Gabe Faimon/Herald-Chronicle

Gabe Faimon | Reporter

SCRANTON—While trying to develop a proposal for partial funding of the project to rehabilitate Scranton’s sanitary sewer system, the city council took action last week to meet state criteria for such proposals.

During a special meeting Sept. 22, the council and Scranton Mayor David Barnes considered Kansas Department of Commerce’s scoring criteria for evaluation of community development block grant (CDBG) proposals, including selection of a grant administrator. The city is preparing a CBDG proposal for partial funding of a proposed sewer project.

It was noted that selection of the grant administrator did not create an obligation for the city if the CDBG is not awarded.

Scranton City Clerk Bobbi Morris had invited six firms to a nomination outlining grant administrator qualifications and fees. Nominations were received from four.

Council members and Barnes scored each firm’s nomination, with Scranton City Council Member Jack Mayfield saying he gave each nomination a “zero” score.

Referring to the proposed sewer project, Mayfield said, “I think it’s absolutely wrong.”

Scranton City Council Member Randy Jackson introduced a motion to select the administrator with the highest score, Donna Crawford, of Governmental Assistance Services.

The motion passed 3-1, with Mayfield voting against it. Scranton City Council Member Gary DeShazer was absent.

Skateboard park underway

The Scranton City Council has authorized the construction of a skate park, on a recommendation by Bob Baker. During a Sept. 15 council meeting, Scranton City Council Member Larry Hulsopple was designated to oversee the project.

Hulsopple said that locating the skateboard park in the southeast quarter of the city’s tennis and basketball courts made it possible to retain a full-size basketball court on the west half of the paved area and a tennis court on the north half.

“The arrangement gives youth of Scranton an additional sports recreation opportunity,” Hulsopple said.

Hulsopple noted that no public funds are being used for the construction. He said construction materials are being provided by Brenda Lester from funds that accumulated from several years of Halloween haunted house activities. Labor and craftsmanship is being donated by Spencer Construction.

Hulsopple said the date for official opening and dedication of the skateboard park is pending.