By SAMANTHA BEAL
For the Clarion News
Although it is unlikely a developer would attempt to locate a mini-casino in Clarion Borough, borough council Dec. 5 opted not to wager on the possibility and banned such businesses within the town.
When the state legislature and Gov. Tom Wolf finally agreed to a revenue plan for a budget they had already passed months before, the package included an expansion of casinos.
The expanded gambling legislation also allowed local municipalities to ban mini-casinos from within their borders.
However, local municipalities had to approve a banning resolution before Dec. 31. The bans can be rescinded later, but if a municipality does not ban mini-casinos by Dec. 31, they are prohibited from doing so later.
The discussion to approve or reject the resolution dominated council’s monthly meeting.
Borough resident Cindy Miller of Greenville Avenue voiced her concern for any casino built in the borough.
“I just want to say I’m not for it,” she said. “I know people say, Anything to save your town.’ But we don’t want it saved this way.”
Councilmember Jason Noto explained what voting on the resolution meant. Resolution 2017-411 pertains to “prohibiting” a casino, voting in favor of it means upholding standing borough ordinances. Voting against the resolution allows for the possibility of building a casino.
In effect, council members needed to vote “no” to vote “yes” for a casino.
Banning mini-casinos would provide the borough some negotiation leverage should a developer approach the borough about lifting the ban. Clarion Borough also has zoning ordinances which would regulate the location and operation of a casino.
Noto explained his intent to vote in favor of the resolution. “If we don’t say (yes) now, we don’t have the choice (later),” he said.
Councilmember Earl Zerfoss asked for clarification of the resolution, stating, “I want to vote the right way, because I’d like to see (a casino) here.”
Noto replied he stood by his vote: “I say we keep our opportunities open.”
He went on to explain approving the resolution meant no gambling could take place in Clarion Borough for the time being. If the resolution was rejected, Noto said council would have no control over the development of future gambling establishments.
Councilmember Ben Aaron countered, “This isn’t about gambling, this is about Category 4 Casinos.”
Councilmember Brenda Dede, standing in for council president Carol Lapinto, called for a vote.
The motion came down to a 3-3 count. Council members Rachel Roberts, Dede and Noto voted in favor of the resolution, while Zerfoss, Aaron and Keaton MacBeth voted “no.”
Clarion Mayor Dan Parker was called on to break the tie. Parker’s “yes” allowed the resolution to be passed.
Dede added she expected further discussion on the subject in future meetings.
Police business
Other discussions included a report by Clarion Police Chief William H. Peck IV on the armed robbery of a borough convenient store in November.
Peck recounted the circumstances and applauded Clarion Borough Police Officer Evan Maxwell’s efforts in apprehending the suspect and retrieving several hundred dollars in cash.
“I think Officer Maxwell deserves a full pat on the back for (his) observation skills,” the chief said.
MacBeth was also recognized for his contributions as a member of the borough’s public safety committee.
MacBeth, who was instrumental in negotiating a contract with Clarion police, will be leaving his position after two years of borough service.
“His work has been appreciated greatly,” added Aaron.
Dede also addressed MacBeth’s dedication and thanked him for his work.
Aaron and Peck concluded the public safety report by addressing concerns raised by Cindy Miller at the Nov. 7 meeting.
Miller brought attention to “jake braking” and loud driving on Greenville Avenue.
Aaron confirmed the issue falls under borough noise ordinances. At this time, he is working with public safety to establish warning signs and contact local businesses that add to Greenville’s semi-truck traffic.
Other municipalities have found “jake-brake” ordinances difficult to enforce as the noise produced by the engine-retarding system is considered a safety device.