CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township police would like to collaborate with the Pennsylvania State Police and Clearfield Borough police to establish a weapons training range strictly for police personnel, reported Vice Chairman William Lawhead at Tuesday night’s Lawrence Township Supervisor’s meeting.
According to him, a “shoot house” would be located at this weapons training range. In addition, he said it would house a 15-station target range for handguns, a pavilion parking, a travel lane and an abandoned school bus for training purposes in hostage situations.
A certified weapons instructor would be required any time the facility is being used, said Lawhead. He presented the information on behalf of Interim Police Chief Mark Brooks, who wasn’t present for the meeting.
Afterward, the board said the shoot house would require a building permit, because it is a commercial structure.
Lawhead said the Lawrence Township police are also purchasing noise flash diversionary devices, which are similar to grenades. The department only needs a policy for usage and it was presented to Solicitor James Naddeo for review. The policy will be revisited at the next meeting.
Lawhead relayed information from Brooks regarding a parking complaint filed on George Road, because it’s not wide enough for parking. The board decided to post both George Road and Warren Drive as “no parking.”
According to Lawhead, Brooks contacted a resident where there is an existing private driveway. The resident is willing to purchase the signs if the township will install them. Naddeo advised the board it must approve an ordinance, which he has ready with the exception of the dimensions.
Naddeo reported the storm water ordinance was ready for the board’s review. He wanted to ensure that it’s consistent with the penalty provisions requested by the board at the previous meeting. He added if it suits the board, it could be advertised and implemented in September.
The board approved Waroquier Coal’s variance request to come within 100 feet of the roadway on Proud Road. Naddeo said it’s pretty common to grant coal companies the ability to come closer than the state Department of Environmental Protection’s regulations permit.
Code Enforcement Officer Agatha Lauder-English requested the board advertise for an open position following the resignation of Rick Mattern from the planning commission. The board approved advertising for this position as well as to re-advertise for two positions on the Zoning Hearing Board.
Lauder-English also reported a noise complaint about Waroquier Coal operating its trucks at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday. Board Chairman Glenn Johnston suggested they contact Waroquier Coal about their operations. Johnston said it might have been a fuel truck leaving and not them operating.
The board also approved a request from the Habitat for Humanity of Clearfield County for the King of the Mountain bike race Oct. 13. PennDOT needs a resolution from the township, authorizing the race and the use of U.S. Route 322. PennDOT provided the township with an agreement and a resolution for the race.
The pension plans for the police officers and township general employees were presented to the board. The general pension for 2013 will be $28,539 for 10 employees and the pension for the police officers is $144,613 for seven officers.
