[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6092501,"mediaKeyId","2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53","parentId",2853269,"title","Council asked to request NeighborWorks investigate potential conflict involving city council candidate","audioSeconds",173,"startMs",5013000,"endMs",5186000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53&start=5013&end=5186","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53/thumbnail_5013000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6092501/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Council-asked-to-request-NeighborWorks-investigate-potential-conflict-involving-city-council-candidate","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092501-f1627e191718d9e913706b70ffb65d78/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193570&Signature=a2uFq-lmdh15iSERe3vquiI224PDmb9bcuWHEoDVEFn4L0XlDXEAPawpIg3piBLXc-9l1ctFsaD47XyJiX1uEk4ueAVsfZpcfJZ4w6Nis15ODJxiDuGKqq6xD9UhIds8zhZnk3AZ8PNBTDims45IdvTClQRF40JW0ohaa~E5r~1YxCf~rn8zJ7QHUvjC2EkzRWe4YWMFFiI1YBTpo2~8U3cVe03p2~GMKesDxQh-Wvh4fbpzPoulFyxrA6xt1JjMUf67cclJV-xJZtk-lcFIRAUTzld1wp7AUq5hIWnQ5hSogwKTtQlb-zaqkY4qxpS3bgMgSx8-PYFpgl-PxOxcrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Scranton, PA","date","2025-04-02T22:36:35.983Z","article","A letter copied to Scranton City Council alleging a potential conflict of interest involving a NeighborWorks employee who is also a city council candidate was raised in open session and council leadership asked the administration and solicitor to seek an opinion and request NeighborWorks conduct an internal review.

Council member Mr. King said a March 5 letter from an attorney at the law firm Joyce Carmody & Moran was sent to NeighborWorks' board and copied to council; the letter opined that Todd Pooley, described in the attorney's letter as a NeighborWorks employee and a council candidate, posed a potential conflict of interest if elected. Council discussed the source and apparent motivations of the letter during the meeting.

Council direction and next steps: Mr. King asked that administration forward a request to NeighborWorks to conduct an internal investigation into whether Mr. Pooley's employment would create a conflict of interest if he serves on city council, and to seek an advisory opinion from the State Ethics Commission if necessary. Mr. King asked that the council solicitor render an opinion as well when the solicitor returns.

Why it matters: Allegations of conflicts involving local nonprofit staff and candidates for elected office raise governance and ethics questions; council requested investigations and legal advice to clarify whether a disqualifying conflict exists.

Ending: Council asked the city solicitor to review the matter when available and for administration to contact NeighborWorks leadership to request an internal inquiry and, if appropriate, an ethics opinion; no formal ethics determination or enforcement action was taken at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Scranton City Council Public Mtg 4-1-25","oneSentenceSummary","Council member asked administration to forward a letter alleging a potential conflict of interest between a NeighborWorks employee and a city council candidate to NeighborWorks leadership and the city solicitor for review.","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},6092504,"Residents press council on reassessment, homelessness, pools and neighborhood maintenance during public comment",4276,570000,4846000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53&start=570&end=4846","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53/thumbnail_570000.jpg","/articles/6092504/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Residents-press-council-on-reassessment-homelessness-pools-and-neighborhood-maintenance-during-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092504-33cf6c58a6d1eacdd2110b23d2ceca98/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193570&Signature=kMZCIe6UTxRE~qfytIyNtUGfn~qdaZ8aderHX5nEHSRfKH40VCNyYj415MqmTGCOIMepggVVPc-49-jI1OXMYRcwPdYxOContvthia2a5~MALZeBEYUnHzXWhI4z5cwAKD2BojHL1EaaldyjncuMQwjc6FhWEv6xNVQMiAvL1w~9BoZe-ft7X7-xRxSMdImox8ZE69yB3h9e2BjpJn~PKF1MkWBxEcYqJZg1-qNgVoCpq5OyHgCG5dFseIBNuS3EwsF~ABdnAF2RUQRfdASVFOBWIbkubMVHVAmDYpNaa1e5ARxrMfADxjqJ~RlYNqp5Kl8JBlJ99TXSrJ3s1nL~Gw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Citizens used the public-comment portion of the Scranton City Council meeting to draw attention to a variety of local concerns, including a recent reassessment, homelessness and shelter needs, public-safety and gang activity, pool renovations and accessibility, and neighborhood blight and maintenance.

Reassessment and taxes: Several speakers described reassessment outcomes they considered incorrect or unaffordable. Les Spindler said his 36-year-old house was reassessed at $194,000 and called the figure \"ridiculous,\" adding, \"I wouldn't get half of that if I tried to sell it today.\" Lee Morgan and other speakers framed property-tax and wage challenges as part of broader economic concerns facing the city.

Homelessness and public safety: Multiple commenters raised homelessness and public-safety issues. Lynn Labroski urged the city to consider funding a second defibrillator for West Scranton Little League fields and to invite the public into task-force work on unsheltered populations. Virgil Argento criticized the administration and council for what he described as failings on homelessness, crime, and police staffing.

Pools and accessibility: Council members and residents discussed pool renovations and access for people who use wheelchairs. Council member Doctor Rothchild noted the Neag pool will be a zero-entry design and said the city should explore lifts or aqua wheelchairs for swimmers who use wheelchairs to ensure access.

Blight, walkability and local projects: Public commenters asked for more work on blight and street maintenance and questioned the cost of a walkability study that one speaker estimated at $20 million compared with water projects. Council members noted ongoing blight lists and a vacant property review committee; the first public meeting of that committee was scheduled for June 30 at 3 p.m.

Ending: Speakers asked for follow-up on specific issues (code enforcement visits for suspected Airbnb properties, completion of garbage pickup at homeless encampments, and monitoring of overtime drivers). Council members acknowledged the items and directed staff and administration to follow up where appropriate; no formal votes on these public-comment items were taken.","Dozens of citizens used public comment to raise concerns about the recent property reassessment, homelessness, public safety and the condition of neighborhood amenities; speakers urged more transparency and city action on blight, policing, and support for youth sports fields.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6092509,"Public questions legality of city's use of Rubicon mapping system; council asks administration for responses",1982,1137000,3119000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53&start=1137&end=3119","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53/thumbnail_1137000.jpg","/articles/6092509/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Public-questions-legality-of-citys-use-of-Rubicon-mapping-system-council-asks-administration-for-responses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092509-331ee42bc9f6d68460e71031c6189a0b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193570&Signature=GuH1EvYiHR8Pkmpm8ex~z6DOchBz6hzJrHP~lZGpOqQ6Lo883REmrBhIoRBslukInp--hXEsEFi3qRV9In16k8Y8bT-l4yK~7Mz-OVzpjwafc10Y-hVSip5wEwDGjHKaNzcJKi8Th848AijFDB9ZYxBV9cT8DCLY6Pbw7zPW7x3H0fVdBUtxUPfInW2U40M436TAMnvo8s9nK-LiTHAoxVk12Jpk-X-zCftBL4la8hesqLVu9iF6uV3gjcvDQUEHbsYOzMZyOZl1NZJUceJ4M3ahSTHnPSoVV0OgAh5yTJthTZ4fgOpeR5o5vfaWne-lFmIlCw9AUqAa~uabuKypLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and a council member pressed the Scranton City Council for clarity about the city's contract and use of the Rubicon mapping system, asking whether the city's legal and procurement procedures were followed and raising cybersecurity and continuity concerns.

During public comment, Tom Coyne and Bailey Simrill urged the council to explain how Rubicon was implemented and funded. Coyne asked whether the city had a continuity policy or hard-copy backups if the stand-alone mapping system were disabled, saying, “Do we not have a policy for continuation of business... What if that stand alone system gets ransomware?” Simrill asked specifically for a legal opinion or explanation about the city continuing to use and pay for Rubicon for a three-month period \"before council approved it.\"

Council response and next steps: Council members said they would seek answers from administration and the solicitor. Mr. Shuster said the city administration reported the county had not yet mailed a required letter regarding tax-exempt properties (a separate HUP test item that was raised earlier) and that the council would \"reach out to the commissioners tomorrow\"; Bailey Simrill said she would \"not let up on it\" regarding Rubicon. Council requested the law department review the procurement timeline and provide a formal explanation once the regular solicitor or counsel returns.

Why it matters: Residents and at least one council member framed Rubicon as a core operational system for Department of Public Works routing and tracking; questions about pre-approval payments and backup procedures touch on procurement transparency, continuity of city services, and cybersecurity preparedness.

What the transcript shows: The concerns were voiced during public comment and the council's fifth-order motions; no formal motion or vote concerning Rubicon or contract reversal occurred at the meeting. Council members and staff committed to follow up with legal and administrative offices for clarifying information.

Ending: Council members asked administration and the solicitor to provide the written explanation and any legal opinion regarding Rubicon's authorization and to report back to council; no timeline was specified on the record.","Multiple speakers asked why the city paid for Rubicon mapping for three months before council approval and raised cybersecurity and continuity concerns; council members said they would follow up with administration and the solicitors' office.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6092514,"Scranton City Council approves easements, excavation rules, refuse truck purchase and zoning-board appointment",350,5225000,5575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53&start=5225&end=5575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2853269-ac4f5a6802cee5c283a40c8f24f43a53/thumbnail_5225000.jpg","/articles/6092514/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Scranton-City-Council-approves-easements-excavation-rules-refuse-truck-purchase-and-zoning-board-appointment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6092514-9e0e6e334e110e9f3f2a1230737b8953/orig.mp4?Expires=1771193570&Signature=dhqWarc2-C71hjVy2CsMRMJcvBZThibW625taMrxwFLf0ViFIX84ULi6aE0oNHGtKZzurogvtqGdol46Ywxh28dfka5ryD1OpDGA9eCrlc7pUnpYvMdqRvH1vdIQ8~qcZGnezfMjJ8N4s-1V0b~nkrIxgrb6AlsIKrB1zZOscnPkHDAly2qwsZGVNIu7GJDhmWiCVLktDGCJMYollhWK7WFDbBQrGnJQ47HzY5fRcFHZd5seNh4FCHcAZRcUeaStE2jptTYHDpkTatY3jltIBHlNoro~wJNoa3QdVk0rqdNggjaGu4iiJdhbQhHv5bzicTZtkV-me1joeJg-YuzGCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scranton City Council on a unanimous roll call approved several ordinances and resolutions and introduced four infrastructure-related items for committee review.

Council members approved final passage of an agreement conveying a right-of-way and temporary construction interests to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the Cedar Avenue bridge replacement project, an amendment to the city's excavation regulations, a purchase agreement for two refuse trucks with Mid Atlantic Waste Systems, and the appointment of Paul W. Welby as an alternate member of the zoning hearing board. Each of those items passed on recorded votes in the meeting.

The council also introduced four items for committee consideration: ordinances authorizing acquisition of easements for the Kaiser Valley Flood Protection Project Group 2 and the East Mountain Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project Group 2, and plan-revision resolutions for a new land development in the 500 block of Wyoming Avenue and the Weston Field Pool Complex in the 900 block of Providence Road.

Why it matters: The adopted measures clear legal and procurement steps for city projects (right-of-way conveyance and truck procurement) and confirm the zoning board roster while the introduced easement ordinances start the acquisition process needed for two major stormwater and flood-protection projects.

On the vote: The items taken up for final passage were recorded as follows in open session:
- 7a (PennDOT right-of-way / Cedar Avenue project): Roll call: Mr. King — yes; Mr. Shuster — yes; Doctor Rothchild — yes; Mr. McAndrew — yes; Mr. Smearle — yes. Chair declared item legally and lawfully adopted.
- 7b (Amendment to excavation regulations): Roll call: Mr. King — yes; Mr. Shuster — yes; Doctor Rothchild — yes; Mr. McAndrew — yes; Mr. Smearle — yes. Item declared legally and lawfully adopted.
- 7c (Ratify purchase agreement with Mid Atlantic Waste Systems for two refuse trucks): Roll call: Mr. King — yes; Mr. Shuster — yes; Doctor Rothchild — yes; Mr. McAndrew — yes; Mr. Smearle — yes. Item declared legally and lawfully adopted.
- 7d (Appointment of Paul W. Welby to zoning hearing board, term to expire 07/01/2028): Roll call: Mr. King — yes; Mr. Shuster — yes; Doctor Rothchild — yes; Mr. McAndrew — yes; Mr. Smearle — yes. Item declared legally and lawfully adopted.

Introductions: Council introduced (motion, seconded, voice vote) ordinances and resolutions to be referred to committee for the Kaiser Valley Flood Protection Project easements (5b), the East Mountain Stormwater and Drainage Improvements Project easements (5c), a plan revision for land development in the 500 block of Wyoming Avenue (5d), and a plan revision for the Weston Field Pool Complex on Providence Road (5e). Introduction carried by voice vote with no recorded roll call.

Other committee business noted during the meeting included a reading by title and passage of an intergovernmental cooperation ordinance concerning 53 Glenmara National Boulevard.

The council adjourned after taking the actions listed above.","The Scranton City Council voted unanimously on a package of final actions including conveyance for a PennDOT right-of-way, an update to excavation regulations, purchase of two refuse trucks, and a zoning hearing board appointment; four infrastructure ordinances were introduced for committee review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council asked to request NeighborWorks investigate potential conflict involving city council candidate

Residents press council on reassessment, homelessness, pools and neighborhood maintenance during public comment

Public questions legality of city's use of Rubicon mapping system; council asks administration for responses

Scranton City Council approves easements, excavation rules, refuse truck purchase and zoning-board appointment