Tyrone Borough Council met last night and discussed at length several issues brought to their attention by Nathan George, the borough manager.
One of the discussions centered on the borough’s efforts to deal with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) issues.
“One of the values I place a lot of importance on is equity in municipal government,” George told The Daily Herald. “This is something that’s come up at recent meetings through the proposal of a sound system (to be used during meetings) and concerns about pavilions at the park not being handicapped accessible.”
The sound system George spoke about is part of the borough’s CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) proposal to the state Department of Community and Economic Development. The borough is looking to install the equipment to aid those who are hearing impaired who want to attend and participate in public meetings at the municipal building.
The issue regarding Reservoir Park was brought to council’s attention at last week’s meeting when the American Legion requested a refund for a reservation at the park since Legion officials felt the pavilion would not meet their handicapped needs.
“The borough has already done a lot regarding ADA issues including cut the curb on the sidewalks for wheelchair accessibility along with the installation of an elevator and handicapped accessible restrooms.
“Councilman James Grazier will be taking the lead on this and report to council at the next regular meeting,” said George.
Grazier was nominated and it was the consensus of council he should chair the ADA committee and he was agreeable to accepting council’s request.
“Tom Lang, our code enforcement officer, is our ADA coordinator, he along with Mr. Grazier and myself will be involved with considering some members of the community who are handicapped who could be on the committee.”
Eventually, George sees a committee consisting of Grazier, possibly other council members, other borough officials and members of the public who are handicapped formulating a plan and a time line to deal with ADA issues regarding all property owned by the borough.
George also brought to council’s attention his concerns regarding the borough’s emergency preparedness efforts.
“I think it’s very essential that local government take the lead on this,” said George.
“After all, we are at the front of the line and we need to coordinate efforts in case something happens although you think it never will it could.”
Council’s focus during the discussion centered on three sirens which have been purchased from Altoona. George explained one of the sirens has been removed from its current location while two others must still be removed. All three will then need to be repaired and installed in Tyrone. George indicated a system was in place several years ago to use the whistle at the paper mill in case of certain emergencies but did not believe the system was ever actually used.
George said he’ll continue to work with Jim Beckwith, the borough’s emergency management coordinator and council member Virgie Werner on emergency preparedness issues.
The borough’s manager also gave council a report regarding his inspection of the parking lot located on the south side of the YMCA and Gardner’s.
“It’s not in good shape, especially the curbing,” explained George. “I also brought to council’s attention the issue of (the inactive) Tyrone Parking Authority”
The authority has in excess of $10,000 in its account according to George but has not been active since the mid 1990s. Phyllis Garhart, director of administration, said at last night’s meeting she would have to investigate who served on the board at the time.
George wanted council’s opinion on whether or not it wanted to dissolve the authority and take over parking issues. The borough will now have to look into the legality of disbanding the authority before any further action is taken to dissolve it.
George also sought council’s input about entering a program with the school district involving students who have been subject to disciplinary action. The grant program would allow students to perform community service for the borough as part of their discipline.
Council members seemed opened to the idea with a recommendation from solicitor Clapper that insurance and legal issues need to be checked. Council also directed George to suggest to the Tyrone Area School District the program if agreed upon should include a formal agreement. George indicated the program could still go forward even without a written agreement.
