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Council discusses Bissell Street private-property dispute, clock tower and Christmas-light access
Summary
Councilors concluded they have limited authority over a private-property dispute at Bissell Street and discussed options to move an electrical box and clock tower used for borough Christmas lights, including budgeting removal in 2026 and seeking temporary access for this year.
Clarks Summit Borough Council members discussed a dispute and maintenance obligations related to a privately owned parcel on Bissell Street and considered steps to preserve the borough’s annual Christmas-lighting access.
Council members said land records and a boundary review indicate the pathway and improvements in question are on private property. Several councilors advised the parties involved that the borough has no legal remedy in a private-property dispute but can suggest civil remedies such as magistrate proceedings for alleged trespass.
Councilors discussed ongoing negotiations with the property owner, identified in the meeting as Mr. Decker. Council members said Mr. Decker has expressed concerns about sewer work on the parcel and indicated he may prefer to sell the property; sewer access appeared to be the owner’s primary sticking point in negotiations.
The borough uses an electrical box and a nearby clock tower on the property to install and power the town’s Christmas lights and a decorative snowflake. Borough staff reported a contractor quoted roughly $5,000 to relocate the electrical feed into the borough building and about $2,000 to remove the clock and concrete; staff said they had requested a separate quote for removing the electrical box.
Several councilors proposed a two-step approach: (1) obtain permission to access the electrical box this year so the Department of Public Works can string lights in early October as usual; and (2) budget in 2026 to move the electricity off the private parcel, remove the clock tower and return the parcel to its original condition. One councilor said if the borough restores the parcel to its original condition, the borough would be relieved of any ongoing maintenance obligation.
Council authorized staff to contact Mr. Decker to seek an agreement allowing temporary access for the upcoming lighting season and to advise him that a future decision to remove improvements would likely end the borough’s obligation to maintain the parcel. No formal resolution or vote was taken at the meeting.
