CLARKS SUMMIT — Members of the borough council voted to ratify a motion, previously made on Dec. 2, to transfer $50,000 to the debt service fund as the result of having a surplus last year during a council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3.

According to Gerard Hetman of the Lackawanna County Community Relations Department, the borough’s Depot Street revitalization project will be sent out for bids in February.

Councilman Herman Johnson is pleased to see the project is nearing completion and believes it will spruce up the downtown area.

“Depot Street was the one street that really aggravated me and now there are going to be uniform sidewalks, curb cuts for the handicapped, trees and additional lights,” Johnson said. “Down the line, we can close off the area to have nice events. I think it’s going to be beautiful.”

During his police report, Chief Chris Yarns reported some problems with overnight parking in the borough. Overnight parking is not allowed from 11 p.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 1 through March 31.

Members of council approved a motion to ratify the addition of a street light on Thurston Street.

“It’s very dark during the evening and definitely needs a light on the pole,” Public Safety Chair Pat Williams said.

According to Borough Manager Virginia Kehoe, the borough’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will also place a “curve ahead” sign on the road.

Council members approved a motion to suspend the parking meters during the Clarks Summit Festival of Ice, Feb. 12-15.

Councilman Dominic Scott brought up the issue of the Abington Heights School District not recycling.

“Why don’t we take more of a stand and try to get them into it?” he asked. “I’m concerned that they’re not and I would like to know why they’re not.”

Recycling Chair Bob Bennett plans to bring up the issue with the school district.

Kehoe announced there will be a public stormwater education session prior to the borough’s work session meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 23 in the borough building, 304 S. State St.

Former councilman Jim Klein, who served from Jan. 28, 2014 through Dec. 31, 2015 was recognized by council for his public service to the community.

In other business: Mike Hargrove and Greg Pasquale were reappointed to the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board, Michael Sulzinski was appointed to the Shade Tree Commission, Virginia Kehoe was reappointed as the borough’s Tax Collection Committee alternative and borough manager, Bob Gilbert was appointed to the Senior Site Council, Neil Bartholme was appointed as DPW foreman, and Mike Cowley was approved as the borough’s Planning Commission solicitor, replacing Kevin Hayes.

Former Clarks Summit Councilman Jim Klein was recognized for his service during the borough’s council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3. From left, Clarks Summit mayor Patty Lawler, Klein and Clarks Summit Borough President Gerrie Carey.
http://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_ABJ-CS-Meeting.jpg.optimal.jpgFormer Clarks Summit Councilman Jim Klein was recognized for his service during the borough’s council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3. From left, Clarks Summit mayor Patty Lawler, Klein and Clarks Summit Borough President Gerrie Carey. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.