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Scranton City Council honors two departing members and highlights recent ARPA-funded investments
Summary
At its meeting, public commenters and council colleagues praised two outgoing members while council leaders outlined recent investments — including ARPA-funded stormwater and parks projects and planned park amenities opening in 2026 — before adjourning.
Public commenters and council members used a routine Scranton City Council meeting largely as a farewell for two departing colleagues, praising their years of service and highlighting recent city investments.
Several residents addressed the council during the citizen participation portion, thanking Councilman King and Councilman Smearle for their service. A longtime resident said the pair had "done such a tremendous job" and singled out improvements at Neog Park as a neighborhood asset.
Council comments expanded on those themes. Councilman King thanked fellow council members, staff and outside partners and credited cooperation between the mayor’s office and the council with improving the city's fiscal position. King said the city received $67,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and that the council’s investments included "nearly $23,000,000 in stormwater projects" and "over $24,000,000 into city parks." He said the city plans to open a pool at Neog Park in spring 2026 and described recent work at Weston Field, Connell Park and Robinson Park. "It's truly a gem," King said of Neog Park.
Other council members echoed the gratitude. Councilman Shuster and Councilman McCandall thanked the departing colleagues and defended the council's work against persistent criticism from some public commentators. Doctor Rothschild said she had been honored to serve with the departing members and praised their willingness to "put aside ego" for the city's benefit.
The meeting included routine agenda housekeeping: several agenda orders were read with no business reported. With no further business, the presiding officer asked for a motion to adjourn; a motion was made and the meeting was adjourned.
The meeting record did not include formal votes on ordinances, contracts, or budgets during this session. Speakers named multiple staff and private developers involved in downtown revitalization and thanked city attorneys and staff for assistance during the council terms.
