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Scranton
City Council
Rains tax sewer system
Gabe Faimon | Reporter
SCRANTON—Issues regarding Scranton’s sanitary sewer
system drew extended discussion during the May 5 meeting of the
city council.
Council members expressed concern that entry of water into the sanitary
sewer system from recent rains may be taxing the capacity of the
system. Several concerns were cited, including observations of water
bubbling out of manholes, reports of sewage backup and residences
with no visible sump pump outlet.
Replying to council member questions regarding code compliance and
enforcement, city attorney Todd Luckman summarized provisions of
the city code, which prohibits discharge of storm water from “interior
and exterior foundation or footing drains, sump pumps from foundation
drains, roof downspouts or drains” into any sanitary sewer.
He also noted the city was authorized to enforce codes through on
site inspection by city personnel.
To ensure that the city does not contribute to the problem in locations
where manhole covers are below the level of runoff water, the council
authorized purchase and installation of seals for manhole covers.
In other sewer discussion, maintenance supervisor Scott Lester reported
work had been completed regarding investigation of a problem with
the sewer serving property at 402 S. Carbon Ave. Also discussed
was the council’s April 7 approval of a contract with Black
Excavation to resolve a sewer connection problem for property owned
by Gary and Helen Silver.
Referring to the contract, Scranton City Councilman Jack Mayfield
asked, “Do we have the material we’re committed to provide?”
Lester said material that was not on hand had been ordered.
The lack of a timely review of an insurance policy covering city
property was also discussed. Acting on a motion by Scranton City
Councilman Eddie Lester, seconded by Scranton City Councilman Randy
Jackson, the council scheduled work sessions at 6-7 p.m. prior to
the start of the next two regular meetings, May 19 and June 2. The
stated purpose of the work sessions would be to review insurance
coverage and the city’s five-year plan.
Jon Reed, chief of Scranton Department of Public Safety, discussed
problems encountered by a $50 spending limit without prior authorization.
The council approved a motion by Lester, seconded by Mayfield, to
increase the spending limit to $500.
In other business, the council:
• approved servicing and refilling seven air pack
systems and spare tanks for the fire department.
• appointed Jaime Stout to the fire department.
• approved service and repair of the fire department’s
brush truck and pumper.
• approved a five percent cost of living adjustment (COLA)
to bring compensation closer to that of neighboring jurisdictions
for full time employees. Recipients of the COLA were Bobi Morris,
city clerk, and Scott Lester.
• approved Scranton Mayor David Barnes’ signature on
a “Buy American” resolution.. |
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