City Council explores designated outdoor refreshment area and cost-sharing for dam improvements

The Lock Haven City Council meeting on April 18, 2022, focused on two significant topics: the potential establishment of a designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA) and a proposed cost-sharing agreement for water filtration improvements.

City staff provided an update on the DORA request, initially raised by former council member Alexander de Costanza. The concept was likened to the Lock Haven Jams Festival, which operates as a DORA for a single event. The city solicitor confirmed that implementing a DORA for specific events is feasible, should the council choose to pursue it. No formal request for a DORA was made during the meeting, but the council was informed of its potential for future events.

The second major topic involved a proposed framework for a cost-sharing agreement related to dam improvement projects. The city engineer presented a document outlining how costs would be allocated between Lock Haven and suburban customers based on their water usage. Currently, Lock Haven accounts for approximately 55% of the total flow, while suburban areas account for about 45%. The agreement, which has been in place since 1993, is set to be updated to reflect current needs and ensure that both parties contribute fairly to the costs associated with water supply improvements.

The council discussed the importance of drafting this updated agreement, emphasizing the need for collaboration and transparency in the process. A motion was made and seconded to move forward with drafting the cost-sharing agreement, which will be reviewed by the solicitors of both the Clinton County Water Filtration Authority and the city before returning to the council for endorsement.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to exploring new initiatives for community engagement and ensuring equitable resource management for water services.