CLEARFIELD – During last week’s committee meeting for Clearfield Borough, council discussed an ongoing issue regarding the abandoned portion of Third Street in the borough, which is still owned by the borough and maintained by adjoining property owners.
There has been a question of ownership and also whether the borough can sell the property to the adjoining home owners.
Attorney Tim Durant, representing one of the property owners, Terry Ricotta, spoke to council about the matter, noting that one person had dumped shale on the street, effectively blocking access for everyone else. He asked if council would be able to deal with the matter and also if the borough would be willing to sell the property.
Borough Operations Manager Leslie Stott said that it is council’s understanding that the person with the shale thought that he owned the property and that Code Enforcement Officer Larry Mack would be dealing with the matter and giving the resident a certain number of days to remove the shale.
The portion of street, which also contained railroad tracks for many years, is part of a long-term vision plan to extend Rails to Trails someday.
Solicitor F. Cortez “Chip” Bell added that there is a railroad right of way there, plus the public right of way, meaning that any person could use the “street” if they wanted to, and also a possible waterline right of way and as far as he understands, the property isn’t for sale.
Durant suggested that the borough could sell it with the provision that if the trail is extended, it would revert to the organization for that purpose, but council indicated they are not interested in selling.
During his report Mayor Jim Schell reminded residents and drivers through the borough that with school starting they must stop for school buses with flashing red lights and stop sign extended, especially at St. Francis School. He said if there is any doubt, stop.
Council also opened bids for trash removal and heating fuel. The heating fuel bid was awarded to American Natural Supply, formerly Satterlee’s, at a fixed price of $1.615 per gallon.
Trash removal will continue to be done by Advanced Disposal at $644.25 per month. Stott said another company had expressed interest, but did not submit a bid.
