Scranton City Council
Mayor addresses community negativity

Jennifer Ogleby
Reporter

SCRANTON—In response to what Scranton Mayor Gary Burkdoll said were “recent rumors and negative comments heard around the city,” Burkdoll addressed the citizens of Scranton in a letter he read at the beginning of the Feb. 13 city council meeting.

In the letter, Burkdoll said, “Lately it appears that some people want to paint a picture of our town that is less than appealing to not only the outsiders looking in but also to many of the residents who are currently living in Scranton.”

He also said, “My point is this—it’s easy to dwell on the negative but Scranton has many good things to offer people. My mom always told me, misery loves company. So I’m asking you to be positive, don’t get consumed in the negativism of those who can’t or don’t want to see the light of new opportunities.”

Burkdoll directed words to council members, “I urge you to make decisions that are in the best interest of our community, that will help our city grow and prosper. Stay focused on our vision and keep in mind how the majority of the citizens would want you to vote. In addition, stay positive when the vote doesn’t go your way.”

Council members heard from Stephanie Watson, the county’s economic development director, who proposed the city sign an inter-local agreement to participate in the Osage County Neighborhood Revitalization Plan (NRP). The plan would benefit the city by offering a five-year property tax rebate to property owners who make improvements to their property. The rebate is used as an incentive to stimulate investment in the city. The amount of the rebate is based on the increase in valuation of property after improvements are made. Watson said other towns in the county have signed the contract, as has USD 434.

Watson said there is no cost to the city to enter an agreement, and delays the tax income the city will receive incrementally over the five-year period. The mission of the NRP is to promote revitalization activities such as redevelopment, rehabilitation and conservation. Watson said the rebate can be passed from property seller to property buyer. Following discussion, the council approved signing the NRP inter-local agreement.

The board heard from resident Tom Carnes, who said he was cited for having junk vehicles on his private property, yet the mayor has at least four vehicles on his property that are either not tagged or are in junk condition.

Carnes said, “You stated yourself you want people to move into the city to get new blood here. How do you expect anybody to move in here when the governing body has the attitude of ‘Don’t do as I do, do as I say’? If you expect people to abide by the law then you should abide by the law yourself.”

In response, Burkdoll said that when he received a citation, he followed the law.

In other business, the council:

•approved mowing contract with LeRoy Ming which was up for renewal. Ming explained the new terms of the contract and rate changes due to increase in fuel prices.

•approved the city adopting a dog in the city pound until someone wants to adopt the dog and will pay to have the dog spayed or neutered.

•approved to have Liggett Automotive install a camera in the new police squad car.

•approved spending up to $300 to replace flags outside of city buildings and in the downtown area.

•discussed hiring a temporary building inspector who will continue working until a replacement is found. An ad will be placed on the city utility bill and a notice posted at the city building.

•went into a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel issues of non-elected personnel.

•approved creating a committee to discuss changing minimum charges for utilities as they apply to landlords of rental properties. Members of the committee will be chosen at the next regular meeting.