Bradford City Council appointed a new full-time police officer at Tuesday evening’s regular meeting.
They gave approval for Dakota Eaton to be a full-time probationary police officer, effective Monday. Eaton is filling a vacant position.
Council made a second appointment, too: Todd Hennard was appointed to fill a five-year term on the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority. The term ends in January 2025.
Mayor James McDonald shared two items with attendees.
First, he reminded people to fill out the 2020 census survey, noting that, as of last week, only 57.4% of city residents had completed the form. They can take part by visiting www.census.gov or calling 1-844-330-2020.
“The importance of the census can’t be overstated,” said McDonald, who explained the information helps direct funding to the area for services such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and more.
He added that people who do not fill out the survey on their own will likely get a visit from a census worker at their homes.
The mayor also read a long list of city employees who had perfect attendance for the first six months of the year. Each will receive a bonus day off.
Councilman Brad Mangel reminded people about the county’s electronic/hazardous waste collection happening Aug. 22 at Otto-Eldred Jr./Sr. High School, Duke Center. Residents must register with the McKean County Conservation District to take part.
Council answered questions from two residents.
Main Street resident Barbara Laxon attended for at least a second time to see if the city could put a garbage can on her block, as she said it’s the only block on Main Street that does not have a garbage can.
Sara Andrews, executive director of the local Office of Economic and Community Development, agreed to order an extra garbage can when she placed orders for Phase II of the Main Street streetscape project.
Also, resident Gordon Howell said he just got a letter informing him that the cable rates are going up, and he wondered what kind of contract the city has with the cable company.
City Administrator Chris Lucco explained the city has a 10-year cable franchise agreement that gives rights to the company to provide cable. The agreement does not control pricing.
Lucco does not know when this agreement will expire, but he noted that other cable companies have not expressed interest in serving Bradford.
Council issued three certificates of appropriateness based on recommendations by the Historical Architectural Board of Review. HARB met on July 20.
One certificate of appropriateness will go to Robert Costello, representing Emery Towers Associates/Crossgate Management Inc., owner of 2 South Ave. The 91-year-old “pigeon ledge” — a decorative stone band with a ledge — will be grinded off the building due to deterioration.
Hennard, owner of 10 and 12 Chestnut St., will receive two certificates of appropriateness. At both addresses, Hennard will restore the fire-damaged storefront, replace windows and install a new door. The faces of both buildings will be painted “Wicker” with “Russet Red” trim and “Montana Suede” on the lower part of the buildings.
Council authorized the execution of a lease agreement with EW Bisett & Son Inc./Bisett Building Center for land use at the Department of Public Works complex on Holley Avenue.
