CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Supervisors took decisive action at Tuesday’s meeting in regards to a potential nuisance in the township.
After an executive session for potential litigation, the supervisors returned and made a motion regarding an occupancy permit at the Glen Wise (AmeriGas) building in Hyde.
The permit for a doctor’s office came from Accessible Recovery Services, the company that created a stir in September with a proposed Suboxone clinic in the building.
The company received stiff resistance from the community during the September meeting, and then ran into issues with permitting and reapplied for an occupancy permit.
After the executive session, the supervisors voted to deny the permit.
Supervisor Jeremy Ruffner made the motion, stating that the supervisors did research into the matter and determined that the clinic would create a nuisance and denied the permit under the township’s nuisance ordinance.
Ruffner noted that traffic considerations were explored as well as concerns for safety. He noted that, according to the Clearfield Area School District, 1,100 students pass the facility daily during the school year, in addition to the other traffic.
At September’s meeting, a representative of ARS had described the company as one that is insurance-based and does not dispense medication on site, unless they were to eventually offer Vivotrol injections.
Concerns raised by citizens included patients abusing Suboxone and whether the area needs such a clinic, as well as the safety of students and residents of Hyde.
In other business, the supervisors approved the purchase of a Ford F550 from Murray Ford at a cost of $85,224.71, which was budgeted for in the 2019 budget.
BradCo will be fitting the truck for use by the township. The supervisors also approved the roadmaster ordering a new leaf-vac truck, of which 80 percent is paid for with grant money.
However, the supervisors tabled a request for a new F250 work truck to replace truck No. 2, which will not pass another inspection. There is money budgeted for the purchase, but the supervisors asked Roadmaster Ron Woodling to price an F350 first.
Residents are reminded that they must keep fire hydrants clear of snow with three feet of clearance around the hydrant. Also, the township is not responsible for mailboxes damaged or knocked over during plowing. The township follows the guidelines used by the state Department of Transportation in this matter.
Code Enforcement Officer Debra Finkbeiner reminds mobile home park owners that they need to contact her office as soon as possible about open issues that need taken care of before permits can be renewed in July.
Finkbeiner said she is also working with the planning commission on the growing issue of people living in motels instead of using them as temporary locations as intended.
The supervisors also agreed to take over a cul-de-sac which intersects with Industrial Park Road, and to name the street Commerce Drive. The supervisors also approved erecting stop signs at the intersection pending approval of PennDOT and the roadmaster.
