Lock Haven council votes: recycling ordinance, Sunset Pines award, park permits and appointments

The Lock Haven City Council recorded multiple formal actions at its Feb. 25 meeting. Key outcomes: the council approved the second reading of a recycling ordinance update, awarded a public works contract for Sunset Pines subdivision improvements, revised Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations to fund Hoberman Park phase 1 and phase 2 work, approved several downtown and park uses, and authorized administrative steps such as issuing an RFP for pension legal counsel and appointing representatives to boards.

Selected votes and outcomes

- Recycling ordinance (second reading): Council approved amendments to Chapter 340 (recycling) that update language required for state recycling participation. (Outcome: approved by roll call.)

- Sunset Pines Phase 3A award (Project 2025-01): Council approved awarding the drainage and roadway improvements contract to Big Rock Paving LLC as the lowest responsible bidder for the base bid of $362,936, with an alternate waterline price of $50,000 noted as an additive alternate pending coordination with Suburban Water Company. Council noted one lower bid had been disqualified. (Outcome: contract award approved.)

- CDBG budget revision (FY2021): Council approved reallocating remaining FY2021 CDBG funds from completed projects (East Bald Eagle Street, Ray Street and Lock Haven Skatepark) into the Hoberman Park improvements project and updated the project scope to include Phase 2. (Outcome: approved.)

- Downtown/park permits and events: Council approved multiple requests for downtown flower boxes, seasonal decorations, the Haven Holidays parade, Moonlight Market and other events. The council also approved the use of Triangle Park and Bridal Park for specified displays and limited‑duration uses (some dates adjusted by motion). A motion adjusted the display period for a free crosses display to shorten its duration; the amended timeframe was approved. (Outcome: approved; one alley closure deferred for further review — see separate article.)

- Zindel Park wedding request: Approved for Sept. 6, 2025; staff to coordinate permits and keys. (Outcome: approved.)

- Civil Service Commission rules and regulations ordinance (first reading): Council approved an ordinance adopting updated civil service rules to reflect collective bargaining changes and state court case developments (physical fitness testing standards). (Outcome: first reading approved.)

- RFP for pension legal counsel: Council authorized release of a draft RFP to solicit legal counsel for city pension boards following the retirement of the prior firm; staff to update dates and publish. (Outcome: approved.)

- Appointments: David Dietrich was nominated as the city’s representative to the Ross Library Board (council vote recorded); Chief Matt Recker was authorized to replace Lieutenant Gregory on the city safety committee due to scheduling conflicts. (Outcome: approved.)

Why it matters: The package of administrative, contract and permitting decisions sets the near‑term capital work plan (Sunset Pines award, CDBG reallocation), clarifies event calendars, adjusts municipal rules needed for state recycling participation, and moves forward pension board staffing and legal procurement. Several items require follow up — notably coordination with Suburban Water Company on the Sunset Pines waterline and staff follow‑up for event traffic/safety plans.

Documentation: Council votes were recorded by roll call on the meeting record; pending administrative coordination items were assigned to planning, public works and legal staff.