CLEARFIELD – Lawrence Township Police Chief Mark Brooks reported on the department’s latest school programs at last night’s supervisors’ meeting.
Brooks said the department held another successful “Love the Bus” program at the Clearfield Area Elementary School on Feb. 8. Approximately 250 elementary students learned about school bus safety from local officers with “on the bus” demonstrations and practice at the school.
Brooks extended his thanks to PennDOT District 2 for providing the program materials and planning, and the Clearfield Area School District for the help and support for the program. He added that the students seem to enjoy “Love the Bus” and he believes it is a very beneficial program to educate them on bus safety.
Brooks reported that an officer from the department will attend free training this month in Altoona, offered through the Pennsylvania DUI Association, a non-profit professional organization providing technical assistance and highway safety training for safety agencies. The trained officer will be certified to conduct training as well, and will provide presentations to the Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School students and parents.
The program, Impact Teen Drivers, is designed to provide education to the highest risk drivers – teens. Brooks noted statistics from the PA DUI Association state that car crashes are the leading cause of death for Pennsylvania teens, and the main reason for teen crashes is distracted driving, particularly from use of cell phones or from passengers in the car.
Roadmaster Ron Woodling reported that the township’s new Ford F550 truck is being fitted out and will be ready by the end of March.
Woodling said the road crew has been working on upgrading the township’s road signage. He presented a request from the crew for summer hours. The supervisors approved four- to 10-hour work days per week, starting May 2, with hours of 5:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Summer hours will continue through September, with the option of being extended into October.
The supervisors approved the 2016 Dirt & Gravel Road Agreement for a grant of $64,168. The funds will be used as the final stage of improvements to Hemlock Hollow Road for road surfacing.
The supervisors also approved the Clearfield County Aid application for reimbursement of $10,721 for road salt.
Solicitor James Naddeo presented a completed ordinance for placement of stop signs on Valley View Drive. The supervisors passed a resolution to enact the ordinance.
The supervisors approved the reappointment of Rex Read to the Zoning Hearing Board, and also appointed Nannette Renchen to fill a vacancy on the board. Joe Graham was approved for appointment to the Uniform Construction Code Board of Appeals.
The supervisors approved a request for water surcharge adjustment form Lawrence Park Village Apartments after a major water leak.
Township Secretary Barbara Shaffner reported allocation of state liquid fuels tax and other funds totaling more than $420,000.