Scranton City Council CAUCUS 9-15-26

This Scranton City Council caucus meeting held on September 15, 2026, focused primarily on infrastructure and utility issues, particularly related to Pennsylvania American Water's water main replacement and maintenance projects. The council discussed recent catastrophic water main failures in July and the accelerated plans to replace aging water mains on North Washington Avenue and Malberry Street, moving projects originally scheduled for 2027-2028 up to 2027. Pennsylvania American Water representatives detailed their $5 million accelerated project, ongoing annual investment of approximately $15 million in water main replacements, and efforts to improve communication and coordination with the city to minimize disruptions during construction. The meeting also covered storm basin inspections and maintenance, with commitments to provide clearer public information on basin ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Council members emphasized the importance of proactive infrastructure replacement, coordination with city streetscape projects, and improved communication with residents and businesses to mitigate impacts during construction and restoration work.