CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough Council held the first of two public hearings required in the Community Development Block Grant application process last evening before its committee meeting.
The purpose of the first public hearing is to provide opportunities for the general public to participate in planning for future projects by identifying needs of low and moderate income residents.
CDBG funds may be used for improvements to infrastructure, public services facilities and streets, for housing rehabilitation, clearance and demolition, economic development and public service activities and for costs of engineering, environmental review and administration.
The three-year Community Development Plan for years 2014, 2015 and 2016 include infrastructure activities, public community facilities, streets, recreational activities and income eligible housing rehabilitation.
In the application process, a second public hearing will be held Oct. 9, at 6:15 p.m. at the borough office to review the proposed projects for the 2014 funding application.
A draft copy of the application will be available for review at the borough office on Nov. 1. Council will approve and sign the application at its regular meeting on Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. The application is due to the state Department of Community & Economic Development by Jan. 3, 2015.
During the committee meeting, the Public Safety Committee recommended scheduling Trick-or-Treat for Oct. 30 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott reported that the engineer will attend the regular meeting on Sept. 18 to prepare permits for the proposed Stinky Run underground drainage improvement project.
Street crew member Todd Kling reported that the interim Stinky Run drainage repairs at Daisy and 12th streets are 98 percent completed, noting that one storm water inlet was added to the drainage system near Fox’s Pizza. Kling said additional inlets are required on the current Stinky Run system, but may be added when time permits.
Stott also reported that storm drains were replaced on Market Street while the sidewalks are torn up for replacement. She noted that tar and chip paving is scheduled to begin Sept. 22.
Todd Kling added that the Street Department is working to finish up summer projects and getting ready for fall clean-up and winter road maintenance.
The Public Works Committee discussed investigating needed repairs on Clearfield Street from storm water damage and sink holes.
The Planning & Community Development Committee discussed proposed traffic pattern changes for Water and Locust streets as part of the Clearfield County Economic Development Corp.’s Riverfront Project.
Councilman James Kling said there are a lot of properties that will be affected by these changes, and not all favorably. He said some of the property owners involved have not been contacted yet about the proposed changes. He stressed that CCEDC needs to notify all the property owners involved.
Councilman David Gallagher said he didn’t know why the streets couldn’t remain two-way streets, noting that the street right-of-way was being removed and parking was being changed, which should eliminate some of the traffic flow issues.
Police Chief Vincent McGinnis reported that the department will hold another Drug Take-back Day on Sept. 27 at the station. He said residents are encouraged to bring any old or unused prescription drugs for proper disposal.
The Finance Committee reported receiving the Fair Board Amusement Tax payment of $41,756.35. Stott noted that last year’s receipts for the Fair Board Amusement Tax was $35,000.