Clarion Borough Approves 2016 CDBG Funding for Weaver Park

Ron Wilshire

Ron Wilshire

Published November 3, 2016 4:22 am
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CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — Clarion Borough Council approved a resolution on Monday night to devote its 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application and Attached Three-Year Community Development Plan (CDP) for improvements in Paul A. Weaver Park.

The Clarion County Planning Office will submit the application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).

Clarion Borough is receiving $93,405.00, but 18 percent is designated as administrative costs, leaving $76,605.00 for project funds.  Hall said the borough’s low-moderate income rate as increased to 69 percent from 57 percent, fortunate for the grant, but an unfortunate trend for dropping incomes for Clarion Borough residents.

“We have a number of things in mind, but it is going to depend on the pricing of the things we want,” said Mark Hall, borough secretary. “It could include a new pavilion, picnic tables, heavy duty park grills, and fire rings to make a family cook out area.”

Other ideas include installation of new park or playground equipment, a sand volleyball court, and a basketball court.

Most of the improvements would be located on an undeveloped area of the lower park past the softball field.

“Those are our ideas, but it depends on how far the money goes,” said Hall.

The grant funds are from CDBG money designated for Clarion Borough that traces itself back to revenue sharing.  A community must have a certain population number and meet low-moderate income standards.  Clarion Township recently gained a similar status because of population growth.  Clarion County also receives a grant, and it is awarded by Clarion County Commissioners based on recommendations from the Clarion County Planning Office.

The renovations and improvements are geared to add recreational attractions to the park in addition to baseball and softball fields.

Another possibility is the addition of a walking perimeter to the outside of the park.  While the funds have been designated for Clarion Borough, an approval of the application at the state level is needed.

“It will probably be next spring until we proceed with some of these improvements,” said Hall.

In other action, Council:

• Approved Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry’s Special Event Request for Holiday Season – Free Parking for Monday, November 21 (Customer Appreciation Day), Friday, November 25 (Black Friday), and November 28 through December 25 (Holiday Shopping Season)

• Approved Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry’s Special Event Request for Christmas Parade to be Held Monday, November 21, 2016 (Line Up at 5:30 p.m. and Parade Step-Off at 6:00 p.m.)

• Granted permission to Procure CDBG Engineering Consulting Services through the CDBG Program Request for Proposals (RFP) Process for 2017 through 2019 and approved the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) Statement of Goals attached to the FFY 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application.

• Approved payment of $10,000.00 to Eagle Contracting, Inc., for Clarion Borough Contract 2016-2 Toby Street Storm Sewer Repair Project, contingent upon completion of curb sealing and submission of Project Close-Out Documentation and Maintenance Bond.

• Approved payment of $4,195.00 to M and B Services, LLC for Clarion Borough Contract #2016-3 Second and Wood Concrete Restoration Project, contingent upon completion of punch list items and submission of Project Close-Out Documentation and Maintenance Bond.

• Approved payment of $7,900.00 to Eagle Contracting, Inc., for Clarion Borough Contract #2016-4 South and Sixth Storm Water Repair Project, contingent upon submission of Project Close-Out Documentation and Maintenance Bond.

• Approved advertising for part-time Public Works employees who must have CDL-Class B licenses in order to apply.

• Appointed Kristin Clark to fill the vacancy on the Zoning Hearing Board, with the term to expire on December 31, 2017.

• Approved a University Activities Board-Campusfest Special Event Request for a concert to be held on April 22, 2017.

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