CLEARFIELD – Clearfield Borough hired Tom Evans to a full-time position on the Street Department at last night’s council meeting.
Evans, introduced at the meeting, has been a resident of Clearfield since 2009 after serving in the U.S. Navy. He will begin his new position on April 1.
Council also promoted Matthew Turner as an operator for the Street Department.
Council approved the hire of Alex Burkett as a part-time police officer, pending certification. Police Chief Vince McGinnis said Burkett is currently a police officer working with the Emporium School District under the state School Resource Officer grant funding.
Officer Mitch Klender was approved as a permanent employee of the police department after completing his six-month probationary period. Council also approved to advertise openings for two part-time police officers.
Janet Buchheit and Denny Hertlein were hired by the borough as temporary inspectors to the Downtown Streetscape Project.
Leslie Stott, borough operations manager, reported the construction company for the project, M&B Services LLC of Clarion, plans to begin tree removal for the streetscape project next week, and will begin construction on April 1, starting at the triangle at Front and Second streets, near the old jail building.
Borough Solicitor F. Cortez “Chip” Bell reported that the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal has completed the investigation of Poole property on Daisy Street with the understanding that he have access during the demolition to items on the property that are currently not accessible. The Poole residence was destroyed by fire on March 3.
Bell said, due to the safety hazard, the damaged building presents, the property needs to be razed as quickly as possible.
Code Enforcement Officer Larry Mack said that the Poole family received notification Wednesday that the residence must be demolished, and that they have until March 23 to respond regarding plans for demolition, or risk incurring fines for violation of borough ordinances.
Bell noted that the borough can take action in accordance with borough codes to expedite demolition if the family does not take timely action. Such action could include the borough contracting to have the building razed and place a lean against the property for costs, or the property could be turned over to the borough and then proceed with demolition, with the option to sell or donate the property afterwards.
Per Bell’s recommendation, council approved to appoint a committee to act in the best interest of the borough and to ensure the public safety for any required action outside of council’s meetings. The committee includes Bell, Stott, Mack, Council President and Public Safety Committee Chairman Wade Cowder and Public Works Committee Chairman David Gallaher.
Council approved the site plan for a housing project in the South Park section of the borough, with four stipulations, including review of the plans by the borough’s engineering firm, Stiffler, McGraw and Associates Inc., and review by the Clearfield Borough Fire Chief, and the County Conservation District. The fourth stipulation is that the developer bears the cost of constructing the access road at Clinton and South Sixth streets.
Council also approved:
- To award lawn care bid to Wayne Spencer, pending clarification of bid specs and receipt of references.
- To purchase a 2016 Ford Explorer Interceptor from Dotts Motor Co. under state contract price of $41,258, before trade of SUV still in use by the police department.
- To repair JCB Backhoe by Anderson Equipment at estimated cost of $4,000.
- To provide traffic control for Clearfield Fair Queen’s for a Cause 5K on June 14 and for the St. Francis PTO Pony Trot 5k on April 25
- To appoint Kathleen Miller to the Board of Trustees of the Joseph & Elizabeth Shaw Public Library.
Councilman Tim Winters expressed thanks to the following fire companies that covered a fire call last week during funeral services for fallen firefighter Jeff Buck: Beech Creek and Lock Haven Fire Companies of Clinton County, Reynoldsville of Jefferson County and Alpha and Centre Hall of Centre County.
