April 3, 2007, Council Meeting

Summary of Action Taken

Citizen Comments: STV Incorporated In Re New Dining Hall

Administration: Monthly Reports; Work Session Scheduled; Discussion on Ordinance Authorizing Guarantee of Clarion Area Authority $250,000 Loan, Followed by Adoption; Resolution Adopted In Re 2007 CDBG Application; Fair Housing Resolution Adopted; Special Event Requests Approved

Downtown Committee: Community Yard Sale; Discussed New Business and Empty Stores; Window Decorations

Public Works: Monthly Report; Street Lighting to be Assessed; Salt Storage Building; Update on 2005 and 2006 CDBG Projects; Clean-Up Day; Winter Cost Report; Discussed Fire Hall Condition

Public Safety: Permission to Advertise Crosswalk Ordinance; Permission to Sell Shotguns and Rifle; New Cruiser Housing and Zoning: Monthly Report

Recreation: Clean-Up Day at Park; Meeting to be Scheduled to Discuss Pool

Mayor’s Report: D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony; Car Safety Child Restraint Checks; Service Awards Ceremony; Fire Hall Cause; Park Clean-Up Day Successful

Manager’s Report: Liquid Fuels Allocation Received; CDBG Engineering Bids Due April 19th

Old Business: Crosswalk Signal

New Business: None

Correspondence: None

Zerfoss’ Thanked Borough forThoughts

Minutes

The regularly scheduled meeting of Clarion Borough Council was held on April 3, 2007, in the Assembly Room of the Clarion Free Library.

President Wilshire called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Councilmembers present included Mr. Zerfoss, Mr. Herman, Ms. Leonard, Ms. Vavrek, Ms. Moore, Mr. German, and President Wilshire. Mayor Stroup, Mr. Ragon, Ms. Freenock, Chief Hall, and Mr. Stutzman were also present. Solicitor French was not present.

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

The minutes of the February 26, 2007, Special Council Meeting were approved on a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Vavrek. The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

The minutes of the March 6, 2007, Council Meeting were approved on a motion by Ms. Leonard with a second by Mr. German. The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Citizen Comments: Mr. Larry Grybosky, representative of STV Incorporated, Douglassville, Pennsylvania, is designing the new dining hall facility for Clarion University on the corner of Wood Street and Ninth Avenue at the existing Gemmell Park. Plans were given to Mr. Ragon for review. A new storm water system will be underneath the existing parking lot off of Wood Street. The sanitary sewer, water, and gas lines will tie into existing lines. It’s not part of this project, but there is an access road that will be moved north that will be opposite of Merle Road. That will happen before this project.

Ms. Vavrek asked that parking be discussed.

Mr. Grybosky reported 25 parking and 2 handicapped spaces will be provided for the people working at the facility. Some spaces will be eliminated; however, the University is planning to provide alternate parking elsewhere on campus. Construction is scheduled to start June 2008.

Mr. Zerfoss received a letter requesting two items from the Borough.

Mr. Herman received it, too. One request is the movement of an access road that would be going into the new dining hall and the other is for a curb cut onto Wood Street for a parking lot.

Ms. Moore inquired if everyone has a copy of that letter.

Ms. LaVan commented Mr. Zerfoss and Mr. Herman received the letter with a copy to Mr. Ragon.

Mr. Ragon reported Mr. Stutzman and he met with University representatives at the proposed site. Mr. Ragon and Mr. Stutzman didn’t see any problems but felt the Public Safety and Public Works Committees should be involved. That’s why they received a letter.

Mr. Zerfoss and Mr. Herman both agreed their committees will review it at a later date.

President Wilshire asked if STV needs any kind of variance or conditional use to construct this proposed dining hall.

Mr. Grybosky believes the set backs are met and isn’t aware of any Borough waivers needed. STV is working with DEP in reference to the sanitary. There is a ban on new taps. However, the old dining hall will be replaced with this new one, which will actually be using less water. The taps will transfer from the old facility to the new one.

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

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

President Wilshire asked for any questions.

Mr. Zerfoss noticed the payment to William Strong in the amount of $362.50 for sign variances for Domino’s and S & T Bank asked Mr. Ragon if the Borough is able to recover any of that money.

Mr. Ragon commented the Municipalities Planning Code doesn’t permit the Borough to recover solicitor fees. Applicants pay $300 for a variance request, which covers advertising and mailing costs.

Mr. Zerfoss received a telephone call from a lady who resides on Jefferson Place. For the last few years, the existing street light doesn’t come on the full way, making the area dimly lit. Both the resident, Borough and Public Works officials have contacted Allegheny Power, who have relayed the light will not be replaced until it is completely burned out. Mr. Zerfoss stated there are 4-5 other street lights dim as well and people living around the same area with homes facing Fifth Avenue agree nothing’s been done for 2 years. Mr. Zerfoss doesn’t feel that’s Allegheny Power’s decision to say when light bulbs are replaced. The Borough pays a mill for street lighting. For Allegheny Power to make a statement like that, they don’t deserve the Borough’s money.

Mr. Stutzman informed Council several lights are dim, and they have been turned in on several occasions. Allegheny Power stated there’s nothing wrong with the lights and refused to repair them.

President Wilshire inquired if Allegheny Power actually stated that.

Mr. Stutzman reported the service manager who repairs the street lights actually came to the Public Works Building and stated there was nothing wrong with the 2-page list of lights. The Borough was wasting his time. Mr. Stutzman tried to contact someone higher but has not been successful.

President Wilshire commented hopefully the company will see this in the newspaper or hear it on the radio and television.

Mr. Herman inquired if the lights are 3-stage lights.

Mr. Stutzman doesn’t know but thinks the problem is either the wrong bulb or a bad ballast.

Ms. Vavrek questioned if the light has to be completely burned out for Allegheny Power to show up.

When the Public Works Department notices a light out or is notified of one a form is filled out and faxed to Allegheny Power. Allegheny Power sends a work order back to the Borough and the service is performed with 5-7 days. Mr. Stutzman cannot say it’s not done is a timely manner. The service manager used to stop by Public Works and let them know the status but no longer does.

Mr. Herman feels this is not an acceptable response, noted it becomes a safety issue, and asked Ms. Freenock to meet with Mr. Stutzman.

Ms. Freenock recommended a letter from the Chief would be appropriate to go on record that it’s a safety concern.

Mr. Herman thinks a group needs to meet and respond to Allegheny Power. The Public Works Director says the lights are dim and it’s an unsafe condition. It’s not right to have people walking or traveling in these conditions. The Borough needs to coordinate a response.

Prior to winter, Mr. Stutzman noticed Allegheny Power completely replaced bulbs along Greenville Avenue and Fifth Avenue and thought it would continue throughout the Borough. However, it did not.

Mr. German questioned on page 10, what the in-car video system was.

Chief Hall reported it’s a camera system inside the police vehicles. They are being installed right now.

Mr. German asked if that was budgeted.

Mr. Herman stated yes.

President Wilshire pointed out the last time cameras were in the cars they were purchased by a grant through the District Attorney’s Office and inquired if this is recorded on a hard drive.

Chief Hall agreed. Anything needed for court can be placed on a DVD.

The motion carried with a vote of six yea with Mr. Zerfoss voting no on payments to Bill Strong and Allegheny Power.

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

Ms. Freenock stated the Budget Analysis Report should reappear next month since the system is supposed to be closed out by tomorrow. Also, healthcare premiums were received and the increase is 40%, which equates to a $16,000 increase for the year. The budget included a 10% increase. Last year, the increase was 6.4%, or $33. Ms. Freenock commented any surplus the Borough figured on having by the end of the year is quickly disappearing.

President Wilshire asked where the proposed 10% came from.

Ms. Freenock stated the consultants felt that was reasonable based on the prior increase. The Borough negotiated healthcare. Therefore, it cannot be looked at until 2008 and 2009.

President Wilshire commented a Work Session is scheduled for April 23, 2007, at 5:00 p.m. at the Clarion Borough Offices.

President Wilshire reported the next item is to officially adopt Ordinance #2007-743, which authorizes the guarantee of a Clarion Area Authority loan. Councilmembers were given an outline of the Authority’s plan for expenditures relating to the money. It’s on the Dale Woodard Law Firm stationery from Attorney Keith Pemrick.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. Herman to adopt Ordinance #2007-743, authorizing the guarantee of $250,000 Clarion Area Authority loan.

Mr. German reported he will be voting no on this tonight and feels Monroe and Clarion Township’s were never approached about this loan and should have been. Today’s newspaper indicates $240,000 was just handed to Monroe Township. Mr. German questioned what gives the Authority the right to give away the Borough’s money and wonders how Councilmembers can sit back and allow what is occurring to happen. It was never brought to any Councilmembers attention as far as a in-lieu payment. No one wants to say it, but it’s blackmail, plain, and simple. Mr. German will not be a party to that and doesn’t think anyone on Council should be. Council needs to start looking at this sale in a whole new light. The entire picture needs looked at. Mr. German may be alone on this, and other Councilmembers may disagree, but he cannot walk down the street and tell his constituents that he gave away $240,000. Monday at the Work Session nothing was mentioned about the $240,000 that the Authority was giving to Monroe Township. The Authority held a Special Board Meeting to grant it yesterday. Mr. German inquired why the Boardmembers couldn’t have waited and informed Council with what they were planning to do. Mr. German inquired how other Councilmembers feel and cannot believe that everyone’s just sitting back and allowing this to happen. It’s blackmail. Mr. German asked for other Councilmember’s opinions. This ties into the $250,000 loan.

President Wilshire disagreed and noted it doesn’t tie in with approving this Ordinance.

Mr. German stated it all ties in. The Borough’s on the hook for $1.2 million of loans from the Authority. Everything’s changed from the start of this process. Why doesn’t Council step back and look at it. Mr. German feels everyone wants to get it done and asked why. The back page of the letter Council received commented the Authority will be incurring significant engineering and design costs and ultimately significant costs to address the situation. That $250,000 loan is already gobbled up. Mr. German inquired if Council doesn’t think the Authority will be back for more. The Authority’s one attorney, Attorney Keith Pemrick, reported no more than 30 days ago it was hard to see how paying Monroe Township to sign the Consent Order, especially the amount they were asking for, makes any sense or would be warranted. Later, Attorney Pemrick commented to just give money to Monroe Township doesn’t seem consistent with what the Authority’s trying to do. Mr. German stressed now the Borough’s going to let that go. Mr. Zerfoss mentioned numerous times before he’s the elected official. Mr. German questioned why Council wasn’t apprised of it and would like some discussion on this.

Ms. Moore stated last Monday she wasn’t comfortable with this and hopes there is money when it’s sold. Ms. Moore would hate to see Monroe Township get more than Clarion Borough.

Mr. German believes the battle is between Monroe Township and DEP and questioned why the Borough’s giving Monroe Township $240,000 to sign it. It doesn’t make sense.

Ms. Vavrek agreed. However, it looks as though the Authority has decided this is the only way to get Monroe Township to sign the Consent Order.

Mr. German noted that’s a battle between DEP and Monroe Township and inquired if Ms. Vavrek is comfortable with paying Monroe Township. It’s basically blackmail.

Ms. Vavrek doesn’t agree with it either but doesn’t see any other way to make the sale move forward, which she’d like to see.

Mr. German questioned why Council’s so inclined to move forward at this point instead of taking a step back and looking at things right now. When Mr. German got elected on Council, the sale was already in the process. Ms. Leonard wasn’t on Council yet either. It’s been almost 3½ years and there’s no end in sight. It may need a fresh look. Mr. German urged Councilmembers for their opinions and asked who it benefits. Council is supposed to be for the constituents of the Borough.

President Wilshire thinks sometimes there’s an issue of greater good. DEP will not accept the agreement unless all 3 municipalities are party to it. At one time, DEP stated not to worry about Monroe Township, but has changed their position. It won’t go anywhere without Monroe Township’s signature. There are significant problems with the system.

Mr. German recalled a year ago Mr. Gerry Borovick noted funds could be placed into escrow in case something happened. That way the township would have some means to meet the responsibilities and liabilities. That was offered, but then $240,000 was just given to Monroe Township. Mr. German stated the liability is gone.

President Wilshire commented the liability is still there according to State laws. It’s just not in the agreement. The Authority is the one that decided to make the payment.

Mr. German inquired how they can decide. The $2.7 million from the sale is the Borough’s money.

Ms. Vavrek stated it’s not Borough money.

President Wilshire stated it’s not Borough money. The Authority is a separate municipal authority, similar to the Borough’s Zoning Hearing Board. Clarion Borough appointed 3 members and Clarion Township appointed 2 members. Once appointed, Council technically doesn’t have any control over it.

Mr. German feels the Authority is playing with Borough money. That $240,000 belonged to the citizens of this community. Monroe Township is the only entity that will make money 10 years from now. The Borough’s landlocked and will receive one lump sum. The I and I Report, which was released, indicates a ton of work on the system. All the money Council thinks will be there will be gobbled up.

President Wilshire pointed out it’s all money that the Borough would have had to spend anyway. At least, there will be some money to do the work even if it’s all consumed.

Mr. German reported the money was there before in bonds. These upgrades would have had to be done anyway. At least the citizens of the community had put equity into a system that was making money. Now once the sale occurs, PAWC can recoup every cent they put into the sale. In essence, Mr. German feels they citizens will be paying twice for the system, which they won’t even own when it’s over.

President Wilshire stressed it’s not a question of ownership but rather a question of providing services to the whole area not just the Borough.

Mr. German feels that’s Council’s job to look at the Borough context.

President Wilshire noted you sometimes have to step up and do something for the greater good.

Mr. German can’t accept that paying someone $240,000 is for the greater good.

President Wilshire is not comfortable with it and it wouldn’t have been his choice to make that payment. Call it what you will it is what it is. President Wilshire knows it won’t go forward unless this is done.

Ms. Vavrek agrees with Mr. German that the money shouldn’t be given but feels all the upgrades and issues would never have come to the front had this system not been put up for sale. CAA had not done anything to it.

Mr. German disagreed with that comment. There were many things that needed to be done. The Authority was mismanaged for so many years.

Ms. Vavrek stated that’s exactly the case. The only reason anyone is looking at what wasn’t done is because it’s been brought into this spotlight because it is up for sale.

Mr. German doesn’t agree with that. Those upgrades would’ve come up anyhow.

President Wilshire stated they would have come from a mandate.

Mr. German commented the Authority knew about these problems for years but didn’t do anything about them.

Ms. Vavrek agreed. That’s the problem.

Mr. German stated it didn’t’ come to light just because it was for sale. It was public knowledge before but Council never actually took a look and asked the Authority what was being done.

Ms. Vavrek noted that’s because the Authority was a separate entity that was managing the system.

Mr. German commented the Borough’s representatives were on there. Mr. Miller, Mr. Weaver, and Mr. Hannah have done an excellent job. They are the Borough representatives. Mr. German just questioned if they shouldn’t have come to Council to let him/her know what the counteroffer to Monroe Township would be to see if Council was comfortable with it. By the sounds of it, every single Councilmember wasn’t happy with it. Mr. German has more integrity than that and will not be a party to blackmail.

President Wilshire admitted the Authority representatives informed him of the $240,000.

Mr. German asked why Council wasn’t informed of it and if President Wilshire negotiated.

President Wilshire was approached by the Authority, who informed him what was negotiated by the Authority. In previous discussion with Mr. German, President Wilshire has always felt it would be a money issue. Figures were not discussed.

Mr. German again asked Ms. Freenock for her opinion.

Putting the loan and payment to Monroe Township aside, Ms. Freenock’s personal and business opinion is Council needs to step back and take a look at this. The sale started 3 years ago and the dynamics have changed. Ms. Freenock isn’t sure if what is being offered for sale today is the same thing that was offered 3 years ago. It appears as though it is not. In reading portions of the I and I Report, Ms. Freenock understands a lot of the I and I is coming from the University. If the Authority is sold and since the University property is tax free, the question is who will pay for the storm sewer upgrade. Ms. Freenock believes it will be the citizens. If the Authority is still in operation, owned and managed by the Borough or some authority under the jurisdiction of the Borough, there would be the ability to increase sanitary sewer rates to the point where the Borough could recoup some of the funds that are going to be needed to repair the sewers. Ms. Freenock stressed the Consent Order has changed 3 times since she started. The agreement of sale has been amended. There have been side deals, which have not been put in writing.

President Wilshire commented this is a very complicated issue. It’s involved 3-4 years of negotiating. If Council would want to step back and take a look at this, President Wilshire feels strongly this whole thing will die. This is a chance for the Borough to move ahead. A motion has been made and seconded. President Wilshire asked for any more discussion.

Mr. Zerfoss commented the Authority needs to be sold. PAWC is in the process of buying it from the Authority. There are so many problems with the system. The Borough doesn’t have the money. The Authority is fined $1,000 here and $2,000 here. The longer the Borough keeps stepping back from it, the more money that will be lost.

Mr. German stated most of the Authority’s penalties have stopped.

Mr. Zerfoss is still holding onto the $2 million that the Borough is going to get. Council has to believe what the Authority members are doing is right. Mr. Zerfoss has full faith in all 5. The representatives want the best deal for Clarion Borough that they can get. Mr. Zerfoss does not favor stepping back. The Borough’s stepped back enough, and it’s time to do what has to be done. That is to work with the Authority to sell it.

On a final note, Mr. German hopes Mr. Zerfoss can look his constituents in the eye 2-3 years down the road when he/she are paying 4-5 times what he/she is paying now.

Mr. Zerfoss commented Mr. German can’t make a statement like that.

Mr. German hopes he’s wrong.

Mr. Herman recalls the Authority attended one of his first Council Meetings and promised that they were going to get low interest loans and had a large plan on revitalizing the plant and so on. It turned out there wasn’t substance to any of the words he heard. After 3 years of absolutely nothing and 2 years of projects that were absolutely flops, Mr. Herman doesn’t feel there was expertise then nor would there be any now. The management staff is not there. The Borough’s not in a position to take this on. Mr. Herman stressed this sale has to go forward. In discussion with Mr. German a couple months ago, Mr. Herman relayed he’s not happy about the money offered to Monroe Township. Mr. Herman thinks you can look at it from a number of different standpoints. One being, Monroe Township definitely has whatever small percentage (2, 5, or 10%) of the system that has people out there. Clarion Township is going to make out on a deal they struck. After negotiating police contracts, Mr. Herman was once informed when everyone’s a little upset usually it’s been a fair negotiation. Council certainly trusts the representatives that they’ve asked to represent the Borough on the Sewer Authority Board in conducting the deal. The representatives reported to Council that they still believe Council will receive pretty close to the same amount originally stated. Mr. Herman believes these are the people Council entrusted to negotiate this deal. Mr. Herman thinks they’re trustworthy people. Sometimes things don’t exactly work out the way you’d like it to. The longer this sale is held up the area is losing jobs and continues to build friction between the Borough and Townships, which is not healthy. Mr. Herman thinks the whole system has to be sold.

Hearing no other comments, the motion carried after the following roll call vote: Mr. Zerfoss, yes; Mr. Herman, yes; Ms. Leonard, the Borough’s between a rock and a hard place and it has to go forward, yes; Ms. Vavrek, yes; Ms. Moore, is uncomfortable with it but it’s too far to turn back, yes; Mr. German, no; and President Wilshire, yes.

President Wilshire asked Ms. Freenock to discuss the two resolutions concerning the Community Development Block Grant Application.

Ms. Freenock reported the project for 2007 will be the development of a Recreation, Park, and Open Space Plan. The Borough can match the administrative portion with money from DCNR; that application is due April 13th. The remaining funds will be used when the Borough finds out the results of the study. The Fair Housing Resolution is adopted annually in connection with the CDBG Program. The only difference is primarily the dates. Ms. Freenock commented Mr. Todd Colosimo, the Borough’s consultant from GCCA, prepared the Application and manages the CDBG Program and is available for questions.

On a motion by Ms. Vavrek with a second by Ms. Leonard, approving Resolution #2007-244, a Resolution for approval of 2007 Community Development Block Grant Application, carried with a vote of seven yea.

On a motion by Mr. German with a second by Ms. Moore to approve Resolution #2007-245, 2007 Fair Housing Resolution. The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

President Wilshire stated Council needs to take action on a number of special event requests. Ms. Tracy Becker, representing the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry, is present to answer any questions. The parking request for meters to be bagged during Spring Fling has been resolved and asked for a motion.

Mr. Herman made a motion to approve the Spring Fling request.

Mr. German inquired if Council can approve all the events at one time.

Ms. Freenock commented it’s up to Council how to approve them.

President Wilshire stated all the Chamber requests can be handled first.

Ms. Freenock thinks the only thing different is the Summer Fest request, which each Councilmember received a copy of. The Chamber is combining the three events. Due to the unavailability of the Memorial Park, the Chamber asks Council to close Sixth Avenue on July 2nd.

Mr. Herman agreed it would only be for one day. The times are not certain but would be forwarded to the Borough as soon as they are.

Mr. Zerfoss asked what the Public Safety Committee decided to do with the request for meters to be bagged during Spring Fling.

Mayor Stroup commented the original request was for 5 meters on Grant Street, but the Committee changed the locations to keep parking spaces available on Grant Street for the businesses in that area.

Mr. Herman reported 3 meters on Main Street and 3 meters on Fifth Avenue will be bagged.

President Wilshire asked if the Christmas Parade will be held 12-12:30 p.m. It was the general feeling that daytime hours would be better so the stores are still open.

Ms. Becker commented that’s being considered.

Mr. Herman amended his motion with a second by Ms. Moore to approve all the Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry’s special event requests as follows: to bag 2 meters on Grant Street, 3 on Fifth Avenue, and 3 on Main Street (Park side) for Spring Fling; Summer Fest to block Sixth Avenue on July 2nd with times to be relayed to Ms. Freenock as soon as they are determined; Autumn Leaf Festival to be held September 29-Octoer 7, 2007; Customer Appreciation Day/Black Friday/Holiday Season for free parking November 19, 23, and December 7-26, 2007; Christmas Parade to be held on December 1, 2007, from 6-6:30 p.m. or 12-12:30 p.m.-time to be determined and relayed to the Borough; and First Night Clarion on December 31, 2007. The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Moore, approving the March of Dimes’ special event request for their Walkathon to be held on April 29, 2007, was carried with a vote of seven yea.

Downtown Committee: Since the Downtown Revitalization Committee is now meeting quarterly, Ms. Moore relies on the Chamber to find out what is going on. Most of the events have been planned for 2007. Spring Fling will begin April 30th and will include a community yard sale this year. Smaller communities have done this, and it should work well in Clarion Borough as well. Ms. Moore explained anyone in Clarion Borough can have a yard sale on the same weekend. People can go from yard sale to the next.

Ms. Becker added the Chamber will be advertising the event and plans to put together a map so people coming to Clarion can pick one up and see who’s having a yard sale.

Ms. Moore noted this is 2 weeks before the Clean Up Day. What doesn’t sell can be put out for collection.

Ms. Moore reported a new business opened downtown called Artfunkles, which offers handmade jewelry and art and music classes. It seems as though a business is moving in next door to it. However, Ms. Moore isn’t sure what it is yet.

Mr. Ragon informed everyone it’s a craft store as well.

After a tour of town, Ms. Moore stated there are 4 empty stores, which are all located in the same block. Ms. Becker informed Ms. Moore earlier the Chamber tries to get pertinent information on each vacancy; such as, owner’s name, rent, and what the expectations are. Ms. Moore thinks it’s logical for someone to go to the Chamber for this information and it should be beneficial if on file.

Lastly, Ms. Moore thinks the merchants do a fantastic job in decorating their store windows.

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

Mr. Zerfoss stated the Committee met Friday to discuss several issues. First was the need for more street lights in certain areas of the Borough, as Ms. Vavrek mentioned a couple months ago. The Committee plans to go on a tour of the Borough at 9 p.m. to see where lighting is necessary.

President Wilshire had been approached by someone who feels more is necessary along Second Avenue across from the cemetery.

Ms. Vavrek commented South Street onto Second Avenue and parts of Seventh Avenue were also concerns.

Mr. Zerfoss commented the Committee is looking into that and will keep Council updated. The salt storage building located next to the Public Works Building is in need of repair. Plans are being prepared and a recommendation to go out for bid will be made at a later date.

Mr. Zerfoss asked Ms. Freenock to discuss the status of the 2005 and 2006 CDBG Projects.

Ms. Freenock reported the 2005 Project is for storm sewers on Elss Street onto Fifth Avenue. The Borough instructed the EADS Group, who completed 2/3 of the work, to prepare the specifications for the project. Then it will be bid. The Borough’s intention was to have this completed while school was not in session. Ms. Freenock contacted Mr. Brian Sekula, the supervisor at the local EADS Office, to find out why this is so far behind schedule. Ms. Freenock will keep Council informed. The 2006 Project is replacement of the Boundary Street steps. Before the meeting, Mr. Colosimo, Mr. Ragon, and Ms. Freenock went over to look at them. After reviewing more records at the Courthouse, all indication is the Borough owns them. Ms. Freenock stated they’d be happy to show Mr. Zerfoss where the rights-of-way are if that would offer any comfort. The bottom line is that the property was transferred to the Borough sometime before 1940. Since it was tax-free property, the Assessor’s Office did not keep records. It looks as though the Boundary Street steps were installed sometime around 1969. The Borough has been maintaining them since then. Ms. Freenock’s position is that the Borough does own them.

Mr. Zerfoss realizes safety is an issue but doesn’t want to use Borough money if the school district owns the steps.

Ms. Freenock verified the school district definitely doesn’t own them. If anyone thinks he/she own those steps, Ms. Freenock asked them to contact the office.

Mr. Zerfoss announced Clean-Up Day is May 19, 2007. Since residents can drop off brush, leaves, and grass at the drop-off location 365 days a year, the Department will not be collecting it this year. Businesses can participate this year and each year after.

Mr. Zerfoss stated Mr. Stutzman informed the Committee a street sweeper will need purchased in 1-3 years. That’s in the works.

Mr. Zerfoss commented Ms. Freenock and Mr. Stutzman are working to figure out how much money was spent in the winter on overtime, operating supplies, and contractors who assisted in hauling snow. Once it’s prepared, copies will be given to Councilmembers for review.

On a final note, Mr. Zerfoss announced the Committee met at the Fire Hall. About a month ago, Mayor Stroup, President Wilshire, Ms. Freenock, and he met with Mr. Dave Walters, President of the Fire Department, and Mr. Doug Preston, Fire Chief, to look at the condition of the building, which is bad. The older portion is worse. Council’s Work Session was held at the fire hall so all Councilmembers could have a tour to see the condition for him/herself. After the Public Works Meeting, Representative Fred McIlhattan joined the Committee to discuss possible funding to repair the building. Again the new part, which was constructed in 1992, is in good shape. However, the older section that people wanted to keep because of the architectural older look is in bad condition. A campaign was run to receive funds for the addition. Areas targeted were Clarion Borough; Monroe, Clarion, and Highland Townships; and the University, which is where the firemen answer calls. Mr. Zerfoss encourages Clarion and Monroe Townships to use some of the sewer authority proceeds to help Clarion Borough redo the fire hall. That building is used for shared services. When the fire whistle goes off, the firemen respond and go wherever the call is. They do not find out the location and if it’s not in his/her municipality go home. The firemen work together. Mr. Zerfoss stressed the only way to solve this problem is if these 5 entities work together to raise money to use for repairs. The politicians are not the answer. The township supervisors and Councilmembers have to get involved and do it themselves. Even though the building is located within Clarion Borough, the services are for Monroe Township, Clarion Township, Highland Township, Clarion Borough, and the University. Mr. Zerfoss hopes President Wilshire will take the lead and form a committee to begin working on this endeavor. The Townships can contact the Borough Office for Mr. Walters' telephone number to schedule a tour of the building to see for him/herself the actual shape and need for repair. This will only get resolved if the 5 entities work together. If not, the fire hall will become another year worse. Mr. Zerfoss voiced it’s a serious concern. This area cannot do without the fire company. These men give of their time 365 days a year 24 hours a day and do not care where the call takes them. The Borough’s colleagues shouldn’t care either.

President Wilshire will work on this within the next month or so.

Public Safety: On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Ms. Moore to approve to advertise Ordinance #2007-744, the Crosswalk Ordinance.

Ms. Vavrek questioned if some pedestrians do not stand out in the crosswalk far enough to indicate to motorists he/she wish to cross.

Chief Hall agreed if people are standing on the curb it’s hard to tell if he/she wish to cross or not. If somebody steps out into the crosswalk, then the vehicles are required to stop.

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Herman stated Clarion Borough would like to sell 3 shotguns to the Sheriff’s Department and 1 rifle to an individual, which will total under $1,000. Ms. Freenock and Chief Hall checked with Solicitor French, who relayed this is being handled appropriately.

On a motion by Mr. Herman with a second by Mr. German that Clarion Borough sell 3 shotguns to the Sheriff’s Department and 1 rifle to an individual, totaling under $1,000.

Chief Hall informed Council the individual will have to go through a Federal Firearms License check first so the ownership of the gun can be transferred. A criminal history check needs done as well to make sure the individual’s allowed to have a gun. These expenses will be paid by the individual. The Department is trying to sell items that are no longer being used.

The motion carried with a vote of seven yea.

Mr. Zerfoss complimented the Department on the black and white cruiser and the new light bar and inquired if the second new vehicle will look the same. Also, Mr. Zerfoss questioned if the other 2 will remain as they are; one plain and the other marked.

Mayor Stroup stated discussion is still going on in respect to the older cars.

Mr. Herman reported the other car did arrive at Clarion Ford and was sent to Pittsburgh to be outfitted. Hopefully, it will arrive by the end of the week. Then the Department will be in good shape.

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

Recreation: Over the weekend, Ms. Leonard stated there was Clean-Up Day at Paul A. Weaver Community Park, which was organized by Little League. It was well attended by little league, softball teams, senior league, and even high school students that are on the teams that want to play at the park. It was a successful day.

Ms. Leonard reported the Committee will be meeting shortly with Mike Ebert from the YMCA to begin discussion on the swimming pool.

Mayor’s Report: Mayor Stroup asked Chief Hall to discuss a couple items.

Chief Hall announced Thursday there will be a D.A.R.E. graduation of 3 fifth-grade classes, totaling 58 students. The ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. in the LGI Room at the elementary school. All Councilmembers are welcome to attend. Officer Scott Robinson is the instructor for the program and does an excellent job instructing the students.

Chief Hall informed everyone the Clarion Sheriff’s Department and Borough Police Department will begin a program to do car safety child restraint checks every third Monday from 1-3 p.m. Deputy Voris will be assisting with this service at the Borough station.

Mayor Stroup had the pleasure to attend the annual Service Awards Ceremony at the VFW on Saturday and congratulated all the people who received an award, especially Officer Richard Foust. It was a nice event and an honor for everyone involved.

Mayor Stroup thanked Mr. Zerfoss and Mr. Stutzman for the reminder to attend the Public Works meeting last Friday. Hopefully, the neighbors, especially those collecting the EMS Tax, consider the fire hall a good cause.

Mayor Stroup participated with the softball team at the Park on the Clean-Up Day that Ms. Leonard mentioned. Usually this takes 6-8 hours, but due to the overwhelming number of participants it only took 2 hours this year. Mayor Stroup feels it was a commendable job.

Manager’s Report: Ms. Freenock informed Council the Borough received this year’s Liquid Fuels allocation.

Ms. Freenock commented engineering bids for CDBG are due April 19th and expects the Administration Committee to meet to select an engineer that the Borough will work with for the next 3 years. This should be ready for May’s Council Meeting.

Old Business: Mr. Ragon reminded pedestrians crossing at the crosswalk on Main Street down by Nair and Wilkinson Halls to push the button, which will activate the flashing light letting motorists know he/she wish to cross. If people step off the curb at that location, it is very dangerous and pedestrians could possibly get hurt. That’s why the light was installed.

New Business: There was none.

Correspondence: There was none.

Mr. Zerfoss, on behalf of his wife and he, thanked the Mayor, Council, Ms. Freenock, and employees for their thoughts and concerns while Ms. Zerfoss was hospitalized over Christmas and New Years and when he broke his arm. It was nice everyone was thinking about them.

On a motion by Mr. Zerfoss with a second by Mr. Herman, the Council Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

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Nancy K. Freenock

Borough Secretary