Mission of the Clarion Borough Police Department

The Clarion Borough Police Department is committed to protect and serve through fairness, compassion, and excellence while providing police services in accordance with the law and sensitive to the priorities and needs of the community.

The Clarion Borough Police Department was first established by an Ordinance on May 2, 1944. At that time, one officer was employed as Chief of Police. During the next fifty years, the Department grew with the community.

Today, the Police Department is staffed by eight full-time, well-trained, professional officers. Every officer employed has completed a certified Municipal Officer’s Training Academy, and every officer is certified on an annual basis. The Police Department employs a criminal investigator, two D.A.R.E. officers, and all officers are trained for bicycle patrol. The Department uses four police vehicles, operates its own breath-testing center and computerized reporting process. Approximately 12,000 calls for service or criminal incidents are answered each year. In addition to the uniformed officers, four other employees are employed for support.

Welcome to the website of the Clarion Borough Police Department.

As you navigate through our website, I encourage you to review the many resource documents made available. Our aim is be as open and transparent as possible to our community in order that you can better understand the complicated business of policing.

The employees of this Police Department are the most valuable resource that we have.  Without properly trained, sensitive and dedicated people we could not provide the level of service our citizens have come to expect. We plan to ensure that the members of the Clarion Borough Police Department receive the skills and knowledge needed to maintain high quality service for our community.

The Clarion Borough Police Department adheres to a philosophy of community based policing. We value our ability to connect with the citizens we serve by practicing this philosophy each and every day.  In these challenging times we continue to work towards being a leader in policing for Clarion County.

Mark E. Hall

Chief of Police

Meter enforcement officers

Megan Kerr

Trisha Hulings

Police secretary

Julie Dunlap

2007 Ford Crown Victoria

In Clarion Borough, you may be seeing some familiar cars in unfamiliar colors. The Clarion Borough Police Department has traded in some of their white cars with red and blue vinyl graphics for new 2007 Ford Crown Victorias in distinctive black and white. The Clarion Borough Police Department had the red and blue color scheme on their cars for 10 years, and Chief Hall said that he felt that it was time for a change. Their is currently four police cars patrolling the streets of Clarion Borough and two of these cars have the new black and white color scheme.

2003 Ford Crown Victoria

2000 Ford Crown Victoria

1997 Ford Crown Victoria

1995 Chevrolet Caprices

1991 Chevrolet Caprices

1981 Chevrolet Impalas

1946 Oldsmobile Model 66

Clarion Borough’s first police car, pictured with Clarion’s first police chief, Chief Joe Volpe

D.A.R.E. GRADUATION

Clarion Area Elementary School – March 2009

72 students graduated from the D.A.R.E. program on 3/25/09.  The students are in 5th grade.

Seventy-two Clarion Area fifth graders recently completed the ten week Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) course taught by Clarion Borough Police Officers Neil Kemmer and Scott Robinson. The program teaches children the dangers of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and bullying. The students received certificates and T-shirts for completing the course. Pictured here (back row, from left) is Officer Kemmer, Clarion Borough Mayor John Stroup, Clarion Borough Police Chief Mark Hall, and Officer Robinson, (middle from left) Jennifer Peters, Anthony Baker, Daren, the DARE mascot, Keanna Over, and Tessa Mays, (front, from left) Greg Kerr and Alex Struble.

Officer Kemmer and Chief Hall

Mayor Stroup, Officer Kemmer, and Officer Robinson

Immaculate Conception School – December 2008

13 students graduated from the D.A.R.E. program on 12/09/08.  The students are in 5th grade.

Daren, Mayor Stroup, and I.C. 5th grade students

Daren and Chief Hall

Chief Hall, Mayor Stroup, Officer Kemmer and Officer Robinson

Immaculate Conception School – April 2008

15 students graduated from the D.A.R.E. program on 4/29/08.  The students are in 5th grade.

Clarion Area Elementary School – December 2007

61 students graduated from the D.A.R.E. program on 12/19/07.  The students are in three fifth grade classes at Clarion Area Elementary School.

Above, Officer Scott Robinson and Principal Todd MacBeth hand out D.A.R.E. graduation shirts and, fifth grade teacher Mr. Mike Nimelli hands out D.A.R.E. graduation certificates.  While Daren, the D.A.R.E. mascot looks on.

Clarion Area Elementary School – May 2007

58 students graduated May 2007 from the D.A.R.E. program.  The students were in three fifth grade classes at Clarion Area Elementary School.

Above, Officer Scott Robinson speaks to the Clarion Elementary students about D.A.R.E, as Daren the Lion listens in on the discussion.

Immaculate Conception School – January 2007

Seventeen fifth grade students at Immaculate Conception School in Clarion received graduation certificates from the Clarion Borough Police Department after participating in a 10 week Dare drug prevention program presented by Officer Scott Robinson.  Here, a student receives her award from Mayor John Stroup.  Also pictured are Officer Robinson (left) and Councilman Rich Herman.

PennDOT Engineering District 10 and the Clarion Borough Police Department teamed up in a continuous effort to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities by conducting a Pedestrian Safety Enforcement Campaign on Wednesday, July 18, along U.S. Route 322, Main Street Clarion. PennDOT reminds motorists anyone observed failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk will be issued a citation. Those who are not wearing a seatbelt may receive two citations. Several drivers received citations during the campaign for not yielding to pedestrians. PennDOT is looking at different solutions to try and solve resident concerns regarding pedestrian safety. “The first step is education and enforcement,” said Shawn Houck, PennDOT safety press officer. Above, from left, Mark Hall, Clarion Borough Police Chief, Jim Crooks, borough business owner and Houck, across Main Street testing driver awareness.

Officer Shawn Zerfoss

Officer Richard Foust

1. LCE – Liquor Control Enforcement – grant dealing with underage drinking education and enforcement
2. Buckleup PA Grant – Seat belt enforcement
3. Smooth Operator – dealing with aggressive driving
4. Smooth Operator/Pedestrian Safety – dealing with crosswalk education and enforcement
5. Fitting Station Grant – child safety seat checks
6. D.A.R.E. Grant – provided by Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
7. Wal-Mart Foundation Grant – provided by the Wal-Mart Corporation

$1,000 REWARD!!

Bank Robbery
S & T BANK, 410 Main Street, Clarion, PA, Friday, 02/23/2007, 10:37AM.

M.O.
Lone white male approached teller and displayed demand note. Told teller to “Hurry up”. Also told her he used to work in a bank. Fled in unknown direction. No weapon displayed.

Description
Male, white (Hispanic-looking), 5?6?? – 5?8??, medium build, mustache, light-colored ball cap, sunglasses, brown and orange “Cleveland Browns” jacket, blue jeans, black-soled shoes, gloves.

Contact
Clarion Police Department, 814-226-9140
FBI – North Pittsburgh Resident Agency, 724-778-8801

Bank Robbery
CLARION COUNTY COMMUNITY BANK, 333 West Main Street, Clarion, PA, Friday, 09/15/2006, 10:48AM.

M.O.
Lone white male passed robbery note. Mentioned having a weapon, and motioned toward waist as if he had one, but no weapon actually displayed.

Description
Male, white, mid-30′s, 5?8?? – 5?10??, average build, dark hair, mustache, unshaven, sunglasses, blue/brown/tan flannel shirt, jeans, dark shoes.

Contact
Clarion Borough Police Department, 814-226-9140.
FBI – North Pittsburgh Resident Agency, 724-778-8801

You may leave your crime or drug related tip anonymously.

Or

Click Here to contact us online!

All residents and business owners should have address numbers in places where they can be seen, particularly at night.

Visible numbers are vital when there is an emergency call for fire, police, or the ambulance service. Trying to find the right house can cause a delay in providing service.

In some instances, residents have allowed bushes to cover house numbers. Please check and make sure the numbers may be seen from the street. Apartment owners are asked to have numbers on each unit door.

Abandoned Vehicles

No person shall park, store, or leave any motor vehicle of any kind in a wrecked, junked, unregistered and/or un inspected, stripped or abandoned condition on private property or Borough streets. No owner of such motor vehicle, or the owner or occupant of any property, shall allow or permit the same to be left upon any privately owned property or Borough street.

The Public Works Department has the most varied responsibilities of any department in the Borough. It is responsible for the maintenance of buildings, parks, swimming pools, vehicles, traffic controls including signals, street marking, signs and parking meters. Additional responsibilities include snow removal, street sweeping, trash collections, street patching and paving and storm sewer installation and repair.

Building Permits are required to erect, construct, alter, extend, repair of occupy a structure including new buildings, fences, storage sheds, porches or decks and swimming pools.

Special conditions must be met if a building permit is sought for a project within the floodplain.

Demolition Permits are required to remove or demolish a structure or a portion of a structure.

Sign Permits are required to erect a sign in the Borough. Some zoning districts have different sign regulations.

Encumbrance Permits are required if a proposed project will result in the blockage of a sidewalk or public street.

Public Solicitation Licenses are required for door-to-door solicitation or temporary sale of goods or merchandise.

Parking Permits can be purchased for a one-month or a three- month period in certain areas within the Borough.

Building Permits and Inspections required under the Uniform Construction Code – PA Act 45 of 1999:

-new commercial and residential construction

-external additions to existing structures

-changes in use of a structure

-major remodeling

-interior renovations which would require new electrical, plumbing, or mechanical services or installations

-accessory structures in excess of 1,000 sq. ft.

-any construction which involves the addition or removal of interior walls, partitions or parts of walls, or interior or exterior load bearing walls or beams

-any structural changes to a building that will affect the means of egress

-installation of new windows and/or doors

Building/Zoning Permits and Inspections required under the Clarion Borough Zoning Ordinance #03-719:

-any construction which involves the expansion or enlargement of any structure

-new construction of porches and decks

-garages and carports

-sheds and storage buildings

-fences or walls

-demolition of any structure

-erection or alteration of any sign

Ordinary repairs or remodeling such as painting, papering, tiling or carpeting, the replacement of cabinets or fixtures, or the replacement of existing windows, doors, roofing or siding does not require a permit.

Before starting any project, you should contact the Clarion Borough Housing and Zoning Officer at 814-226-7707 or visit the Borough Office to determine if a permit and subsequent inspections are required.

Zoning

The Zoning Code Enforcement Officer is responsible for the issuance of building permits, arranging inspections of construction sites, review of site and construction plans, inspection of rental properties, and enforcement of all building and zoning ordinances. It is recommended that if you are contemplating any improvements or alterations to your home or business, you should contact the Zoning Officer to discuss your plans and determine if any permits or approvals by the Borough are required. We recommend you do this before expending time, effort and money on formal plans or disapproved construction.

Your Home in Clarion Borough
• Obtain building permits for major improvements to your home, and be sure work is inspected and approved.
• A building permit must be obtained and the location approved prior to the construction or erection of fences, accessory buildings, garages, carports, etc.
• Pools must be at least 10 feet from side yards and at least 15 feet from rear of property.
• Trees are not to obstruct sidewalks or obscure streetlights.
• Fences, hedges, trees, shrubs, weeds & vines on corner lots must not be over 3 feet high or obstruct the vision of motorists.
• Care should be taken to avoid driving over the curb, planting strip, and sidewalk causing damage to the right-of-way with a vehicle.
• House numbers must be visible from the street and at least 2 inches in height.
• Weeds and grass are not to exceed a height of six inches. Yards must not be cluttered or littered with rubble, trash, ice boxes, unused furniture, toys, building materials, etc.
• Do not drain swimming pools across a neighbor’s property, water must generally flow into a storm sewer.
• All pools (in ground or aboveground) 24 inches or deeper require a minimum four-foot fence.
• Accessory building are to be at least 15 feet from rear and 10 feet from side lot lines.
• All exposed metal and wood surfaces must be painted or have other protective coatings.
• Unregistered and/or uninspected motor vehicles shall not be parked on any property in a residential district, and said vehicle shall not at any time be in a state of major disassembly, disrepair or shall it be in the process of being stripped or dismantled. A vehicle of any type shall not at any time undergo major overhaul, including body work in a residential district unless such work is performed inside a structure or similarly enclosed area designed and approved for such purposes.

For more information contact the Borough Code Enforcement Officer, Bob Ragon, at 814-226-7729.

For a complete list of zoning regulations click hereand in the word “zoning” in the search area to see where zoning is mentioned in the Clarion Borough Code.

2-10-10 Application for plan examination and building permit

2-10-10 Simple subdivision application

2-10-2010 Zoning Hearing Board Application

2-10-2010 application for Rental Unit License(s)

2-10-2010 Application for Sign Permit

2-10-2010 Application for Use Variance

2-10-2010 Public Solicitation License Application

2-10-2010 Specilal Event Request and Map

2-10-2010 Application for Conditional Use Form

2-10-2010 Banner Request Form

2-10-2010 Demolition permit form

2-10-2010 Parking permit form

Clarion County offers two special recycling collections each year. Tentative dates for 2010 are May 1 and September 18. Items to be collected include white goods, tires, batteries, ink cartridges, cell phones, and greeting cards. For more information, please contact Clarion County Recycling Coordinator Twila Rifenberrick at 814-226-4000 Ext. 2800.

Recycling Schedule

2010 Recreation Scope of Work

2010 Recreation Project Schedule

2010 Recreation Plan

TOBY BOAT LAUNCH

The Borough hosts a public boat launch and dock in the area of 5th Avenue and Fireman’s Road.  No usage fees are charged.  The current dock was donated to Clarion Borough by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission and was rehabilitated by the Borough’s Public Works Department.

The Borough was awarded a grant for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, the purpose of which is to improve signage and parking at the site.  That project is in process and should be completed no later than December, 2011.

 MUNICIPAL POOL

The Borough operates a municipal pool, at 219 Liberty Street.  The property on which the pool is located is leased from Clarion Area School District.  The Clarion County YMCA has been engaged to manage the pool facility.  For a pool schedule and admission charges, please contact the Y at 814-764-3400.

PAUL A. WEAVER COMMUNITY PARK

The Borough owns and operates a community park that is located at 40 Emerson Way.  The park is approximately 15 acres and has been improved with several ball fields, a picnic pavilion and a playground.  The Park is home to Clarion Little League and the Clarion Area School District Varsity and JV baseball and softball teams.

The park facilities are available for public use, provided that they are not being used by any of the above teams.  The pavilion can be reserved and used for no charge, although a refundable security deposit is required to hold the reservation.  Please contact the Borough office at 814-226-7707 ext. 102 for more information.

January 7, 2008 Public Hearing

January 7, 2008 Council Meeting

January 18, 2008 Council Meeting

February 5, 2008 Council Meeting

February 25, 2008 Work Session

March 4, 2008 Council Meeting

March 24, 2008 Work Session

April 1, 2008 Regular Council Meeting

April 21, 2008 Special Council Meeting

May 6, 2008 Public Hearing

May 6, 2008 Regualr Council Meeting

May 19, 2008 Work Session

June 3, 2008 Council Meeting

June 3, 2008 Public Hearing

June 23, 2008 Special Meeting

July 8, 2008 Regular Council Meeting

July 28, 2008 Work Session

August 5, 2008 Regular Council Meeting

September 2, 2008 Regular Council Meeting

September 19, 2008 Special Council Meeting

October 7, 2008 Council Meeting

October 22, 2008 Special Council Meeting

November 4, 2008 Council Meeting

November 17, 2008 Special Council Meeting

November 24, 2008 Special Council Meeting

November 24, 2008 Work Session

December 2, 2008 Council Meeting

December 17, 2008 Spcial Council Meeting

January 6, 2009 Public Hearing

January 6, 2009 Council Meeting

February 3, 2009 Council Meeting

February 23, 2009 Council Meeting

March 3, 2009 CDBG Meeting

March 3, 2009 Council Meeting

March 24, 2009 Council Meeting

April 7, 2009 Council Meeting

April 27, 2009 Council Meeting

May 5, 2009 Council Meeting

May 18, 2009 Council Meeting

June 2, 2009 Council Meeting

June 29, 2009 Council Meeting

June 29, 2009 Public Hearing

July 7, 2009 Council Meeting

July 27, 2009 Council Meeting

August 4, 2009 Council Meeting

September 1, 2009 Council Meeting

September 1, 2009 Booth Public Hearing

September 1, 2009 Legion Public Hearing

September 1, 2009 OI-Eagle Park Public Hearing

October 6, 2009 Council Meeting

November 3, Council Meeting

December 23, 2009 Council Meeting

January 4, 2010 council meeting

February 3, 2010 council meeting

March 2, 2010 council meeting

April 7, 2010 Council Meeting

April 14, 2010 Special Council Meeting

May 4, 2010 Council Meeting

Agenda-June 2010

agenda 7-7-2010

June 2, 2010 Council Meeting

June 11, 2010 Special Council Meeting

Joanne Vavrek
President

Sue Leonard
Vice President

 Ed Hopkins
Council

Earl Zerfoss
Council

J. David Walters
Council

Brenda Sanders Dede
Council

Jason Noto
Council

Andrea Estadt
Mayor

Nancy Freenock

Borough Manager

The Clarion Borough Council holds two council meetings each month.   The Clarion Borough Council meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the Clarion Free Library and at 5 p.m. at the Clarion Borough Office on the third Wednesday of each month on an as-needed basis.

Appointments

Zoning Hearing Board 3-Year Term

David Sentner, 2012

William Sanders, 2010

Joe Brinkley, 2011

The Zoning Hearing Board meets (as needed) on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Clarion Borough Office.

Library Board 3-Year Term

Joanne Vavrek, expires 2011
Tim Seidle, expires 2010

Civil Service Commission 6-Year Term

Bernie Vavrek, expires 2015
Anthony Linnan, expires 2013
Timothy Seidle, expires 2011
Meets 3rd Wednesday of each Month

Police Pension 3-Year Term

Greg Wolf, expires 2012
Barry Sweet, expires 2010
Ex-officio members: Mayor, Borough Manager, Officer Scheckler

General Employee Pension

Joanne Vavrek, Council President
Barry Sweet, 2010
Tom Thompson, Employee
Greg Wolf, 2012

Ex-Officio Member-Borough Manager

Planning Commission 4-Year Term

Ron Perry, expires 2010
Barry Sweet, expires 2010
David Anthony, expires 2013
Hallie Savage, expires 2013
Frank Lignelli, expires 2012
The Clarion Borough Planning Commission meets (as needed) and the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm in the Clarion Borough Office.

The Clarion Area School District Board (Work Session) meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The School Board meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Clarion Elementary Conference Room.