CLEARFIELD – Mayor James Schell informed borough council that Clearfield Borough is experiencing a rash of drivers speeding, running red lights and violating school bus laws during Thursday’s regular council meeting.
Schell said one specific incident happened in front of the YMCA recently. A bus was stopped in front of the YMCA letting off students when a car attempted to pass the bus on the left and nearly hit one of the children.
Someone was able to get the license plate number and Schell said that with a plate number the police can still issue a citation.
The penalty for violating school bus laws, such as passing a bus when it is stopped with lights flashing, is an automatic 60-day license suspension, five points and a $250 fine plus costs.
Schell also said there have been several reports of dogs being hit.
“Slow down,” he said, and “stop running the lights.” Council members noted that children are going to the parks in the borough and will be crossing streets and drivers need to pay attention.
There have also been reports of people finding used hypodermic needles now that the snow and ice has melted, and residents are asked to immediately call police and to not attempt to dispose of the needles.
Peter Smith, solicitor for the Clearfield-Lawrence Joint Airport Authority, spoke to council regarding the articles of organization for the authority.
He said the life of the authority was to have been 50 years and the authority would like to have the borough and Lawrence Township approve articles of amendment to keep the authority active for another 50 years, from 2020 to 2070, which the council approved.
Council voted on the items discussed during last week’s committee meeting and also on some additional items.
Under public safety, council approved closing East Cherry Street from Front to Second streets Aug. 6 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. for National Night Out.
Under public works, council voted to reject bids on the Fourth and Market streets culvert project and rebid the project; to purchase a Snapper lawn tractor from Shugarts’ Lawn Care for $1,500; accept the donation of child-size picnic tables from the Girl Scouts for parks; and accepted the donation of $2,000 form Clearfield Rotary to build a pavilion in Rebecca Park.
Two special meeting times were announced. The regular meeting scheduled for May 16 will be held at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m. And a special meeting is scheduled for May 9 at 6:15 p.m. to open bids for the Fourth and Market streets culvert project and vote on the matter.
After an executive session, council voted to accept the retirement of street crew employee Greg Shaffner as of June 17.
Finally, council voted to purchase a 2019 Dodge Durango police vehicle from C. Classic Dodge. It was confirmed that the officers of the department each had a chance to drive around in the vehicle prior to the recommendation.