May 2, 2006 Clarion Borough Council Meeting

Clarion Borough Council

Summary of Action Taken

 

Minutes

 

Citizen Comments:         Vince Elliott In Re Firemen Blocking Center

            Place; Brenda Sanders Dede In Re Discon-

            tinued of Bus Service

 

Administration:         Executive Session to be Held at End of

            Meeting; Monthly Reports; Approved

            Clarion County Farmer’s Market’s Banner

            Request and Their Request to Use Parking

            Spaces; Approved ALF Request; Accepted

            Reed Appraisal Services’ Proposal; Per-

            mission to Purchase Adobe Acrobat;

            Approved Hiring GCCA, Consulting Firm,

            to Assist with CDBG Grant; Cohen Tele-

            communications Law Group Correspon-

            dence In Reference to Proposed Legisla-

            tive Bill

 

Downtown Committee:       Spring Fling; Membership Drive

 

Public Works:           Monthly Report; Approved Clean-Up Day

            Bid and Reminder on Items Collected;

            Accepted J. M. Leasing Bid for 1993 Ford

            Dump Truck; Permission to Advertise 2006

            Summer Paving Project

 

Public Safety:           Approved Realignment of Handicapped

            Parking Spaces; Permission for Chief to

            Attend Chief’s Conference and TEAM

            Legal Seminar; Asked Ms. Freenock to

            Check Into Future TEAM Seminar; NIMS

            Class; Encouraged Drivers to be Observant

            to Traffic Laws and Stop for Pedestrians

 

Housing and Zoning:         Monthly Report; Update on Zoning

Ordinance ; Not Issuing Building Permits
Until Zoning Ordinance Completed; Status
of Duplex on Eighth Avenue

 

Recreation:           Received Letter and Donation from

            Limestone Township; Adopted Resolution

            Establishing 2006 Pool Fees and Rates;

            Approved Operation Dates and Hours of

            Pool; Approved 2006 Budget and

            Authorized Committee to Approve Over

            Runs Up to $5,000; Approved YMCA to

            Manage Pool; Authorized Ms. Freenock

            to Execute Management Agreement with

            YMCA

 

Mayor’s Report:         Meeting on Reversing Boundary Street;

            Another Community Meeting Scheduled

 

Manager’s Report:         Presentation by Mayor to Third Graders;

            Berkheimer Tax Administrators Presenta-

            tion Tentatively Scheduled; Thanked

            Little League for Welcoming Her at Open-

            ing Ceremony; Piney Lake Advisory

            Meeting on River; Permission Given for

            Ms. Freenock to Attend Three Seminars

 

Old Business:           Public Works Symposium Discussed;

            Part-Time Public Works Employees Update

 

New Business:           None

 

Correspondence:         Thank You Note from Russ Christy

 

Executive Session:         Discuss Personnel Concerning Discipline;

No Action Taken

 

The regularly scheduled meeting of Clarion Borough Council was held on May 2, 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.   Chief Hall, Mr. Stutzman, Ms. Freenock, Mayor Stroup, and Mr. Ragon were also present.

 

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

 

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

 

The minutes of the April 4, 2006, 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.

 

Citizen Comments :   Mr. Vince Elliott feels there’s a problem with the speeding and parking unnecessarily in Center Place across from the fire station when firemen are responding to fire calls.   On several occasions, 4-5 parking spaces were available on Wood Street, but the firemen parked in the alley, which is not permitted.   There are times when it is necessary to park there.   Mr. Elliott stressed the problem is when he/she doesn’t care and just parks there.   Fire personnel should not be exempt from following rules except when there’s nowhere else to park.   People have difficulty driving down that street during times of fire calls.  

 

Living in the same neighborhood, Ms. Moore assured Mr. Elliott the firemen are not parking there to annoy him.   It’s true there are parking spaces available on Wood Street; but more often than not, there aren’t.   In the wintertime with snow removal, there are never any available spaces.   Clarion Borough has a volunteer fire company.   Time is really important.   Ms. Moore agreed the firemen travel too fast up Center Place and need to be careful.   The Public Safety Committee can revisit this problem.   Everyone needs to give the firemen the opportunity to respond in the best time because no one knows what he/she will be facing.

 

Mr. Elliott commented it’s upsetting when the firemen are parking there unnecessarily.

 

If the firemen pull onto Wood Street and no spaces are available, Ms. Moore stressed then he/she would have to waste valuable time driving around to park on Center Place.

 

Mr. Elliott mentioned it’s dangerous for the firemen to park on Center Place, because they run across Wood Street to the fire station.   If the firemen are going to park on Center Place, he/she should park next to the building to avoid the risk of getting hit.   Mr. Elliott feels the firemen just park in that alley because they don’t care.

 

Ms. Moore stressed Mr. Elliott’s being unfair to the firemen and noted that’s not why he/she park there.

 

Mr. Zerfoss agreed with Ms. Moore that Mr. Elliott is totally wrong.   The firemen are a group of volunteers.   Anytime the firemen answer a call, he/she is taking for granted there is a fire or accident.   If the firemen block that alley for hours, Mr. Zerfoss doesn’t care and stated no one else should either.   They are out trying to save a home or lives.   There is never a time when a fireman responds to a call that it’s unnecessary for them.

 

Mr. Elliott doesn’t know of any other municipality that allows their fire personnel to park in such a manner as to block streets or alleys and doesn’t think Clarion Borough should either.

 

Mr. Zerfoss doesn’t know what happens in other municipalities and stated his concern is Clarion Borough.   What the firemen do for Mr. Elliott, all the residents of Clarion Borough and the surrounding townships, and him is great.  

 

Mr. Elliott stated that’s fine, but everyone’s entitled to his/her opinion.

 

President Wilshire asked the Public Safety Committee to look at this issue.

 

Ms. Brenda Sanders Dede, 171 South Fourth Avenue, Clarion Borough, read a letter, which was sent to the Mayor, Councilmembers, County Commissioners, Clarion County Chamber of Business and Industry, President of the University, and Vice President for the University’s Student Affairs in reference to the bus transportation.   As of July 1, 2006, Fullington/Greyhound bus service that handles Clarion will no longer exist.   Ms. Dede believes that will essentially ‘cut Clarion off from the rest of the world through commercial transportation’.   The closest stop will be DuBois, some 30 miles away.   Ms. Dede stated Clarion is the County Seat with a University student population of more than 6,000.   Currently, the bus comes to Clarion twice a day.   When Ms. Dede called the 800 number of the corporate offices to find out about services to Clarion, no alternative or modified schedule was given.   The individual just relayed bus transportation will be discontinued after July 1 st .   Ms. Dede feels the non-service will greatly affect not only the student population but the local citizens as well.   In marketing Clarion University, the University can offer the bus service as a means of getting to and from Clarion.   Parents and students may be very reluctant to come to Clarion.   County agencies use the service to transport clients to and from other counties.   These people are generally low income and have other kinds of special needs and no other means of transportation.   Another concern is the bus company is not making this information public knowledge.   Ms. Dede believes someone needs to check to see why this service is being discontinued and what other alternatives can be pursued, such as a modified schedule.

 

President Wilshire asked if anyone has any ideas on how to proceed and doesn’t think it’s a good idea for the bus service to be discontinued.

 

Ms. Dede received a call from the Clearfield District Manager’s office informing her Penn Dot was going to discontinue subsidizing the service, which is another reason Fullington/Greyhound would no longer be providing the service.  

 

President Wilshire asked Ms. Freenock to arrange a meeting with the Administration Committee, Representative McIlhattan, and Senator White.

 

Mr. Herman thinks the Mayor should be involved.

 

Mayor Stroup recommended the University be involved because it will have a major impact on them.

 

Mr. Herman stated the Borough and University could work on their own fronts.

 

Administration :   President Wilshire announced an Executive Session will be called at the end of the meeting for personnel concerning a discipline matter.   No action is anticipated.

 

President Wilshire presented the appropriations for the month of May.

 

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Moore to approve the appropriations for the month of May.   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.

 

Ms. Freenock stated a new accounts payables report indicates an expense for $3,119.93, for replacement of a light pole on Main Street that fell down earlier this year.   The Borough had a $1,000 deductible.   The insurance company already remitted the balance to the Borough.

 

President Wilshire reported a Work Session is scheduled for May 22, 2006, at 5:00 p.m. in the Clarion Borough Offices, if necessary.   Due to the Memorial Day Holiday, it’s quite a bit earlier.

 

President Wilshire stated the Clarion County Farmer’s Market Association submitted their banner request and also are requesting to use the parking spaces around the Clarion County Memorial Park on Saturday mornings.

 

On a motion by Mr. German with a second by Ms. Vavrek to approve the request from the Clarion County Farmer’s Market Association to erect their banner in early May 2006 with removal late October 2006 and also their request to use the parking spaces around the Clarion County Memorial Park on Saturday mornings.

 

President Wilshire asked for any discussion.

 

Ms. Moore asked how the timing of the Farmer’s Market banner request works out with the League of Women Voters.

 

When the League of Women Voter’s banner comes down, Ms. LaVan informed everyone the next banner goes up.

 

President Wilshire noted it’s just standard procedure.

 

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Mr. German, approving the Clarion Chamber of Business and Industry’s special event request for Autumn Leaf Festival to be held September 30 through October 8, 2006, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Ms. Leonard to accept the proposal from Reed Appraisal Services for the appraisal of two Borough lots located in Clarion Township at the fee of $300 per site, or a total cost of $600.   The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

President Wilshire asked Ms. Freenock to discuss Adobe Acrobat.

 

Ms. Freenock reported the Borough has the read capability but not the write capability.   A lot of grant applications are in Acrobat and the Borough must fill in the blanks, which cannot be done.

 

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. German, giving permission to purchase Adobe Acrobat, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

President Wilshire commented DCED recommended the Borough hire a consulting firm to assist with the CDBG entitlement program to ensure the Borough will be in compliance.   GCCA submitted the only proposal, which Council must approve.

 

On a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Mr. Herman to approve hiring GCCA, a consulting firm from Grove City, Pennsylvania, to assist with the CDBG Grant.   The motion carried with a vote of six yea with Mr. Zerfoss voting nay.

 

President Wilshire stated Councilmembers received correspondence from Cohen Telecommunications Law Group regarding proposed legislative bills to eliminate local cable franchises.   It’s proposed to become a state and federal franchise fee.   President Wilshire believes Clarion Borough should talk to Attorney Cohen to see what can be done to object to this proposal.

 

Ms. Freenock announced the Borough receives about $30,000 in franchise fees each year.

 

President Wilshire feels it would be quite a loss.

 

Ms. Vavrek agreed with Attorney Cohen that Council should approve the letters provided.

 

If anyone has any further suggestions to incorporate in the letters, President Wilshire asked him/her to contact him.

 

Ms. Vavrek read the letter Attorney Cohen sent to Council and feels the Borough should prepare the letters to send out.

 

Mr. Herman agreed Attorney Cohen’s suggestion is to send the letters to all the legislators and concurs with that idea.

 

President Wilshire noted it’s kind of dangerous what’s being proposed.

 

Downtown Committee :   Ms. Moore commented Spring Fling is going at a very rapid pace.

 

Ms. Moore reminded everyone there was going to be a membership drive for the Downtown Clarion Revitalization Organization, which will begin May 8 th through June 1 st .   This is an attempt to get better representation.   The organization is concentrating on the business district first and then will expand to businesses outside that area.   After that, the organization will begin extra planning.

 

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

 

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. German to accept the bid from County Environmental (Allied Waste Services) of $460 for transportation for each packer truck, $225 per roll-off container for hauling, and $33 per ton for disposal of trash and waste collected to provide services for Clean-Up Day.   The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

Mr. Zerfoss informed everyone May 20 th is Clean-Up Day.   Brush, branches, leaves, and yard clippings will only be picked up from May 15-19, 2006, by the Borough employees.   Items must be placed at curbside on any street or alley in the Borough.   Mr. Zerfoss stressed this is the last year that brush, branches, leaves, and yard waste will be collected by the employees.   Residents can drop these items off 365 days a year at the designated location at the Public Works Building.   All other items must be placed at curbside by Friday evening.   The company begins collecting at 6 a.m. on Saturday and will only drive up and down every street and alley in the Borough one time.   Items that cannot be taken are as follows: anything containing Freon (refrigerators, air conditioning units, or dehumidifiers), tires, concrete or cement products, and household garbage.   Paint cans will be taken if empty and dry with the lid off.   Mr. Zerfoss thanked the media for publicizing the event.

 

Mr. Rodney Sherman, Clarion News , asked if businesses are included.

 

Mr. Zerfoss stated not this year.

 

Mr. Zerfoss informed everyone two bids were received for the 1993 Ford F-350 dump truck; one from J. M. Leasing in the amount of $4,197 and the other from M & B Services in the amount of $3,610.77.

 

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Ms. Moore, accepting the bid from J. M. Leasing for the 1993 Ford F-350 dump truck in the amount of $4,197, carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

Mr. Zerfoss commented the Public Works Committee discussed the 2006 paving project of the various streets and alleys and stated permission is necessary to advertise for bids.   Bids will be due June 2 nd at 3:00 p.m.   Awarding is anticipated at the June 6, 2006, Council Meeting.

 

Mr. Stutzman stated Frontier Way was added.

 

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. German to give permission to advertise the 2006 Summer Paving Project.

 

President Wilshire asked for any discussion.

 

Mr. German asked where Frontier Way is.

 

Mr. Zerfoss stated it’s the road on the other side of the Troeses’ accounting business that leads to Corcetti’s Rentals.   It’s in bad shape.

 

President Wilshire recalled there were some problems on how Penn Dot was classifying some of the road repairs.

 

Mr. Stutzman reported the paperwork has been completed and it’s in the process of being corrected.

 

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

Public Safety :   Mr. Herman stated the proposed changes for the handicapped parking spaces were fully discussed at the Work Session.   After receiving an inquiry on where the spaces were located, the Public Safety Committee decided it was important to look at all the locations and to see if some should be realigned so handicapped people recognize them more easily.   Also, the idea was to make the spaces more accessible to Downtown Clarion.   The proposed realignment is as follows: one at Fourth Avenue by Smathers Insurance Agency; one at Jefferson Place by S & T Bank; two at the Courthouse parking lot; one on Grant Street by the Magistrate’s Office; one at Sixth Avenue by Crooks’ Clothing Store; one at Sixth Avenue by Northwest Bank; one at Sixth Avenue by the Loomis Restaurant; one at Sixth Avenue by Sage Meadow (behind the police car space); one at Seventh Avenue by McDonald’s; one on Main Street in front of the Post Office; one on Merle Street behind the Library; and two in the fire hall parking lot.   Mr. Herman added this makes 14 handicapped parking spaces in the Downtown District.   That does not reflect the spaces located at the Borough Office, Public Works Building, and the ball fields at Paul A. Weaver Community Park.

 

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Zerfoss that Council approves the realigned handicapped parking spaces as presented.   The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

Ms. Moore commended the Committee on a good job.  

 

Mr. Herman thanked Chief Hall for all his work on the parking changes.

 

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. Zerfoss, giving permission for Chief Hall to attend the Pennsylvania Chief’s Conference to be held July 9-13, 2006, in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and also for Chief Hall to attend the TEAM Legal Seminar to be held May 10-11, 2006, in State College, Pennsylvania, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

Mr. Herman informed everyone the Committee asked Ms. Freenock to check on the possibility of attending this same TEAM seminar at a later date or one that’s similar.   Ms. Freenock was going to contact Attorney John Lasky in reference to some arbitration and contract issues.  

 

Mr. Herman asked Chief Hall to explain the NIMS training.

 

Chief Hall commented all elected officials are required to attend a NIMS class.   Rather than everyone driving to a different county to attend, Chief Hall has arranged to have a class done in-house.   Chief Hall stated it will be completed in one evening class and will check with everyone before he/she leaves tonight to get a date good.

 

President Wilshire asked what NIMS covers.

 

Chief Hall reported it’s a 4-hour class on what the police, fire personnel, and elected officials have to do in times of an emergency in the municipality.

 

With summer approaching, Mr. Herman realizes drivers increase his/her speed going through town.   Since the crosswalks aren’t painted yet, Mr. Herman cautions drivers to be very careful with crosswalks, especially the ones on Main Street.   If pedestrians are in the crosswalk, motorists are obligated to stop his/her vehicle and allow the pedestrian to cross.   Mr. Herman again asked everyone to be observant of the traffic laws.

 

Ms. Moore inquired if the Borough still has the pedestrian signs.

 

Chief Hall stated yes but is waiting for the crosswalk areas to be repainted.

 

Housing and Zoning :   Ms. Vavrek stated the Housing and Zoning Report is in the packet for everyone’s review.

 

Ms. Vavrek announced the Committee has not come up with a revised Zoning Ordinance to be approved for advertising.   It should be ready by the next Council Meeting.   Committee Members have revisions to review but will meet in May to discuss before forwarding them to all Councilmembers.   Since revisions are pending, Ms. Vavrek reported the Borough will not be issuing any new building permits until the Zoning Ordinance has been approved.   This is permitted because of a Pending Ordinance Doctrine, which allows a Borough not to issue permits during the time the adoption of a Zoning Ordinance is pending.

 

In reference to the house on Eighth Avenue, Mr. Zerfoss asked if the Zoning Hearing Board decided it will remain a duplex.

 

Ms. Vavrek agreed.

 

If no one appeals the decision, Mr. Zerfoss verified no more than 2 unrelated people will be permitted in each unit since it’s in an R-1 District.

 

Ms. Vavrek stated that’s correct.

 

Recreation :   Ms. Leonard read a letter from the Limestone Township Board of Supervisors, dated April 13, 2006, informing Council the Township Supervisors agreed at their April Board Meeting to contribute $500 to the Clarion Borough’s Recreation Fund per the Borough’s request.   Limestone Township understands what it is like working with limited funds and realizes a good number of children from the Limestone area use the Borough’s facilities.   Limestone Township thanked Clarion Borough for all the hard work on keeping the community attractions in working order.   Secretary Barbara Raybuck ended by asking Clarion Borough to contact Limestone Township in December so the donation request can be placed on the agenda for their annual organization meeting.   Ms. Leonard commended Limestone Township Supervisors for their support and willingness to work with Clarion Borough now and in the future.   There are 450 participants in the Little League program this year, in which 87, or 19%, are from Limestone Township.   Ms. Leonard thanked Limestone again and stated a letter has also been sent expressing the Borough’s gratitude.

 

Ms. Leonard stated everyone received a Resolution in reference to the pool fees for 2006.   This will replace the fee schedule included in the 2006 Budget.   Ms. Leonard asked for any questions.

 

Mr. German inquired if children 2 years of age and under are free this year.

 

Ms. Leonard commented no.   He/she can be included in the family pool pass or the parent or guardian could pay a $3 daily free.   A lifeguard still has to be present to watch over the baby pool.

 

Mr. German thinks the Borough should continue to allow 2 year olds and under in for free as a good faith gesture to the community.   A parent or guardian would have to pay $3 for a new born if this resolution is passed as presented.

 

If the family doesn’t have a pass, President Wilshire verified if the parent or guardian has to pay for a child 2 years or younger.

 

Ms. Leonard reported that’s correct.   The Borough still has to pay for a lifeguard in that area regardless of whether a parent or guardian is present.

 

On a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Mr. Herman to adopt the Resolution establishing the 2006 pool fees and rates.   The motion carried with a vote of six yea with Mr. German voting nay.

 

On a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Ms. Vavrek to approve the operating dates and hours of the Clarion Borough Pool as follows: opening day will be June 3, 2006; closing day will be August 28, 2006; operation hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday will be Noon to 6 p.m., on Tuesday and Thursday will be Noon to 8 p.m., on Saturday and Sunday will be Noon to 6 p.m.; and, private pool parties can be arranged on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after 6 p.m.

 

Mr. German asked if this is part of the pricing resolution.

 

Ms. Leonard stated it is separate.

 

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

Ms. Leonard informed Council the next thing that needs approved is the operating budget for the pool for 2006.   This is the best guess the Committee can make.   Weather can play a role, which cannot be predicted.   The total pool budget is projected as $29,795.

 

Ms. Freenock noted the management fee will remain $3,600 for the year.   According to the YMCA, there were two payments missed last year; therefore, the Borough owes $1,200.

 

Ms. Leonard recommended along with approving the proposed budget that Council authorize the Recreation Committee to authorize any over runs that might occur.   Council could set a dollar limit that the Committee could okay without coming to Council.   The Committee doesn’t anticipate anything but the amount is a guess.   Ms. Leonard made a motion that Council approve the suggested operating budget for the pool for 2006 in the amount of $29,795 and also authorize the Recreation Committee to approve any over runs with a set limit.

 

Mr. German inquired what Ms. Leonard means by over runs.

 

Ms. Leonard stated anything that is unexpected or if a fee is higher this year than last year.

 

President Wilshire asked if anyone wants to suggest an amount.

 

Mr. German questioned what the Recreation Committee discussed.

 

By mid-July, Ms. Freenock feels the Borough should have a good idea if things are running on schedule or if the budget will be over.   If the figure is going to be higher, the Committee can come back to Council at that point.   Ms. Freenock recommended a limit of $5,000.

 

Mr. Herman added the idea is not to go over the proposed budget figure at all.   The YMCA presented a lot of good ideas on how to restructure the lifeguard schedules and the restructuring of the pool operation hours.   The Committee is hoping to reduce spending at the pool and break even.   The budget is tight this year, and Ms. Freenock is concerned about every penny.   If by July the numbers aren’t looking too good, Council may have to take other actions rather than spending an additional $5,000.   Everyone feels comfortable with the projected figures and is hoping for a break even point.

 

President Wilshire commented the limit will be set for $5,000 and asked if there was a second to the motion.

 

Ms. LaVan stated there was not.

 

Ms. Vavrek seconded the motion.

 

The motion carried after the following roll call vote: Mr. Zerfoss, yes; Mr. Herman, yes; Ms. Leonard, yes; Ms. Vavrek, yes; Ms. Moore, yes; Mr. German, yes; and President Wilshire, yes.

 

Ms. Leonard commented Council needs to approve the YMCA to manage the pool.

 

Mr. Herman thought that was already part of the payroll included in the budget.  

 

Ms. Leonard pointed out it didn’t specify the YMCA would manage the pool.

 

On a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Mr. German to approve the YMCA to manage the Clarion Borough Pool at the cost of $900 per month for June, July, August, and September, being a total cost for the year of $3,600.   The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

On a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Mr. Herman, authorizing Ms. Freenock to execute the Management Agreement on the same terms and conditions as previously agreed but additionally requiring the YMCA to complete the following duties: tracking the weather, usage, sale of passes, obtaining a Pesticides License, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

Mayor’s Report :   Mayor Stroup reported the Chairs of Public Works and Public Safety and he met to discuss the reversing of Boundary Street, which Mr. Zerfoss brought up several months ago.    Penn Dot was also present at this meeting.   Council will be updated as soon as more information is available.

 

Mayor Stroup announced last month an update was given on the community meeting, including the District Attorney, other local police agencies, and the Borough’s Public Safety Committee.   Another meeting has been scheduled in the middle of May to include the superintendent of all Clarion County School Districts.   Mayor Stroup looks forward to seeing what will be accomplished at that meeting.

 

Manager’s Report :   Ms. Freenock stated the Mayor did a presentation to the third graders at Clarion Area Elementary School yesterday, which was well received.

 

Ms. Freenock tentatively scheduled Berkheimer Tax Administrators to give a presentation to Council and the School Board on June 6, 2006, at the Council Meeting to discuss the services on tax collection they can provide.

 

Ms. Freenock thanked the Little League Association for welcoming her to the Borough at their opening ceremonies on Saturday.

 

Ms. Freenock commented Captain Kaufman gave the Piney Lake Advisory Committee a tour of the River to see what is occurring along it.   It was enlightening.

 

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. German, giving permission for Ms. Freenock to attend Basic Training for Municipal Secretaries and Administrators to be held May 4, 2006, in DuBois, Pennsylvania; the PSAB Annual Conference to be held June 11-14, 2006, in Seven Springs, Pennsylvania; and Financing Your Future Seminar to be held June 22, 2006, in Meadville, Pennsylvania, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

 

Old Business :   Backing up to Public Works, Mr. German asked Mr. Stutzman for an update on the conference he attended.

 

Mr. Stutzman stated he attended a Public Works Symposium in Harrisburg/Hershey last week.   It was held in conjunction with the Township Supervisors Convention and was very well attended.   Mr. Stutzman commented there are new LED lights available that will save money, which Mr. Stutzman already knew about since he’s working on energy conservation for the Borough.   It was well worth attending.

 

Mr. German inquired if the Borough is still accepting applications for part-time employment.

 

Mr. Zerfoss referred that to Ms. Freenock.

 

Ms. Freenock informed everyone that she and Mr. Stutzman conducted interviews yesterday and did offer employment to an individual.

 

New Business :   There was none.

 

Correspondence :   Ms. LaVan read a thank you note from Russ Christy, dated April 7, 2006, to Clarion Borough Council for installing the stop signs at the corner of Eighth Avenue and Liberty Street.   Mr. Christy relayed Liberty Street had become a real race track between Ninth Avenue and Sixth Avenue and the stop signs should slow the motorists down.

 

President Wilshire called an Executive Session to discuss personnel concerning discipline and stated no action is anticipated, leaving at 8:02 p.m., including Councilmembers, the Mayor, and Ms. Freenock.   Chief Hall was asked to join at 8:09 p.m.

 

President Wilshire called the meeting back to order at 8:15 p.m. and reported the Executive Session concerned personnel.   No action was taken.

 

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. German, the Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

 

 

 

              ______________________________

              Nancy K. Freenock

              Borough Secretary