Minute Index

June 7, 2005, Council Meeting

Housing and Zoning:               Rejected Pamela Songer’s Rezoning

                     Request; Discussion on Waiving Re-

                     Filing Fee; Permission to Advertise

                     Ordinance on Brush, Grass, and

                     Weeds and Trees

Administration:               Monthly Reports; Work Session

                     Scheduled; Approved Clarion Area

                     Chamber of Business and Industry’s

                     Special Event Request for Autumn

                     Leaf Festival; Approved Chamber’s

                     ‘Fair Weather Fridays’; Approved

                     Clarion County Prevention Council’s

                     Special Event Request for “Celebra-

                     tion in the Park’; Approved Clarion

                     Hospital Ambassadors Request;

                     Gave Permission to Clarion Pack 51

                     Cub Scouts to Burn; Referred Letter

                     on Concern with Motorists Driving

                     Wrong Way on Wood Street to                        Public Safety Committee; Public

Works and Public Safety Chairs to

                     Look at Parking Situation at Fifth

                     Avenue and Liberty Street

Downtown Committee:            Update on Downtown Clarion

                     Revitalization Committee; Seminars

                     Discussed

Public Works:                  Appointed Parking Meter

                     Committee; Monthly Report; Depart-

                     ment to Fix McClune Place; Part-

                     Time Employee Status; Tom

                     Thompson on Active Duty; Accepted

                     HRG’s Bid for Engineering of

                     Traffic Signal at Eighth Avenue and

                     Wood Street; Public Works Contract

                     Negotiations to Begin

Public Safety:                  Adopted Ordinance Adding Stop

                     Sign at Wood Street and Sixth

                     Avenue and Stop Signs at Sixth

                     Avenue and South Street; Stop Signs

                     at Second Avenue and Wood Street

                     and Handicapped Parking Space on

                     Main Street; Pedestrian Signs;

                     Appointed Robert Yoho to Civil

                     Service Commission; Approved

                     Chief to Attend Two Seminars;

                     Accepted Amanda Spangler’s Resig-

                     nation from Meter Enforcement

                     Officer Position; Approved to

                     Advertise for Meter Enforcement

                     Officer; Speed Concern; Compli-

                     mented Officers Doing More Foot

                     Patrols; Thanked Department for

                     More Patrols at Paul A. Weaver

                     Community Park

Recreation:                  Pool Open; Passes Available

Mayor’s Report:               None

Old Business:                  United Way Cost Analysis; House

                     Bill 1418 Discussed

New Business:                  None

The regular scheduled meeting of the Clarion Borough Council was held on June 7, 2005, in the Assembly Room of the Clarion Free Library.

President Wilshire called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.

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

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

Upon request, President Wilshire asked Ms. Vavrek to go ahead with the Songer re-zoning request at this time.

Housing and Zoning:  Ms. Vavrek asked for any comments from Councilmembers on the Songer request.  At this point, Council can only deal with the R-3 rezoning request and will need more information on a request to change the property to R-1.  R-1 could be a good idea if done properly.  Ms. Vavrek asked President Wilshire for comments.

If Council does not approve the change to R-3 but eventually approves it to R-1, President Wilshire believes it has to be approved as a sub-division or a development, which means detailed plans will have to be submitted before anything could be done.  The Chernicky Development was required to go through this procedure many years ago, and everything was outlined as to where the roads and storm sewers would be placed.  It’s an expensive process for the developer.  The Chernicky Development was completed in stages and is still in the second phase.  It took a long time to get where it is today.

Ms. Vavrek asked Mr. Ragon if the UCC would restrict it.

Mr. Ragon stated no.  UCC doesn’t really affect whether the property is designated I-1, R-1, or R-3 but deals basically with how a house is constructed.  Whoever might develop this particular location will be restricted by where power lines could be placed, due to some areas being considered wetlands, and inaccessibility to the property.

Mr. Crooks agreed there will be quite an approval process but feels changing the zoning of the property from I-1 to R-1 is a positive step for the future.  When Council looked at rezoning, one of the major goals was to try to get more R-1 within the Borough.  A lot of R-2 was changed to R-1 and R-3 was changed to R-2.  Council wanted more families in the Borough.  Changing it to R-1 does involve a risk.  However, as the property is zoned now, Mr. Crooks stressed light industry could be placed there.   Council should jump at the R-1 option.  It’s an opportunity for homes to be placed there instead of industry.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. Crooks to reject the request of Ms. Pamela Songer to rezone a 35.31 acre parcel of land in Clarion Borough formerly owned by the Lake Erie, Franklin, and Clarion Railroad from I-1 to R-3.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Upon a request by Mr. Zerfoss,  the motion carried after the following roll call vote: Mr. Zerfoss, yes; Mr. Herman, yes; Mr. Crooks, yes; Ms. Vavrek, yes; Ms. Moore, yes; Mr. German, yes; and, President Wilshire, yes.

Ms. Vavrek made a motion that the $300 filing fee be waived for re-filing a new request by the Songers to change the property to R-1.

Mr. Ragon asked an attachment be added to the motion that the Songers be responsible for the attorney fees for writing the ordinance that would be required to change the zoning, if approved by Council.  That’s a major factor why the Borough charges a fee.

Mr. Herman asked if that fee covers the mailing costs to the adjacent property owners.

Mr. Ragon agreed and stated it also covers the advertisement fees.

President Wilshire feels it may be cheaper for the Songers to pay the filing fee.

Ms. Vavrek inquired if Mr. Songer wanted to see what the attorney fees would be and come back to Council at that point.

Mr. Songer commented he will just pay the $300 filing fee.

Ms. Vavrek withdrew her motion.

Ms. Vavrek reported Councilmembers received a copy of a proposed ordinance dealing with brush, grass and weeds and trees, which Solicitor Marshall hasn’t reviewed at this point.  As Mr. Ragon pointed out in the memorandum, the biggest change is when a person doesn’t take care of his/her lawn that Mr. Ragon would not have to notify him/her each time like he currently does but only one time.  After that, the person is expected to continue the upkeep throughout the summer or receive a citation.  There were a couple language clarifications and a few new definitions added also.  Ms. Vavrek stated it’s up to everyone to vote to advertise the ordinance or wait until Solicitor Marshall has reviewed it.

If Council postpones it, Ms. Moore pointed out the summer will be over and inquired why the Solicitor has not read it.

Mr. Ragon informed everyone Solicitor Marshall contacted the office late this afternoon and mentioned he didn’t see any problems on the service that would restrict the Borough’s enforcement.  If something comes up before adoption, Solicitor Marshall will notify Council.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. German, giving permission to advertise an Ordinance amending the provisions of Clarion Borough Ordinance #99-691, known as the Code of the Borough of Clarion, Chapter 69, Brush, Grass and Weeds, and Chapter 199, Trees, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

The minutes of the May 3, 2005, Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. Herman.

President Wilshire asked for any discussion or corrections?

Mr. Herman pointed out the last line states the Work Session was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. and it should be Council Meeting.

Noting the correction, the motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

The minutes of the May 12, 2005, Special Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Crooks.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

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

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek to approve the appropriations in the amount of $77,627.99.  

On page 21, Mr. German stated the Glen Sand and Gravel bill for $547.14 was an error and asked that bill be sent to Clarion Little League for payment.  Mr. German stated it looks like the YMCA payment for managing the pool was one month ahead of time and asked if that could be looked into.

Ms. LaVan commented she will take care of those issues.

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

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

Mr. German noticed the Emergency Services Tax looks a little low and wondered if Council should be concerned.

President Wilshire plans to discuss this with Ms. Lapinto but thinks part of it is due to some businesses collecting the tax $1 a week, which was recommended, rather than all at one time.  That will be monitored to make sure it’s coming in as expected.

President Wilshire announced a Work Session is scheduled for June 27, 2005, at 5:00 p.m. in the Clarion Borough Offices.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. German, approving the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry’s special event request for Autumn Leaf Festival to be held October 1-9, 2005, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire reported the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry is requesting to close North Sixth Avenue for ‘Fair Weather Fridays’ from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and asked Mr. Paul Bylaska, representing the Chamber, for additional information.

Mr. Bylaska reminded everyone last year the Chamber got permission for ‘Fair Weather Fridays’, where musical groups set up under the canopy at the Dance Studio on Main Street and played every other Friday throughout the summer.  The idea was to attract people on Friday evenings to the Downtown, particularly people who might otherwise not come Downtown.  First of all, the event didn’t achieve the Chamber’s main goal.  If it would have brought more people in, it would have been a problem because once the group set up there wasn’t enough room for audiences.  In discussions with Downtown businesspeople, he/she provided good suggestions for a wider variety of acts and definitely not having the kind of musical groups that would drive customers away.  The Chamber wanted to include acts that had meaning to children; because as everybody knows, when children attend, he/she tend to bring his/her parents.  Some parents relayed a concern of safety for children when an event is held on the sidewalk, especially if there is a crowd.  People couldn’t see the group in that location either, due to cars parked along 322.  For these reasons, Mr. Bylaska stated the Chamber returned to the original concept of blocking North Sixth Avenue down to the alley to have what a lot of communities referred to as a street dance.  This year, the groups that have tentatively agreed to perform are the Boot Scooters, a line dance country DJ act that do demonstrations and appeals to all ages; Gary Bickerstaff, singer/guitar player, which is easy listening, light rock experience; two jazz performances; and Chaz. 

Mr. Herman inquired if the weather is not good that day if the Chamber thought about rescheduling it to the following Friday.

Mr. Bylaska stated no, the Chamber loses the opportunity.

Mr. German inquired if the acts donate his/her time.

Mr. Bylaska stated no.  The groups are paid for by the Chamber, which is essentially funded through dues and various fees charged to the businesses.

Mr. Crooks thinks this is really a great effort to get a variety of bands.  Last year, the variety of music was not there; it seemed to be too much rock and roll.  Mr. Crooks offered he could help with the electric.

On a motion by Mr. Crooks with a second by Mr. Herman, approving the request from the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry to close North Sixth Avenue to the alley for ‘Fair Weather Fridays’ from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. on June 17, July 1, 15, 29, and August 12 and 26, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire commented the Clarion County Prevention Council is requesting permission for their ‘Celebration in the Park’ and asked Chief Hall if everything is okay.

Chief Hall stated the Police don’t have too much to do with the event except bag the meters.

Mr. German noticed the request also asks the vendor fee be waived.

Ms. LaVan noted the organization has a limited amount of vendors, which Council waived the permit in the past.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek to approve the request of the Clarion County Prevention Council’s special event request for their “Celebration in the Park” to be held July 22, 2005.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire stated Council received a couple other requests not listed on the agenda.  One is from the Clarion Hospital Ambassadors, which Mr. John Stroup is present to discuss.

Mr. Stroup informed Council the Hospital Ambassadors would like to hold an Art Auction on August 13, 2005, at the Clarion House Bed and Breakfast.  Attendees will park at the Presbyterian Church parking lot.  Since this will attract an older audience, the Hospital Ambassadors want to ensure his/her safety by transporting him/her by golf carts or a van to the auction and hopes Clarion Borough will permit them to block off a portion of the street being Weaver Place from Wood Street to George Road and South Street from Seventh Avenue to Eighth Avenue.  The residents in that location have access to his/her house.

Chief Hall commented the Public Works Department will place saw horses on the streets to block the area.

Mr. Stutzman pointed out parking will not be allowed along South Street because that will need to remain open in case emergency vehicles need access.

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Ms. Vavrek, approving the request of the Clarion Hospital Ambassadors to block off a portion of the alley Weaver Place from Wood Street to George Road and South Street from Seventh Avenue to Eighth Avenue to be able to drive attendees by golf cart or van to an Art Auction being held on August 13, 2005, from 6:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. at the Clarion House Bed & Breakfast, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire read a letter from the Clarion Pack 51 Cub Scouts in reference to holding a flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, June 14, 2005.  The Pack hopes to receive permission from O-I Glass Plant to have the ceremony at the ball fields at the plant.  Since the event involves burning, which is not permitted in Borough limits, the Cub Scouts would like Council to give permission for the event.  There will be adult supervision.

On a motion by Mr. German with a second by Mr. Crooks, giving permission to Clarion Pack 51 Cub Scouts to burn within the Borough limits for a flag retirement ceremony to be held on Flag Day, June 14, 2005, at the O-I ball field, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire announced a letter was received concerning traffic on Wood Street between Eighth Avenue and Seventh Avenue, where motorists are driving the wrong way and asked the Public Safety Committee to review this issue to see if anything can be done.

Mr. German and Mr. Herman have both noticed this happening.

Chief Hall stated usually people go down Wood Street to get into Wendy’s but has not seen a vehicle go beyond that.

Chief Hall informed everyone several citizens approached him in reference to Liberty Street at Fifth Avenue at the Kennedy house across from the District Attorney’s Office.  Parked vehicles along Fifth Avenue by that house make it difficult for motorists turning from Liberty Street.  Chief Hall asked if Mr. Herman and Mr. Zerfoss could look into that to see if something could be done.  Chief Hall and Mr. Ragon looked into it and there is room in the back of the property to make parking if the owner wanted to.

Mr. Zerfoss realizes it’s a problem.  People have to pull half-way out onto Fifth Avenue before he/she can see.  It will be looked into.

Downtown Committee:  Ms. Moore reported the Downtown Clarion Revitalization Committee has officially merged with the already existing Clarion Conservancy.  A logo has been designed signifying that and the Borough flag colors of green and gold were used. The slogan is ‘Downtown Clarion Revitalization On the Move’ bringing Downtown Clarion and the community together.  The Committee is well on their way.  Ms. Moore announced there are four committees, but it seems Committee Members overlap.  The Promotions Committee is the most active and is chaired by Andrea Maitland.  There are 8 upcoming projects the Committee plans to do this summer, some of which are long-range.  Five points of concern are being focused on: hours of business, selection offered, prices charged, customer service, and parking.  Parking is the first one to be worked on. The Downtown Clarion Revitalization Committee has paid the fee and is now a member of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, the state organization.  Ms. Moore reported Ms. Maitland and Ms. Vavrek will be attending two seminars this month.

Ms. Vavrek informed everyone the seminars were yesterday.  Ms. Vavrek attended one on fundraising.  Speakers are available to teach people how to do a capital campaign.  Ms. Maitland attended one on all the basics of a Main Street Manager and what is to be expected of that person.  Some information was good and some both already knew.  All-in-all the seminars were worth the effort.

Public Works:  Mr. Zerfoss asked President Wilshire if he was appointing a Parking Meter Committee.

President Wilshire stated it was listed on the agenda.

Mr. Zerfoss reported a meeting was held to discuss what the Borough was going to do with the parking meters, particularly the ones that weren’t certified.  There are 230 locations that do not have meters.  A committee needs to decide where to go with this issue, if the Borough’s going to buy, what will be brought, and look at the prices of the meters.  Mr. Zerfoss suggested the following Councilmembers be appointed on a Parking Meter Committee: Ms. Moore (Downtown), Mr. Herman (Public Safety); and himself (Public Works), with Ms. Moore being Chair.

President Wilshire commented that would be fine.

Mr. Zerfoss stated the Committee will meet, and Ms. Moore will have a report at the next meeting.

Mr. Zerfoss reported the Public Works Report is in the packet for everyone’s review.  Next month, the actual costs of Clean-Up Day should be available.  Crosswalk painting is over half way done and is being completed at night.

Mr. Zerfoss announced Mr. Stutzman and he plan to walk or drive the Troese Addition, where sanitary sewers work was completed, to make sure the paving meets all the Borough specifications.

Jumping ahead, President Wilshire asked Mr. Zerfoss if the Public Works Committee can follow up on the letter from Pat Linnan on the condition of McClune Place.

Mr. Zerfoss already discussed this with Mr. Stutzman, and the Department will fix that road in-house.

Mr. German asked if the Public Works Department hired part-time employees yet.  A couple people have asked and didn’t notice an advertisement.  Mr. German recalled last year the Borough advertised and required an individual to be 18 years old.

Mr. Zerfoss stated the members turned that over to Ms. Lapinto and Mr. Stutzman to handle.

Mr. Stutzman stated two part-time employees were hired and are scheduled to begin next week.  The Borough has a difficult time getting kids to come work for the entire summer.  When the Borough goes to hire, the individual either has a job or is not interested anymore.  This year 5-6 applications were turned in.

If the Borough would advertise, Mr. German asked Mr. Stutzman if he thought the Borough would receive more applications.

Mr. Stutzman commented the Borough advertised last year and more people applied but were older individuals, which creates unemployment issues.  The job was originally set up for high school or college students who return to Clarion for the summer and want to work.  The Borough would like to keep it that way.

President Wilshire asked if the Department is still down one person.

Mr. Stutzman stated yes.

Ms. Moore inquired if Tom Thompson is on active duty now.

Mr. Zerfoss reported Mr. Thompson is on active duty in the State of Indiana.  Mr. Thompson has orders for 29 days and then the Government discharges him for a day, which relieves the Government’s obligations to pay him benefits.  Therefore, the Borough has been paying for Mr. Thompson’s insurance.

Mr. Crooks questioned how Clean-Up Day went since it included the Main Street businesses.

Mr. Stutzman reported it went really well.  Some businesses participated and others didn’t, but it is the first year.

Mr. Crooks stated the business owners appreciated the service.

Mr. Zerfoss announced three bids were received for the engineering proposal for the traffic signal at Eighth Avenue and Wood Street, as follows: Trans Associates, $17,300; PBSJ/TriLine, $21,200; and HRG, $12,650.  Mr. Zerfoss recommends Council accept HRG’s bid.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Ms. Vavrek, accepting the low bid of HRG in the amount of $12,650 for the engineering for the traffic signal at Eighth Avenue and Wood Street, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Zerfoss commented the Public Work Contract expires at the end of the year and asked President Wilshire if the Committee, along with Ms. Lapinto, and Mr. Stutzman, representing the employees, along with Ms. Betty Fisher, representing Teamsters, can begin negotiations.

President Wilshire stated that would be fine but suggested each side meet alone first.

Public Safety:  First on the Agenda, Mr. Herman stated there are two ordinances listed and asked if Council can adopt both at one time.

President Wilshire doesn’t think that is allowed.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek, adopting Ordinance #2005-731, an Ordinance amending Chapter 205 of Clarion Borough’s Code of Ordinances, titled “Vehicles and Traffic” adding a stop sign at Wood Street going east at Sixth Avenue and stop signs at Sixth Avenue and South Street, both north and south, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek to adopt Ordinance #2005-732, an Ordinance amending Chapter 205 of Clarion Borough’s Code of Ordinances titled “Vehicles and Traffic” adding stop signs on Second Avenue at Wood Street, both north and south, and a handicapped parking space on Main Street in front of the Post Office.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire noticed the pedestrian signs throughout Clarion Borough and is glad to see them back.

Chief Hall announced Penn Dot donated those signs to the Borough.  Each one is $299, and has a spring in case a car hits them.

At the May 12th Special Council Meeting, Mr. Herman reminded everyone Council accepted the resignation of Mr. Dave Swanson from the Civil Service Commission, with regrets.  A letter was sent to Mr. Swanson thanking him for his great service and efficient job redoing the rules and testing.  Now Council is ready to move forward and fill that position.  Dr. Bob Yoho has agreed to fill that vacancy for the remainder of Mr. Swanson’s term.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Moore, appointing Robert Yoho to fill the remaining term of Dave Swanson on the Civil Service Commission to expire 2007, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Herman reported the Chief is asking permission to attend the Command Institute for Police Executives sponsored by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association to be held June 13-17, 2005, in Pittsburgh.  The fee is $65 and the Chief will receive reimbursement for mileage since he has agreed to take his personal vehicle so the unmarked car is available for the officers.  Mr. Herman made a motion that Council approve his request.

Since this isn’t an ordinance, President Wilshire feels Council could approve both requests for the Chief to attend training.

Mr. Herman informed Council the Chief would also like to attend the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association’s 92nd Annual Conference, which will be held at Valley Forge from July 10-14, 2005.  The fee will be $725 and reimbursement for mileage.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Moore to give permission for Chief Mark E. Hall to attend the Command Institute for Police Executives sponsored by Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association to be held June 13-17, 2005, and to attend the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association 92nd Annual Education and Training Conference to be held July 10-14, 2005.

Ms. Moore asked if these seminars were budgeted.

Mr. Herman verified they were.

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Herman read a letter from Ms. Amanda Spangler resigning from her meter enforcement officer position.  Ms. Spangler will be starting nursing school in the fall, which is scheduled to start either September 12 or 19.  Ms. Spangler anticipates her last day will be September 9 and thanks Council for the experience of working with the Police Department.  Mr. Herman stated Ms. Spangler has been a good employee and asked Chief Hall for additional comments.

Chief Hall reported Ms. Spangler has been a very good employee, was always on time, and did a good job.  Chief Hall hates to see Ms. Spangler leave but wished her good luck with her nursing career.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Crooks, accepting the resignation from Amanda Spangler from Meter Enforcement Officer position effective September 9, 2005, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Herman stated the Committee would like to advertise to fill that position, which would be 4 hours per day or 20 hours a week.

Ms. Moore asked if the Borough has enough working meters to warrant two Meter Enforcement Officers.

Mr. Herman thinks the problem with the meters is they are not all in one area and asked Mr. Stutzman to explain how the meters were done and how each is assigned to a specific pole.

Mr. Stutzman reported every mechanism (timing part) inside each meter has a serial number on it; and if there wasn’t one, there is now.  That serial number is assigned to a particular location, and the Borough must keep track of that.  The meters now have a sticker and are certified by the Weights and Measures Department.  Mr. Stutzman commented before it was easy to keep track of the meters.  But now if a battery is changed, the Department has to keep a record and is really a difficult procedure.  The spare meters got hit pretty hard.  If the meter was a 2-hour meter, Mr. Stutzman reported it was giving a person 2 hours 15 minutes.  Anything over 9 minutes fails the State specifications.  The only option the Borough has is to repair or replace it, which is the reason for the Committee.  If a meter is 1 second under 2 hours, it also failed.

Mr. German asked how long the meters are certified for.

Mr. Stutzman commented 3 years.

Mr. Herman believes more meters failed for giving more time than not enough.

Ms. Moore asked if the Meter Enforcement Officers are helping the Department by keeping track of the meters.

Mr. Stutzman stated no.  They just write tickets and collect the money.

President Wilshire asked the total number of meters and how many are not working.

Chief Hall stated there are 693 all together (566 out on the streets) and 43% are not working.

Mr. Herman feels the Borough still needs another Meter Enforcement Officer.

President Wilshire asked how many hours each one works now and wondered if the remaining Meter Enforcement Officer could be given more hours.

Chief Hall reported both work 4 hours a day because the enforcement hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Mr. German thinks President Wilshire is asking if the job could be done by one person instead of two.

Chief Hall stated the previous Meter Enforcement Officer worked 6 hours, meaning 2 hours were not being enforced.  If that person called off sick or took a day off, the meters weren’t enforced at all.  Also, by having two employees, there is no need to cover lunch breaks.

Mr. Herman stressed the person would not be hired until September.  Hopefully by then, the Parking Meter Committee would have come up with solutions with the meters Downtown.

Mr. Crooks asked if there was a second to the motion.

Mr. Herman thought there was one.

Ms. LaVan stated no.

After some discussion, on a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. German to approve advertising for a Meter Enforcement Officer.  The motion carried with a vote of six yea with President Wilshire voting nay.

Before leaving Public Safety, Mr. Crooks voiced concern at the speed people are driving within the Borough.  This is one disadvantage of having good smooth alleys, like Merle Street, because people drive 30 mph.  Mr. Crooks is worried about the walkers and children in the Borough.  The stop signs at the corner of Second Avenue and Wood Street are not being obeyed; motorists are making a rolling stop, if even that.  Mr. Crooks doesn’t know if Council should consider speed bumps but this is a real concern.  Trucks, filled with lumber, are traveling down Main Street at 40 mph, because the drivers see all the green lights, due to the synchronization lighting, and go at full speed.  Mr. Crooks knew that would happen once that project was completed.

Chief Hall reported the Department just completed a 3-week Buckle-Up Grant Program.  The Officers wrote many citations, quite a few were speeding.  Also, within the last 3 weeks, the speed lines were repainted.  Chief Hall will have the officers check the areas mentioned.

President Wilshire complimented the Public Safety Committee, Chief, and Mayor on seeing more officers doing foot patrol in the alleys and streets and feels that’s a good thing.

At a meeting with the officers, Chief Hall commented Councilmembers wanted to see more foot patrols being done.

Mr. German thanked the Chief and the Officers for doing more patrols at Paul A. Weaver Community Park and stated it’s noticeable and has helped tremendously.

Recreation:  Mr. German reported the pool is up and running for the season.  Pool passes are still available.

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

Old Business:  Mr. German inquired about the cost analysis on the United Way race.

Once the event has been held, Mr. Herman commented Ms. Lapinto will do a cost analysis, and the Borough will have an idea of how it went and what may have happened.

President Wilshire imagines the Borough would have to compare it to a similar event.

Mr. Herman noticed on the Internet today pending House Bill 1418, which has 29 co-sponsors and was referred to the Education Committee.  HB1418 deals with a formula for dispersing a grant of $3 million per year to the 14 municipalities that house state-owned universities, which is an issue Council has been dealing with for 2 years with Representative McIlhattan and Senator Mary Jo White.  The formula is pretty intense.  Based on the formula guidelines, the article indicated the Town of Bloomsburg would get $159,000 and Kutztown would get $342,000 a year.  Mr. Herman estimated Clarion Borough would receive between $125,000 - 175,000 but will have Ms. Lapinto figure it out.  This could allow the Borough to reduce taxes.  Representative McIlhattan’s office forwarded a copy of the proposed bill, which Mr. Herman has for Councilmembers if he/she is interested.  Mr. Herman informed everyone Representative McIlhattan was the fourth person to sign the bill and has not had a chance to contact Senator White to see how she feels about it or if she plans to support the bill in the Senate.  Hopefully, Clarion Borough residents contact and encourage both representatives to move hard on this House Bill.

New Business:  There was none.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek, the Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

                     ______________________________

                     Linda M. LaVan

                     Administrative/Zoning Secretary