February 6, 2007, Council Meeting

Summary of Action Taken

Citizen Comments: None

Administration: Monthly Reports; Action on Event Requests; Approved Audit Proposal; Appointment to Police and General Employee’s Committees

Downtown Committee: None

Public Works: Monthly Report; Permission for Mr. Stutzman to Attend Symposium

Public Safety: Accept Farmer’s National Bank’s Bid Proposal for Financing Police Car

Housing and Zoning: Appointment to Planning Commission; Limestone Township’s Request Discussed

Recreation: Meeting with Clarion Area School District In Re Using Softball Field; YMCA Year-End Report Status

Mayor’s Report: Recreation Meeting Good; Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Class Held; Child Safety Checks; Status of Police Car; Request from Safe Kids in Clarion County for Infant Seat or Cribs

Old Business: None

New Business: Rodney Sherman Thanked Public Safety Department for Acting on Complaint; Discuss Police Vehicle Situation

Correspondence: None

Minutes

The regularly scheduled meeting of Clarion Borough Council was held on February 6, 2007, 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, Ms. Leonard, Ms. Vavrek, Ms. Moore, Mr. German, and President Wilshire. Mr. Herman was absent. Mayor Stroup, Mr. Stutzman, Chief Hall, and Mr. Ragon were also present. Ms. Freenock and Solicitor French were not present.

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

The minutes of the December 18, 2006, Special Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Ms. Vavrek. The motion carried with a vote of six yea.

The minutes of the January 2, 2007, Council Meeting, were approved on a motion by Mr. German with a second by Ms. Vavrek. The motion carried with a vote of five yea, with Ms. Leonard abstaining since she was absent at that meeting.

Citizen Comments: There were none.

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

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Leonard, approving the appropriations for the month of February, was carried with a vote of six yea.

President Wilshire also presented the Treasurer’s Report of Fund Totals and Overtime Comparison Report for information purposes.

President Wilshire informed everyone a Work Session has been scheduled for February 26, 2007, at 5 p.m. at the Clarion Borough Office.

President Wilshire stated Council reviewed a number of special event requests at the Work Session and now approval is necessary.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Moore to approve the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry’s request to hang a banner in connection with Spring Fling from April 9 through May 7, 2007. The motion carried with a vote of six yea.

President Wilshire commented the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry’s special event request for Spring Fling asks for free parking for sidewalk and crafter day sales Friday and Saturday and 5 meters bagged as ‘no parking’ on Grant Street all week. Due to concerns on bagging the meters, President Wilshire recommends Council only take action on the free parking and discuss the bagged meters with the Chamber at a later date. There is plenty of time to discuss it.

Ms. Leonard asked how many parking spaces are on Grant Street.

President Wilshire stated about 15.

Chief Hall commented Public Safety is concerned about the businesses in that area, because complaints have been received when Grant Street is blocked during Autumn Leaf Festival.

Ms. Leonard suggested Council could consider less than 5.

Mr. Zerfoss inquired why the Chamber wants the meters bagged. If it’s for the food vendors, they are selling their food, making a big profit, and leaving town.

Mayor Stroup commented entertainment.

Mr. Zerfoss stressed those businesses along Grant Street are inconvenienced more than just during ALF. Mr. Zerfoss asked if the motion is to approve the request without the 5 meters.

President Wilshire stated there’s not a motion at this time but agreed that’s the recommendation.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. German, approving Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry’s request for free parking on May 4 and 5, 2007, for sidewalk sales and crafters day during Spring Fling and to discuss the request of 5 meters bagged as ‘no parking’ on Grant Street from April 30 through May 5, 2007, at a later date, was carried with a vote of six yea.

On a motion by Mr. German with a second by Ms. Moore to approve the Clarion VFW Post 2145’s special event request for Memorial Day Services to be held May 28, 2007. The motion carried with a vote of six yea.

On a motion by Mr. German with a second by Ms. Leonard to approve the WWII Monument Committee’s special event request to dedicate WWII Monument and parade on June 16, 2007.

Mr. German noticed the request didn’t provide proof of insurance.

Ms. LaVan stated she will check to see if a certificate was provided. If not, a statement will be included in the letter stating what action Council took.

Mr. German verified the Chief has been notified of the event.

Chief Hall commented yes and noted there’s no problem.

The motion carried with a vote of six yea.

President Wilshire informed everyone request for proposals were mailed to different auditing firms for the Borough’s audit for years 2006-2008. Only one was received from Zelenkofske Axelrod, which Ms. Freenock recommended Council approve.

On a motion by Mr. German with a second by Ms. Moore, approving the bid from Zelenkofske Axelrod for auditing services for 2006-2008, was carried with a vote of six yea.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. Zerfoss, appointing Greg Wolf to fill the vacancies on a 3-year term on the Police and General Employees Pension Committees to expire at the end of 2009, was carried with a vote of six yea.

Downtown Committee: Ms. Moore had nothing to report.

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 Ms. Moore, giving permission for Brad Stutzman to attend the 2007 Municipal Road Maintenance Symposium April 22-24, 2007, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, at a cost of $50 plus meals and mileage, was carried with a vote of six yea.

Public Safety: On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. Zerfoss to accept Farmer’s National Bank’s bid proposal for financing the purchase of the 2007 police car at an interest rate of 4.6%. The motion carried with a vote of six yea.

Housing and Zoning: On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Mr. German, appointing Barry Sweet to a 4-year term on the Planning Commission to fill a vacancy to expire at the end of 2010, was carried with a vote of six yea.

Ms. Vavrek reported the Clarion Borough Construction Code Appeals Board held a re-organization meeting January 17th. At that time, the Board reviewed a request from Limestone Township for the Borough’s Appeals Board to act as theirs as well. The Board suggested that Council allow Limestone Township Supervisors to bring their appeals to this Board but recommended a mutual agreement should be prepared between the Township and the Borough, and all associated costs be paid by the Township. Ms. Vavrek stated the agreement would be reviewed on a yearly basis and asked Mr. Ragon if a motion or advertisement is necessary.

If Council decides to do it, Mr. Ragon commented he will contact Limestone Township to let them know. The Board is willing to do it. Mr. Ragon doesn’t know what kind of repercussion or precedent would be set if Council allows it to happen.

President Wilshire asked if any other municipalities use the Borough’s Board.

Mr. Ragon reported this would be the first one.

Ms. Vavrek informed Council Limestone Township sent this letter awhile ago and no action was taken. Since the Board held their reorganization meeting, this letter was brought up. The only specification the Board had was any costs involved must be paid by the Township. Council can table action now and discuss it at the Work Session.

Mr. Ragon commented the Board is presenting it to Council for deliberation to decide if it’s something the Borough wants to do. Council should think about this.

President Wilshire asked Ms. LaVan to let Ms. Freenock know about getting a cooperative agreement together.

According to the minutes, Ms. Vavrek understands Bill McMillen was supposed to submit an official letter to Council, which has not occurred.

Ms. Leonard pointed out the Housing and Zoning Report indicates the people in attendance at the Zoning Hearing Board, which her name was inadvertently left out.

Recreation: Ms. Leonard stated Mr. Todd MacBeth, principal of Clarion Area High School, requested a meeting with the Recreation Committee and the Borough awhile ago concerning the girls’ softball team using the softball field at Paul A. Weaver Community Park. A meeting was held last Wednesday. In attendance were members of Clarion Area School Board and the School, the members of Little League Board, the Borough Recreation Committee, Ms. Freenock, and Mayor Stroup (wearing two hats; one as a concerned parent and also the Mayor). After much discussion, it was mutually agreed that this is a good idea and would be pursued. However, everyone wanted to discuss it with their boards and proceed from there. Ms. Leonard stated it is favorable and there will be more meetings.

President Wilshire asked if the high school baseball team uses it now.

Ms. Leonard commented only for practice. Quite a few improvements are necessary for the high school team to use it and the school board didn’t want to get into a financial agreement to get those done. The girls would like to use the softball field, which does not require any improvements. The lights wouldn’t be used either.

Mr. German inquired if the YMCA ever provided a year-end report on the pool.

Ms. Leonard hasn’t received anything to date and will check with Ms. Freenock.

Mayor’s Report: Mayor Stroup appreciated Ms. Leonard’s comments on the Recreation Meeting, because it was very good the way it got everybody together. The community pulled together, which is really important.

Mayor Stroup reported Clarion Borough Police recently sponsored a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) class in cooperation with Clarion University Public Safety, which was held January 30, 31, and February 1, 2007, at the University. Agencies participating were Hermitage, St. Mary’s, Knox Borough, Clarion University, and Clarion Borough Police Departments as well as Forest County and Clarion County Sheriff’s Department. Mayor Stroup stated 23 officers participated with 4 instructors and 19 volunteer drinkers that donated their time. The ultimate goal is to increase deterrence of DUI violations thus reducing the number of crashes, deaths, and injuries caused by impaired drivers. Officers were taught and tested to perform the standardized field sobriety test battery. Officers are now certified by National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and are in compliance with national regulations which permit officers to run sobriety checkpoint operations. Each year, tens of thousands of people die in traffic crashes, in which alcohol is a major contributor. In 2002, alcohol-related fatalities rose to 17,419, representing 41% of all traffic fatalities. Mayor Stroup thanked the police for completing this training and realizes certification is very important.

Mayor Stroup announced the Chief will be conducting child safety checks from Noon to 5 p.m. on February 12th at Ron Seidle Chevrolet and again on February 16th at Redbank Chevrolet in New Bethlehem. All children seats will be checked for deficiencies. Mayor Stroup appreciates this service. It’s very important to make sure the seats are in good working order.

Mayor Stroup reported Mr. Herman has been checking the status of the new police car, which should be received as indicated earlier.

President Wilshire received a letter in the packet from Safe Kids in Clarion County asking for a donation for new infant seats or cribs and asked if the Public Safety Committee will look into it.

Mayor Stroup agreed the Committee will review it at the next meeting.

Old Business: There was none.

New Business: As a daily visitor to Clarion Borough, Mr. Rodney Sherman, Clarion News editor, thanked the Public Safety Department for acting on a complaint he made last week. It was handled quickly and has been efficient so far.

President Wilshire stated Council always likes to hear those kind of comments.

Mr. Zerfoss asked the Mayor or Chief when the new police car is expected to arrive.

Chief Hall reported delivery was expected between 8-12 weeks, which would mean sometime during the period of March 2-30, 2007.

Since one vehicle was involved in an accident and is not useable, Mr. Zerfoss questioned there are only 2 vehicles available now.

Chief Hall agreed and voiced concern. If one of the two would not start due to mechanical problems, the Department will be experiencing problems.

Mr. Zerfoss inquired if a rental is an option. This should be paid compliments of the insurance company of the individual that caused the accident.

Chief Hall is looking into that right now.

Ms. Leonard asked the extent of the damage.

Right now, Chief Hall informed everyone it looks as though it’s totaled but is waiting for word.

Mr. Zerfoss didn’t think Council anticipated selling or trading any of the vehicles. With the arrival of the new one in a couple weeks, the Borough would have had 4 vehicles, which Mr. Zerfoss feels there should be.

Mayor Stroup commented the Committee hadn’t budgeted for two vehicles at the beginning of the year. That was going to be considered later in the year. One of the two oldest police vehicles was going to be sold after the new one arrived. However, due to the accident, it looks like the Borough is getting rid of one but not by choice.

If the car is totaled, Mr. Zerfoss verified that insurance money will go into the Public Safety budget and questioned if Council would consider purchasing a new vehicle.

Mayor Stroup stressed not at this time.

President Wilshire commented the Borough’s past practice has been to have three solid police cruisers. It would be a Council decision on maintaining a fourth car. Usually the fourth vehicle has been sold. If the Committee decides to ask for permission to purchase another vehicle, Council would have to decide that later.

Correspondence: There was none.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. German, the Council Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

______________________________

Linda M. LaVan

Assistant Borough Secretary