CLEARFIELD – Prior to the regular meeting of the Lawrence Township Supervisors last night, there was a hearing for the Community Development Block Grant funds application for fiscal year 2016.
Community Development Specialist Lisa Kovolick explained the money, as well as funds from 2013-2015, are being used for street improvements in the Kerr Addition area. The application is for $278,919 and the total project cost is $565,120.
The township has the funds from 2013-2015 that need used now, so the township will do as much as they can with the funding they have and await the additional funding.
Action by the supervisors will be taken at the Nov. 1 meeting and questions and comments must be submitted in a timely manner before then.
During the regular meeting, residents were reminded of a public meeting to discuss the work of the Clearfield-Lawrence Joint Consolidation Committee, to answer questions from residents and to explain the findings of several studies done in the past year and a half. The meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Clearfield Junior-Senior High School and all community members are encouraged to attend.
After an executive session, Solicitor James Naddeo recommended the township switch from the current health insurance plan to a proposed new one, which will cost 2 percent more but has no deductible. The township will also pay any additional costs of co-pays up to $1,000 for families and $500 for individuals. For example, if a co-pay previously had been $100 and is now $150, the township will pay the additional cost until the cap of $500 or $1,000 is reached.
Naddeo also reported during the meeting that an application has been made to create a pet cemetery in the township in a rural agriculture zone. He said as far as he is concerned, a cemetery is a cemetery and cemeteries are permitted in RA zones under special exception, so the matter will need to go to the zoning hearing board. That meeting will be held Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m.
Secretary Barb Shaffner gave a report for the recreation board. She said the board is concerned with people walking their dogs at the park and not cleaning up after them, especially on the ball fields.
The rec board members were wondering if pets can be banned from the park. After some discussion, the supervisors agreed they did not want to prevent owners from taking their dogs to the park.
Signs reminding residents to pick up after their dogs and also asking them to keep the dogs off of the ball fields will be erected, and dog waste bag dispensers will be placed at the park.
The township does have ordinances concerning cleaning up after dogs. The first fine is $25; however, the fines can increase to up to $300.
New picnic tables were delivered to the park and Shaffner asked the supervisors what they wanted to do with the old tables. Some are not usable, but others only need minor repair. Suggestions included Glen Richey’s park, Bigler Township’s park and Curwensville Lake and Recreation area. Shaffner will contact the organizations and see if they want tables.
In response to some confusion regarding leaf pick-up, supervisors clarified that bagged leaves will be picked up on Mondays, and residents are asked to not use plastic bags. Tuesdays through Fridays, weather permitting, the leaf vac will be used.
The supervisors also approved an agreement with the state Department of Transportation where the township will sweep PennDOT’s parking lot. In return, the state will paint lines on Bud George Boulevard as well as in their own parking lot.
Budget meetings will begin Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. and the second will be Nov. 2 at 6 p.m.