CLEARFIELD – Police Chief Vincent McGinnis reported to Clearfield Borough Council at last night’s committee meeting that the department had 590 incidents for July.
Of these, McGinnis said, 210 were from Clearfield County Fair week. He also noted that 54 of these led to arrests mainly for drug and alcohol violations and disorderly conduct.
McGinnis extended thanks to Sandy, Decatur and Lawrence Townships, Curwensville Borough and the Clearfield County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the fair.
Street Commissioner Fred Long reported that, weather permitting, the crew will be pouring cement for the Stinky Run repairs on Daisy Street at 12th Street on Monday and continuing preparations for paving Daisy Street.
The Public Works Committee discussed a request to remove the “No Parking from 3 a.m. – 8 a.m.” signs on Second Street from Market to Pine streets. Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott said the YMCA had requested the parking change to provide parking for patrons who visit the YMCA when it opens at 5:30 a.m.
Councilman James Kling said the YMCA failed to include parking in their new construction, and what parking they had access to is not any longer permitted. He argued that the downtown parking was not available to downtown residents during those hours.
Stott agreed that residents are required to have off-street parking, but noted that businesses depended on street parking.
The committee voted 3 – 1 against the recommendation to remove the no-parking signs.
Code Enforcement Officer Larry Mack reported that the manager of the YMCA had asked him about any available parking. Mack noted that, per the parking ordinance, parking areas must be a minimum of 9 feet by 20 feet. He said he measured an available space on private property that could provide four parallel parking spaces for the YMCA. He will present the parking proposal to the planning committee for review at their next meeting, he said.
Council discussed complaints regarding the chairs and roping off of right-of-ways for the Clearfield Fair Parade. They agreed it is a temporary inconvenience, and ask residents and spectators of the parade to not block business accesses and pedestrian right-of-way.
