LH Introduces New City Planner

By Scott Johnson

LOCK HAVEN – New City Planner Abigail Roberts was introduced to City Council at its meeting Monday night.

Roberts began her new position on June 10, taking over for former City Planner Maria Boileau who resigned last July after taking a position as Clinton County’s voter registrar. In the interim, former long-time City Planner Leonora Hannagan was helping the department with day-to-day activities.

Roberts graduated last month from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Community Planning and Development.

“I am happy to be here. Lock Haven is a great city,” Roberts told council. “I will try to do the best for you.”

The department monitors all subdivision and land development plans in the city and assists the Lock Haven Planning Commission in the review of land use regulations.

In another matter at Monday night’s terse meeting, council received an update from City Manager Greg Wilson on the new a Geisinger Medical Center at the corning of Spring and Fourth streets.

Wilson said plans for the center have been reviewed by the city planning commission, and stormwater management.
Further, he said, the center was issued a building permit in the last week for $24,564.

“They are moving ahead,” Wilson said, who added there is no timetable yet on a ground-breaking.

In other business, council unanimously approved:

• n The use of Taggart Park as home field for 2020-21 for baseball games for the Sugar Valley Rural Charter School. Wilson noted the team will work with other teams and city Director of Community Life Kasey Campbell for scheduling. He said all teams that use the field are responsible for maintenance.
• n The disposition of approximately 75 boxes of city records that have been “aged out.” Wilson said the city will contract with a provider to shred the materials on site.
• n An agreement with Pennsylvania Drilling Company as the lowest (and only) bidder for geological test boring as part of the Ohl Dam project for a maximum of $23,638. Wilson said the other two companies who provide that service are busy with other projects.
• n The MiniciBid auction of surplus property from the street, sewer and airport departments. Public Works Director Tony Stopper said the listing of items will start Tuesday with live auctions starting later this week.
• n The deed for Hammermill Park with the city as both grantor and grantee. Wilson said the action was required because the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources requires it for grants the city received for the playground.

Councilman Richard Morris pointed out it was a correction to a 48-year oversight. Council Vice President Joel Long emphasized the action was not a selling of the park, just a clarification for DCNR.

Long chaired the meeting for Mayor Bill Baney, who was absent. All other members were present.