Lock Haven to replace traffic signal with stop signs
By Scott Johnson
LOCK HAVEN, PA – Lock Haven City Council gave its unanimous preliminary approval Monday night to replace a suspended four-way flashing traffic signal at West Main and First streets with stop signs.
City Manager Greg Wilson said with the approval, the city will advertise the signal elimination this week. Residents may comment on the proposal at council’s next meeting on Nov. 8 or submit a letter.
Councilman Rick Conklin recommended the city double up on stop signs on First Street to give higher visibility for drivers for the time being. “I just think it would be helpful, especially on First Street,” Conklin said. Wilson noted “stop ahead” signs are now up before that intersection.
Councilman Steve Stevenson also recommended the removal of the flashing traffic lights at the intersection of Bald Eagle and South Jones streets, also replacing them with two stop signs.
Wilson said he already forwarded that request to Police Chief Kristin Smith, who does recommend it “because of the high number of accidents” at that intersection.
Council also gave its unanimous approval for a wage increase for nonunion employees for 2022.
Wilson said council last year began the practice of providing a wage increase for nonunion employees tied to the three-year average of the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). The average of the 2020-22 COLA is 2.9 percent, Wilson said. He explained this enables council to distribute any large adjustments over a three-year period while also providing employees some small adjustment in years when the COLA does not adjust.
Council also unanimously approved the application to the PennDOT Multi-Mobile Transportation Fund for a paved parking lot in the northwestern end of Hanna Park.
City Planner Abbey Roberts said the grant would be for a park-and-ride facility
“A lot of people already park at that end in a gravel lot,” Roberts said. “We’re looking to create a paved lot. It was a former dump site, but it’s solid ground. Public works just uses it for mulch and stuff.”
She said the paved lot would have 28 parking spaces, lights and an added bike ramp. “It would also, eventually, be a nice hub for our bicycle path through the city and connect to the Bald Eagle Mountain Trail,” Roberts said.
The city would be responsible for a 30-percent match, or $48,863. That money would come from the city’s general fund with Roberts looking for other grant opportunities for the project.
Wilson said there are currently 18 different vehicles in any given day in that area for shared rides to and from Renovo. “The addition of an established park and ride is an additional point value for sustainability through the Pennsylvania Sustainability Program.” Roberts said the application is due at the end of this week with an announcement next spring.
In other business, council approved:
– A $10,000 grant to the Clinton County SPCA for 2022. This is the same amount as this year. The money also includes funding for animal control and catch and release.
– A $1,500 grant to the Lock Haven Flood Protection Authority for next year’s finances.
– Heard from Mayor Joel Long encouraging all eligible voters to vote in Tuesday’s general election. “Even though this is an off-year, this is one of the most important elections,” he said. “Take a few minutes and vote. This is for people to have a say in those who serve the community.”
