FEBRUARY 21, 2007

                                                                WAYNESBORO, PA 17268

                                                                PUBLIC HEARING RE: 2007 STATE                                                                      COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT                                                                 PROGRAM

Council President Richard George called the public hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. with the following in attendance:

Borough Council Members – Allen Porter, Craig Newcomer, Richard George, Charles McCammon and Allen Berry (Jason Stains was absent)

          Mayor Richard Starliper

          Borough Staff – Lloyd R. Hamberger, II, Borough Manager

                     Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent

                     Ray Shultz, Police Chief

                     Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services

          Others – Erik Jenga (Mullin and Lonergan Associates, Inc.)

Mr. George noted that the purpose of the hearing was to provide an opportunity for citizens to comment on proposed uses for the Fiscal Year 2007 State Community Development Block Grant Program funds and on the prior use of such funds.

Mr. Jenga explained that this public hearing is the first of two required hearings for the CDBG program. CDBG funds are provided through the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. The funds can be utilized to address three (3) primary goals – low/moderate income individuals or areas, blight issues, or emergency uses.

He explained that this year’s funding is expected to be 1% below last year’s. The application deadline was recently postponed until May 4^th. The Borough of Waynesboro previously used CDBG funds for facade improvements, street resurfacing, downtown handicapped curb cuts, etc.

The purpose of this hearing was to obtain input from the community, answer questions, and address any concerns regarding the use of such funds. Handouts were provided to Council and those from the public who were interested. (A copy of the handout is attached hereto and made a part of these minutes.)

Public comments were then requested.

Frank Bittner, 842 Anthony Avenue - Mr. Bittner questioned the definition of “blight” with regard to this program. Mr. Jenga explained that there are seven (7) criteria utilized by HUD to define blight, and a project must meet one of those seven items in order to qualify as eligible. He mentioned several – poor or inadequate layout of area, quality of buildings or lots within the area, safety concerns, etc. – adding that a complete list is published on HUD’s web site (he will also provide a copy of those to Mr. Hamberger for public information).

Mr. Hamberger noted that Waynesboro’s downtown area was designated as “blighted” several years ago; and accordingly, $50,000/year of CDBG monies can be utilized for downtown redevelopment. Mr. Jenga stated that the designation was due to blind corners, narrow streets, structures in need of maintenance, etc.

Harry Morningstar, Jr., 205 Clayton Avenue - Mr. Morningstar asked if CDBG funds could be used for downtown fixtures (such as trash cans). Mr. Jenga replied affirmatively, adding that they could also be used for lights, signs, street scaping, etc.

There being no further questions or comments from the public, the hearing was closed at 7:06 p.m.

                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                Melinda S. Knott

                                                                Administrative Assistant