CLEARFIELD – Randy Powell, member of the Lawrence Township Zoning Board, presented questions to the supervisors regarding the code enforcement officer position.
First, Powell raised concerns regarding the limited hours the supervisors set for the position. It was noted that they set the regular office hours for Code Enforcement and Zoning Officer Debra Finkbeiner to be 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for four days, up to 24 hours per week, allowing a maximum of 30 hours per week as needed.
Powell’s concern was that Finkbeiner would not be able to fulfill all the requirements of the position if she was limited to office time, noting that part of the job requires being out in the community ticketing violations, particularly on weekends when, he said, there is a lot of non-permitted construction activity.
Supervisor Bill Lawhead clarified that the supervisors had to set hours for the code enforcement office, but that does not limit the officer to only work in office. He added that the supervisors made the allowance of additional hours as needed to ensure Finkbeiner has the flexibility for all the responsibilities of her job, as long as she justifies her time with Secretary/Treasurer Barb Shaffner.
Supervisor Dan Mitchell noted that the supervisors did reduce the position’s maximum hours from 32 to 30 hours per week at their reorganizational meeting.
On a motion by Supervisor Ed Brown, the supervisors agreed to increase the maximum hours to 32 per week as needed for the position.
Another question Powell raised was whether the township needed to continue to pay consultant fees to Agatha Lauder-English, previously employed as the township’s code enforcement officer.
The supervisors clarified that Lauder-English is a certified building code official sworn in at the county offices. It was noted that she not only serves as a consultant for the Code and Zoning office, but also as back-up support in case Finkbeiner is unable to work, and that she serves as a consultant in other areas, including helping Shaffner with maintaining the township’s Web site.
Powell commended Finkbeiner for her fine work and dedication.
Finkbeiner presented a list of items requiring the supervisors’ action, including site development plans for the construction of the new Graystone Court senior residential complex on Leonard Street.
The supervisors approved the site development plans, with the understanding that when the building plans are finally approved, it may require changes to the site plan. Site plan approval allows the developers to proceed with the building site preparation while the building plans are being finalized.
The supervisors approved a Zoning Conditional Use request from Kem and Jamie Parada, permitting a family day care to be operated by Jamie Parada at their residence, which is zoned Rural-Agricultural. A public hearing was held prior to the supervisors’ regular meeting, and no objections were raised.
The supervisors tabled a decision on a small-flow waste treatment facility for the Harry Proud Estate, pending legal advice.
Finkbeiner pointed out the need for new road use permits for Carbon Mine Road and Airport Road due to the transfer of surface mining permits with the recent purchase of Amfire Mining by Rosebud Mining Co.
The supervisors also approved proposed minor subdivisions for a property on Coal Hill Road and for the Clearfield Foundation at the Clearfield Firemen’s Commerce Park.