Council approves acquisition of properties for Kaiser Valley stormwater projects; bid notices for related work are underway

Scranton City Council adopted a resolution authorizing acquisition of five Kaiser Valley properties intended to support stormwater management improvements and received an update that related stormwater construction invitations to bid have been issued. Council members said the acquisitions are intended to enable stormwater infrastructure work in the Kaiser Valley area. Staff reported that invitations to bid were issued on Sept. 4 for at least two projects: the Fawnwood Phase 1 stormwater project (bids close Sept. 23) and the stormwater conveyance system work on Dewey and Merrifield avenues. The council voted to adopt the resolution authorizing property acquisitions by roll call. Why it matters: the purchases and imminent bidding are part of a multi-project approach to address recurring flooding and stormwater conveyance problems in the Kaiser Valley area, where council members have prioritized stormwater improvements. What the council approved tonight does not itself fund construction contracts beyond authorization to proceed with property acquisition; separate procurement and contract award steps will follow the bid openings and contract evaluations. Council members encouraged timely bid evaluation and project oversight. Ending: council adopted the acquisition resolution; staff will monitor bid closings and return with contract recommendations and project timelines as bids are evaluated.