CLEARFIELD – Resident Fred Weaver addressed the Clearfield Borough Council last night concerning park benches in town.
He said it is difficult for many elderly and handicapped people to walk down the streets without some place to stop and rest and noted his mother as an example.
Weaver suggested distributing the benches onto other sidewalks in the area, adding that it will make the borough a more walk-able community.
Borough Manager Leslie Stott agreed it is an issue and said that the benches are a Clearfield Revitalization Corp. project and placed at their discretion.
A couple have been moved near the administrative building on Locust Street and five more are being purchased and some will be placed near the Dimeling, she said.
It was noted that one problem is restricting the access to sidewalks due to ADA regulations and some sidewalks are too narrow. However, Stott said she will speak with the CRC and make them aware of the issue.
Council awarded bids for paving and tar and chipping at last night’s meeting. The low bid for paving was from Glen O. Hawbaker for $132,888.25. The low bid for tar and chipping was from New Enterprise Stone and Lime for $19,242.08. The bids are awarded pending review by the borough’s engineer.
During the police report, council learned that calls are up from last month. Also, the stolen vehicle discussed at last week’s meeting has been recovered. Residents are reminded to lock their car doors and not leave vehicles running or leave the keys inside.
Officer Nathan Curry noted the Buckle Up Click It or Ticket campaign is under way and they are also teaming up with the DUI Taskforce. On May 23 a border-to-border enforcement will take place with all departments across the state between 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. with extra patrols out during those hours.
The Rotary Club held fundraiser and will be purchasing $4,500 worth of new playground equipment for the playground at the Clearfield Driving Park, including a teeter-totter, spring toys and a Hercules II climber.
Also, Stott is aware people have been asking about porta potties at the Driving Park, which have been places for ball teams. Stott said since other people also use the potties, she is going to contact the Fair and Park Board about splitting the cost to place them this year.
Code Enforcement Officer Larry Mack suggested to council the need for an ordinance regarding farm animals. He said he has had calls from residents interested in raising chickens and pigs and the borough right now cannot legally stop them.
Council also discussed smoking in borough parks. Council member Jim Kling stated the borough adopted an ordinance several years ago banning use of tobacco products on all borough properties, in borough buildings and in borough vehicles.
Council agreed to purchase No Tobacco Use signs for the borough properties and buildings. Council also voted to draft a resolution for fines and penalties for violators of the ordinance.
Council approved the motions from last week’s committees meeting. Traffic control for the Clearfield Fair Queens for a Cause run June 12 and the Clearfield YMCA run Aug. 12 was approved. The borough will be purchasing a sewer camera for less than $10,000. Council also approved hiring Rhonda Ogden as part-time meter attendant and to allow Stott to use temporary secretary support for vacations and sick leave.
Residents are reminded of the Bloom and Berry Bash June 25 and the Super Summer Wal-Mart Yard Sale at the Expo II building at the Driving Park July 9. Also, the Corner Concert series will resume at Shaw Park June 3 at 7 p.m.
Council held a 45-minute executive session for possible litigation and property acquisition, but no action was taken.
