[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6149726,"mediaKeyId","5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34","parentId",5510846,"title","Rotary and council probe ownership, repairs and possible removal of downtown clock tower","audioSeconds",492,"startMs",640000,"endMs",1132000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34&start=640&end=1132","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34/thumbnail_640000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6149726/Clarks-Summit/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Rotary-and-council-probe-ownership-repairs-and-possible-removal-of-downtown-clock-tower","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6149726-3341b722b5361d9413f7af343d8fa75b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771049968&Signature=UELlztkPfM5l4U8c7QkXzdtZoA75Em4MnQC2Jrd~6uXKI0wPXF~QJuFUbPmXxTv5mfVvjc7VpgGWohn7e4yNJOBVUBMZtaG3c4ja27~srgwdTW-zli7rfmC1GAtXs-RzU3i2zVGvwoihQV2LPpXQI92cy~YLZkrNPE3uO95UX4qKqpcFiNXPxnKJq~YhHAMWIMvbwKIYpmZJdQ~HCQs48aRC5mSqEB5VVXJGq9M5Z9-WVmIBpqi33xGggTu1q2a0jehwOxjc-V1cvKmH8V9pIBNYnR96zUdTIXagJ0qPrawEexVVVFTsvorHmib0hjugD6xsvEPx3~iWOnnjkviiXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Borough of Clarks Summit, PA","date","2025-07-30T23:18:29Z","article","Council members said they received an email from Phyllis Rybarski of the Rotary regarding the non‑operational downtown clock tower and plans for the Rotary to research its history and funding. Staff told council they found archival material referencing Warren Watkins but no formal ownership paperwork that documents a donation or acceptance of ownership.

Staff said the borough has provided electrical service and grounds maintenance for the clock over the years but that written documentation of ownership or an explicit maintenance agreement was not produced. The Rotary told staff it may not repair the existing clock and is exploring relocating a clock to the triangle, seeking grant money, and researching donors listed on the clock base.

Council discussed potential liability if the borough continues to maintain the structure despite unclear ownership, and staff said an argument could be made that continued maintenance creates an obligation for upkeep. Several vendors were contacted about removing or relocating the clock; staff said one contractor provided an estimate (approximate and not confirmed in transcript) and two others declined. The Rotary will continue research and report back; council placed the item on a future agenda for updates but did not make a final decision about repair, removal or relocation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Clarks Summit's Personal Meeting Room","oneSentenceSummary","The Rotary contacted the borough about a non‑working clock tower; council members said ownership is unclear, borough has maintained electrical service and grounds, and Rotary is exploring grants and whether to relocate or remove the clock; council will track Rotary updates.","taxTitle","Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania","taxId",71739,"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},6149731,"Council to vote next week on recommended part‑time police hire after positive interviews",118,512000,630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34&start=512&end=630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34/thumbnail_512000.jpg","/articles/6149731/Clarks-Summit/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Council-to-vote-next-week-on-recommended-parttime-police-hire-after-positive-interviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6149731-3a158ade1a15fd40978604340e36ea75/orig.mp4?Expires=1771049968&Signature=cYWfP-effPbZjD7S9clX1RTvf4LSQB4bKlrrstApAG4TEsppTDqUulotJklRtZQtJb4I4lSONqQP5ZqXqcSxN1K5WSbW5bJZJNy0sGcZh0Yffv~K-7bqXUk4A87IZ9rkv9B9pkgq~1qU98vrfBWca6r65zxUKuftWKisy9IbuEtLHVlhiYPsihT4iOWNFYWyvyVg8PxNfp3M8YqL2LnJZT~O~aANiOqM24RUx4mT6fdnRw5HiMqWe6ILqofJDyLCQFwhk0lYkhBeFg1h8hRYK86Cii4Ihf4tEaD01PBHaC29~t2~ClYE83RiGu4r8O81L8cdT4-I5VhDO5oybnFiLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members heard from staff that a candidate for part‑time police officer performed well in interviews with the police chief, the mayor (Ronnie Jean) and staff. Sheriff Mark McAndrew also recommended the candidate and called the chief to endorse him.

Staff said the candidate has the required certifications, can work overnight and weekend shifts that the department has had trouble staffing, and would onboard seamlessly. Council recorded a recommendation to hire the candidate as a part‑time officer and indicated it will vote on the hire at the next scheduled meeting; no hire was made at the present meeting.

No formal motion or vote was recorded; staff said they will place the hiring item on the agenda for next Wednesday for formal action.","Council received a recommendation to hire a part‑time police officer who was positively reviewed by the chief, mayor and a sheriff; council signaled a vote to hire is planned for next Wednesday but no vote occurred at this meeting.",{"_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},6149736,"Resident’s sewer billing complaint raised; council notes possible dementia and police encounter",68,392000,460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34&start=392&end=460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34/thumbnail_392000.jpg","/articles/6149736/Clarks-Summit/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Residents-sewer-billing-complaint-raised-council-notes-possible-dementia-and-police-encounter","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6149736-bc87417ef1e89ed925888f81f015d45b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771049968&Signature=YJ8jd6QQ3gg2MQe9EosoYhBU4WA~0pKBrnsCGhktw6zpWV8OV-Rxuhjyd2Ckd8DgsLTDw~iRZgXMkCLCWU8atDCqA7r-Iz439csZ95SNOLS2e~rjWYeJ5nHujuDLYRPy98IoEBzGzq~CGz3kplPI28ktZ5ODhxUr5acQA-wYo~24slLMDZYFV5FybRrdbf2POyVyaFaSgipqvwb-8suH~~zq-lq4omE5aHLUWBm-3BsAe~c1UBzXLH2RySAJLHRiMFgXFr2gZq3jP5L3C5FPX-rINsMaleUwHBRmdhaZS~q-8zCxIDm7EbTkgPbFNZlKzzOpB7lIzqQJrJKr8reKkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council reviewed a letter from a resident whose sewer bill had resulted in a posting for lack of payment. Staff summarized the letter for council, saying the writer appeared upset but did not make a formal request such as a late‑fee waiver.

Staff also told council that a police officer had a separate encounter with the resident at the borough building in which the resident used profanities; the resident’s daughter told staff the resident may be suffering from dementia. Council members said they will continue to treat the resident with customer service and sensitivity but made no formal motion to alter billing or fees.

The matter was recorded as an informational item; no vote or waiver was granted at the meeting.","Council reviewed a letter from a resident who had a sewer bill posting; staff said the resident’s daughter reported possible dementia and that a police encounter occurred. No relief or fee waiver was requested; council took the matter as an informational item.",{"_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},6149741,"Council to name representatives to Scranton‑Abington planning association review",182,200000,382000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34&start=200&end=382","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34/thumbnail_200000.jpg","/articles/6149741/Clarks-Summit/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Council-to-name-representatives-to-ScrantonAbington-planning-association-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6149741-3b3263bbfb1d0a6b15e20414fe793321/orig.mp4?Expires=1771049968&Signature=dqAFbKb2FJyV~kgWTv-l8xwInMTaNvXcq36UvQ4AuPRJLp4xL-6Q5Bzwl7SGUJIBhZJA-gd-OyvJg3NZN4IUyrNipi9PWk11BjHRnfKrp26uHA8TbE4zm-KAG~75l~incx0RsEE6GxOsmFiqbnJWA6EXo28QhsB9ms3q6KfmZaIS5NMIvNo8jSpcL4rlXuQ0VkoHvH5WZNlRmFrO~R3Y0KfpDDnBTYr7s1p1HPkpabcwUuKy2w4g8udHcsv-fmiUoQpsZTSaEc0nUjRmC7KhprIb-aNbXsQTGxDXXdEs~Ko56gijmx6e2kHb78~u7XwQ09In3F6oNni2eRWTBegaGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Council members were told they must name one representative and one alternate to participate in the Scranton‑Abington Planning Association (SAPA) review process. Staff said SAPA is a multi‑municipality agreement on uniform land‑use categories and that the borough has participated in the past; SAPA will hold a meeting toward August and the borough needs two delegates.

Staff recommended contacting the zoning hearing board or planning commission to identify someone with knowledge of SAPA and borough zoning ordinances. Council asked staff to reach out to zoning and planning bodies to nominate representatives and to report back to council with candidates.

No formal appointment was made at the meeting; staff will follow up with the planning commission and zoning hearing board and report back when nominees are available.","Council members heard that the Scranton Abington Planning Association (SAPA) will meet and the borough must name one representative and an alternate; staff will contact zoning and planning commission to identify candidates.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6149746,"Council to consider ordinance amendment and letter to third‑party collectors on unpaid service charges",186,0,186000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34&start=0&end=186","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5510846-53303144e64bf89f76a5066d31b54f34/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6149746/Clarks-Summit/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Council-to-consider-ordinance-amendment-and-letter-to-thirdparty-collectors-on-unpaid-service-charges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6149746-f3133ce26d9b8842cec6208b76319f55/orig.mp4?Expires=1771049968&Signature=bCT78eu86MEWI31OQhCjtBq8C~i4A9SNsTxLbPkfsxZLX3g8wET6-Dl3GNurbQCEJyn8nSK8YEpBmt-xShrVRXCn1RFnJAiAvpdcOvWcX~22hy995daGZc-cVq9HFxbj3-IRLzLow8bcOZPqr~L14ffZSsM5LyoMUeLMejsudeXQFj94NxAIyac~qphOIrDB~bsWQPOsk7E0FCn2OLNxCZvRLkoulWZJWt6lpdyFzUInMBYKkQu2fgpNeaQ~qRNUkGy4THzM4lNS7NZDJUEx-HgeRfFf7H8~O3dHewGFFUd9uzQMQ0gl7M7ijX6uIXF66RvhXQBqosOpYDyOYvbS5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Borough Council members discussed amending a local ordinance and sending a letter to third‑party collectors as a next step in addressing unpaid trash and related service charges. Staff said changes may be required to the borough’s ordinance to allow collection of attorney’s fees and to make the letter and any contract align with consumer‑protection limits.

Council staff said the borough could share a draft order and ask collectors whether the borough’s proposed language would work for recovering attorney fees and costs. The discussion noted that consumer‑collection rules differ between pursuing businesses and consumers and that “fee shifting” and other constraints may apply to municipal collection efforts.

Council members directed staff to place both “the trash…things” and the letter from Drew on the agenda for the next meeting so council can decide how to proceed. Staff also said they would attach a copy of the relevant ordinance to any certified letters sent to collectors and that they would prepare a sample contract for third‑party collectors to show whether any hidden fees would affect the borough’s bottom line.

No formal vote or ordinance amendment occurred at the meeting; council signaled it will review proposed language and letters at the next meeting before taking formal action.","Council members discussed amending local ordinances and sending a letter from a staff member named Drew to third‑party collectors to address attorney fees and collection of unpaid trash/sewer charges; staff will bring sample language and the letter back at next week's meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Rotary and council probe ownership, repairs and possible removal of downtown clock tower

Council to vote next week on recommended part‑time police hire after positive interviews

Resident’s sewer billing complaint raised; council notes possible dementia and police encounter

Council to name representatives to Scranton‑Abington planning association review

Council to consider ordinance amendment and letter to third‑party collectors on unpaid service charges