Minute Index

April 5, 2005, Council Meeting

Citizen Comments:               Andrea Maitland to Discuss Down-

                     town Clarion Revitalization Group

Administration:               Appropriation Report Approved;

                     Andrea Maitland Gave Citizen

                     Comments; Monthly Reports;

                     Special Event and Banner Requests

                     Approved and Discussed; Approved

                     Resolution #2005-216, Authorizing

                     President to Sign 2005 CDBG

                     Application

Downtown Committee:            Downtown Group Meetings

Public Works:                  Monthly Report; Clean-Up Day;

                     Approved to Advertise 2005

                     Summer Paving Project

Public Safety:                  Ordinance on Adding Stop Signs

                     at Second Avenue and Wood Street

                     and Handicapped Space in Front of

                     Post Office; Letter from Clarion

                     Hospital Emergency Medical

                     Services; Contract Negotiation

                     Update

Housing and Zoning:               House Numbers Addressed

Recreation:                  Meeting Scheduled with YMCA;

                     Clarion Little League Opening Day

                     Ceremonies; Park Survey Update

Mayor’s Report:               None

Manager’s Report:               Route 68 Meeting Scheduled;

                     Sidewalk Grant; Cable Television

                     Meeting; Monies Being Received

Old Business:                  None

New Business:                  Executive Session to Discuss

                     Personnel; No Action Taken

Correspondence:               None

President Wilshire called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Councilmembers present included Messrs. Zerfoss, Herman, Crooks, Ms. Vavrek, Ms. Moore, Mr. German, and President Wilshire.  Ms. Lapinto, Chief Hall, Mr. Stutzman, Mr. Ragon, and Mayor Smathers were also present.  Solicitor Marshall arrived at 7:30 p.m.

President Wilshire asked everyone to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes of the March 1, 2005, Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Moore.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Citizen Comments:  President Wilshire stated Ms. Andrea Maitland requested to be placed on the agenda to address Council in reference to the Downtown Clarion Revitalization Group.  If Ms. Maitland shows up later in the meeting, President Wilshire commented she will be able to speak at that time.

Administration:  President Wilshire presented the appropriations for the month of April.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Crooks to approve the appropriations for the month of April in the amount of $60,482.41.

Ms. Lapinto reported the Verizon bill for the attachment fee is an annual rental fee for the Borough running wires onto the Verizon poles for the interconnect project.

On page 11, Mr. German verified Reed-Smith bills are all for work on the arbitration hearings and inquired if this is the last bill.

Ms. Lapinto commented the one bill is for a Civil Service hearing, one is for contract negotiations, and the remaining are for the hearings.  Hopefully, these are the final bills.

Mr. German stated the Borough has spent between $15,000-17,000 on that issue.

The motion carried with a vote of six yea with Mr. Zerfoss voting nay.

Moving back to Citizen Comments, President Wilshire welcomed Ms. Andrea Maitland.

Ms. Andrea Maitland-Davis, owner of The Bathtub/Kitchen Sink, announced she recently joined a group called the Downtown Clarion Revitalization.  The Group’s Executive Board is as follows: Ms. Maitland-Davis is the President; Ms. Patty Hartzell, vice president; Ms. Denise Mehta, secretary; and Chris Adams, treasurer.  The Board wished to introduce themselves and thank everyone for his/her support received so far, especially Ms. Lapinto, Ms. Moore, and Borough Council in helping the Group in their attempt to apply for a Main Street Program.  Ms. Maitland-Davis reported the Clarion Conservancy has graciously offered their name as well as their by-laws, and the Committee will merge with them with the assistance of Mr. Crooks and Dr. Yeany.  The Committee will be applying for the Main Street Program through Suzanne Gagliardo in the coming months.  Ms. Maitland-Davis stressed the Downtown Clarion Revitalization Group is very excited to work and partner with Clarion Borough Council.  The Board will be doing the following: Ms. Maitland-Davis will be handling the Promotions Committee; Ms. Hartzell will be working with the Design Committee; Ms. Mehta will be heading the Organization Committee; and Mr. Adams will be dealing with Economic Restructuring Committee.  Ms. Maitland-Davis thanked Council for his/her time and for each one’s input and support.

President Wilshire thanked Ms. Maitland-Davis and the Board for the information.

President Wilshire also presented the Monthly Transaction Report, Statement of Cash Position, Budget Analysis, and Overtime Comparison Report for information.

President Wilshire stated a Work Session has been scheduled for April 25, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. at the Borough Offices.

At the Special Council Meeting, President Wilshire stated Council reviewed several special event requests and asked Ms. Lapinto for comments.

Ms. Lapinto reported yesterday the routes were discussed and Chief Hall has some concerns about the various routes submitted.  Ms. Lapinto recommends Council act on the ones that are appropriate, which are the Immaculate Conception Church’s Bible School; the VFW requests for Memorial Day and Patriot’s Day Services; the Clarion County Farmer’s Market to use parking spaces around Park and their banner request; the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry and the Spring Fling Committee for free parking Downtown May 6 and 7, 2005; League of Women Voters for their banner; Sage Meadow’s request for a continual sidewalk sale; and the Clarion University Activities Board request for a banner.  Ms. Lapinto spoke with Ms. Patricia McFarland, owner of Sage Meadow, and the location of the stands will be perfect.

President Wilshire asked for more information and what a continual sidewalk sale is.

Ms. Lapinto asked Ms. Moore to explain it to Councilmembers.

Ms. Moore cannot recall the specific co-op group but stated it’s been going on for a couple years.  Every week, a box of fresh produce would be delivered to Sage Meadow.  This request is from the organization that wishes to expand the service.  The farmers, all organic, will plant more crops and should have enough for every day of the week depending on it it’s a good growing season.   There will be two carts outside.  If it’s too hot, Ms. Moore feels the produce will not be left outside.  Ms. Moore commented it sounds very interesting and would recommend giving Ms. McFarland a chance.

Ms. Lapinto believes the organization is Buy Pennsylvania Grow Pennsylvania and feels it will add some character to the Downtown area.

Ms. Lapinto asked Chief Hall if he still had concerns on the car/motorcycle cruise-in request.

Chief Hall thinks other Councilmembers may have questions on it.

Before voting, Mr. Herman stated he has some questions.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. German to approve the following requests: the special event request from the Immaculate Conception Church for their Vacation Bible School to be held June 20-24, 2005; the special event requests from the Clarion VFW Post 2145 for their Memorial Day Services to be held May 30, 2005, and their Patriot’s Day Services to be held September 11, 2005; the request from the Clarion County Farmer’s Market Association to use the parking spaces around the Clarion County Memorial Park on Saturday mornings from May 28th through October 29th; the banner request from Clarion County Farmer’s Market Association for a banner to be located at Fifth Avenue from early May until late October; special event request from Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry and the Spring Fling Committee for free parking Downtown May 6 and 7, 2005; banner request from League of Women Voters of Clarion County to hang two banners “Remember to Vote on Tuesday” from May 11-18, 2005; request from Sage Meadow owner, Patricia McFarland, for approval to place a continual sidewalk sale at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Main Street; and the banner request from Clarion University Activities Board to advertise CampusFest 2005 to be located on Fifth Avenue from March 30, 2005, to April 29, 2005.

Back to Sage Meadow, Mr. German asked if the request is to put carts outside and if that is normal procedure.

Ms. Lapinto agreed and stated they will be right against her building.  Merchants are normally only allowed to place items outside for sidewalk sales.

Ms. Moore pointed out these are not Sage Meadow products.  The organization is using that business as a depository.

After some discussion, the motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Ms. Lapinto deferred to the Chief for his concerns regarding the runs.

Chief Hall stated the overall concern is with the safety of the runners.  Each run had a different route.  The Public Safety Committee will discuss this at the meeting on Thursday to decide if the Borough can approve one route that organizations must use.

Mr. Herman recalls last year there was a similar situation, and the event was approved as long as the organization followed a different route.  If there is a similar route, everyone will be familiar with where everyone is supposed to be and there will not be any mistakes.

Mr. German asked if any route submitted is acceptable.

Chief Hall stated no.  One actually is requesting that Main Street be closed, which would require special permitting through Penn Dot.

President Wilshire asked if the walk will be treated differently.

Mayor Smathers stated March of Dimes isn’t using a different route and the participants will be using the sidewalks.

Ms. Lapinto noted the route was shortened.  Ms. Lapinto thinks the events could be approved, subject to the Chief working out a safe route.

Mr. Herman agreed.  Mr. Herman understands runners/walkers get bored using the same path and prefer variation.  However, it creates a problem for the Borough when trying to staff police officers; because as routes continually change, unforeseen circumstances could occur.  That’s why Clarion Borough would like something more standardized.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek, approving the following special event requests: the March of Dimes for their WalkAmerica 2005 to be held May 1, 2005; United Way of Clarion County for their 5K Race to be held October 1, 2005; and Clarion County YMCA for a race to be held May 7, 2005, provided Chief Hall come up with a standardized route to ensure the public and participants’ safety, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

At the Special Council Meeting last week, Mr. Herman inquired if the Mustang Club would be able to help with monetary resources for the event since it will require overtime in both the Public Works and Public Safety Departments.

Ms. Lapinto understands Ms. Jan Ochs agreed to make a donation to the Borough and asked Ms. Vavrek to explain further.

Ms. Vavrek commented Ms. Ochs was unaware of the situation and feels rather than putting a price tag on the event, since runs and walk events do not have to pay, that Ms. Ochs could make a donation, which she is willing to do.

Mr. Herman relayed the Committee may want to review the expenses incurred with special events in the summer or fall prior to the next budget fees to develop a standard procedure to cover the expenses of the Public Work and Public Safety Departments.  That’s not to say what the Borough is doing now isn’t appropriate, but the Borough may need to draw the line as to how long to continue to fund these events.

Several years ago, Ms. Lapinto reported Council discussed keeping track of the cost of each event and changed the form to include a cost per department on the bottom.  Then it wasn’t done.  Ms. Lapinto made a note to look at this in December.

Mr. German asked if the Borough has been keeping a report of cost factor after the event.

Ms. Lapinto stated it can be tallied but has not been.

Ms. Vavrek stated this particular event is like Autumn Leaf Festival and is a major commitment.  If the Borough receives more and more requests of this nature, which seems to be the case, Ms. Vavrek feels Council has to do something like requesting a donation to support the event.  It’s going to get too expensive.

President Wilshire added Council needs to factor in the benefits the event may bring to the community as well.

Ms. Vavrek stated Ms. Ochs emphasized there are not going to be vendors for this event and thinks people will come to Clarion for the event and spend money while he/she is here.  The Club is also giving out some sort of Mustang Dollars or certificates to spend in the Downtown area.  Ms. Ochs hopes the event will help the merchants.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Crooks, approving the special event request from Lake Erie Mustang Owners Club for a car/motorcycle cruise-in to be held July 23, 2005, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire asked Ms. Lapinto to discuss the resolution.

Ms. Lapinto reported Resolution #2005-216 is a Resolution authorizing the President of Council to sign the 2005 CDBG Application, which Council must approve.  Through process of elimination, Mr. Stutzman and Ms. Lapinto decided to use the money to install storm sewers down South Sixth Avenue to Elss Street.  The approximate cost is $117,000.  The balance of the grant this year is $137,000, 5% less than last year.  Ms. Lapinto commented the Borough will have enough to pay engineering and advertising costs.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. German to approve Resolution #2005-216, a Resolution authorizing the President of Council to sign the 2005 CDBG Application.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Ms. Lapinto added the Borough is getting close to spending $1 million on storm sewer work.  For the last 5-6 years, the Borough has been concentrating grant money on storm sewers.  There was a library project and recreation project, but the remaining dollars went towards the installation of storm sewers.

Mr. German verified Ms. Lapinto feels there will be enough money to complete the project.

Ms. Lapinto stated yes.

Mayor Smathers questioned if there is any kind of comprehensive plan that shows what storm water work was needed in the Borough.

Ms. Lapinto informed everyone about 4 years ago an engineering firm put together a comprehensive map showing all the work that was completed and it is saved on a disk.  The EADS Group is now keeping it up to date.

Downtown Committee:  Ms. Moore thinks Ms. Maitland-Davis gave a good synopsis of the Downtown Revitalization Group.  The entire group will meet the second Thursday of each month and the Executive Board will meet every other week.

Public Works:  Mr. Zerfoss reported the Public Works Report is in the packet for everyone’s review.

Mr. Zerfoss commented the Committee met; and, as Mr. Crooks stated at the Special Council Meeting, the Borough will be limited on how much paving can be completed because of the price of gas.

Mr. Zerfoss stated the article in the Clarion News covered Clean-Up Day well and asked for any questions.

Mr. German inquired what the Committee decided to do with businesses.

Mr. Zerfoss announced the businesses are included this year.

Ms. Vavrek asked if the businesses put his/her items out front.

Ms. Lapinto reported curbside.  Items are not to be placed there before 5 p.m. Friday.

Mr. Stutzman reminded everyone the truck will go up and down every avenue, street, and alley in the Borough.

Mr. Ragon feels the Downtown district should be done first thing before the businesses open up.

Mr. Zerfoss commented the Committee would like permission to advertise the 2005 Summer Paving Project.  The area to be completed this year is on Wood Street from Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue.  That needs milled and paved.  Hopefully, the Borough will have enough money to complete it.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. Crooks, giving permission to advertise the 2005 Summer Paving Project, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Ms. Lapinto added all the paperwork was filed and the money for the project has been received.

Public Safety:  Since permission was given at the Special Council Meeting to advertise the additional stop signs at Second Avenue and Wood Street and the handicapped space in front of the post office, Mr. Herman reported Council will need to adopt the ordinance at next month’s meeting.

Prior to the meeting, Mr. Herman gave Councilmembers a copy of a letter from Mr. Randy Bowser, RN, EMT-P, from the Clarion Hospital Emergency Medical Services.  Mr. Bowser commended two Borough police officers, Officer Zerfoss and Officer Kemmer, for their assistance and dedication to help save the life of a Borough resident on March 27, 2005.  The officers responded to the resident’s home for an emergency dispatch and performed life saving measures on the patient.  When EMS arrived, Mr. Bowser relayed the officers could have stopped assisting but continued to help the crew.  Officer Zerfoss went along with the crew to the hospital.  Mr. Bowser credited the patient’s survival to the rapid intervention of the Borough officers and thanked both for their assistance.  Mr. Bowser added teamwork is essential in emergency medicine and hopes the mutual aid continues to benefit all the people that need assistance.  Mr. Herman feels that was very nice of the officers.

As far as contract negotiations, Mr. Herman reported the Committee met several times with Bob Stowman and exchanged proposals back and forth.  It’s been a very honest exchange of ideas and in some cases there have been agreements and in some disagreements.  The one way to work through differences is to keep talking amicably, which is what is occurring.

Ms. Lapinto added it’s very cordial.  It’s also involved very little legal fees.

Housing and Zoning:  Ms. Vavrek commented Mr. Ragon wishes to address house numbers.

On requests from the police officers and other public safety organizations, Mr. Ragon asked the Borough residents to put his/her numbers on their houses.  There are a lot of houses and businesses that do not have numbers, which could cause a dire situation if the police or emergency personnel cannot get to the house quickly due to not being able to locate it.  The Borough doesn’t want to start to enforcing an ordinance or threatening citations.

Recreation:  Mr. German announced the Committee has a meeting scheduled with the YMCA to discuss the pool.  There will be an update at the next meeting.

Mr. German reminded Councilmembers Clarion Little League is requesting Council’s presence at the ballpark for opening day ceremonies.  There are a lot of things scheduled.  Mr. German encouraged all Councilmembers to attend.  If it rains, it will be held on Sunday.  Councilmembers will be impressed with what Little League accomplished in conjunction with the Borough.

Mr. German reported April 15th the survey bids are due for the Park.  That survey is to find out exactly what the Borough owns. 

Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Smathers had nothing to report.

Manager’s Report:  Ms. Lapinto announced a tentative meeting has been scheduled for April 21, 2005, to discuss the Route 68 project.  Ms. Lapinto was asked to be a member of that committee.

Ms. Lapinto stated the Borough has met with the Foundation concerning the grant for sidewalks.  Next week was marked off to complete the grant, but a seminar is being held in May in Meadville where people will receive the grant application and deadline, which Ms. Lapinto will attend.

Ms. Lapinto informed everyone a meeting has been scheduled with the University concerning cable television.

Ms. Lapinto reported real estate monies are starting to come in.  The Emergency Services Tax will probably start coming in next month.

Old Business:  There was none.

New Business:  Ms. Moore requested President Wilshire call for an Executive Session for Councilmembers only for personnel issues.

President Wilshire asked the Solicitor also.

Mayor Smathers inquired if he is included or not.

Ms. Moore stated no.

Mayor Smathers question if that was permitted.

Solicitor Marshall commented his understanding is that is not permitted.  Section 1003 of the Borough Code clearly establishes that the Mayor may attend any and all regular and special meetings of Council and may take part in the discussion of the Council on matters pertaining to Borough affairs.

President Wilshire called for an Executive Session, on the request of Ms. Moore, to discuss personnel, including Councilmembers and the Mayor, beginning at 7:41 p.m.

President Wilshire called the meeting back to order at 8:29 p.m. and stated the Executive Session concerned personnel with no action was taken.

Correspondence:  There was none.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. German, the Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

                     ______________________________

                     Carol Lapinto

                     Borough Secretary