Scranton Council Discusses Community Cleanup and DPW Staffing Challenges

The Scranton City Council meeting on July 8, 2025, focused on community cleanup efforts and concerns regarding city property maintenance. A council member raised questions about the recent weeding and grass trimming at a local site, emphasizing the need for proper authorization for work conducted on city property. While the area has been cleaned up, concerns were expressed about the implications of using volunteers for tasks typically handled by city union workers.

The council member proposed organizing an annual cleanup event, similar to those in other parks, suggesting that union leaders and their members might support this initiative. However, the potential for volunteer work to detract from union jobs was highlighted, raising questions about responsibility in case of accidents involving volunteers on city property.

Additionally, the status of a new two-person crew designated for handling such jobs was inquired about, as the Department of Public Works (DPW) is expected to be short-staffed in the coming days. The meeting also included input from local residents, indicating ongoing community engagement in city affairs.

Overall, the discussions underscored the balance between community involvement and the protection of union jobs, as well as the need for clear policies regarding volunteer work on city property. The council's next steps will likely involve addressing these concerns and exploring the feasibility of the proposed cleanup event.