Resident urges stronger fines, public dashboard for utility pave cuts

Mike Mancini urged the Scranton City Council to tighten enforcement of pavement restorations after repeated poor utility cuts left city streets damaged. "When the penalty for doing bad work is cheaper than doing good work, you get bad work every time," he told the council during the public‑comment period.

Mancini said PA Water and contractors routinely leave trench repairs that sink and crumble, imposing repair costs on the city and residents. He proposed three concrete steps: dramatically increase fines tied to pavement degradation; publish a public dashboard showing each utility and contractor’s permit, inspection and enforcement record; and reestablish dedicated DPW pavement inspectors who report to the city (not utilities) with authority to require immediate correction of substandard work.

Council members acknowledged the problem and noted that a third‑party pave‑cut inspector, Pannoni, will attend the council caucus on March 24 so members can question staff and inspectors. Council President Shuster said that information will inform follow‑up questions to the administration and the utilities.

The issue drew follow‑up questions from council members about inspection timelines and how long utilities have to perform temporary restorations before the city can compel a fix. Councilor Flynn requested a clear timeline from administration for the sequence from 311 complaint to third‑party inspection and utility remediation. The administration said it has begun biweekly meetings with utility companies but the council pressed for firm deadlines and better public reporting.

The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; Mancini said higher, degradation‑linked fees and in‑house inspectors would incentivize better planning and restoration by utilities. The administration indicated it will provide additional information at the Pannoni caucus and in forthcoming follow‑ups.