MARCH 17, 2010

                                                                WAYNESBORO, PA 17268

                                                                PUBLIC HEARING RE: 2010 CDBG PROGRAM

Council President Craig Newcomer called the public hearing to order at 7:15 p.m. with the following in attendance:

Borough Council Members – Benjamin Greenawalt, Jason Stains, C. Harold Mumma, Craig Newcomer, Wayne Driscoll and Ronald Martin

          Mayor Richard Starliper

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

                     Denny Benshoff, Maintenance Superintendent

                     Dan Sheffler, Zoning-Code Enforcement Officer

                     Kevin Grubbs, Head of Engineering Services

                     Melissa Dively, Borough Solicitor (Salzmann Hughes, PC)

                     Dave Martin, Fire Chief

                     Mark King, Police Chief

Mr. Newcomer noted that the purpose of the hearing was to provide an opportunity for citizens to comment on proposed uses for the Fiscal Year 2010 State Community Development Block Grant Program funds and on the prior use of such funds.

Erik Jenga (a representative of Mullin and Lonergan Associates, the Borough’s CDBG consultants) was present to explain the program and answer any questions. He began by stating that this is one (1) of two (2) required public hearings for the CDBG program, a program provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. The Borough’s 2010 allocation will be approximately $161,000, but the application deadline has not yet been established.

CDBG funds are designed to meet one (1) of three (3) criteria – eliminate slum and blight, address the needs of low/moderate income individuals, and emergency purposes. In the past, the Borough of Waynesboro has utilized the funds to benefit low/moderate income individuals and to address slum and blight in the downtown section of the Borough.

Responding to a question from the public on the matter, Mr. Jenga explained that slum and blight are defined by the State; and projects addressing these purposes must meet seven (7) criteria thereby established. He explained the process required in the past when the Borough’s downtown area was designated as slum and blight. A re-development plan was submitted; and accordingly, slum and blight conditions can only be addressed in the downtown area.

Questions/comments regarding funding for this year’s program were requested.

Councilman Martin voiced his opinion that the priority for this year’s allocation of $161,000 should be “streets only” for safety reasons, as they took quite “a beating” this winter. Mr. Hamberger stated that the Borough has historically used most of the CDBG funds to do street work, and the second ward has already qualified as low/moderate income. Erik Jenga added that streets within the downtown area designated for re-development may also be eligible. He and Mr. Hamberger will review and discuss the matter further and report back to Council.

Hearing no further comments, the hearing was closed at 7:24 p.m. President Newcomer added that Council members will adjourn to executive session immediately following the hearing, and will commence the regular meeting thereafter.

                                                                Respectfully Submitted,

                                                                Melinda S. Knott

                                                                Administrative Assistant