Pat Hinton, Scranton’s city licensing, inspection, and codes manager, signed a lease last July to turn an unused Nay Aug Park restroom into a private business.

The site, which has been unoccupied for a number of years, was leased to Hinton following a request for proposals. Hinton’s was the only proposal submitted and calls for the opening of a coffee shop. The only problem? Hinton is a city employee and stands to make a personal profit from the new business’ operations.

According to the city’s code of ethics, “No employee of the municipal government shall use any public property for personal benefit or profit.”

The decision to award Hinton a ten-year contract was made by the Scranton Municipal Recreation Authority. The lease’s generous terms have also raised eyebrows among observers of City Hall: Hinton will pay no rent for the first two years and and $250 per year after that.

When questioned by Newswatch 16, the authority’s solicitor said, “Regarding ethical considerations, the board required that a request for proposal should be published. The only proposal received was that of Mr. Hinton. It is my belief that the procedure that was followed should alleviate any concern of ethical misconduct.”