CLEARFIELD – Equipment purchases and discussion concerning the charter and agreement for the proposed consolidation with Clearfield Borough topped the Lawrence Township Supervisors’ meeting last night.
Solicitor James Naddeo informed the supervisors he reviewed the documents concerning the proposed consolidation and recommended caution. He advised the board to carefully review and pay close attention to the charter.
He said it wasn’t because he thinks it is a bad idea, but that home rule is a different kind of government in Pennsylvania. Under state law, municipalities are subject to either borough or township code. Under home rule, those codes do not apply, and Naddeo is concerned the new charter has everything provided for now.
“Everyone has an obligation to make sure the charter is gone over with a fine toothed comb,” Naddeo remarked. After the meeting he discussed the issue with the supervisors some more and agreed he would contact the solicitor of Pennsylvania Economy League, which has been helping the committee navigate creating the charter and agreement.
The supervisors also approved purchase of a 2017 Ford F550 truck to replace the 2006 Ford. The purchase is through COSTARS from Walsh Equipment and will include a Western Pro Plus plow at a cost of $77,094.
After a discussion during the first budget meeting, Secretary Barbara Shaffner learned of a grant/loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Facilities, which could enable the township to purchase a new leaf vac truck.
USDA will determine after application review whether the township would be approved for a loan or a grant, and the township has the option to refuse whatever they’re offered.
If they receive the money, the new leaf vac would be a self-contained unit that can be operated by one person. Currently, the township’s leaf vac needs two or three people to operate and can only do one section of the township at a time. With the new machine, the operator would be able to cover more ground in a day.
In other business, the supervisors heard a report from the police and learned the fall safe driving enforcement detail began Oct. 24 and the first phase will last four weeks.
Officers also underwent training regarding human trafficking and sex trafficking and also training regarding re-certification on narcotics detection. Two public service events also took place.
Officers did two days of stranger-danger talks at the Presbyterian Church pre-school and the kids also got to tour a police car. The second was at the Hyde Wesleyan Church’s trunk-or-treat.
The lettering and graphics for the 2013 Ford F150 purchased from Curwensville Borough have been completed and “exceeded expectations.”
During the secretary’s report, Shaffner noted a term is ending on the planning commission board and the supervisors approved advertising the seat. The supervisors also approved submitting the Community Development Block Grant application. The money will continue to be used in the Kerr Addition area.
The supervisors expressed thanks to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks Lodge No. 540 for a donation of $750, which will be used towards ballistic proof equipment.
