April 25, 2007, Work Session

Summary of Action Taken

Minutes

The Work Session of the Clarion Borough Council was held on April 25, 2007, at the Clarion Borough Office.

President Wilshire called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.

Councilmembers present included Mr. Zerfoss, Ms. Vavrek, Ms. Moore, Mr. German, and President Wilshire. Mr. Herman arrived at 5:04 p.m. Ms. Leonard was absent. Mr. Ragon, Ms. Freenock, and Chief Hall were also present. Mayor Stroup, Mr. Stutzman, and Solicitor French were absent.

Citizen Comments: There were none.

Administration: President Wilshire reported an agreement is included in the packet with the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry regarding overtime during Autumn Leaf Festival. This is the first type of agreement the Borough’s had with the Chamber recognizing the extra time the Borough employees spend for that event. It doesn’t cover any time spent during normal working hours.

Being involved with the first meeting, Mr. Herman thanked the Chamber, who was very receptive to the thoughts and explanations of the overtime. The Chamber was very cooperative and supportive in creating this document.

Ms. Vavrek questioned item #2 that states all food vendors must dispose of “grey” water in an acceptable manner.

President Wilshire commented that’s the grease. A long time ago, the vendors dumped it out on the street. Now the Chamber has a service that comes by and collects it.

Mr. Herman stated this was done last year as well. Mr. Stutzman was the one who made a strong pitch this was necessary.

Ms. Freenock added some booths actually have tanks on them. Therefore, they wouldn’t be required to use the service the Chamber provides. Acceptable means the vendors don’t put it in the street. That statement could be changed.

Ms. Vavrek stated it’s all right as long as everyone understands it.

President Wilshire reported Council will vote on Tuesday to approve the Farmer’s Market’s banner request and parking required around the County Park. This is an annual request.

President Wilshire stated the Administration Committee reviewed some proposals for engineering services for the CDBG Grants this morning. Ms. Freenock is still reviewing these companies and has copies of each one if Councilmember wish to see them.

Downtown Committee: Ms. Moore had nothing to report.

Public Works: Mr. Zerfoss announced the 2006-2007 winter costs: I.A. Construction, $1,150.84 for anti-skid; American Rock Salt, $7,137.47 for road salt; Janitor Supply, $765.38 for sidewalk salt; Seneca Minerals, $517.50 for liquid deicer; and Hager Paving, $1,600 and M & B Services, $1,500 for snow hauling services. The Borough split the snow hauling between these companies, which both owners, Donnie Hager and Michael Hindman, respectfully, own property and pay taxes in the Borough. The costs totaled $12,671.19. Overtime of the Borough employees is not included.

Last month at the Council Meeting, Mr. Zerfoss discussed Allegheny Power lights. The next day a representative from Allegheny Power contacted the office. Last Wednesday at 9 p.m., Ms. Freenock, Mr. Stutzman, Mr. Herman, 2 representatives from Allegheny Power, and he went out to review the lights throughout the Borough that Mr. Stutzman previously categorized as dim, very dim, or bright. They agreed the Borough wasn’t exaggerating, and Allegheny Power sent a letter to Mr. Zerfoss, which Ms. LaVan will read.

Ms. LaVan read a letter from Ms. Robin Martin, Account Manager with Allegheny Power, dated April 20, 2007, thanking the Committee for meeting with them last week. Council’s concerns with the street lighting in various locations of town are legitimate. Work request #1154240 has been created to completely replace the lights at Jefferson Place and Merryman Place (Pole #97585) and the flickering and buzzing light at the intersection of Church Road and Sixth Avenue (Pole #55122). Once the lights are up, Ms. Martin would like to meet again to make sure they are satisfactory. Before Allegheny Power replace all the lights in question, Ms. Martin would like Council to have the option of voting to replace the current Mercury Vapor lighting with either a High Pressure Sodium Light or Metal Halide light. Before any decision is made by Council, Ms. Martin offered to attend a Council Meeting to review the cost difference. Clarion Borough would have all the information in regards to the federally mandated change brought about by the Energy Act of 2005, which are required by 2010. Once the new lights are in place, Ms. Martin will contact Mr. Stutzman to schedule a meeting to have a detailed discussion regarding the replacement program.

Mr. Zerfoss stated Mr. Stutzman had mentioned before the Borough would have to replace lights by 2010. This means some will be valid at that time. The Borough is required to replace the lights. The meeting was good, and Allegheny Power realized the Borough was not wasting their time.

President Wilshire inquired if the dim bulbs use more electricity.

When the bulb is replaced, Ms. Freenock commented Mr. Stutzman indicated it may cost more to operate.

Mr. Herman doesn’t think it will be a lot more. The High Pressure Sodium bulb is expected to last longer. The Metal Halide is twice the cost and is very bright. In some other communities, Allegheny Power actually had to remove those bulbs, because they were too bright.

Mr. Zerfoss reported the Committee will continue to follow through with Allegheny Power on the lights.

Mr. Zerfoss reminded everyone Clean-Up Day is scheduled for May 19, 2007, and the media all covered it well. The Borough will be in contact with them once again before the event to alert every one of the items that can be taken. Merchants are included this year. Branches, brush, and leaves will not be taken since the drop-off location is available everyday.

Mr. Zerfoss asked Ms. Freenock to comment on the LED traffic lights.

Ms. Freenock stated Mr. Stutzman is reviewing the projected costs right now.

Public Safety: Mr. Herman commented the Committee reviewed the Crosswalk Ordinance, which Council approved to advertise last month, prior to the article and editorials in the newspaper. The Committee decided to set it aside for now. Initially, the Committee looked at an ordinance on people who enter the crosswalk illegally period. Mr. Herman stated Ms. Freenock is looking at a State Vehicle Code that was mentioned in Dave Hauser’s editorial. The Committee feels it best not to advertise it at this time.

Mr. Herman reported Ms. Stephanie Byers, part-time Meter Enforcement Officer, submitted a letter of resignation. The Committee thanks Ms. Byers for her job. This is her last week. The Borough will need to advertise the position. Since the Borough has a third person, the Committee has to look at all the options before proceeding. Hopefully, it will be ready by Tuesday’s Council Meeting.

Housing and Zoning: Ms. Vavrek had nothing to report.

Recreation: Mr. Herman commented the Committee received a copy of the Management Agreement. The Committee met with Mike Ebert to discuss if. Mr. Herman asked Ms. Freenock to report further.

Ms. Freenock stated the agreement is similar to what has been done in the past. One significant change is this is a 3-year contract instead of 1 year. That will take the Borough and YMCA to the end of the lease with the School District. The management fees have been increased by $200. In 2006, the fee was $3,600; therefore, it would be $3,800 for 2007; $4,000 for 2008; and $4,200 for 2009. Ms. Freenock reported it was suggested a family pass be increased to $150 from $125; the senior citizen pass would decrease $15 or would be $75; and the day passes would be the same rate all day. The increase is due to the fact minimum wage increases again in July and the chemical costs continue to go up as well. The numbers put forth last year were pretty close to what was spent. There are projected numbers for 2007.

Mr. German noticed there are not night hours.

Ms. Freenock agreed the YMCA found the attendance wasn’t there. The evening will be available for private parties.

President Wilshire asked if Council will take action on these fees at the Council Meeting.

Mr. Herman recommended everybody receive a copy of the Management Agreement prior to voting. The Committee had a pretty extensive survey on rates. One thing that really stood out was the fact the family pass at similar size communities was substantially higher than the $150 that Clarion is considering for 2007. The rates were $200-250. This is another reason the pass rate was increased.

Ms. Vavrek questioned the comment on the bottom of the pool expenses by year page where it stated ‘these numbers are grossly inaccurate’.

Ms. Freenock stated that a number of things were recoded as to where the items were used (pool versus park). The Committee wasn’t comfortable with how things were done prior to 2006.

Mr. Herman said the general feeling is that there were some expenditures that were paid for on a yearly basis that were not recorded in a pool line item.

Ms. Freenock used the 2005 management fee as an example. It was reported as $2,400 but was supposed to be $3,600. Therefore, $1,200 was paid in 2006.

Manager’s Report: Ms. Freenock reported the opening ceremony for Little League is on Saturday. All Councilmembers are invited to attend and see what’s been done at the park.

Old Business: There was none.

New Business: Mr. Herman stated the Chief will be requesting permission to attend the Pennsylvania Chief’s Conference in July. It will be brought up at the Council Meeting.

Correspondence: There was none.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek, the Work Session was adjourned at 5:26 p.m.

______________________________

Nancy K. Freenock

Borough Secretary