CLEARFIELD – Trees and shrubs were a topic of discussion at Thursday night’s Clearfield Borough Council meeting.
The Planning and Community Development Committee discussed with council a letter received from Karen Miller in which Miller wishes to donate trees to be planted along the river in Upper Witmer Park. Council member John Naddeo said he thought it was a great idea. However Clearfield Borough Manager Leslie Stott said the trees conflicted with the master site plan and they would need to talk to the Army Corps of Engineers in order to take the matter any further.
Stott said, “Although they’re attractive, we are having a very, very difficult time maintaining our trees we are already responsible for.”
According to Stott, the master plan includes duck shelter and shrubbery, but no additional trees. Council member Jim Kling brought up to council a matter in which shrubbery was cleared from the banks due to rats living there. He said since the shrubs have been cleared there are no longer rats living by the riverbank. Kling then asked why they would replant shrubs if they would only bring the rats back. “Makes no sense to me. I’m Sorry. I’d sooner see the trees,” stated Kling.
Council member Trish Kavelak reminded council that she has a business across the river and shrubs do not keep the ducks away. Kavelak agreed with Kling in regards to planting the trees.
Council agreed that they would check with Army Corps of Engineers before proceeding further.