The newest member to join the Clearfield Borough Council officially got sworn in on Thursday night, filling one of the open positions. The newest member, Courtney Mayhew, was sworn in by Clearfield Mayor, Mason Strouse, to officially take over the 4th Ward Position that has been open for the last month.
After being sworn in, it was noted by Borough president, Steve Livergood, that the position for the solicitor was still open as there were not any inquiries since the prior meeting. Livergood hoped that the position would get filled as they are still advertising.
No one had more to say on Thursday evening than Todd Kling in the Street Department, but he had a lot of positive news to give.
Kling noted that he got notice from PennDot that there were plans to replace the street lights in the borough with up to date ones that also had a unique feature that would change the timing of use during busy times or if there was a traffic disruption coming from Interstate 80. He noted most with the exception of a few would be upgraded with newer technology that can be controlled remotely from PennDot that can be adapted in case traffic is diverted into the borough area from the interstate due to an accident or a lane disruption, which will take into account the increased flow and potential slower pace.
What Kling also said PennDot approached him to potentially make a change to one of the most troubling intersections in town.
The intersection at CVS and NAPA Auto Parts is potentially getting changed back to what it was for a long period of time. Kling presented to the board some proposed plans for the intersection, and all overwhelmingly were on board with him working alongside PennDot on the plan that would change the traffic pattern to what Livergood felt was a “more familiar” layout. The plan proposes that what is now currently the CVS turn-in lane to the drive-thru and side parking lot and also add going up the hill onto Rt. 322. The far right lane would go from making the sweeping left up the hill into being a right-turn only lane onto Railroad Street.
Nothing has been finalized, but Kling saw the positive output from both the council members and the members of the public that were in attendance.
The public comment area was highlighted by Susan Diehl from the Clearfield Revitalization Corporation announced that the 2024 National Night Out for Clearfield will be happening on the normal recognized date, August 6. Clearfield’s date normally came later so it did not cause issues with the fair, however Diehl noted that with the fair being moved back, they were able to have it occur on the National Night Out day. In addition, the Clearfield Regional Police will also be hosting a drive-in style movie at Lower Witmer Park that evening at 8:30 p.m.
It is encouraged for kids to do a “Create-A-Vehicle” to make it feel like a drive-in theater, noting they can be as creative as they want. Popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks will be provided. What movie will be played has yet to be decided.
Also during the audience comment portion, resident Joe Marino noted that when it came to the issues that were noted at the last meeting about the Stinky Run flooding, he noted that a pair of residents had submitted a letter to council that were said to have received damage from the flooding. However, Marino noted that DEP representatives were in the area and what was claimed by residents for damage was proven to be false, going as far as wanting the council to look into the integrity of the signatures, and also offer input on the upcoming project to help with the flooding in the area.
Livergood noted to council that he had spoken to Marino in the morning, speaking to him at length and asking him to come to the meeting and explain to the council what he was asking. Livergood noted that they were waiting on the official DEP report and would go from there with the plans.
Council also approved the purchase of equipment to assist in having the monthly meetings live-streamed via their Facebook page. Meetings are already recorded and streamed, but not on their page. The motion was approved to purchase within $500 a new iPad and tripod.
Mayor Strouse is going to oversee the coordination and streaming once the equipment is purchased and functioning.