March 27, 2006, Work Session

Summary of Action Taken

Minutes

The Work Session of the Clarion Borough Council was held on March 27, 2006, at the Clarion Borough Offices.

President Wilshire called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.

Councilmembers present included Mr. Herman, Ms. Leonard, Ms. Vavrek, Ms. Moore, Mr. German, and President Wilshire.  Mr. Zerfoss was absent.  Mr. Ragon, Chief Hall, Ms. Freenock, Mr. Stutzman, and Mayor Stroup were also present.

Citizen Comments:  There were none.

Administration:  President Wilshire had nothing to report.

Downtown Committee:  Ms. Moore had nothing to report.

Public Works:  Mr. Stutzman, in the absence of Mr. Zerfoss, stated the Committee would like permission to sell the 1993 Ford F-350 Dump Truck at the Council Meeting.

Public Safety:  Mr. Herman and Mr. Zerfoss met to discuss the possibility of reversing Boundary Street and discussed it with the people who work at the gas station.  Mr. Zerfoss was going to check with the homeowners that would be directly affected by any changes.  This will be discussed further with an update at the Council Meeting.

At the last Council Meeting, Mr. Herman reminded everyone Mr. Dave McClaine asked Council to remove the parking space on Main Street in front of Vowinckel’s Tires.  Due to issues with visibility and the speed at which motorists travel from Fifth Avenue to Third Avenue, the Committee agreed to remove that space.

Mr. Herman reported the Committee feels adding a stop sign on Liberty Street at Eighth Avenue as motorists travel west would slow the vehicles down as they approach the I.C. School parking lot, which is used as a playground for the children.  In discussion with Mr. Zerfoss and Mr. Stutzman, a school or children at play sign may also be added.

Mr. Herman stated the Chief and he are working on a proposal on handicap parking spaces as far as where the spaces are located currently and how to best utilize them in a consistent fashion where people will know where they are in relationship to Downtown.  This may or may not be ready for the Council Meeting.

President Wilshire asked Chief Hall for any comments on the big excitement that occurred today.

Chief Hall informed everyone there was an explosion shortly before 1 p.m. on Helena Court.  Fortunately, no one was home; the owner was in Florida.  No other houses were damaged.  There is a lot of debris everywhere.  Chief Hall reported the utility companies and County emergency services were also present.

Mr. Herman contacted the homeowner to make sure she’s okay.  The owner was quite surprised.  Mr. Herman thinks it’s more of a shock.

Housing and Zoning:  Ms. Vavrek reported Councilmembers received the changes the Committee is suggesting as amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, which are indicated in bold.  These changes are a result of the Public Hearing that was held.  Unless the Solicitor doesn’t have time to review the proposal, the Committee would like to get permission on Tuesday to advertise the Ordinance.  Ms. Vavrek reported the Committee defined family for all residential uses to read the same so there would not be any confusion.  Item 5 ties into that so that the dwelling is owner-occupied and in all districts, R-1, R-2, and R-3, only one roomer, boarder, or lodger shall be permitted.  This is the biggest change.  Also added was the use of the dwelling shall be subject to any other conditions deemed appropriate by Clarion Borough Council in accordance with Section 210-3 of the Chapter.  Ms. Vavrek stated the Committee didn’t want to define every single issue but felt it could just refer it to Council.  The Housing and Zoning Committee favors this proposal.  Promotional signs or displays had been limited to 30 days but was changed to 60 days.  The Committee agreed there should not be parking in a person’s front yard other than his/her driveway.  Ms. Vavrek commented the Committee would like to leave the R-1 designation in the area of South Seventh Avenue to include residences bounded by Marronee Street, Ditz Place, South Street, and South Eighth Avenue.  Currently, it is R-2.  Councilmembers have a chance to review the proposed amendments before the Council Meeting.  Ms. Vavrek asked anyone with questions to contact her or Mr. Ragon.

Ms. Moore inquired if there was going to be another Public Hearing as requested.

Ms. Vavrek stated no, because the Committee changed almost nothing.  If someone requests a Public Hearing, the Committee could schedule one between the advertising of the Ordinance and the adoption of it.  Ms. Vavrek has talked to Tom Leavy.  Mr. Ragon has discussed it with Ms. Rose Logue.  Ms. Logue was concerned about a rental unit and Mr. Ragon assured her as long as the third floor was occupied that was sufficient.  The only other issue on Seventh Avenue would be Dr. Scott who has rentals.  Mr. Brian Acey was mostly concerned with the driveway and about density.  Mr. Acey wanted to put more cars in the front yard.  The Committee members didn’t feel that was necessary.  Ms. Vavrek noticed there are issues about the tenants of Dr. Scott’s driving off Seventh Avenue, driving over the curb, across the sidewalk, and through the yard to get to the parking lot in the back.  Ms. Vavrek stressed these individuals could access it from Ditz Place but do not.

Recreation:  Ms. Leonard reported Ms. Freenock and she met with Mike Ebert of the YMCA as a get-acquainted session.  Also in attendance were Mr. Stutzman, Mr. Herman, and Mr. Zerfoss.  It was a couple hours long but very productive.  Everyone went away feeling good.

Ms. Leonard commented Monroe Township sent a letter asking for additional information to the Borough’s request for $500 towards Paul A. Weaver Community Park.  That’s being gathered.

Ms. Leonard stated a letter was received from Clarion University’s baseball team wanting permission to hold clinics at Paul A. Weaver Community Park.  That just came in so a copy has been made for the Recreation Committee.  A meeting will be scheduled to discuss the request.

Ms. Leonard would like permission to attend a Financing Municipal Recreation and Parks Seminar being held in Clarion at the Holiday Inn on May 11, 2006.  The cost is only $25.  Ms. Leonard feels it would be beneficial to attend.

President Wilshire stated that can be handled at the Council Meeting.

Mr. Herman suggested if Ms. Freenock has time to go it might be a good idea.

Ms. Freenock agreed to attend.

Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Stroup reported a meeting was held with the following representatives; Public Safety Committee; Police Chief; Sheriff; State Police; the University; the District Attorney; and Monroe Township.  It was a very good, informative meeting.  It was very productive in light of what’s been occurring in Clarion and how everyone is responding to these events.  This problem is bigger than just the Borough.  Mayor Stroup commented the District Attorney volunteered to schedule future meetings.  More information will be provided on Tuesday.

President Wilshire thinks Clarion Township needs to participate as well.

Mayor Stroup agreed and more people are necessary, too.  A lot of discussion centered on the drug issue.

Manager’s Report:  Ms. Freenock had nothing to report.

Old Business:  Now that Clarion Borough hired a new Solicitor, Ms. Vavrek questioned who is permitted to contact the Solicitor with a question.  In the past, Councilmembers were not allowed to call the Solicitor.

President Wilshire believes the Borough Manager or President had to give permission and assumes it should continue that way.  Seven different Councilmembers cannot call the Solicitor.  The Mayor also has the right to legal counsel.

Ms. Moore agreed it needs to be limited.

Ms. Vavrek stated it’s the President, Borough Manager, and Mayor and noted that was fine.

New Business:  There was none.

Correspondence:  There was none.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Moore, the Work Session was adjourned at 5:23 p.m.

                     ______________________________

                     Nancy K. Freenock

                     Borough Secretary