Council hires ESI to study fiscal and traffic impacts of planned school and forms review committee

Clifton Heights Borough Council approved a professional services contract with ESI (e-consult solutions incorporated) to evaluate the fiscal and operational impacts of a planned school project, including traffic, crossing-guard needs, police and fire service implications, and budgetary effects.

The council president said the new school will be unusually large for the borough and "it's going to be an impact that we need to know" so the borough hired ESI to develop a report that can inform budget planning and potential service adjustments. The council president asked for volunteers to serve with her on a review team; Mr. Gorman and Miss Miles volunteered, and the president said the solicitor and borough manager will also participate in reviewing the study.

The manager explained the consultant can help estimate costs such as additional crossing guards and police or fire responses and said the firm previously provided relevant work on revitalization projects. Council approved the motion to engage ESI and to form the review group; the motion carried by voice vote.

Council members asked for existing fiscal research to be shared; the manager said he has a prior study used by the engineering firm and will make it available to council members. The manager and solicitor will work with the review committee to determine follow-up tasks and incorporate ESI’s findings into the borough’s budgeting process.