CLEARFIELD – At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Lawrence Township Supervisors approved a resolution to proceed with a loan from Clearfield Bank & Trust to fund the approved Phase III sewage upgrades.
Solicitor James Naddeo presented the resolution and related documents in the process that he said is similar to the process for a PennVEST loan, including advertising, document preparations and presentation to Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
The loan through CB&T will be in the amount of $3 million at a five-year fixed interest rate of 2.343 percent, and re-pricing of interest rates every five years for the 20-year loan. The application includes a $2,000 bank processing fee.
Both Supervisor Chairman William Lawhead and Supervisor Edward Brown extended their thanks to CB&T for extending the loan offer beyond the original 60 days, as the township was not ready to proceed with the loan when it was tentatively agreed on at its Dec. 3, 2013 meeting.
Lawhead also said the loan is a good offer and good for the citizens, referring to it being the best finance option for the project.
Naddeo noted the loan is self-liquidating, which means the loan will not add to the debt limit of the township because it has funding in place for repayment, through sewage fees. The supervisors already approved an increase of sewage rates at its Dec. 3, 2013 meeting that took effect Jan. 1, with an increase of $2.50 or $6.50 per 1,000 gallons.
Naddeo also noted there will be no penalties for early repayment of the loan through CB&T.
The supervisors also approved to advertise for bids for Sanitary Sewer Project Phase III, and for bids for Lateral TV contract
Naddeo commented on the note received from Brown regarding the agreement with Clearfield Municipal Authority on splitting the fine costs, if any, from Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for potential storm water infiltration into the sewage system that would cause effluent overflow from the sewage treatment plant.
Brown explained the township was willing to accept the original 80/20 split on any fines with CMA, contingent on Flow Data. Brown said CMA installed a new meter at the plant, which can determine direction of flow.
He said this information is valuable in determining the reason for overflow at the sewage plant. He said when the West Branch of the Susquehanna rises it can create back flow into the system, which will give inaccurate infiltration readings.
Brown said with this directional flow meter in place, he feels more confident that flow data will better identify what overflow is due to storm water infiltration from township sewage collection lines, and feels better about sharing any fines that may be incurred.
The supervisors agreed to have Naddeo compose the draft letter regarding the agreement to be sent to CMA.
The supervisors approved to advertise for bids for the Mill Road improvement project. Brown noted that changes made to the original plan need to be updated before the project goes out to bid.
The supervisors heard a report from Police Chief Mark Brooks that the department is on target with the Federal Justice Assistance Grant application. Brooks announced applying for the grant at the Jan. 6 meeting that will be used for Drug Awareness programs if awarded.
Brooks also reported that the department’s year-end report showed they were nearly $100,000 under budget for 2013. He noted that the department still needs more manpower.
Lawhead commended Brooks for his exceptional job with the department.
In other business, the supervisors:
- Approved to advertise for open positions on the Township Planning Commission and the Recreational Park Board
- Tentatively approved a request from Clearfield Alliance Christian School Boosters Club to host a 5k race in the Industrial Park in the spring, pending more information and stipulating adequate traffic control and safety measures are in place.
- Approved the Tour de Susquehanna Bicycle Race on July 13.
- Approved a three-lot subdivision for R&A associates on Clearfield-Curwensville Highway.
- Set date for subdivision Conditional Use Hearing for Feb. 28 at 6:50 p.m.
- Approved to pay bills totaling $96, 147.30.
The supervisors adjourned to executive session to discuss a real estate question on a lease property and to discuss a personnel issue. The supervisors did not re-adjourn.