CLEARFIELD – At last night’s meeting, the Clearfield Borough Council approved the proposed 2014 budget with no millage increase.
The 2014 budget is $2,270,859.97, an increase from the 2013 budget of approximately $66,000. Councilman Tim Winters pointed out that budget updates will be required when the state Transportation Funding changes take effect with increases in liquid fuels allotments.
Police Chief Vincent McGinnis reported issuing 18 traffic citations in one hour last Friday, enforcing the St. Francis School safety zone. He said 28 other vehicles could have been cited but were passed on. He warned travelers to slow down in school zones. He said the borough police will be enforcing the safety zone speed limits.
Mayor Jim Schell warned residents to completely clean snow off vehicles. He said snow and ice on vehicles is a safety hazard and is a citable offense.
Schell offered thanks to Councilman Fred Wisor for his many years of service to the community. He said Wisor has served in many capacities in the community. His term on borough council ends Dec. 31.
Code Enforcement Officer Larry Mack reported a number of citations will be going out to the magistrate’s office to be served due to failure of residents to clear snow from sidewalks. He reminds residents they have 12 hours after a snow accumulation to clear sidewalks before citations may be issued.
Winters reminded residents in light of coming warmer weather bringing snow melts and rain, to keep storm drains and storm water inlets clear of leaves and debris.
Council approved the resignation of Charles J. Ross from the Clearfield Municipal Authority, and approved to appoint William Swisher for another term. They also approved to reappoint Sally J. Durica-Tabone to the Clearfield Hospital Authority. The council will advertise for openings on all boards and committees.
Council accepted the resignation of Marianne Herres as the borough secretary/administrative assistant and promoted Betsy Houser as her replacement at a rate of $12.02 per hour with a six-month probation period. They approved to advertise for a part-time administrative secretary.
Council also approved:
- A 15-year franchise contract agreement with Atlantic Broadband LLC
- A resolution to file for a grant of $30,000 from the state Department of Community & Economic Development for Clearfield Revitalization Corp. to provide funding in the form of a loan to Robert Knepp, to assist in the acquisition of digital projectors for the Ritz Theater
- Purchase of three computers for the police department for $1,530
- Purchase of office furniture from Way Office Plus for $4,456, $2,500 to be covered with a Wal-Mart grant.
- To advertise for gas/diesel bids
- To appoint Stiffler, McGraw and Associates Inc. as borough engineers for 2014.
- Transfer of funds to pay the balance of $139,828.42 to New Enterprise Inc. for the Daisy Street paving project. Stott noted she will check about manhole risers not being installed with the project before she cuts the check.
- To amend Articles of Incorporation for Clearfield Municipal Authority to extend its existence 50 years.
- To advertise in January meeting dates and times for all boards, including reorganizational meetings
Council also issued the following announcements:
- Borough council’s reorganizational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 6.
- Borough Planning Commission reorganizational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 13.
- The fire department’s Santa tour will be Saturday.
- Residents are reminded that the borough no longer does Christmas tree pickups, and trees are not to be disposed of in parks.