Residents press council on noise and organizers, libraries and rescues present 2025 funding requests

Public comment opened with residents raising concerns about loud street events and frequent road closures. Resident Seth Kleinley (2 West Clayton) urged council not to allow repeated multi-day street closures for concerts near residential areas, arguing they disrupt sleep and harm companion animals, and suggested relying on existing venues such as Triangle Park or an amphitheater. Business owners and downtown organizers countered that coordinated events bring tourism and economic activity.

As part of the 2025 budget presentations, Jeff Watson, board president of the Ross Library, described services beyond lending and requested a roughly $18,000 increase to raise staff wages. Melissa Dally, manager of Downtown Lock Haven, requested a $4,000 increase tied to projects intended to increase foot traffic and tourism and said the downtown organization has hosted monthly events since June. A Historical Society representative described preservation work needed at the Ferrenceville Furnace and Barton Street School in preparation for a 2026 commemoration and asked for funding. Katrina Armstrong of Boatstream Rescue reported prior council funding supported assistance to 59 cats and said the group had spent $1,687 of a $2,500 allocation with $813 remaining; she noted the group used county vouchers and transfers to other rescues to maximize impact.

Council and staff asked clarifying questions about previous contributions, matching grants and program accountability. The clerk and staff noted past funding levels (for example, the Historical Society requested $3,000 last year but received $2,000) and encouraged applicants to continue coordination with staff as the budget is finalized.

Next steps: applicants will be included in the administration’s budget materials for council consideration in the upcoming budget cycle.