July 11, 2006, Council Meeting

Summary of Action Taken

Citizen Comments:               Dave Morris In Re ALF Bear;

                     Residents Voiced Concerns with

                     Eliminating Front Yard Parking;

                     Bill Mills Requested Update on

                     Council’s Action on Businesses

Administration:               Monthly Reports; Work Session

                     Date Changed; Permission for Ms.

                     Freenock and Ms. LaVan to Attend

                     PLGSA Conference; Adopted

                     Addendum and Resolution for

                     Emergency Operations Plan; Ms.

                     Freenock Completed Probationary

                     Period and Moved to Permanent

                     Status

Downtown Committee:            Meeting Discussed

Public Works:                  Monthly Report; Update on Traffic

                     Signal at Eighth Avenue and Wood

                     Street; Clean-Up Day; Permission

                     for Mr. Stutzman and Mr. Thompson

                     to Attend PA APWA Symposium

Public Safety:                  CERT Training Explained

Housing and Zoning:               Adopted Zoning Ordinance Amend-

                     ments with Further Review on Park-

                     ing; Permission Ms. Vavrek and Mr.

                     Ragon to Attend Map Seminar

Recreation:                  YMCA Purchased Chairs for Pool;

Mayor’s Report:               PA Wilds Seminar; Chief at Chief’s

                     Conference; Bike Patrol; Presided

                     over I Love Clarion Celebration

Manager’s Report:               CERT Training; Audits; Pool Party;

                     Tree/Brush Letters; Labor Standards

                     Conference; Comprehensive Plan;

                     Permission to Attend Budget

                     Seminar

Old Business:                  Reminder on Trimming Trees and

                     Shrubs

New Business:                  None

Correspondence:               None

Minutes

The regularly scheduled meeting of Clarion Borough Council was held on July 11, 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 Ms. Leonard, Ms. Vavrek, Ms. Moore, Mr. German, and President Wilshire.  Mr. Zerfoss and Mr. Herman were absent.  Ms. Freenock, Mayor Stroup, Mr. Ragon, Mr. Stutzman were also present.  Chief Hall and Solicitor French were not present.

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

The minutes of the June 6, 2006, Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Moore. 

Under Housing and Zoning, Ms. Leonard believes there is a typographical error in the fourth paragraph where it states Ms. Zerfoss and inquired if it’s supposed to be Mr. Zerfoss or Ms. Vavrek.

Ms. LaVan commented Mr. Zerfoss.

After noting the correction, the motion carried with a vote of five yea.

Citizen Comments:  Mr. Dave Morris, Great Outdoor Visitors Bureau, reported he’s representing the Clarion County Room Tax Committee, who is requesting permission to locate the ALF public art bear at the Paul A. Weaver Community Park.

President Wilshire inquired how heavy those sculptures are.

Mr. Morris informed everyone the bears are hollow fiberglass and are probably about 35 pounds.  The bear will be placed on a cement pad, which will be bolted in place.

President Wilshire feels there may be a concern with small children playing on it.

Mr. Morris understands and mentioned that hasn’t happened yet.  The bear stands about 6’ tall.  The Committee would take care of mounting and installing it.

Mr. German asked Mr. Stutzman for a recommendation on where it could be placed.

Mr. Stutzman would have to look.

Ms. Leonard asked how the bear is decorated.

Mr. Morris reported its designed with fall leaves.

Ms. Freenock commented Ms. LaVan and she met with Mr. Larson at the Public Works Building to look at the bear.  The feeling was it could be very easy for a child to topple it; especially if there would be more than one child.  Paul A. Weaver Community Park doesn’t have the same amount of supervision as other parks.  Ms. Freenock understands a miniature train display is being put in at the Clarion County Park; and it has been suggested that the bear be placed there.

Ms. Leonard verified there will not be any fees involved.

Mr. Morris agreed.

Mr. German asked if the Committee has any other location in mind.

Mr. Morris stated there are other locations, but the Committee felt this would be the most appropriate site where the bear could get the most exposure to the Clarion community.  If Council recommends it not be located at Paul A. Weaver Park, Mr. Morris will relay that to the Committee.

Ms. Freenock asked if the bear is bolted in place.

Mr. Morris stated yes.  The bear has a fiberglass pad on the bottom with brackets.  Cement will be laid and the bear will be placed on top of it.  Then holes will be drilled into the cement, and the bear will be bolted down onto the pad.  Examples of bears bolted in place are at the 800 Center, Shippenville Post Office, and Dr. Jaworski’s Office.

Ms. Freenock withdrew her comment.

Mr. Morris offered to meet with Borough representatives to discuss all concerns and ensure that Council will be comfortable with the decision.

President Wilshire asked Ms. Leonard to work with a representative of Public Works to decide what action will be taken.

Ms. Leonard announced a meeting is already scheduled for Thursday at 2 p.m. with Mr. Morris and Commissioner Oberlander and asked Mr. Stutzman to see if he could attend.

Ms. Bridget Dunkle voiced concern on the proposed Zoning Ordinance that Council intends to adopt tonight in reference to eliminating front yard parking.  Many people do not have access to the back of their property or space for parking other than in the front yard.   Eliminating front yard parking will be a hardship to many residents in the Borough.  Ms. Dunkle encouraged Council to revisit this section.  Borough Council is taking away one more freedom the residents have.  Ms. Dunkle commented it seems like the only thing residents can do with their front yard is beautify it.  Council is taking away property owners’ rights.

Ms. Moore stated this didn’t just happen.  Council has been working on this for a year.

Ms. Dunkle feels Council needs to think about it more and asked where people are supposed to park.  On the way to the meeting, Ms. Dunkle noticed three different places where people were parked in their yards.  There are many people who don’t have access to their property.  Ms. Dunkle doesn’t see anything wrong if a person pulls into their yard to unload their vehicle and asked if Councilmembers did.

If a person pulls in their yard to unload their vehicle, Ms. Vavrek stressed that is one thing; but a person leaving a vehicle in the front yard for a period of time is another.

Ms. Dunkle pointed out the Ordinance doesn’t allow front yard parking at all.  No exceptions listed.  Autumn Leaf Festive brings money to the community.  However, during that week, parking is scarce.  People from out-of-town and college students park everywhere.  Ms. Dunkle feels if the Borough issues tickets for parking on the front yard during ALF, those people will not come back.  Council needs to look at this again.

Ms. Vavrek stated Council has for almost a year.  There were several public hearings to receive comments in reference to the proposed changes and Ms. Dunkle never attended.

Ms. Dunkle recommended Council take another year.  As far as the hearings, Ms. Dunkle didn’t know about some and couldn’t attend the others.

Mr. Mark Dunkle, 713 Forest Drive, stated this proposed change would make it illegal for someone to wash their vehicle in the yard and feels it should be considered further.

Mr. Richard Eustice, 200 Corbett Street, informed Council his wife and he purchased the property 3 years ago and there are 2 parking spaces there.  Mr. Eustice and his wife both have vehicles.  Their son also has a vehicle, which he parks on Corbett Street.  However, once the Snow Removal Ordinance is in effect, vehicles cannot park on Corbett Street certain nights.  On those occasions, their son parks in the front yard, which this Ordinance will prohibit.  Mr. Eustice inquired where he is supposed to park.  Council should have the answers to these kinds of questions.  There will not be room for their son to park on the property other than the front yard.

Ms. Vavrek suggested their son could park on the other side of the street.

Mr. Eustice noted that is not allowed.

Mr. German suggested he could park on Penn Avenue, which is not that far away.

If 3 elderly people lived in that house, Mr. Eustice asked if Council would expect them to walk that distance.  If a property owner drives their vehicle in the yard to unload materials, Mr. Eustice asked if he/she will be subject to fines.

Ms. Moore and Ms. Vavrek both stated no.

Mr. Eustice understands not wanting a vehicle to be parked in the front yard for a long period of time.  But when parking is limited in certain areas, Mr. Eustice thinks it’s absurd for a visitor to a resident to receive a fine for parking on property that resident owns.  The only time their son parks in the yard is in the wintertime when parking is prohibited due to snow removal.

Mr. Ragon pointed out the Ordinance is intended to get rid of people pulling into his/her yard and calling it a parking space.  That isn’t considered a parking space in the current ordinance.  A parking space is an improved area where a car is parked.

Mr. Eustice stated property owners would be allowed to cover their yard with gravel to make a parking space and asked if that is Council’s intention.

Ms. Vavrek informed everyone the purpose is to eliminate cars being parked in the front yard to the extent they are there on a regular basis or all the time.  There are student rentals where cars are parked in the front yards and shouldn’t be.

Mr. Eustice thinks the majority of residents are being punished for the sins of a few.

Mr. Dunkle asked if pulling in a yard to wash a vehicle is prohibited.

Ms. Moore comments no.  That’s not considered parking in the yard.

Mr. Eustice stressed the Ordinance says no parking.  Council may not consider it parking, but a police officer might have a different view.

Mr. Dave Dunkle, 248 Dunkle Lane, questioned parking a camper in the yard.

If the camper is licensed, Mr. Ragon stated that vehicle would have to be in a parking area.  Council is not addressing side or back yards. 

Mr. Eustice doesn’t feel the front yard is theirs anymore and intends to put gravel in his front yard.

Mr. Ragon pointed out that’s not permitted, because Mr. Eustice hasn’t established a parking area.  After the initiation of a public hearing where an ordinance has been amended, people cannot change.  It would be a violation of the ordinance.  Compacted stone, asphalt, cement, or tar and chip designate a parking area.

Even if Council doesn’t pass this Ordinance, President Wilshire verified a property owner couldn’t convert their entire front yard into parking.

Mr. Ragon agreed.

Mr. Eustice informed Council he doesn’t have back yard access and cannot use the garage in the wintertime because of the grade.

Ms. Diane Ritts, 24 West Main Street, sometimes has to park in the front yard.  One instance is when contractors were replacing her roof.  The workers used the driveway, and Ms. Ritts parked in the front yard.  If this is adopted, that will not be permitted.

Ms. Vavrek stated that’s an unusual temporary circumstance.

Ms. Ritts owns two antique cars, which are stored in the garage.  Whenever Ms. Ritts takes one out for a drive, Ms. Ritts parks her regular car in the yard for the time being.

Mr. Ragon commented Ms. Ritts could pull the antique car out of the garage and drive the regular car into the garage until she returns.

Ms. Ritts disagreed because she only goes out for a couple hours.

In reference to some friends that park along the roadway, which is not highly graveled, Mr. Mills asked for clarification if they are going to be required to gravel that area to make it an established parking area.  The area is between the sidewalk and roadway.

If it’s a street where a person is permitted to park in the right-of-way, Mr. Ragon stated that will be grandfathered and will be permissible.

Per the discussion, Ms. Dunkle believes Council is saying it’s okay to park for certain cases.  However, that is not written and later on could be interpreted differently.  If Council allows temporary parking, it needs to be included in the Ordinance.

Ms. Cheryl Miller, East Eighth Avenue, thanked Council for working hard on the Ordinance and thinks everyone has to look at the context of the entire Zoning Ordinance.  The Ordinance mentioned preventing blight.  If a person is parking in the front yard to unload items, the point needs made that will not be creating blight.  Ms. Miller gives Council a ‘thumbs up’ and again thanked him/her for their efforts.

Mr. Bill Mills, 177 South Seventh Avenue, asked if Council has addressed the issue of zoning regarding a business in the R-1 District.  If action hasn’t been taken, Mr. Mills has questioned when it will.  Mr. Mills discovered that the Ordinance has been enforced on other Borough residents but hasn’t been enforced on South Seventh Avenue.  Mr. Mills understands Borough Council held an Executive Session to discuss it, because of a possibility of a lawsuit or litigation.  However, Mr. Mills hasn’t heard of anything being filed, as of yet, and again asked where the Borough is heading.

President Wilshire announced Council held an Executive Session to discuss possible litigation and legal alternatives.  The result was to seek a second opinion.  The Borough’s Solicitor provided a preliminary opinion, but Councilmembers felt an additional legal opinion was necessary.  It was turned over to the Administration Committee.  President Wilshire has discussed this situation with two attorneys that are experts on the topic and will decide which attorney to go with.  Federal laws are in place, which is the reason this problem is so complicated, and Council must be careful.  Within the next month, if Council can enforce that as an unauthorized home business in an R-1 area, President Wilshire would like to move ahead with that.  Again, Council wanted an additional legal opinion and would have to vote on what road to pursue.  It really falls under the Federal Fair Housing law.

Mr. Mills understands and is familiar with the law.  However, Mr. Mills thinks the federal law works the other way that if Council doesn’t enforce the law he/she implemented, then he/she is violating property owners’ rights on that as well.  That’s for the attorneys to work out.  Mr. Mills stressed the rights of the citizens need to be considered, especially if the Borough’s enforcing it against one resident or business owner and not against another.

Ms. Vavrek doesn’t know if that has been done or when.

Mr. Mills commented other people within Clarion Borough have attempted to open a business in an R-1 area and were sent letters and sometimes received a personal visit telling him/her that a business wasn’t allowed in that district.  It has probably been 1½ years or longer.

President Wilshire is aware of a couple instances where a person was prevented from operating.  President Wilshire doesn’t want to hide behind it, but it comes down to the question of if the Borough can safely say that is a business, which President Wilshire personally feels it is.

If Council visits their website, Mr. Mills stated he/she would see the company is advertising it as a business.  The residents are not concerned or trying to make an issue of any other nature but are looking at it as strictly it’s a business within their R-1 neighborhood.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a shoe store or any other business that would be in R-1.

President Wilshire wished it were a shoe store.

Ms. Leonard agreed it would be black and white then.

President Wilshire asked if the website is peoplefirst.com and if the residents could provide Council with their website.

Mr. Mills agreed to do that.

An unidentified man informed Council the public welfare website as well as several other places provides information about this particular business.

President Wilshire thinks all Councilmembers regard this very seriously and are following through.  Unfortunately, it takes some time.  When Council takes action, President Wilshire stated Council wants it to be the correct way to go.

Mr. Mills realizes that but hadn’t heard anything from anyone about it or even if Council met with legal counsel.

President Wilshire repeated the Committee approached two firms that specialize in zoning; one attorney being looked at represented residents on Oakwood Drive a number of years ago on a zoning matter.

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

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

President Wilshire asked when the decision was made to go full force with the bicycle patrol.

Ms. Moore commented a month or 6 weeks ago.  Public Safety needs to look at this, because it was brought up at a Committee Meeting several months ago and it’s already the middle of July.

Mayor Stroup stated the Committee simply reinstated what was previously done.

President Wilshire voiced concern that the officers don’t seem to be doing foot patrol let alone ride a bike.

The motion carried with a vote of five yea.

President Wilshire also presented the Monthly Treasurer’s Report, Budget Analysis, Overtime Comparison Report for information and stated Ms. Freenock is available for questions anytime.

President Wilshire stated the July 24th Work Session has been cancelled.

Ms. Freenock hopes it will be rescheduled for July 26, 2006, at 5:00 p.m.

President Wilshire commented a meeting will be held at that time regarding a presentation by DCED in reference to comprehensive and financial planning.  The Borough needs to look at both of those areas and provide some planning ideas on how to proceed particularly in the financial aspect.  Clarion Borough’s operating on a very, very tight budget and needs to get back on track.

Mr. German inquired if this will be a Work Session or special meeting.

Ms. Vavrek asked if the meeting will be open to the public.

Since the majority of Council will be present, President Wilshire stated it will have to be re-advertised as a Work Session.

President Wilshire asked Ms. Freenock to explain the 47th PLGSA Conference, which will be held in Pittsburgh.

Ms. Freenock deferred this question to Ms. LaVan since this will be her first meeting.

Ms. LaVan informed everyone PLGSA stands for Pennsylvania Local Governmental Secretaries Association.  Different topics will be discussed.  Registration is Wednesday, classes will be held Thursday and Friday, and it ends with a business meeting on Saturday.  The agenda has been received but was not included in the packet.

President Wilshire asked if a report will be given afterwards.

Ms. LaVan agreed.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Leonard, giving permission for Ms. Freenock and Ms. LaVan to attend PLGSA’s 47th Annual Conference in Pittsburgh from August 16-19, 2006, was carried with a vote of five yea.

President Wilshire asked Ms. Moore to explain the Emergency Management Addendum and Resolution, which was included in the packet.

Ms. Moore hopes everyone had a chance to read the Addendum #1 and the Resolution, which relate to NIMS, National Incident Management Systems.  The Borough is required by the County, the County by the State, and the State by the nation to put NIMS into affect.  Ms. Moore stated Councilmembers and the Mayor attended the required NIMS training.  Now the Borough’s being asked to incorporate NIMS into the Emergency Operations Plan.  The Addendum is going to be a separate document, because the Borough just updated the master plan in November 2005.  It won’t have to be updated entirely until November 2007.  Ms. Moore stated it’s all right to place the Addendum in the plan and incorporate the language in 1½ years.  This must be completed statewide by September 30th.  The County is requiring the municipalities complete it by September 1st.

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Ms. Vavrek to adopt Addendum #1, which incorporates the concept of the NIMS Program into Clarion Borough’s Emergency Operations Plan. 

President Wilshire asked if the Addendum and Resolution need to be adopted separately.

Ms. Moore stated yes.  The Addendum isn’t absolutely necessary, but it’s recommended so there is proof Clarion Borough did it.

The motion carried with a vote of five yea.

Ms. Moore reported the Resolution doesn’t have a number yet because it was just received.  Everybody on Council must sign it.

Mr. German inquired if Council can adopt a Resolution without a number.

President Wilshire commented it can be passed pending the assignment of a number.

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Ms. Vavrek, adopting a Resolution for the designation of NIMS as the basis for all incident management in the State/Commonwealth, was carried with a vote of five yea.

Before moving to the Downtown Committee, Ms. Moore stated Ms. Freenock has been Borough Manager for 6 months, which means she has completed her probationary period.

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Ms. Leonard that Nancy Freenock, as Clarion Borough Manager, be moved from probationary to permanent status.

President Wilshire asked for any discussion.

Mr. German informed Ms. Freenock to keep up the good work.

The motion carried with a vote of five yea.

When Ms. Freenock accepted this position, Ms. Moore had informed Ms. Freenock a probationary period works both ways.  If Ms. Freenock wanted out, she could opt out.  Ms. Moore was pleased when Ms. Freenock agreed to stay on as Borough Manager and thanked Ms. Freenock for a very good job.

Downtown Committee:  Ms. Moore stated the Committee had the most productive meeting and discovered 8 a.m. is a good time for people to attend a meeting.  Speakers included Ms. Twila Riffenberrick, Clarion County Planner; Mr. Denny Puko, DCED representative, invited by Ms. Freenock; Mr. Dave Morris, Great Outdoors Visitors Center; Mr. Chris Beichner, Northwest Planning Commission; and Representative Fred McIlhattan.  The Committee was floundering about what can be done with Main Street.  Mr. Puko discussed a lot of interesting ideas, which may not be acceptable to the Committee.  Ms. Moore reported the Committee’s intent is to regroup and continue with their membership drive so they can publish a brochure.  A regular meeting date is established, which was set for the second Thursday of each month at 8 a.m.  A plan is being devised stating what the Committee wants to do and how it can be achieved.  Representative McIlhattan informed the Committee he will get some money to ‘get the Committee off the launching pad’.  A follow-up meeting was held, which Ms. Moore couldn’t attend, and the Committee is on their way. 

Public Works:  Mr. Stutzman, in the absence of Chairman Zerfoss, commented the Public Works Report is in the packet for everyone’s review and noted the paving project was completed by Hager Paving Company shortly after last month’s Council Meeting.  The pool is working great this year, with very few problems.

Mr. Stutzman commented Penn Dot is working on the traffic signal project at Eighth Avenue and Wood Street.  Right now, there is a snag with the University as to where the pole is to be placed.  Once that’s worked out, the project will begin.

Ms. Leonard inquired if there will be a right-turn lane on Greenville Avenue onto Wood Street like there is at Main Street and Eighth Avenue.

Mr. Stutzman doesn’t believe Penn Dot designed it that way.  The road is not wide enough.  Penn Dot plans to paint different line markings on the road.  Mr. Stutzman stressed that’s a pedestrian hazard.  Penn Dot wouldn’t put a designated lane in though.

Ms. Leonard reported a merchant relayed to her that Public Works did a nice job trimming the trees on Main Street but left a lot of debris lying around the trees and on the sidewalks.

Mr. Stutzman stated the employees are not done and need to pull the weeds from the brick area.  That’s when the debris will be picked up.

President Wilshire asked about Clean-Up Day.

Ms. LaVan commented the total cost was $5,211.73.  Every year, the Borough arranges dumpsters for Brookfield Power at the boat launch areas for their River Clean-Up Day.  Therefore, the cost to the Borough was actually less, because Brookfield Power’s share was approximately $590, which has already been remitted to the Borough.

Mr. Stutzman commented it was an average year. The brush pick up was considerably less, which proves the brush drop-off location is working.  Mr. Stutzman stated the Committee is looking hard at not offering curbside pick up for yard waste next year.

Mr. German asked why the businesses were not included this year.

Ms. Freenock and Mr. Stutzman didn’t know the answer to that.

Ms. Vavrek thinks there wasn’t much to collect last year.

President Wilshire noticed Mr. Stutzman and Mr. Thompson would like permission to attend the Pennsylvania APWA Symposium in Gettysburg in September and inquired if that’s an annual conference.

Mr. Stutzman confirmed it was.  The agenda hasn’t been received yet; however, it sounds like emergency responder is going to be discussed.

Ms. Moore encouraged Mr. Stutzman to bring anything back that the Borough can use.

On a motion by Ms. Moore with a second by Ms. Vavrek, giving permission for Brad Stutzman and Tom Thompson to attend the Pennsylvania APWA Statewide Symposium in Gettysburg, September 26-28, 2006, was carried with a vote of five yea.

Public Safety:  Ms. Moore, in the absence of Chairman Herman, reported the Committee has things in the process but nothing new to report at this time.

When Ms. Freenock and Ms. Moore met with Clarion County’s Emergency Manager last week, Ms. Moore stated there are enough Homeland Security Funds left for two CERT classes, which stands for Community Emergency Response Team.  Citizens should attend this course.  It’s neighbors helping neighbors.  If there is a disaster of any size, a resident cannot depend on firemen, emergency medical personnel, or the police because they are first responders and will go where they feel they are needed most.  Ms. Moore reported this class would teach people what to do, how to lift heavy objects off a person’s body, and how to put out fires.  Classes will be announced in the newspaper.

Housing and Zoning:  Ms. Vavrek stated the Housing and Zoning Report is included in the packet for everyone’s review as well as the proposed Zoning Ordinance, which has already been advertised for adoption.  Ms. Vavrek understands what the citizens stated in reference to parking and is willing to revisit that particular section.  However, Council has worked very hard on this Ordinance and issues pertaining to R-1 and R-2 neighborhoods as well as borders and roomers need to be passed.  The parking section cannot simply be removed, because that would require the Ordinance be re-advertised.  Ms. Vavrek stressed the best that can be done now is to adopt the proposed amendments and revisit the parking part afterwards.  Citizens can leave their name and attend future Housing and Zoning Meetings to discuss it further.

At this time, on a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. German to adopt Ordinance #2006-738, amending the Zoning Ordinance, and to revisit the parking part of this amendment at a later date.

Ms. Moore sympathizes with Mr. Eustice and other residents who do not have parking areas.  If the Committee agrees to look at these situations, Ms. Moore will support the motion.  Ms. Moore doesn’t favor allowing parking for college students because landlords have that responsibility.

Ms. Vavrek pointed out the primary reason front parking is being eliminated is to keep students from parking in the front yards.  In some cases, 4-5 cars were parked in one front yard, which was excessive.  Maybe something could be included in terms of residential parking.  The Committee will review that again.

Ms. Moore recommended Ms. LaVan get Mr. Eustice’s address and appreciated Mr. Eustice for coming to the Council Meeting to state his problem.  It’s not easy to do that all the time.

President Wilshire recommended the Committee invite a Public Works representative to cover the snow removal.

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

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with second by Ms. Moore, giving permission for Ms. Vavrek and Mr. Ragon to attend the seminar for The Official Map… How to Effectively Use the Official Map as a Planning Implementation Tool on August 15, 2006, at the Clarion Holiday Inn at a cost of $25 each, carried with a vote of five yea.

Recreation:  Ms. Leonard reported the YMCA held a fundraiser last month to raise funds for more chairs at the swimming pool.  Initially, the intent was to get lounge chairs.  However, the YMCA could purchase 3 Adirondack-style chairs for the price of 1 lounge chair.  Ms. Leonard thanked the YMCA and also the Clarion News and The Derrick for the positive coverage.  As Mr. Stutzman mentioned, the pool is going very well this year.

Ms. Leonard reported Ms. Moore, Mayor Stroup, and she attended a PA Wilds Seminar in Coudersport and will defer it to the Mayor.  It was very worthwhile.

Mayor’s Report:  Mayor Stroup reported the PA Wilds Seminar was sponsored by PSATS.  The counties have coop-ed together on how the hotel tax money will be utilized.  Concern was expressed that Clarion is on the outskirts of the PA Wilds but definitely want recognition for the designation.  The Downtown Committee is discussing the possibility of signs and are working with Representative McIlhattan and Senator Mary Jo White.  Mayor Stroup commented Clarion is a very viable place to visit.  As Ms. Leonard stated earlier, a follow-up meeting has been scheduled for the near future.

Mayor Stroup reminded everyone Chief Hall is attending the Chief’s Conference in Valley Forge this week.

Mayor Stroup announced the bicycle training has been completed and will be tied in with the foot patrols.  Zones are being established that officers will be assigned.  Mayor Stroup commented the idea is for the public to see and start to recognize the officer on a one-on-one basis.  It was always understood that the bicycle patrol goes along with the walking.

Mayor Stroup presided over the I Love Clarion Day celebration on July 3rd.  It was very nice.  Mayor Stroup appreciated the number of people that attended and for his/her support for their community.

Manager’s Report:  Ms. Freenock reported Foxburg has contracted for one of the two CERT Training sessions.  If there is interest, Ms. Freenock could try to get the last session. 

Ms. Freenock commented the audit is in the process and will be completed by the end of the month.  The Borough has been notified of the following audits that will take place in the near future: recycling program audit, pension plan audit, and CDBG audit.

Ms. Freenock announced the YMCA is holding a splash party on July 18, 2006, from 4-7 p.m.  There will be games, prizes, and other activities for the children.  It is open to the public.

Ms. Freenock reported letters were sent to residents notifying them their brush or trees overhang the roadway and it needed to be cut by July 18, 2006.  If it is not done, the Public Works Department will do it at the property owner’s expense.

Ms. Freenock attended a Labor Standards Conference today, which reviewed how contractors must be in compliance with the Davis Bacon laws if the project is funded with federal money.  It was very helpful. 

Ms. Freenock believes the Downtown Committee may want to tie into the Borough’s comprehensive plan and thinks this will be a long-term project but a very important one.  By going through the comprehensive plan and financial review processes, Clarion Borough would be eligible for additional grant money.

Ms. Freenock asked for permission to attend a budget seminar and has already asked department heads to look at what’s in this year’s budget and determine what needs to be in next year’s.  The seminar is sponsored by PSATS.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Moore to give permission for Ms. Freenock to attend a Developing and Managing Your Municipal Budget Seminar to be held August 24, 2006, at the Holiday Inn, Clarion, at the cost of $60.  The motion carried with a vote of five yea.

Ms. Freenock thanked Council for their support.

Old Business:  Mr. Ragon asked all residents to make sure their trees and shrubs are trimmed and not encroaching above or along the roadways and sidewalks.  A lot of people walk and do not need to be dodging branches while doing so.  Also, there are a lot of motorists in Clarion and shouldn’t be scraping their vehicles due to overgrowth into the streets and alleys.

New Business:  There was none.

Correspondence:  There was none.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Leonard, the Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m.

                     ______________________________

                     Nancy K. Freenock

                  Borough Secretary