April 4, 2006, Council Meeting

Summary of Action Taken

Citizen Comments:               Individuals Speaking on Proposed

                     Zoning Changes

Housing and Zoning:               Motion to Give Permission to

                     Advertise the Proposed Zoning

                     Ordinance Amendments; Motion Did

                     Not Pass; Committee Will Continue

                     Working on Amendments

Administration:               Monthly Reports; Central Tax

                     Bureau Presentation at School

                     Board Work Session; Special

                     Council Meeting Scheduled; Work

                     Session Scheduled; Approved

                     Clarion Chamber of Business &

                     Industry’s Request for Free Parking;

                     Approved League of Women Voters

                     Banner Request

Downtown Committee:            None

Public Works:                  Monthly Report; Tom Thompson

                     Leaving for Reserves; Tentative Date

                     Set to Clean Sidewalks; Permission

                     Given to Michael Hindman for

                     Right-of-Way; Advertise 1993

                     Dump Truck for Sale; Part-Time

                     Help Sought

Public Safety:                  Permission to Add Stop Sign on

                     Liberty Street at Eighth Avenue;

                     Removed Parking Space in Front

                     of Vowinckel Tires; Meeting with

                     Penn Dot to Discuss Boundary

                     Street

Recreation:                  Meeting Held with YMCA;

                     Permission for University Baseball

                     Team to Hold Clinics Pending

                     Agreement of Conditions; Letters

                     Sent Requesting Donation for Park;

                     Permission for Ms. Leonard and Ms.

                     Freenock to Attend Financing

                     Municipal Recreation and Parks

                  Seminar

Mayor’s Report:               Officer Training Attended During

                     Quarter; Congratulated Officer

                     Robinson for Officer-of-the-Year

                     Award; Community Meeting Held

                     to Discuss Communications and

                     Problems

Manager’s Report:               Proposed National Cable Franchise

                     Bill; Permission for Ms. Freenock to

                     Attend Personnel Manual Develop-

                     ment Course

Old Business:                  None

New Business:                  None

Correspondence:               None

Minutes

The regular scheduled meeting of the Clarion Borough Council was held on April 4, 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.  Mayor Stroup, Ms. Freenock, Chief Hall, Mr. Ragon, and Mr. Stutzman were also present.

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

The minutes of the February 24, 2006, Special Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Leonard.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

The minutes of the February 27, 2006, Work Session, were approved on a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Leonard.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

The minutes of the March 2, 2006, Public Hearing, were approved on a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Moore.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

The minutes of the March 7, 2006, Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Moore.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Citizen Comments: Mr. Rich Martin, 108 Still Drive, voiced concern with the proposed zoning changes in the area of South Seventh Avenue from R-2 to R-1 and pointed out it was changed a couple years ago from R-3 to R-2.  The great majority of that area is used as apartment dwellings.  Mr. Martin doesn’t see how Council is achieving any balance by making that R-1.   When duplexes are abandoned, Council’s expectation is they will be converted to single-family homes.  That’s more than a hardship on people who own property for rental income purposes in that area.  As background, when Mr. Martin and his wife moved to Clarion in 1976 and bought 738 South Street, which is part of the proposed rezoning, Council designated it R-3.  The residents at that time petitioned Council to rule that area R-1 and were informed by Council it was impossible due to spot zoning issues.  Therefore, the neighborhood remained R-3.  The Martins watched every house on both sides of the street turn into apartment buildings.  When the Martins moved in 1984, Mr. Martin decided to try renting to college students and discovered it was easier than it looked.  Since then, Mr. Martin has developed other properties into student rentals.  Now, for whatever reason, Council wishes to change the area to R-1.  The need for student housing is greater now than in 1976.  Mr. Martin also feels decreasing the number of occupants from 4 per unit to 2 doesn’t make sense.  Many homes have 4 bedrooms and multiple bathrooms and can accommodate 4 people.  Council will say these dwellings will be grandfathered.  However, Mr. Martin feels the dwellings will be closely watched.  Mr. Martin feels strongly the law should not be changed.

Mr. Brian Acey, 112 Oak Ridge Drive, echoes Mr. Martin’s comments.  At the March 2nd Public Hearing, it sounded as though the Committee was going to re-evaluate some issues and get more input.  Instead it looks as if Council just reinforced what was proposed.  Mr. Acey asked the front and side yard parking be revisited.

After buying a business in Clarion, Dr. Tim Scott, 526 South Street, moved to Clarion in 1998 and got into college rentals for the simple reason he couldn’t afford a house.  Since then, Dr. Scott purchased 4 more student houses in Clarion and is surrounded by college students, which is by choice.  Dr. Scott mentioned their house will eventually be converted into student housing as well.  If you buy a house next to college students, you really can’t complain.  The college supports Clarion.  It’s horrible that Council is trying to take that income away from everyone who has been doing it for years.  Dr. Scott opposes the proposed rezoning and questioned what will be done with the houses that have 5 apartments but only 2 can be lived in.  The homes will get run down and may turn into Section 8 housing.  It’s the income potential that keeps these houses nice.  Dr. Scott thinks it’s a miracle that some of the big houses on Seventh Avenue were purchased and converted into single-family homes.  That isn’t going to happen very often and involves thousands of dollars of money.  Dr. Scott asked Council to not change the area from R-2 to R-1.

Attorney Dave Gulnac represents a few concerned landowners in the crowd tonight and pointed out South Street and Seventh Avenue is college housing.  Everyone would agree the college is the main institution that sustains Clarion.  College housing is needed.  Attorney Gulnac stated Council is putting an extreme burden on the homeowners.  Mr. Martin was correct in stating Council will stress the non-conforming use will be grandfathered.  However, Attorney Gulnac personally knows that will not last.  Mr. Ragon will inform property owners his/her use has been abandoned.  Then Attorney Gulnac will be contacted to represent him/her before the Zoning Hearing Board.  Before that stage, depending on what Council decides tonight, the property owners may decide to fight it before it reaches that point.

President Wilshire asked Attorney Gulnac what case he is talking about.

Attorney Gulnac announced Jane Wenner’s property on East Eighth Avenue is an example.  Ms. Wenner lived on the first floor and rented the second floor. Ms. Wenner has since past away.  Ms. Wenner’s children have been trying to sell that property as a duplex.  Attorney Gulnac stated Mr. Ragon informed Ms. Wenner’s children the property has been abandoned because no one has been living in the house for 6 months.  That’s not true.  This is currently before the Zoning Hearing Board.  These issues will continue if the Zoning Ordinance is changed.  Rather than creating problems, Attorney Gulnac stressed Council should leave it alone.  Council is just inviting future litigation.  If this is approved, all the landowners will probably end up fighting the Borough in court.

Responding to Mr. Gulnac’s statement, Mr. Ragon, Clarion Borough Zoning Officer, stated the case of the dwelling on East Eighth Avenue has always been a non-conforming use.  According to the Zoning Ordinance, if a use ceases for 6 months or more (for whatever reason), the non-conforming use ceases.  In the hearing, it was discovered the property has been vacant for 1½ years.  Mr. Ragon was requested by a realtor to look into the status of this home and wanted to make this correction.

Hearing no other comments, President Wilshire reported the order of the Agenda will be changed for Ms. Vavrek to give the Housing and Zoning Report at this time.

Housing and Zoning: Ms. Vavrek reported Councilmembers received a copy of all the proposed changes, which the Committee supports.  Clarion Borough is not in the business to see that landlords make money on their rental units.

Mr. Martin commented Mr. Zerfoss has referenced that before and doesn’t know of any landlords asking Council to regulate his/her income in any way.  If that’s what Council believes, it’s a misconception on his/her part.

Ms. Vavrek commented another public hearing is not planned at this time.  Very few changes were made to the amendments.  The Committee is seeking permission to advertise the Zoning Ordinance amendments; and, if another public hearing is requested, it can be scheduled before the Ordinance is adopted next month.  Before making the motion, Ms. Vavrek reported Number 5 in the amendments needs to include the bedroom size meets the minimum standard as required by the International Code Council Property Maintenance Code as adopted by Clarion Borough.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. German to give permission to advertise the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance as presented to Council.

President Wilshire asked for discussion.

Mr. Zerfoss inquired if the occupancy in R-1 and R-2 Districts are different.

Mr. Ragon stated currently yes.  The proposal is to bring all zoning districts into compliance with no more than 2 unrelated persons.

Mr. Zerfoss stated in the R-1 area a house can be owned by a student and one other person can live there.  But Number 5 discusses boarders and the dwelling must be owner-occupied.  Mr. Zerfoss doesn’t see the purpose for boarders.  If a student owns a single-family dwelling (like occurred next to Tom Leavy on Eighth Avenue), Mr. Zerfoss questioned if a boarder would be permitted there.  That’s the answer that’s necessary.

Mr. Ragon stated not if two people reside there.  The dwelling has to be owner-occupied and 1 boarder is permitted, which means only 2 unrelated people.

Mr. Herman verified if 3 families decide to purchase a home, list 3 names are on the deed and it’s owner-occupied, 1 person wouldn’t need to move out.

Mr. Ragon doesn’t understand the point.

Mr. Herman commented the dwelling is owned and occupied.  The word ownership was removed from the entire Zoning Ordinance except in this boarder situation.  It appears there are conflicting views; because, in one case, ownership was eliminated but then created in boarder situation, which provides a window where someone can manipulate who owns the property and work the system to gain an advantage.

Mr. Ragon stated Council would have to grant a conditional use.

Mr. Herman doesn’t think you can redefine owner occupied in any other way than ownership is ownership.  If there are 3 names on the deed, then 3 own it.  It can’t be both ways.  On a different aspect, Mr. Herman believes the density in R-3 brings up an interesting point.  The point brought up where dwellings in R-3 have 4 bedrooms, which are legitimate now, has some merit.

President Wilshire asked what it would matter if there are different districts if each has the same definition of family.

Mr. Ragon defined the districts, as follows: in an R-1 District, a person is allowed a single-family home; in an R-2 District, you’re allowed single-family and two-family homes; and, in an R-3 District, you’re allowed single-family, two-family, and multi-family homes.  Multi-family homes are just defined as 3 or more dwelling units in the same building.

President Wilshire supports the strengthening of R-1 and the whole idea of the zoning but admits he didn’t read it that closely and has problems with some of the language.

Ms. Moore thinks it’s too complicated and there should not be this many unhappy people.  One of the main problems is getting an outside company to help designate the areas.  If students are not wanted in R-1, then Council shouldn’t allow it.  This language could be simpler.

Ms. Vavrek has never seen a legal opinion to the effect that Council could isolate students from an R-1.

Mr. Zerfoss doesn’t object to student housing.  At the same time, a single-family district is necessary to raise a family.  Council should just say no students in R-1 but no on will do it.  Mr. Zerfoss agrees with Ms. Moore that an outside company shouldn’t determine where the districts are established.  The people living in Clarion should.

Ms. Moore recalled years ago the plan was to establish Greenville Avenue as student housing, which went by the wayside.

Ms. Vavrek stated that never happened.  Now it is scattered all over town.

For the record years ago when Seventh Avenue was changed from R-3 to R-1, Mr. Herman noted it was originally proposed to change to R-1.  Receiving heavy debate, it ended up going to R-2.

Ms. Vavrek reminded everyone at the Public Hearing there were more supporters for R-1 than against it.  The reason being some of the houses once used as rental dwellings have since been remodeled and are being used as single-family houses.

Attorney Gulnac added there has to be some greater good perceived from this action and asked what it is Council is looking to create by changing it from R-2 to R-1.

Ms. Vavrek commented most of Seventh Avenue is single-family residences currently and Council wants to maintain it.  When Council tried changing it to R-1 before, it was stated people wouldn’t convert rental housing to single-family dwellings.  However, that’s what happened with a couple houses.

Attorney Gulnac thinks the area along Seventh Avenue is primarily apartments.

Ms. Vavrek stated there are 5 single-family houses on 1 side and at least 4 on the other.

Ms. Rose Logue informed everyone in her neighborhood there’s the bed and breakfast, Pope’s rental house, the Fulmer house which has an apartment building behind it, and another big apartment building behind Pope’s.

Ms. Vavrek stressed people on the other side of the street from Ms. Logue are promoting R-1.

Ms. Logue doesn’t see the point because that neighborhood will not be R-1 even if it’s changed.  These apartment dwellings will be grandfathered.  Ms. Logue thinks that only 6 or 7 houses will be actual R-1 residences. 

Ms. Vavrek questioned what’s wrong with 7 houses.  A couple years ago, the Green and Fulmer houses were vacant and everyone thought they would be filled with students.  That didn’t happen.

Attorney Gulnac pointed out Council will have an amendment without a consequence.  The zoning will change, but the use will not unless there is an abandonment of the non-conforming use.

Ms. Logue stated Council should be looking at what happened and how the zoning got to where it is now instead of trying to change something that has been there over 70 years.

Ms. Vavrek reported ideally an area of town could have been dedicated to student housing.  But that didn’t happen.

If Council is trying to increase R-1 neighborhoods, Attorney Gulnac brought Council’s attention to the zoning maps posted on the walls.  There is plenty of R-1 in Clarion.  Rezoning South Street will essentially eliminate R-2.

Mr. Acey added the only way to do it is to not allow students in the R-1 area.

Ms. Nancy DiStefano stated conditional uses are never enforced.  If they were, residents wouldn’t get so upset.  An example is the old hospital.  No one ever ensured the conditions were met.

Ms. Vavrek stated there’s a motion on the floor and a vote should be taken.

After a lengthy discussion, the motion failed after the following roll call vote: Mr. Zerfoss, no; Mr. Herman, no; Ms. Leonard, yes; Ms. Vavrek, yes; Ms. Moore, no; Mr. German, yes; and President Wilshire: no.

Ms. Vavrek stressed you can’t just leave things alone and expect to solve problems.

Mr. Herman feels the document’s language could be cleaned up, and it would be pretty good document.  It’s important to realize the change will not happen in 6 months or 2 years but over time in 20 or 30 years.  That gets lost.  Mr. Herman feels the effort of the Housing and Zoning Committee is much appreciated.

Ms. Vavrek reported a meeting with the Solicitor will be scheduled within the next couple weeks.

Ms. Leonard agreed with Mr. Herman that the change will not be seen immediately.

President Wilshire questioned if the Committee considered taking one section at a time rather than doing it all at one time.

Ms. Vavrek stated it’s better financially to handle all the changes at one time. 

Mr. Zerfoss understands it may cost more to advertise the ordinance in sections.  However, the Borough’s paying a lot of money on attorney fees now defending it.  Mr. Zerfoss didn’t like being threatened by the attorney this evening on something that hasn’t occurred.

On a suggestion by Ms. Freenock, Ms. Vavrek asked if Council would like to advertise the proposed changes that are not controversial; such as, access drives, signage, and parking.

Mr. Herman prefers to leave it as one document.

Ms. Moore remembers someone asked Council to revisit the parking issue.

Ms. Vavrek stated Mr. Acey wants front yard parking and that is something the Committee will not change.

Ms. Moore asked someone to check that the conditions on the old hospital are being followed.

Ms. Vavrek stated a barrier was supposed to be installed between the side of the hospital and the neighboring property; a fence has been put in.  That prevents people from walking into residents’ yards.

President Wilshire feels the main concern is there is not enough parking and it overflows into the street.  President Wilshire also prefers to see a corrected copy before voting.

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

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Moore to approve the appropriations for the month of April.

Prior to a vote, Mr. Zerfoss noticed the expense for $1,127.67 for the Miles’ work and asked the status.

Ms. Vavrek stated the Borough lost.

Mr. Zerfoss commented to Mr. Ragon this is an area where the Borough spent good money after bad.  Only one single-family dwelling is located in that particular area of South Street from Fifth Avenue to Sixth Avenue.  The rest is student housing.  Mr. Zerfoss realized zoning didn’t allow the Miles’ to make a bathroom into a bedroom, but it’s wrong to spend thousands of taxpayers’ money to fight that.

Mr. Ragon thinks it was a good defense of the Zoning Ordinance and is dismayed the Borough lost.  The mixed use of the property was in violation of the Ordinance not that it was student housing. 

After discussion, the motion carried with a vote of six yea with Mr. Zerfoss voting nay.

President Wilshire also presented the Monthly Treasurer’s Report, Budget Analysis, and Overtime Comparison Report and asked Ms. Freenock for any highlights.

Ms. Freenock pointed out the Appropriations Report is split into two reports; one showing bills that are recurrent and were paid prior to this Council Meeting to avoid a late fee and the other showing ones that will be paid after the Council Meeting.

President Wilshire reminded everyone Clarion Area School District is having a Work Session on April 12, 2006, where Central Tax Bureau will be giving a presentation.  Councilmembers have been invited to attend.

President Wilshire informed everyone a Special Council Meeting has been scheduled for April 19, 2006, at 4:00 p.m. in the Clarion Borough Offices.  The Borough is soliciting proposals for consultants to assist in the preparation of the CDBG Grant.  Since new people are involved, CDBG representatives strongly suggested a consultant be hired to ensure the correct procedures are followed.  President Wilshire reported the consultant would be paid from the administration portion of CDBG Grant.

President Wilshire announced a Work Session has been scheduled for April 24, 2006, at 5:00 p.m. in the Clarion Borough Offices.

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Ms. Vavrek, approving the request from the Clarion Chamber of Business and Industry for free parking on May 5 and 6, 2006, for Spring Fling, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

On a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Ms. Moore to approve the request from the League of Women Voters of Clarion County to erect banners “Remember to Vote on Tuesday” on May 10 through 17, 2006.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Downtown Committee:  Ms. Moore had nothing to report.

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

Mr. Zerfoss stated the Public Works Committee met last Friday.  Mr. Tom Thompson will be at Reserves most of the month of April, which means the Department down one person.

Mr. Zerfoss announced April 30, 2006, the Public Works Department, with the assistance of the Fire Company, will be hosing off the Main Street sidewalks to clean them.

Mr. Zerfoss reported Mr. Michael Hindman bought the building behind the Public Works Building and needs to get a water line installed.  The water company proposes installing a line on the lower side of the Borough’s property.  Mr. Hindman is seeking permission to cross the Borough’s property and has agreed to restore the property after the work is completed.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Ms. Moore to give permission for Mr. Michael Hindman to cross the Borough’s property at the Public Works Building for the water company to install a water line to his building.

Ms. Freenock asked if Mr. Hindman will pay the Borough’s legal fees for having a right-of-way prepared and reviewed.

Mr. Zerfoss commented that wasn’t discussed but amended his motion to include Mr. Hindman will be responsible for any costs incurred.

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

Mr. Zerfoss stated the Committee would like to advertise for sale the 1993 Ford F-350 Dump Truck.  Bids will be due May 1st.  Action is anticipated at the Council Meeting.

Ms. Freenock asked if a minimum bid is set.

Mr. Zerfoss commented no.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. Herman to advertise for sale the 1993 Ford F-350 Dump Truck.  The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Zerfoss informed everyone the Borough will be hiring part-time employees for summer help and is looking for a high school or college student that is at least 17 years old and has a valid driver’s license. The employee would work under the direction of Mr. Stutzman.  Applications are available at the Borough Office.  Ms. Freenock and Mr. Stutzman will handle the interviews. 

Ms. Vavrek thought Council devised a written job description on the duties and age making it clear what Council wanted.

Mr. German stated the age was 18 not 17.

Mr. Zerfoss and Mr. Stutzman don’t remember a job description.

Ms. LaVan doesn’t think a job description was written for part-time.

Mr. Zerfoss pointed out the Borough experienced problems hiring 18 year olds.

President Wilshire asked if the age was in the advertisement years ago.

Ms. LaVan will look into that.

Public Safety:  Mr. Herman reported the Committee wants to add a stop sign at the corner of Liberty Street at Eighth Avenue as a person is traveling west on Liberty Street.  This is an attempt to slow vehicles down as he/she approaches the playground area of I.C. School.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second Ms. Moore to place a stop sign on the corner of Liberty Street at Eighth Avenue as a motorist travels west on Liberty Street for a 60-day trial period.

Mr. German asked if Mr. Herman contacted Ms. Donna Gaydash at I.C. School.

Mr. Herman plans on meeting Ms. Gaydash about securing the end of the playground area.  That’s not something Council can do.

Mr. German questioned if that’s not the reason for the stop sign.

Mr. Herman stressed the reason for the stop sign is to try to slow traffic.  People gain quite a bit of speed from Ninth Avenue as he/she travels on Liberty Street.

Mr. German inquired if a survey was done.

Mr. Herman commented the Public Safety Committee met and looked at the area.  The Committee believes it’s a good way to slow down traffic.  That’s the reason it’s on a 60-day trial period so the Committee can review it.

Ms. Moore pointed out a stop sign is placed on Liberty Street at Eighth Avenue every year during ALF and it works out very well.  I.C. School eventually plans to put a new playground area for smaller children on the corner of Main Street and Eighth Avenue, which will reduce this problem.  That playground will be fenced.

Ms. Leonard was approached by Ms. Jane Gudakunst, who lives in that area.  Ms. Gudakunst heard that Council was considering placing a stop sign on Liberty Street at Eighth Avenue and thanked Council in advance for proposing to do this.  Ms. Leonard stressed it was going to be on a trial basis.

Mr. Zerfoss feels Council could go door-to-door and find everyone in the area supports the placement of the stop sign.

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

At the last Council Meeting, Mr. Herman reported Mr. Dan McClaine requested Council remove the parking meter in front of Vowinckel Tires.  The Committee feels removing that space will do nothing but improve vision.  Previously, Council removed two other parking spaces that were located in front of Vowinckel Tires.  Speed is also an issue here.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Zerfoss that Clarion Borough remove the parking meter in front of Vowinckel Tires on Main Street, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Herman informed everyone a meeting with Penn Dot has been scheduled in reference to reversing the one-way direction of Boundary Street.  Mr. Zerfoss was going to ask the property owners for his/her feelings.  Since this involves a state highway, Penn Dot has to be included for their input on what is proposed and how it will affect the traffic flow.

Recreation:  Ms. Leonard announced Ms. Freenock and she met with Mr. Mike Ebert, the program director of the YMCA.  The entire Committee was present as well.  Basically it was a get-acquainted session.  The meeting was very productive.

Ms. Leonard received a letter from Mr. Scott Feldman, the University’s head baseball coach, who proposes to do clinics for the area youth in June.  The Recreation Committee met with Paul Everett, President of the Little League Board, to discuss this proposal.  Mr. Feldman was unable to attend since the baseball team was out-of-town.  The Committee recommended giving permission for the clinics as long as the University agrees to several conditions.

On a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Ms. Moore that Clarion Borough give permission for the request from the University baseball team to hold clinics for the area youth in June, pending agreement to the Borough’s conditions.

Before voting, Mr. German asked what the conditions are.

Ms. Leonard stated there are 9 conditions, as follows: the University must execute an indemnification agreement pursuant to which the University agrees to hold the Borough harmless in the event of accident or injury; the University agrees to reimburse Clarion Borough for any damage sustained to the facilities as a result of the operation of the clinic, ordinary wear and tear excepted; the University will reimburse the Borough at a rate of $5 per player in order to cover the expenses that will be incurred by the Borough as a result of the operation of these clinics; the University will assure that the fields will be left in the same condition as that in which they were found; the University assures that all trash will be picked up on a daily basis and placed in the receptacles provided; you, or a member of your staff, will contact the Borough’s Public Works Foreman so that a mutually agreeable schedule to enable his staff to mow during the normal work day can be arranged; following the conclusion of the clinic, a breakdown of the number of participants by area of residence is to be provided to the Borough; and, also, following the conclusion of the clinic, an exit interview is to be scheduled with the Borough Recreation Committee.

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Ms. Leonard stated on March 10th letters were sent to the surrounding municipalities asking for a donation of $500 towards little league.  One communication was received from a municipality seeking additional information, which is being collected.

President Wilshire asked if any donations were received.

Ms. Leonard reported no.  It’s still early.  Some municipalities haven’t had a meeting since receiving the letter.

If contributions are received, Mr. German verified where that money will go.

Ms. Freenock stated donations will be deposited in the Recreation Fund.

On a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Mr. Herman, giving permission for Ms. Leonard and Ms. Freenock to attend the Financing Municipal Recreation and Parks Seminar being held on May 11, 2006, at the Clarion Holiday Inn, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Stroup highlighted the following training that the police officers and Chief have attended through the quarter: Officers Kemmer, Foust, Zerfoss and Chief Hall completed their annual MPOETC Act 180 update training (2 days); Officers Foust, Zerfoss, and Peck completed Advanced Patrol Tactics Course sponsored by MPOETC and the Armstrong County DA’s Office (2 days); Officer Robinson completed Methamphetamine Recognition and Investigation Training (MERIT) course sponsored by Clarion’s DA Office; all Officers and the Chief were certified by the American Red Cross in CPR/AED, first aid, and blood-borne pathogens for 2006; Officer Scheckler attended a Drug Awareness training course concerning date rape drugs and meth labs; Officers Scheckler, Foust, and Chief Hall completed weapons qualification course run by Chief Bilunka and Chief Siegel; Chief Hall completed a training course sponsored by PCCD for the Community Crime Prevention Program (1 week); Officers Foust, Zerfoss, Scheckler, Kemmer, Trombetta, and Robinson completed False ID recognition and prosecution training course sponsored by PA Liquor Control Board; Officers Robinson, Trombetta, Scheckler, Peck, and Chief Hall attended Sexual Assault First Responders training sponsored by AWARE and Passages (1 day); and Officer Scheckler attended Clandestine Laboratory First Responder Awareness seminar sponsored by Knox Fire Department.  It’s very commendable that the Officers and Chief are continuing to get the necessary training in order to respond to the public’s needs.

Mayor Stroup announced on March 18, 2006, the VFW gave awards for community service and Officer Scott Robinson was named Officer-of-the Year for the Clarion Borough Police Department.  Mayor Stroup congratulated Officer Robinson on the award and thanked him, along with all the officers, for the good work they do throughout this year.

Mayor Stroup reported a community meeting was held on March 16, 2006, to address communication among the police agencies in the County.  Those present were representatives from the University, including Dr. Joseph Grunenwald, Clarion University Foundation, Campus Police, University’s Student Relations, and the Student Body; the Pennsylvania State Police; Sheriff’s Department; Monroe Township supervisor; Borough’s Public Safety Committee; the Police Chief; and the County District Attorney.  Discussions first centered on the University’s communications with the police departments and what everyone’s reactions were to some of the situations that occurred this year.  Everyone agreed communications were very good and solid, but it’s imperative to ensure they stay that way.  Mayor Stroup commented District Attorney Mark Aaron discussed meth and heroine.  After an hour, everyone agreed these issues were larger and could not be solved in one meeting.  Mayor Stroup reported the District Attorney volunteered to schedule future meetings.  Individuals from the school district and surrounding townships will be invited to future meetings.

Mr. Herman agreed it was a good meeting.  It has been discussed for several months to form a group to discuss the crime and drug problems that are happening in the area and ways to solve or address them.  Everyone wants to not only look for possible solutions but for prevention ideas as well.  Mr. Herman assures the public the Committee will work very hard to keep the people in the community and surrounding areas safe.

Mr. Herman suggested Mayor Stroup provide a list of the training to the news media.

Mayor Stroup agreed to do that.

Manager’s Report:  Ms. Freenock informed everyone the House Energy and Communications Committee is drafting a National Cable Franchise bill that will allow the Federal government to award cable franchises.  If that occurs, there is a good chance the Borough will lose approximately $35,000 income.  Ms. Freenock believes Council should oppose that bill and encourages Councilmembers to notify the State Senators to ask them to support the proposal of Senator Burns and Anwey, which is a proposal to allow the local governments to continue to have control over cable franchises.

Ms. Freenock asked Council for permission to attend a Personnel Manual Development Course that is being held in Westmoreland County on May 9, 2006.  The cost is $25.

Ms. Moore looked over the brochure and feels it would be very beneficial for Ms. Freenock to attend.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek, giving permission for Ms. Freenock to attend the Personnel Manual Development Course being held in Westmoreland County on May 9, 2006, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Old Business:  There was none.

New Business:  There was none.

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.

                     ______________________________

                     Nancy K. Freenock

                     Borough Secretary