CLEARFIELD – The back-to-back months of flooding in the area was a topic of discussion for Clearfield Borough Council during its committee meetings Thursday.
It was noted that the borough is still waiting to hear about potential grants that would help with projects like Stinky Run; however, East End residents remain frustrated with the lack of progress.
Resident Dick Bishop spoke to council about the serious toll the most-recent flooding has taken on residents.
Bishop, who lives on Daisy Street, said during the flooding at the end of August, the rain was coming down faster than his sump pump could handle, and because the area was not considered at-risk for flooding, according to insurance companies, all expenses were coming out of pocket.
“This has cost all these homeowners so much,” he commented, adding that “we are paying for the borough’s mistakes.”
Street Department Foreman Todd Kling understood Bishop’s frustration, and himself pressed council asking if it had a contingency plan in the event grant funds fall through.
Kling encouraged council and members of the public to contact their state representatives.
“Not as friends,” he said, “but as though they work for you” so the borough can acquire the much-needed funding to make the fixes.
In other business Thursday, the Clearfield Revitalization Corp. (CRC) announced dates for its upcoming fall events.
The annual Clearfield Pumpkin Run/Walk 5K and Downtown Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12 and the Halloween Parade on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
CRC Main Street Manager Sue Diehl said last year’s festival saw great success with a few thousand attendees, and she’s hoping this year’s event will bring even more.
The Halloween parade will happen at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds, with staging beginning at 6 p.m. and the parade to follow at 7 p.m.
For the fall festival, council recommended the closure of Market Street from Temple Avenue to Second Street; both Locust and Pine streets between Second and Fourth streets; and Third Street between both Cherry and Pine streets.
So far as the parade, it recommended closures namely be around the roadways surrounding the fairgrounds.
The Planning and Development Committee also recommended an official date for this year’s Trick-or-Treat night.
For 2024, the date will fall on Halloween night, Oct. 31, and will take place from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to leave their porch lights on if they want to participate in the festivities.
The Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department also announced its 2024 Fireball Fundraiser event for Saturday, Nov. 11 at the Expo I Building at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds.
Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door, and the event will run from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Food will be served beginning at 6 p.m., and there will be live music from the Moore Brothers, along with raffles, 50/50 chances and more.
Prior to the meeting council President Steve Livergood presented long-time Clearfield Borough Solicitor F. Cortez “Chip” Bell III with an award to honor his 34 years of service to the community.
Bell officially retired as solicitor at the end of August, at which time council welcomed Patrick Lavelle as his successor.
Livergood noted that even though Bell has retired, he will assist Lavelle for a period of time until he feels comfortable in his duties.
Council will have its voting meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19, beginning at 5:30 p.m.