Borough receives $212,000 Greenways grant

(1/22) At the Borough Council’s first business meeting of the year, Hazlett announced the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development awarded the borough a $212,000 Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program grant to construct a 4,750 linear-foot looping trail. The project site is between Deer Trail to the north, Fairfield Road to the east, Skylark Trail to the south, and Veronica Trail to the west.

Hazlett said the trail will complement existing recreational facilities, including Carroll Commons, Ranch Trail Commons, Lake Kay Mini-Park, Ski Liberty, and three lakes open to the public for passive recreation and fishing.

Hazlett thanked Rep. Dan Moul, R-91, for his support of the borough’s application. He stressed the project’s goal is to increase public access to a "beautiful area." A sketch plan for the trail shows a small parking lot on Skylark Trail and two stream crossings.

"This should be minimal effect environmentally," he said.

"On behalf of the borough, we would like to thank Rep. Moul for his support of this important community project. It furthers the borough’s desire to preserve the land around the tributary while providing additional recreational space for the residents – something we know has always been important to the community." Carroll Valley Borough Council President Richard Mathews said.

Hazlett invites citizens who wish to offer input into the trail’s construction to email him at manager@carrollvalley.org.

The trail is one of two major recreation projects the borough plans to begin in 2024. The council unanimously appointed a nine-person committee to recommend plans for a 50-acre borough-owned lot along Route 16, near Frontier Bar BQ. James Detwiler, David Drees, Jessica Kraft, Rob Meier, Jesse Phillips, Tom Pottiger, Theodore Sayres, Christopher Warden, and Heather Wight were named to the committee. Hazlett said 21 people applied for the nine openings. He will ask the other 12 to consider serving on the trail committee.

Hazlett said previously possibilities for the lot are endless. He added the Fairfield area is in dire need of an indoor recreation facility that serves people of all ages.

Police Update

Hazlett was not the only borough official to share good news with council. Police Chief Cliff Weikert announced he is seeing some reprieve from longtime staffing struggles.

At Weikert’s recommendation, the Council unanimously approved Officer Jonathan Anderson’s hiring. Anderson graduated from the police academy in November and is moving to the area from Williamsport. He will be paid $70,000 annually with a $5,000 pay increase the first two years of employment. Additionally, he will receive a $5,000 signing bonus to cover relocation costs.

Weikert also told the Council Officer Seth Anderson successfully completed his one-year probation period. Weikert and council members commended Anderson for his professionalism.