CLEARFIELD – The Lawrence Township Supervisors first gave their attention to Hillsdale resident Randy Anderson at last night’s meeting. Anderson brought his concerns for what he believes are ongoing safety problems on Byer and Reighard streets in Hillsdale.
Anderson showed pictures of his particular concern with a manhole cover over an old drain that is unstable and does not drain properly, creating a safety hazard for children who tend to play there, and the standing water that is a traffic hazard, especially in freezing weather. He also had photos of potholes and road berms that are a problem for traffic.
Chairman Glenn Johnston said the supervisors have been talking about increasing the berm width throughout the township. Road master William Lawhead said he was aware of the road conditions on Byer and Reighard streets, but determinants such as higher traffic and bus routes made High Street a greater priority for this year’s paving projects.
Lawhead noted that he had talked with Clearfield Borough regarding the paving of Byer Street, as the borough and township have traditionally worked together in paving their respective segments of Byer Street. He said it is on the borough’s list for paving next year and they are already doing base repairs in preparation. Johnston asked if any base work was needed on the township’s segment of Byer Street. Lawhead answered that it will need to be inspected.
Supervisor Edward Brown explained that the manhole at the corner of Byer and Reighard streets is actually for a dry well which, he confirmed, is shot. He said it was not built for storm water drainage, but for standing water drainage. Johnston added that storm drainage is a problem in several areas of the township. Brown also noted that the location of the manhole/drywell does not allow enough room for proper paving. He asked Anderson if he would be willing to provide easement on his property for the township to build a new dry well, which will solve both the safety issues and the paving problem. Anderson agreed to meet with the supervisors at the site to assess the issues and further discuss the option of an easement. Brown stressed that the easement would be done legally to protect Anderson and the township.
Lawhead reported that Phase III of the Mill Road Storm Water and Sewer Project is well under way. It was noted that the project is mandated by DEP.
Police Chief Mark Brooks reported that he has had an increase in court time in May due to the push on resolving delinquency warrants. He said the project is about two-thirds completed, thanks to the great response from the township office’s letter campaign. He added that no overtime is being used for the warrants work.
The supervisors approved Brooks’ request for placing a patrol car for a fundraiser walk event in Glen Richey in June. Coverage will be provided through the part-time police staff, and will be coordinated with the local fire police who will also be helping with traffic control during the event.
Brooks extended a thank you to Novey’s Recycling for fabricating a 1-3/4 inch steel firearms training target to specifications and at no cost to the township.
The supervisors gave approval for one police vehicle to participate in the Clearfield County Fair Parade on July 29.
Township Solicitor James Naddeo reported that the fourth draft of the Junkyard Ordinance was ready and awaiting action from the supervisors. Brown proposed another change for discussion. He suggested, rather than the straight eight-foot pile-height limit, instituting a sliding scale for pile height based on set-back from the property lines. He said this will give leeway for large tract property owners and for potential businesses in the area.
Johnston said he felt the eight-foot limit was too restrictive. He and Lawhead both agreed that the sliding scale is reasonable in consideration of larger properties.
The supervisors approved to add the change to the Junkyard Ordinance to include a sliding scale for junk pile height based on set-back from all property sides to a maximum of 60 feet in height for set-back distance of at least 350 feet.
Brown noted that property owners will still be required to install a fence around any junk piles, per township design and specifications, as already included in the ordinance draft.
Lawhead reported that preparations are almost completed for the tar and chip paving. He said he will contact the contractor, Cottles Asphalt, to find out when they can start. It was also noted that New Enterprise will begin soon on the slated paving projects.
In other business, the supervisors approved a proposal from Dixon Communication for office computer system upgrades at a total cost of $5329.90. Upgrades will include a new server, updated software, Windows operating system subscription and web site, with complete installation. The upgrades do not include changes to the office’s current computer hardware.
The supervisors awarded the only bid received for purchase of a paving roller to Anderson Equipment for $52,900.
The supervisors also:
– agreed to a bid of $700 per month rent to PENNDOT for the use of the township’s storage unit at its Hyde building.
– authorized Stiffler McGraw to conduct a budget revision for the 2012 CDBG funds Weaverhurst Project, in order to pay remaining invoices.
– authorized Johnston to sign the County Aid form and Montgomery Run Drawdown forms.
– approved payment of bills totaling $35,660.67.
