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June 15, 2004, Special Council Meeting

The special meeting of the Clarion Borough Council was held on June 15, 2004, at the Clarion Borough Offices.

President Wilshire called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.

Councilmembers present included Messrs. Zerfoss, Herman, Crooks, Ms. Vavrek, Ms. Moore, Mr. German, and President Wilshire.   Mayor Smathers was also present.   Ms. Lapinto, Mr. Stutzman, Chief Hall, and Mr. Ragon were absent.

President Wilshire announced the purpose of the meeting is for Public Safety.

Mr. Herman reported the Clarion Borough Council Public Safety Committee met on Wednesday, June 9, 2004, concerning the evaluation and job performance of Chief Mark Hall.   Chief Hall was hired in June 2003, with his first day of work on June 30 th .    As per the Civil Service Rules and Regulations, Section 5.5, the Committee is notifying Borough Council that his work is more than satisfactory.   Mr. Herman commented, pursuant to Section 5.5, the Committee is recommending Chief Hall be removed from probationary status when he completes his twelve-month probationary period and his appointment be made permanent.   The Mayor also asked to be allowed to meet with the Committee and give input and concurs with this decision.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek that Chief Mark E. Hall be made permanent when he completes his twelve-month probationary status and that the Civil Service Commission be duly notified so that they can take care of their part of this agreement.

President Wilshire asked the Mayor for any comments.

Mayor Smathers concurs with the recommendation.   Chief Hall has been a great chief and has met or exceeded all Mayor Smathers’ expectations.

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire asked for any other business?

At the last Council Meeting, Mr. Zerfoss stated Council hired three part-time employees to help during the summer.   When Mr. Stutzman contacted Mr. Brian Luton, he already had another job.   Therefore, Council must unhire Mr. Luton and hire Jonathan Hughes to replace him as the third part-time employee.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. Crooks to unhire Brian Luton and hire Jonathan Hughes to replace him as one of the three part-time summer helpers.   The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Herman reported the company that did the work for the sewer authority on Heidrick Street and Greenville Avenue returned last week and still did not do a good job.   If Mr. Herman was a resident on Heidrick Street, Mr. Herman stated he would not be pleased with the way the company finished the job.   If you travel from I-80 into Clarion, the right-hand turn onto Heidrick Street has a ridge that could throw the wheel of a vehicle.   Mr. Herman discussed this issue with Mr. Stutzman, who thought the paving on Greenville Avenue was okay but not the greatest.   In Mr. Herman’s opinion, the company hasn’t fulfilled the contract as well as it should have been.

President Wilshire asked Mr. Zerfoss to check into this and report back to Council.   Also, if it’s necessary, the municipal authority should be contacted.

Mr. Zerfoss agreed.

Ms. Moore questioned the trimming of brush along the alleys and asked if that shouldn’t be the homeowner’s responsibility; and if the Borough trims it, is the owner charged?   Whenever hedges grow over the sidewalk, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility.   The Public Works Department has been trimming on Church Road and Ditz Place and some property owners are asking why some people have to do trim and others do not.

Ms. Vavrek thought the Borough trimmed areas where stop signs were being covered by brush or limbs.

Ms. Moore stated that’s not the case in these areas.

If it interferes with the visibility of the driver, Mr. Zerfoss noted the Department has trimmed but added he will check with Mr. Stutzman.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek, the Special Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:08 a.m.

              ______________________________               Linda M. LaVan

              Administrative/Zoning Secretary