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Scranton council approves $324,880 winter-storm budget transfer, adopts appointments and donations, tables data-center zoning
Summary
Council approved a $324,880 transfer for winter-storm professional services, reappointed a sewer-authority member, accepted a donated garbage truck and approved a land-development plan; two data-center zoning amendments were tabled for a future public hearing.
The Scranton City Council passed several administrative and budgetary measures at its most recent meeting and tabled zoning changes tied to data centers pending a public hearing.
By voice and roll-call votes, the council approved an ordinance transferring $324,880 from the Business Administration workers-compensation line to cover unforeseen professional services related to the Jan. 25, 2026 winter storm. Council members asked the administration for a breakdown of invoices billed under the emergency order; the council president said staff would provide that documentation "tomorrow." The ordinance was approved after members moved and seconded the measure and voted in favor.
The council also moved forward a committee introduction for Resolution 5B, which would adopt city emergency-action-plan manuals for flood protection for Southside, Plot, Greenridge and Albright Avenue; the item was introduced into the proper committee by motion and passed introduction by voice vote.
On committee recommendations and roll call, the council unanimously adopted: - Resolution 36-2026 reappointing Michael Parker, Esquire, to the Scranton Sewer Authority for a term expiring Jan. 4, 2031; recorded roll-call votes were Yes from Dr. Rothschild, Mr. Shawn McAndrew, Mr. Mark McAndrew, Mr. Flynn and Council President Schuster. - Resolution 37-2026 accepting Keystone Sanitary Landfill Inc.'s monetary donation toward a 2026 Freightliner garbage truck; the administration said funds previously unspent were being applied to this purchase. - Resolution 38-2026 approving a plan revision for new land development at 530–532 Broadway; the chair recommended final passage and the roll call was unanimous among those present.
Two ordinances (filed as council numbers 7-2026 and 8-2026) proposing zoning changes related to data centers were tabled until a public hearing can be held at a later date; no final votes on those zoning amendments occurred.
The meeting closed after routine follow-ups and an adjournment motion; members wished attendees a happy Easter.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance (6A) — $324,880 transfer for winter-storm services: Passed (voice vote). - Resolution 36-2026 — Reappointment of Michael Parker to Scranton Sewer Authority: Passed (roll-call: Dr. Rothschild Yes; Mr. Shawn McAndrew Yes; Mr. Mark McAndrew Yes; Mr. Flynn Yes; Council President Schuster Yes). - Resolution 37-2026 — Accept donation for 2026 garbage truck from Keystone Sanitary Landfill: Passed (roll-call: unanimous among those present). - Resolution 38-2026 — Plan revision for 530–532 Broadway: Passed (roll-call: unanimous among those present). - Ordinances 7-2026 & 8-2026 — Zoning amendments related to data centers: Tabled pending public hearing.
Next steps: Council asked the administration to provide an itemized invoice breakdown for the winter-storm transfer, requested that the emergency-action-plan intro be routed to the appropriate committee for review, and scheduled follow-ups on pool openings, the walkability study and telephone-pole coordination with utilities.
