper committee by voice vote. Council members said city engineers will meet with residents this week to provide project details and answer questions about construction timelines and temporary access to private property.

Eric Khetlebowski, a Ryerson Avenue resident whose property received a notice listing 127 square feet as a temporary easement, said at the meeting that he had tried to reach project staff and had not received a reply. “I need information. I need to know who I can speak to about it,” Khetlebowski said, asking the council to ensure direct contact and clearer timelines for homeowners.

Council members responded that staff would contact affected residents and that the engineers’ meeting scheduled this week would be used to share timelines and address access questions. The ordinance introduced authorizes staff to secure rights, franchises, licenses and titles required for the project and enables a declaration of taking under section 302 of the eminent-domain code if necessary; the introduction does not itself acquire property rights.

Why it matters: The easements are intended to allow construction and workspace for a flood-control project along Meadowbrook Creek. Temporary easements can affect driveways and property access; residents with mobility or caregiving needs raised concerns about how long access restrictions might last and who to notify.

What council recorded: The ordinance was introduced and sent to committee; a staff review and residents’ meeting were promised. Formal acquisition of any property rights would require separate actions by council or administrative filings.

Ending: City staff and engineers are expected to follow up with residents who left contact information and to report back to committee; the ordinance will return to council after committee review or additional legal steps if needed.","Council introduced an ordinance to acquire permanent and temporary easements for the Meadowbrook flood-protection project and agreed to share more information with neighbors at an engineers' meeting scheduled this week.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":91,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":93,"_51":104,"_53":105,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":106,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":107,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6364064,"Scranton council approves salary increases, no-parking zones and other measures",869,6012000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165399-d3381105ce10ed48d866db45c31455f2&start=5143&end=6012","/articles/6364064/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Scranton-council-approves-salary-increases-no-parking-zones-and-other-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364064-683cdddba8a9455dceb2183b31e531dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1773243157&Signature=J9d~hg71-iiTLQY8ZVx5GVeqVpm-I4LlTMbNyXw7AgbhiV~f-muEOYY~UTKiS0Z7PGwETtIW4aVVbZdnY1tD13oO7dIPucUvMwRjFlZt92soNkSklmSxQ0fkJJLmF~GVEnmurGSkCIqz5RHlBDzEA5al5lDKfXOYpvZY9S0vO8N9mXYLe7S-jbFCvhe~DYeODULKfopxwK0SolZ~PSyBzSiIRKkaIkRT4yE4CfZciUnBq2LQDgcQJHNOhaAmDXKe5hl2Ja1lcj~5BulY8xDz~6Mg70CfmtIWgl4jk~qT0e1QkUxbuxOyOiwIfJZKZb2QOIh-gOdffae04bivC0mCpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scranton City Council on Tuesday approved a package of ordinances that includes raises for elected officials, a no-parking ordinance for part of Cedar Avenue and a pay increase for the city’s tax collector, and it introduced an ordinance to acquire easements for the Meadowbrook flood-protection project.

The council voted to raise the mayor’s salary to $95,000 and to increase each council member’s annual salary to $18,000, changes scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The council also approved increasing the tax collector’s salary to $72,000, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The body adopted a no-parking ordinance to bring the easterly and westerly sides of the 3400 blocks of Cedar Avenue into compliance with PennDOT sight-distance specifications, and it extended the lease with Street Cats and Dogs Inc. for the Ash Street firehouse property for 12 months.

Votes and key actions (official motions and roll calls recorded in the council minutes):

- Ordinance: Introduce into committee — Acquisition of permanent and temporary easements for the Meadowbrook flood-protection project and authorization to file a declaration of taking under section 302 of the eminent domain code. Motion to introduce: moved and seconded; introduction approved (voice vote: “Aye”). Note: council members said a residents’ meeting with city engineers is scheduled this week.

- Resolution (5c, introduced): Authorizing the mayor and city officials to accept on behalf of the Scranton Fire Department a Pennsylvania American Water firefighting support grant of up to $1,000. Motion to introduce: moved and seconded; introduction approved (voice vote: “Aye”).

- Ordinance (6a): Amend lease agreement with Street Cats & Dogs Inc. for 1409 Ash Street; extend term by 12 months (reading by title and passage by voice). Motion to pass reading by title: moved by Councilman McCandrell; seconded; passage adopted (voice vote: “Aye”).

- Ordinance (7a): Establish and ratify no-parking zone along easterly and westerly sides of 3400 blocks of Cedar Avenue to meet PennDOT standards. Committee recommendation: final passage. Roll call: King — yes; Shuster — yes; Rothchild — yes; McAndrew — yes; Smearl — yes. Item declared adopted.

- Ordinance (7b): Increase mayor’s salary to $95,000 effective Jan. 1, 2026. Committee recommendation: final passage. Roll call: King — yes; Shuster — no; Rothchild — yes; McAndrew — no; Smearl — yes. Item declared adopted.

- Ordinance (7c): Increase council member salary to $18,000 effective Jan. 1, 2026 (amended language to cite Article 3, Section 304 of the Home Rule Charter; amendment and ordinance adopted). Committee recommendation: final passage as amended. Roll call: King — yes; Shuster — no; Rothchild — yes; McAndrew — no; Smearl — yes. Item declared adopted as amended.

- Ordinance (7d): Increase tax collector salary to $72,000 effective Jan. 1, 2026. Committee recommendation: final passage. Roll call: King — yes; Shuster — yes; Rothchild — yes; McAndrew — yes; Smearl — yes. Item declared adopted.

Council members who voted on roll-call items (as listed in the meeting transcript) included Councilman King; Councilman Shuster; Dr. Rothchild; Councilman McAndrew; and Council President Smearl. Several measures were introduced to committee for review rather than enacted immediately.

Why it matters: The salary changes set compensation levels for municipal elected offices beginning in 2026 and were the most contested items on a busy agenda. The Meadowbrook easement introduction begins a legal process that could lead to property acquisitions or temporary access rights for flood-control work in neighborhoods along Meadowbrook Creek.","On Jan. 28 the Scranton City Council adopted measures raising elected officials' pay, established no-parking zones on Cedar Avenue, extended an animal-shelter lease and approved a tax-collector pay increase; council also introduced an easement ordinance for the Meadowbrook flood project.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident asks council to file complaint over UGI rate increase; councilman to lead effort

Councilors and residents press for clarity on shelters, Code Blue services

Council introduces Meadowbrook easement ordinance after residents seek details

Scranton council approves salary increases, no-parking zones and other measures