Bravard to Return to City Council
LOCK HAVEN — Jonathan Bravard’s absence from Lock Haven government will prove to be a short one.
Bravard was the pick Monday night to fill the city council vacancy created by the election of former council member Bill Baney as mayor. As Bravard was the only city resident to apply to fill Baney’s vacated council seat, Monday, he was the unanimous pick to return to council. It is expected he’ll be sworn back into office at council’s next regular meeting Feb. 1.
Bravard had first joined council some 12 years ago, replacing his late father Robert Bravard. He served on council until last year when he was named interim mayor, replacing former mayor Rick Vilello who had resigned and accepted a position with the Wolf administration in Harrisburg.
Bravard had been a candidate for a term on council last November, but was defeated. With the Monday night appointment to fill the Baney council vacancy, he will serve through the end of 2017.
The meeting saw a presentation from Lock Haven Salvation Army representatives on a proposed ordinance to regulate clothing collection boxes. County commissioner Pete Smeltz appeared in his capacity as a member of the Salvation Army advisory board; he asked council to consider an ordinance similar to a measure already enacted in Pine Creek and Bald Eagle Townships.
Smeltz said adoption of the ordinance would “level the playing field” relative to other collection boxes placed in the city and elsewhere in the county by for-profit enterprises. He said the community should know if the boxes were provided by out-of-the-area agencies.
Salvation Army Major Marie Harris said the Salvation Army has been in operation for 131 years and all money generated stays locally. She said the Salvation Army presently has one collection box at Walker Hardware and proceeds help to support the organization’s downtown store which provides funding for community programs, including the weekday lunch program at the Citadel on E. Church St.
City manager Rich Marcinkevage said there are five boxes throughout the city. Council vice-president Steve Stevenson said city staff will look over the proposed ordinance. He noted the proposal would not create a monopoly for the Salvation Army. Proponents said a fee would be required from organizations seeking to place the boxes; zoning office approval would be required, along with a name and address for the sponsoring organization.
The meeting also saw the introduction of Lock Haven’s newest police officer, Bruce Mann. A Lewistown area resident, he thanked council for the opportunity to serve the city.
