CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Borough Council approved to advertise and publicly display the proposed 2014 budget, and to advertise Ordinance No. 1333 fixing the tax rate at 25 mils for fiscal year 2014. It was noted that the millage will remain the same, with no increase.
The proposed 2014 budget is $2,270,859.97, an increase from the 2013 budget of approximately $66,000. According to the proposed budget, a majority of the increased revenues will come from anticipated increase in local earned income tax of $40,000. Other areas of anticipated increase in revenues include zoning permits and fees, parking meter income and motor vehicle and ordinance fines.
Expenditures include expected minor fluctuations in wages and benefits, but the primary expenditure is allotment of $67,000 toward the purchase of a new street sweeper
Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott said an anticipated major expense for the coming year is for a replacing the street sweeper. The current machine is a three-wheeled model that is 16 years old and beyond the life expectancy for years and miles. The estimated cost to replace with a similar model is $240,000. She said to replace with a four-wheeled truck chassis model will cost about $140,000. Council is exploring options, with a demonstration of one three-wheeled model scheduled.
Fire Chief Todd Kling announced upcoming holiday events, including the Santa Breakfast and YMCA Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 and Santa Tour on Dec. 21.
Police Chief Vincent McGinnis received permission to send two officers to a free, three-day training in January at State College.
Mayor Jim Schell was dressed in a football jersey, in support of Clearfield Bison’s undefeated football team, which, he noted, is No. 10 in the state. Stott announced that Schell will be present at the Clearfield High School Friday morning to present a proclamation to the football team and celebrate the team’s winning season.
Schell reminds residents that Nov. 30 is “Small Business Saturday” and urges support of downtown and local businesses in Christmas shopping.
Schell also offered Thanksgiving Holiday advice – to slow down, enjoy the day and the blessings of our country and community.
Borough Council approved Ordinance No. 1332, Pension Plan Restatement pertaining to employee pensions. The ordinance will be retroactive to January of 2012.
Council received one bid for high performance stock patch from Glenn O Hawbaker Inc. for $129.39 per ton, delivered. Council approved the award to Hawbaker, pending Engineer’s review.
Councilman Tim Winters spoke of two major effects of the Transportation Funding Bill that was awaiting vote on the floor of the Pennsylvania House during the council meeting. He said the most beneficial effect to the borough will be the 60 percent increase in liquid fuels allotments, funds that support road maintenance and improvements. The second effect is the increase in the state’s prevailing wage threshold.
Winters released a press statement as follows:
“I would like to thank State Rep. Tommy Sankey for his diligence regarding the transportation bill. While the final bill appears to be flawed, the inclusion of prevailing wage reform will benefit local municipalities including Clearfield Borough. Tim J. Winters, Councilman, Third Ward.”
Code enforcement officer Larry Mack reported the Zoning Hearing Board approved the move of the Men’s Shelter to 11 N. Front St. He said he is to inspect the property and approve it for occupancy load.
Council approved resolution 09-2013 “relative to the establishment and maintenance of employees’ pension, annuity, insurance and benefit funds,” which relates to police employee pension contributions.
Council approved to advertise for hire T1 and T2 inspectors for the $3 million street-scape project to begin in 2014. Stott said it would be a savings to the borough to hire their own inspectors at a pay rate of $27 and $23 per hour versus contracting through an engineering firm which could cost more than $60 per hour.
Council approved the resignation of Charles Ross from the Clearfield Municipal Authority, effective Jan. 1, 2014, and approved to advertise for a replacement for the authority’s board.
