Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

Teri Cannon has been named acting city administrator for the City of Bradford. City council made the appointment during its meeting Tuesday. She replaces city clerk John Peterson, whose resignation will become official on July 29. Also during the meeting council officially did away with the city clerk position, replacing it with city administrator. Also Tuesday council voted to reject all bid submitted for Phase II of the city fire station renovation projection, and agreed that the project could be re-advertised. In another fire department item, council accept of bid of $64,050 from Sutphen to refurbish the city’s tower fire truck. Council authorized the filing of a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program Grant that will be used to extend the Community Parks Trail to Hanley Park. The grant would be for $100,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Agency. Council approved a $10,000 payment to Hennard Construction for repairs to the Pearl Street wall. Hennard’s was the lower of two...

Bradford City Council last night approved on first reading the millage ordinance, which keeps the millage rate at 16 and means no tax increase. Mayor Tom Riel says although he had hoped to be able to lower taxes, keeping the rate steady is quite an accomplishment. City Clerk John Peterson gives much of the credit for the no-tax-increase budget to the department heads being realistic in their requests and keeping a close watch on their budgets during the year. You can listen to the entire meeting here . Among the other topics covered are the demolition of more plighted properties, bid openings for fire station renovations and the 2014 wage ordinance. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Bradford City Clerk John Peterson is retiring after 42 years of service to the city. He was a firefighter before taking the job as city clerk 14 years ago. A date hasn’t been set yet for his retirement, but it will be sometime after the city hires a city manager to take his place. He explained that the hiring of a city manager does not mean the form of city government is changing, but that council can create the position of city manager that will do basically what the city clerk does now. During last night’s meeting, city council OK’d a resolution to advertise for the position. Peterson said a job description will be posted on the city’s website soon. Peterson said the event he remembers most in the past 42 years is the Dresser Home fire in the mid-1980s. He said the fire department got calls for media outlets all over the country including states as far away as California, Texas and Florida. He said the first they the reporters asked was how many fatalities there were. “When ...

Bradford City Council on Tuesday awarded the $1.8 million contract for renovations to the Callahan Park ice rink to Kessel Construction. Councilman Brad Mangel said he is glad the contract went to a local company. The project will paid for with $500,000 in grant money and through the refinancing of a general obligation bond, which council also approved last night. City Clerk John Peterson explained that $1.8 million for the renovation was included in this year’s city budget. Listen to the entire meeting here . The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Property taxes in the City of Bradford will not go up next year. Mayor Tom Riel thanked the city’s department heads and City Clerk John Peterson “who did a tremendous job with the budget this year, resulting in no tax increase two years in a row in a time when most communities in Pennsylvania are seeing double digit tax increases.” “I think that speaks volumes …” Riel added. “I think we’ve turned the city’s finances around. Contrary to what some people think, I think we’re headed in the right direction.” “We’re not there yet,” Riel said, “but this is my seventh year on council and I think this is the most comfortable budget I’ve ever been involved in, and I think John (Peterson) can attest to the same.” Peterson said this was his 13th budget and it was a “refreshing process to be able to go through.” “Our department heads this year have done a tremendous job … not coming in with inflated budgetary figures for council to review,” Peterso...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Bradford City Council has decided the “Band-Aid approach” to making necessary capital improvements isn’t working, so they are taking a new approach. Council approved on first reading Tuesday a bond issue that would go toward a street restoration project, replacement of the floor at the Callahan Ice Rink and improvements to several buildings including the city fire station.* City Clerk John Peterson explained that new borrowing would be $5.025 million, but the ordinance as it reads right now also includes refinancing of the city’s 2008 bonds, which brings the number up to $7.4 million. He said they won’t know until the next meeting whether the refinancing is feasible. “It will depend on the bond market at that time (of the next meeting) if refinancing our 2008 bonds is feasible,” Peterson said. He added that the city is looking at other funding opportunities for the projects listed in the ordinance. He explained, for example, that if they get a ...

You may have heard that the City of Bradford is charging the people putting on the annual Memorial Day parade and program in Bradford $650 this year. That’s simply not true. City Clerk John Peterson says the misinformation has been spreading like wildfire, and he called us this afternoon to clear it up. He says the basic charge for any organization to put on an event is $25. That includes the firefighter's union for their Easter Egg Hunt in Callahan Park and The Downtown Bradford Business District Authority for Lunch in the Square in Veterans Square. Peterson added that an anonymous donor has paid the fee this year for the Memorial Day program. The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

United Way officials report that John Peterson and Greta Billings will be honored at a luncheon to recognize their service to the Bradford community and support of United Way. “Both John and Greta consistently go above and beyond for United Way. Their community service efforts to the Bradford community are outstanding,” stated Executive Director Megan Minich. Peterson will be receiving the Red Feather Award, which was implemented to honor outstanding individuals and/or groups who have made an impact on United Way, and the community as a whole, through their day-to-day selfless attitude and commitment to exemplify the organization’s mission of community building and enhancing the quality of life in the Bradford area. Peterson, City Clerk & Administrative Assistant to City Council for the City of Bradford, has been a long standing supporter of United Way. Peterson served on United Way’s Board of Directors from June 2001 through September 2011, serving as President of the org...

Scarnati Re-Elected President Pro Tem Rhett Kennedy was sworn in as the newest member of Bradford City Council this morning. Tom Riel was also sworn in for his second term as mayor. Karen Hector was sworn in for her second term as city treasurer. The Board of Health also had a brief meeting, electing Kennedy president of the board. Kennedy will oversee public safety (fire and police) and code enforcement for the city. He replaces Ross Neidich, who did not run for re-election. And in Harrisburg, Joe Scarnati has been re-elected by his colleagues as Senate President Pro Tempore. Pictured, City Clerk John Peterson (far right) administers the oath of office to Hector, Kennedy and Riel (standing) as city solicitor Mark Hollenbeck and councilman Rick Benton and Jim Evans look on . Photo by Ron Orris The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Dina DeSantis has been selected as the Community Relations Specialist for the United Way of the Bradford area, according to John Peterson, president of the United Way’s board of directors. “The Board of Directors is excited to welcome Dina to the United Way organization,” says John Peterson, Board President. “Her qualifications, education and commitment to the area will be an asset to the organization as we move into the 2011 LIVE UNITED campaign.” The United Way of the Bradford Area is a non-profit organization with the mission of raising and distributing funds for the purpose of community building and enhancing the quality of life in the greater Bradford area. “I am honored to have been selected to serve the United Way and the Bradford community in this capacity,” says DeSantis. “The United Way is vital to enhancing the well-being of the Bradford community.” DeSantis will manage external communications, fundraising, community involvement as well as volunteer management for the United...

Megan R. Minich has been named Executive Director for the United Way of the Bradford Area, according to John Peterson, president of the United Way board of directors. The announcement was made on Wednesday June 8, 2011. “The Personnel Committee, as well the members of the Executive Board, have spent the past several weeks in performing a search, conducting interviews, and ultimately arriving at this decision regarding the new Executive Director. Megan’s job performance in her previous role as Community Relations and Marketing Specialist has been outstanding, and she has fully lived up to the Board of Director’s expectations in her performance of duties and responsibilities that accompanied that position,” states Peterson. “The Board has full confidence in Megan’s ability to lead the United Way of the Bradford Area, hopefully for many years to come.” The United Way of the Bradford Area is a non-profit organization with the mission of raising and distributing funds for the purpose of co...

Although a couple members of the Board of Health would prefer that the city health license of Marsh’s Bar be suspended immediately, the board voted to give the owner 14 days to remedy the 32 violations found in inspections done last week. “This property is a disgrace,” said board member Jim Evans. “It’s one of Bradford’s worst.” Referring to pictures that were taken by inspectors Mike Cleveland and Mark Grassi, Evans said, “What’s going on inside mirrors what’s on the outside.” He asked why the license couldn’t be revoked immediately because the owner has had every opportunity to bring it up to code in the past. Letters were sent to Ken Marsh in April and also in August of last year in reference to code violations. The city’s special counsel Greg Henry said he “would much rather take action immediately than have any sort of delay. There’s no question about that. On the other hand we need to do this in a way that will survive any legal attack upon us.” “This deals with this individual’s...

Will Continue to Volunteer for the Organization United Way executive director Kelly Case is resigning effective in June. Case has been associated with the organization since 1991, when she was Ms. United Way. She has also served as campaign chair and vice chair, board member and board president. Case is also a past recipient of the United Way’s Red Feather Award. “Being involved with the United Way, both as a volunteer and as an employee, has been a major factor in my life and has granted me with treasured memories,” Case said in prepared statement. The friendships, experiences and knowledge I have gained will remain with me forever. I have been involved for over 17 years and that will certainly not end with this change.” “I look forward to being a volunteer for many years to come,” Case continued. “My sincere congratulations and thank you goes out to the Bradford area for supporting the United Way for over 85 years. A huge thank you goes to all the people I have worked with, the agenc...

George B. Duke, owner of Zippo Manufacturing Co. and a generous benefactor at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, will receive the university’s highest honor at this year’s commencement ceremony. Duke will receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction from Dr. Livingston Alexander, president, at the commencement exercises, which will be held at 2 p.m. May 1, in the KOA Arena of the Sport and Fitness Center. “Presenting the medal to George Duke is an honor I look forward to with much anticipation,” Alexander said. “His generosity is legendary, and we at Pitt-Bradford are fortunate to have been the beneficiary of his philanthropy on numerous occasions. This is yet another opportunity to both say ‘thank you’ and place the spotlight on his generosity.” Duke said, “I am very honored to receive the Presidential Medal of Distinction from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. To follow in the footsteps of the past recipients of this eno...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Last month Bradford City Council was looking at 4.5 millage rate and a hefty tax increase. Tuesday, they learned the rate has been cut by more than half and they’re not finished cutting yet. Earlier in the afternoon it had been cut to 2.58 but City Clerk John Peterson said that thanks to a diligent insurance agent and the efforts of the city’s employee safety committees, another $60,000 was cut out of the budget, bringing the millage rate to 2.21. Peterson commended Sundahl Insurance and Fred Hilzinger for finding a better rate than the city had been getting for their workman’s compensation insurance. It been $213,959 and is now $151,911 for a rate reduction of 29 percent. He thanked Hilzinger for “going the extra mile for the City of Bradford.” Peterson added that city employees deserve a round of applause because the reduction can be directly attributed to the safety committee, headed by former Councilman Bob Onuffer, who brought safety issues...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director The Bradford Zoning Hearing Board on Tuesday granted variances to two businesses, which could mean a pick-me-up for the local economy. The first variance will allow Bradford Fairway Sales & Leasing to build an auto showroom for its Ford Lincoln Mercury and Chrysler Dodge Jeep business at 215 Euclid Avenue. The current car lot there will remain, and the building will be added onto it. Ben Shearman, general manager of Bradford Fairway Sales & Leasing, explained that the current building on East Main Street “can’t support the needs of two additional franchises.” Board member Jeff Carson said he had concerns about traffic because that’s “a rotten intersection,” but Shearman said he doesn’t anticipate a huge or significant increase in traffic. “The nerve center of the whole unit in its totality will still be operating” from the East Main Street location. He said he anticipates at least another 40 vehicles being sold per month, and 35 percent ...

The section of Kennedy Street from Boylston Street to Main Street will officially become one-way at 8 a.m. on Monday, November 8, according to a news release from City Clerk John Peterson. Traffic will flow toward Main Street. Two-hour meters have been installed on the west side of Kennedy Street. The east side of the street has 30-minute meters, which will remain.

By ANNE HOLLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director Get ready for another traffic change in downtown Bradford. An ordinance to make Kennedy Street one-way from Boylston Street to Main Street was approved on first reading by city council Tuesday night. Traffic would flow toward Main Street. Mayor Tom Riel explained that a parking space would be removed from Main Street so people turning onto Main from Kennedy would have a better view. Also, council approved on first reading an ordinance that would allow parking on both side of Kennedy Street from Boylston to Main. The measures are in response to concerns from Kennedy Street business owners. If approved on second reading, both ordinances would go into effect on October 4. Councilman Rick Benton voted against the proposed ordinances because of the “terrible sight problem.” “I hope one parking space will take care of it,” he said. Also Tuesday, council agreed to execute an agreement with Rudy Gobin to buy 19-23 Pine Street for $50,000, pending appro...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director While the City of Bradford’s financial picture isn’t bright, budget figures are right where they’re expected to be through April. During Tuesday’s council meeting, city clerk John Peterson said that, as of the end of April, “Revenues are tracking on pace and our expenditures may actually be a little under what is budgeted currently for most line items.” “It’s a little early to process right now,” Peterson said, “but we haven’t had anything alarming show up in wage tax figures or anything else that would make us say ‘Oh my God, it’s the end of the world.’ We got the big shock last year with timber, and we adjusted the budget accordingly this year based on the best projected revenue we could.” On June 16 of last year, during a mid-year budget review city council work session department heads learned that timber revenues would be anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000 less than projections. Also last year, about 800 people were out of work, meaning wag...

By ANNE HOLLIDAY WESB/WBRR News Director A couple of Bradford residents told City Council Tuesday night that they think the code enforcement officers are working hard, but also think more could be done. Vista Circle resident Brad Mangel said in the last 11 years they "did quite a bit" and that any problems with the officers don't need to be confrontational. He did say, however, that the program "obviously does need to be fixed." He added that he wholeheartedly agrees with Mayor Tom Riel's position that something needs to be done about blight. Mangel said he's also concerned about fines and enforcement, especially concerning landlords, nothing that they're getting an income from the tenants that should be put back into the buildings. But, he said, they know how to play the system and are aware of what they can get away with. Cole Avenue resident Jeff Bartholomew is also concerned about blight, and wondered what's being done to go after landlords w...