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LOCK HAVEN -- With continued changes and adjustments coming out of public meetings since June, Lock Haven City Council has taken its complete revamp of its Zoning and Subdivisions and Land Development (SALDO) ordinances back to first reading.
At its meeting this week, council unanimously moved forward to approve the proposed ordinances, which saw an overhaul since work began in 2025.
"We stepped back from what we already put out there and we're redoing the process," Mayor Joel Long said when introducing the agenda item on Monday night.
City Planner Abbey Kling said the updated versions of both ordinances being presented have gone through a lengthy public comment window since June 16. She added there were public hearings in July and August while council worked to review the proposals prior to possible adoption.
Kling said there was a large gap between the first reading of the proposed ordinances and the second, leading to returning to first reading.
"The ordinances presented tonight will be the ones accepting public comment until the second reading," she said. Copies of the ordinance are available at city hall and on the city's website, www.lockhavenpa.gov.
Kling told council the ordinances will be considered for second reading and possible adoption on Oct. 19 at its regular meeting.
"Before that meeting there will be a public hearing at 6 p.m. and we will hear further comments on these ordinances," she said.
Kling said city staff and Michael Baker International, which was contracted to assist in the update process, were thankful for the public feedback offered since the process first began in early 2025.
"We know this is a big deal so we're happy for the back and forth and getting these ordinances to where they are currently," she said.
Long noted there have been considerable changes to the proposed ordinances since it first came to council in June.
Kling said there were "substantial changes" since July 20, noting it was about 15 pages worth of updates. She added going back to first reading makes it easier for the public hearing and review of the most updated proposals.
"We all want to be done and move on, but taking a step back is the right thing to do here so we can make sure we're doing this the best way we possibly can," Long said.
In other business council:
-- Approved a resolution to apply for 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. In conjunction with this resolution, and to meet Department of Economic Development (DCED) requirements, it also approved a Fair Housing resolution and Section 504 Resolution. It also entered into a Professional Services Agreement with SEDA-COG for administering the program.
-- Appointed Jacqueline Conklin and Rachael Schall to the Annie Halenbake Ross Library Board of Trustees.
-- Approved a use-request for Triangle Park by Roads to Peace.
-- Approved a use-request for Triangle Park by Clinton County Democratic Committee.