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Council tables two kratom ordinances, adopts $100,000 mini‑pitch grant; several items introduced
Summary
On April 21 the council tabled two kratom ordinances after council discussion about enforceability and legal risk, introduced a resolution recognizing Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month and a grant application for an inclusive playground (up to $175,000), and adopted a $100,000 mini‑pitch grant agreement with the United States Soccer Foundation.
At its April 21 meeting the Scranton City Council recorded several formal actions and committee recommendations.
Kratom ordinances tabled: Two related ordinances (filed as items 7a and 7b) regulating the sale, distribution and possession of kratom and related alkaloids were recommended for final passage by the Committee on Public Safety but were the subject of motions to table on the council floor. Council members said they supported pausing to strengthen enforceability and limit legal risk. A roll call on a motion to table item 7a recorded affirmative votes from council members present, and the chair declared item 7a tabled. A subsequent roll call also recorded a table for item 7b.
Grant and resolutions: The council introduced a resolution recognizing April 2026 as Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month (item 5c) and introduced a resolution authorizing the mayor to submit a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for up to $175,000 to support phase 2 of an all‑inclusive playground (item 5d).
Mini‑pitch grant adopted: The council unanimously adopted Resolution 41 20 26 authorizing an agreement with the United States Soccer Foundation for a $100,000 mini‑pitch program grant (item 7c). The clerk recorded a roll call in which the chair declared the resolution "legally and lawfully adopted."
Data center ordinances: Two ordinances amending zoning provisions related to data centers (items 8a and 8b) were noted and tabled until a public hearing can be held at a later date.
Summary of key actions: - Item 5b (Cedar Avenue one‑way): introduced and tabled for technical follow‑up. - Item 5c (Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month): introduced to committee (voice vote passed introduction). - Item 5d (Inclusive playground grant application, up to $175,000): introduced to committee (voice vote passed introduction). - Item 7a (Kratom ordinance — sale/distribution to minors): tabled by council roll call. - Item 7b (Kratom ordinance — broader prohibitions): tabled by council roll call. - Item 7c (United States Soccer Foundation mini‑pitch grant, $100,000): adopted by roll call (resolution 41 20 26). - Items 8a & 8b (data‑center zoning amendments): tabled pending public hearing.
Council did not take immediate final action on the Cedar Avenue ordinance or the kratom ordinances; follow‑up and committee work were requested where appropriate.
