October 3, 2006, Council Meeting

Summary of Action Taken

Citizen Comments:               None

Housing and Zoning:               Approved Revision to Troeses’ Sub-

                     Division Plan

Administration:               Monthly Reports; Work Session

                     Scheduled; Approved Special Event

                     and Banner Requests; Permission to

                     Sign Surety Bond Release In Re

                     Adelphia; Permission to Sign Con-

                     sent Order and Agreement; Adopted

                     Ordinance Amending Previous

                     Ordinance In Re CAA Loan;

                     Permission for Administration

                     Committee to Hire Financial

                     Consultant; Permission to Change

                     Web Service

Downtown Committee:            Monthly Report

Public Works:                  Monthly Report; Permission to

                     Participate in Sustainable Energy

                     Fund

Public Safety:                  Adopted Ordinance In Re Traffic

                     Changes; Set Trick-or-Treat Hours;

                     Hired Reda Blair as Meter Enforce-

                     ment Officer to be Used on

                     Temporary/Emergency Basis

Housing and Zoning:               None

Recreation:                  Meeting; Pool Closed

Mayor’s Report:               Commended Chief and Officers on

                     Overtime; Bike and Foot Patrols

Manager’s Report:               Received Plaque of Appreciation

                     from Chamber of Business and

                     Industry

Old Business:                  None

New Business:                  None

Correspondence:               Thank You Note from Patricia

                     McFarland; Thank You E-Mail Note

                     from Mark Franchino, Clarion

                     University, In Re Art Exhibition;

                     Article in Pennsylvania Borough

                     News In Re Clarion Borough Police

Minutes

The regularly scheduled meeting of Clarion Borough Council was held on October 3, 2006, in the Assembly Room of the Clarion Free Library.

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

Councilmembers present included Mr. Zerfoss, Mr. Herman, Ms. Leonard, Ms. Vavrek, Ms. Moore, Mr. German, and President Wilshire.  Mr. Ragon, Ms. Freenock, and Mayor Stroup were also present.  Chief Hall arrived at 7:06 p.m.  Mr. Stutzman and Solicitor French were absent.

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

The minutes of the August 28, 2006, Work Session, were approved on a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Ms. Vavrek.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

The minutes of the September 5, 2006, Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Leonard.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

The minutes of the September 12, 2006, Special Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. Herman.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Citizen Comments:  There were none.

President Wilshire asked for the Housing and Zoning Report to be given at this time.

Housing and Zoning:  Ms. Vavrek reported there was a very brief Public Hearing prior to the Council Meeting.  Ms. Arlene Troese, Mr. Richard Troese, and Mr. Henry Troese, Jr., are asking Council to approve a revision to a sub-division known as the Troese Plan of Lots #2.  The Troeses’ wish to redraw a section of the plan located on the western limit of the housing development known as the Troese Addition bounded on the east by Frontier Way; on the north by Eastwood Drive; on the west by Sheridan Road; and on the south by lands now or formerly of R.J. Corcetti.  The purpose of the modification is to affirm the location(s) of the lot, or lots, previously developed; to identify utility easements; to re-define the lot line locations for future development; and to verify the physical location of Frontier Way.  Ms. Vavrek asked Mr. Troese, Jr., to explain further for Council. 

Mr. Henry Troese, Jr., reported the Troeses’ are eliminating one lot in order to make the remaining lots bigger so it is more feasible to coincide with the current houses.  This will also set Frontier Way where it’s supposed to be.

Ms. Vavrek stated it will also be recorded correctly.

Mr. Troese agreed it wasn’t recorded in 1962.

Mr. Zerfoss asked how many lots that will give the Troeses’.

Mr. Troese commented there will be 5 instead of 6.

Ms. Vavrek informed everyone the Planning Commission has already approved this request.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Leonard, approving Ms. Arlene Troese, Mr. Henry Troese, Jr., and Mr. Richard Troese’s request for a revision to their sub-division plan known as the Troese Plan of Lots #2, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

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

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek to approve the appropriations for the month of October.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire also presented the Treasurer’s Report of Fund Totals, Budget Analysis, and Overtime Comparison Report for information purposes and asked Ms. Freenock for any comments.

Ms. Freenock pointed out the General Fund Checkbook is high, because state contributions for the pension plan were deposited in there.  That money will be moved out.

President Wilshire questioned if the auditor discussed starting a separate checking account for the pension plans rather than putting money into the General Fund.

Ms. Freenock stated the Borough has a separate checking account now, but the money was deposited into General Fund by mistake.

President Wilshire announced a Work Session has been scheduled for October 30, 2006, at 5:00 p.m. in the Clarion Borough Offices and anticipates discussion on the 2007 Budget.  One of the key issues will be a decision on the Emergency Municipal Services Tax that was instituted a couple years ago.  Council will have to pass an ordinance or resolution on if there will be a $12,000 cap or not.

Ms. Freenock believes that was Council’s intention but that’s not what the ordinance states.

Last fall, Mr. Herman recalls there were several pieces of legislation, one in reference to a cap, passed at the House level but not concurrently with the Senate and asked if that’s Ms. Freenock’s interpretation.

Ms. Freenock agreed.

Without looking at the reports, Mr. Zerfoss asked if the Borough received more money this year than last year at this time.

Ms. Freenock believes so but will double check.

President Wilshire feels the Borough’s still extremely short on what was anticipated.

Mr. Zerfoss stressed his question was did the Borough receive more money now than last year at this time.

Ms. Freenock will check, because the Budget Analysis Report indicates the Borough may be a little behind.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. Herman, approving the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s special event request for permission to use the sidewalks for their MS Walk to be held May 6, 2007, and the League of Women Voters of Clarion County’s banner request for “Remember to Vote on Tuesday” banners to be put up November 1, 2006, and removed November 8, 2006, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire asked Ms. Freenock to discuss the next couple agenda items.

Ms. Freenock reported Council is aware that Adelphia declared bankruptcy and has gone through the proceedings of selling their assets to Time Warner and Comcast.  Comcast is the entity that purchased the part of the cable system that serves the Clarion area.  The Borough has been asked to release the surety bonds received on behalf of Adelphia and a new bond has been offered to the Borough in Comcast’s name.  Ms. Freenock sees no reason the Borough shouldn’t release the bonds.

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Ms. Vavrek to give permission for Ms. Freenock to sign the surety bond release in reference to the sale of Adelphia’s assets.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Ms. Freenock stated the DEP Consent Order was discussed at the Work Session.  Pennsylvania-American Water Company has come up with a revised 537 Plan for all of the municipalities that Clarion Area Authority currently serves.  This is an obligation that the Borough would have regardless.  DEP has agreed to let the water company take care of the 537 Plan.  However, the Borough essentially is liable for this Plan and must make sure it’s done correctly and in a timely fashion.

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Ms. Leonard, giving permission for the President and Solicitor to sign the Consent Order and Agreement from DEP, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

At the Work Session, Ms. Freenock explained the attorney in Harrisburg for the Local Government Unit Debt Department was not happy with the Ordinance that Council adopted at the Special Council Meeting in reference to the loan for Clarion Area Authority because it did not contain the words “lease rental debt’.  Instead, the definition of lease rental debt was included in the ordinance.  The Borough has been asked to amend the ordinance.  An ad was published that Council intends to adopt the amended ordinance, copy was included in the packet with the words “lease rental debt”.  If it’s adopted, another publication will be done stating Council adopted it.  By amending the first ordinance versus adopting an entirely new ordinance, the attorney relayed it will not affect the timeline.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Moore, adopting Ordinance #2006-741, an ordinance amending Ordinance #2006-739, which was previously ordained and enacted on September 12, 2006, in reference to Clarion Area Authority’s loan, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire commented the Administration Committee would like permission to hire a financial consultant.  As a reminder, Ms. Freenock discovered a state grant program that helps municipalities better plan their budget.  These proposals are expected prior to the next regular Council Meeting.  President Wilshire stated that’s why the Committee would like permission to hire as soon as possible so work on the budget can begin immediately.

Mr. Zerfoss confirmed the Borough’s not committing any money towards this program.

Ms. Freenock stated that’s correct.  The Department of Community and Economic Development has decided to accept in-kind services, meaning anybody who spends time contributing to this process would be counted as the Borough’s contribution.

Mayor Stroup inquired if that included the Chief and his time as well.

Ms. Freenock isn’t sure how detailed the consultant will get, but everyone should keep track of his/her time.  Three bids are expected.  The Administration Committee will interview all the bidders before hiring.

Ms. Vavrek asked if this was advertised.

Ms. Freenock stated yes and request for proposals were mailed to consultants that have assisted other boroughs.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek to give permission for the Administration Committee to hire a financial consultant.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire stated permission is necessary to change the Borough’s website, www.clarionboro.org, from USA Choice to Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, PSAB.  The name will stay the same.  Chief Hall discovered PSAB would provide the same level of service for $24 a year.  Currently, the Borough pays $30 a month.  E-mail addresses for Borough employees are also provided and would actually be markhall@clarionboro.org.  PSAB offers additional privileges such as more management type services.  Right now, President Wilshire maintains the Borough’s website.  A lot of other boroughs have gone to PSAB.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek, giving permission to change web service from USA Choice to Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Downtown Committee:  Ms. Moore didn’t have anything to report but asked if Ms. Vavrek had a committee report.

Ms. Vavrek stated the Planning Committee will meet on Thursday at 8 a.m. in the basement of Rev. Jake Jacobson’s Church to find what direction to go.

President Wilshire asked if that’s part of the Conservancy.

Ms. Vavrek agreed.

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

Mr. Zerfoss commented the Department is busy with Autumn Leaf Festival this week.

Mr. Zerfoss asked Ms. Freenock to explain the Sustainable Energy Fund.

Ms. Freenock reported within the next 3-5 years the traffic signals will have to be converted to LED lights.  Currently, the signals consist of three light bulbs and a piece of vinyl in front of each opening.  The conversion is to save energy and therefore money.  Sustainable Energy Fund has asked Clarion Borough to participate in a PILOT Program for this area.  A consultant will be hired to change the bulbs to LED.  Ms. Freenock stated the light bulbs are currently replaced once a year, which costs approximately $3,000.  LED bulbs are guaranteed for 5 years and have a useful life of 10 years.  There is a cost associated with this but is not exactly out of pocket.  Ms. Freenock commented the first thing is the contractor will come in and do a survey to determine how much electric Clarion Borough uses for traffic signals and then the cost.  The contractor will back out what the Borough will be spending based on the savings in energy.  That will help in calculating the overall savings.  The Borough will continue to pay Allegheny Power.  The savings will be used to pay the LED conversion.  Sustainable Energy Fund will finance it at 6.5% for 5 years; or the Borough has the option to pay the entire amount and will receive a 3% discount.  The idea is for the Borough to get ahead of the curve and save some money.  With the deregulation, Ms. Freenock thinks the estimated increase is between 50-75% in the energy bills.

Mr. Zerfoss reported a meeting was held earlier this year, including Ms. LaVan, Mr. Stutzman, Ms. Freenock, and he with DEP looking at the breakdown of energy used in all Borough buildings.  It was a good meeting.  This PILOT Program was a result of that meeting.  Mr. Zerfoss thinks meetings will continue to be held and hopefully the Borough will continue to save money.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Ms. Vavrek that Clarion Borough participates in the Sustainable Energy Fund for traffic lights.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Public Safety:  On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Zerfoss, adopting Ordinance #2006-740, an Ordinance amending Chapter 205 of Clarion Borough’s Code of Ordinances titled “Vehicles and Traffic”, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Herman announced trick-of-treat hours for Clarion Borough as 6-8 p.m. on October 31, 2006.

Several months ago, Mr. Herman reminded everyone there was discussion about hiring a third Meter Enforcement Officer, MEO, who could be used on temporary/emergency basis only.  This person would be trained to be able to step in whenever one of the current MEO’s is sick, injured, or unable to perform his/her duties.  Mr. Herman feels it would be good protection for the Borough and stressed this person would not increase the current budget in any way.  Mr. Herman reported Ms. Freenock, Chief Hall, and he interviewed Reda Blair and all the clearances were okay.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Zerfoss to hire Reda Blair as a Meter Enforcement Officer to be used on a temporary/emergency basis to fill in whenever a current Meter Enforcement Officer is unable to work.

Mr. Zerfoss agreed with Mr. Herman a couple months ago and feels this is the way to go.  Police officers are paid too much money to be issuing parking tickets or collecting meter money.  Mr. Zerfoss supports this 100%.

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Housing and Zoning:  Ms. Vavrek had nothing further to report.

Recreation:  Ms. Leonard stated the Recreation Committee will meet on October 13, 2006.

Mr. Zerfoss stated the Public Works Department has closed the pool.

Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Stroup commended the Chief for working with the officers on the overtime this month, which is down compared to last year.

Mayor Stroup reported the officers are doing bike and foot patrols and have easier access to the activities.

President Wilshire noticed the officers on bikes during the Kiddies’ Parade tonight.

Mayor Stroup commended the officers for being very thorough in their activities this ALF week and hopes everyone has a safe ALF.

Manager’s Report:  Ms. Freenock informed Council the Borough, as well as Public Safety and Public Works, received a plaque of appreciation from the Chamber of Business and Industry for all their help with this year’s ALF.

President Wilshire heard many positive comments in reference to the carnival this year.  It’s better this year than in the past and people appreciate it.

Old Business:  There was none.

New Business:  There was none.

Correspondence:  Ms. LaVan read a note from Pat McFarland, Sage Meadow, thanking the Clarion Borough Police and Officer Robinson for retrieving her bicycle that was reported stolen on August 29.  Ms. McFarland stated it’s great living in a small town knowing you’re not just a number.

Ms. LaVan read an e-mail from Mr. Mark Franchino, gallery director/assistant professor at Clarion University, thanking President Wilshire and the Borough for supporting the upcoming exhibition “Articulating Spaces: Poets and Artists Interacting with their Environment”.  They were able to secure grants from the Clarion University Foundation and the Venango Center for Creative Development.  A calendar of events was attached to the e-mail with the dates for the exhibition events.

Mr. Zerfoss noticed the article on the Clarion Borough Police in the Pennsylvania Borough News magazine and thanked the Chief, Mayor, and Public Safety Committee.  It’s nice to see what’s happening in other boroughs of Pennsylvania and to see the Borough in there as well.

Mayor Stroup commented it was an article from the Clarion News.

Mr. Zerfoss thanked Mr. Rodney Sherman.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek, the Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

                     ______________________________

                     Nancy K. Freenock

                     Borough Secretary