The Main Street improvement project was to begin next month, but now may not start until October.

CLARION - Clarion's proposed Main Street improvement project - originally scheduled to begin last month - may now be delayed until October.

Officials said Tuesday the reason involves the need for a permit through PennDOT and planning specifications.

Council approved a request to appoint Gannett Fleming as engineers for the project, which is estimated at about $200,000.

Funds are being made available through the state's Community Development Block Grant program.

Borough manager Nancy Freenock said it was determined a professional firm would be better prepared to design the project.

It involves the removal of brick around the trees with stamped concrete in its place, the stabilization of light poles and electrical repairs.

"I don't think it will take long" for the engineers to complete the plan, said Freenock. "A lot of work already has been done."

Councilwoman Elaine Moore, who chairs the downtown committee, said there will be no work performed during the Autumn Leaf Festival.

She said affected property owners will receive a letter detailing exactly what will be done and when.

Council approved a bid from Charles Tool & Supply of Shippenville to supply the light pole brackets and anchors at a total cost of $2,737.

RESOLUTION OPPOSING I-80 TOLLS

Council members also endorsed a resolution presented by Mayor John Stroup to oppose the proposed tolling of Interstate 80.

"Pennsylvania commerce would be adversely affected by the increased cost of transportation of goods and services across and within Pennsylvania, and the resultant diversion of traffic onto local roads will cause safety issues as well as erosion of local roads that are connected to and or run parallel to Interstate 80," the document says.

Stroup said the proposed tolling as authorized by Act 44 has been in place nearly a year - without public hearings as mandated by law.

He said efforts to oppose the legislation should be stepped up.

The chairman of the state House Transportation Committee said last week that Gov. Ed Rendell's plan to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike is essentially dead.

Rep. Joseph Markosek, D-Allegheny, said there is little support for the proposed $12.8 billion lease in the House and believes it is time to focus on other aspects of state transportation policy.

Meanwhile, Rendell's office is hoping the Legislature will consider the lease proposal this fall.

Pennsylvania Transportation Partners, a group established by high bidders Abertis Infraestructuras of Spain and Citi Infrastructure Investors, are seeking to operate about 500 miles of the turnpike system under a 75-year lease.

"The borough requests that U.S. Congressman John Peterson (R-5th) and all other U.S. Congressmen representing a Pennsylvania constituency lobby state legislators and Gov. Rendell for the repeal of Act 44," the resolution concludes.

Council president Ron Wilshire thanked Stroup for his leadership in the opposition.

HARRISBURG RALLY

Councilman Rich Herman reported on the borough's participation in the June 25 rally in support of House Bill 2018 in Harrisburg.

The proposed legislation would assist communities both large and small that have high percentages of tax-exempt properties.

Also attending were Freenock, Stroup, and Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry executive director Tracy Becker.

Herman said he was encouraged by the activity and the plans to form a coalition "to get this passed in the next budget year."

The legislation seeks to compensate those municipalities having more than 17 percent tax-free property within their borders.

Clarion, Oil City, Erie, Sharon and Johnstown are among those that could benefit.

State Rep. Fred McIlhattan was there to support the proposal as well as Oil City Mayor Sonja Hawkins, officials said.

The rally was sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs and the Pennsylvania League of Cities.

Herman said about 60 state representatives are on board with the legislation.

He said state Rep. Scott Hutchinson is not signed on.

"It's time for him to stand up and be counted," Herman said.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Council approved advertising an ordinance that would allow for two-way traffic on Payne Street from Wilson Avenue to Grand Avenue and to remove parking there.

Clarion University is planning to create a parking lot in that area, officials explained.

Also, an ordinance will be advertised to adopt the portion of North Riverview Avenue - also known as Water Works Road - at the intersection with East Main Street as a public street.