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RENOVO -- The Renovo Police Department was often the subject throughout last week's Renovo council meeting as changes have already taken place and will likely continue.
Council did confirm that Corporal Mike Jefferies as been on paid administrative leave since March 12, but understandably cannot make any further comment as the process plays out. Jefferies had been the only officer of the RPD off and on for several years until Renovo recently hired Chief of Police Richard Simpson on March 1.
Mayor Tom Tarantella Jr. first addressed the police situation during his mayor's report to council via Zoom. Referencing the pipeline that is being put in western Clinton County, Tarantella noted the many out of town employees will be here throughout the summer and employees and traffic will only increase. The mayor is not comfortable with just one officer in the borough and would like to see as many as four officers hired.
Renovo currently has advertised police positions on Career Link and the borough website.
Following an executive session, council did agree to bring Officer Victor Foley back onto the department as part time receiving up to 35 hours a week. Foley has most recently served the borough as an ordinance officer.
Chapman Township Secretary Beth Whitty was at the meeting seeking reassurance that if Chapman Township proceeds in allowing ATV's on township roads that the Renovo Police would still be able to help patrol Chapman Township, particularly with ATV traffic. Whitty spoke prior to the executive session and the subsequent hiring of Foley.
Chief Simpson did refer to policing ATV's as a "tricky situation" but overall noted that there has not been a loss of coverage while it's just been him representing the department.
Former Renovo resident Aaron Kelley spoke over video conferencing seeking council's approval across the board on his "Summer Nights" project at a proposed site on the 600 block of Erie Avenue.
Kelley wants to open a pop-up style beer garden that he hopes the entire community can have a chance to benefit from.
"It's a place to enjoy craft beer and food with family and friends" Kelley explained, "with a relaxing, casual atmosphere with live music and board games."
The Visit Renovo LLC said the beer garden could become a vessel to attract tourism and improve the local economy.
The pitch given was that the outdoor site would be open Thursday through Saturday beginning June 3 and running through Sept. 25. The Broken Axe Brew House of Lock Haven would be the primary caterer but beyond that is where Kelley feels there is plenty of opportunity for Renovo area groups could take advantage of.
Any non-profit group offering their services would not be charged to take advantage of the gathered crowd. An example would be if a non-profit would want to serve food some night as a fundraiser, they would be more than welcomed to get on the schedule for a certain night and be the sole food provider. Likewise local musicians would be sought after, while noting only establishments with "off premises catering licenses" would be able to offer alcohol.
Kelley said with enough support a couple of people would be hired as part-time, seasonal employees.