Borough of State College 2010 Annual Report

Borough of State College
2010 Annual Report
MAY 2011
Message from the Mayor: The Borough of State College is a
town bustling with activity and purpose. With a population of 42,000
residents, we are the most populous Borough and the 13th most
populous municipality in Pennsylvania. Incorporated in 1896, State
College adopted a Home Rule charter in 1976 under which it now
operates.
The historic town of State College is also a town of new ideas and
change. Known for its hospitality and historic, friendly
neighborhoods, State College builds community from its growing
diversity. The Borough is ranked at the top of university towns for
quality of life and safety.
Downtown State College has a vibrancy that beckons students and
non-students alike, international visitors, football fans and visiting
scholars, offering live theatre, music, nightclubs as well as a variety of
shops and restaurants.
More than 70% of our town‘s residents are Penn State students,
many of whom make important contributions to the community. For
example 35% of our all-volunteer Alpha Fire company firefighters are
Penn State students. Town-gown relations are among the best in the
nation, as we work together on issues of common concern ranging
from dangerous drinking to land use.
State College is proud to be green. State College Borough Council
adopted a Climate Protection Resolution with defined goals to
increase sustainability. Within a land area of five square miles, the
Borough has more than 10,000 trees along forty miles of streets and
alleys. The Arbor Day Foundation has proclaimed us a ―Tree City
USA‖ each year for the past 27 years.
The Borough supports open and responsive local government, as
exemplified in this Annual
Report. We are proud of
those who volunteer on
our Borough Council,
Authorities, Boards, and
Commissions, as well as
our dedicated employees
who serve and protect
residents and visitors.
Elizabeth A. Goreham,
Mayor
Inside this issue:
Council President
2
Neighborhoods
3
Public Spaces and
Infrastructure
5
Authorities, Boards and
Commissions
8
Partnerships
10
Sustainability
12
Commercial
Revitalization
13
Budgeting, Spending and
Performance
14
National Citizens’ Survey
15
Upcoming Events
16
2010 Annual Report
Page 2
From Your Council President
2010 was a busy year for the Borough of State College. Council, staff, and numerous
community volunteers worked together to keep State College the attractive, safe,
prosperous, and well-served community that citizens have come to expect and appreciate.
Of special note, as the result of an intensive strategic planning process, neighborhood
sustainability was identified as the premier goal as we move forward. In response, the
Borough developed several new programs focusing on neighborhood sustainability and
quality of life. Another worthwhile initiative was the addition of a student representative to
Borough Council. These are but a few of the initiatives that moved the Borough forward in
2010. You will be able to read about these and others in this report.
Staff continued to provide a high level of public services in an efficient and cost effective
manner. Through careful planning and management, this was accomplished without the
need for an increase in either the earned income tax or Borough property tax.
There were, of course, disappointments. The Fraser Centre development, so important for
the future vitality of the downtown, was delayed because of the recession, but there is the
expectation that the developer will be able to start construction during 2011. Nor did the
long discussed West End rezoning come to fruition, though the delay was largely the result
of questions raised by citizens as part of a robust discussion of the merits of the proposed zoning changes. Whatever
the outcome of the debate, the project will have been well served by the engagement of the community in the
deliberative process.
Ronald L. Filippelli
Council President
The structural problems that confront State College remain. Nearly half of Borough property is tax-exempt; twothirds of our citizens are students, simultaneously limiting our tax base while requiring the provisions of all Borough
services. There are no simple answers to these problems. Enhanced cooperation with Penn State occurred and must
continue. Another response is regionalization, and the Borough continues to play an active role in the Centre Region
Council of Governments. We also continue to lobby, along with other members of the Pennsylvania League of Cities
and Municipalities, for greater revenue diversity at the local level, including a ‗poured drink tax‘ and increased fines for
behavior that negatively affects the quality of life in our community.
In sum, State College continued to be a pleasant, stimulating, and diverse place to live and work. That would not have
been possible without the help of our citizens, both those who give their time and talent to advise Council as members
of our Authorities, Boards, and Commissions, and those who participate in the debates that establish the policies that
sustain our wonderful community. On behalf of Borough Council, I thank you.
Documentary Tells Local Woman’s Story of Domestic Violence
―No one wants anymore lives lost in this fight against domestic violence.‖ says
Deirdri Fishel in the documentary, ―Telling Amy‘s Story.‖ Fishel, a State College
Police Detective, along with Law and Order: SVU actress and advocate Mariska
Hargitay recount the days, weeks, and months leading up to a domestic violence
homicide case that occurred in State College in 2001. With funding from the
Verizon Foundation, the Penn State Public Broadcasting System produced and
distributed the film across the country. The intent of this project is that the
personal story of the victim‘s parents and co-workers, law enforcement officers
and court personnel would spark a dialogue about domestic violence and change
the outcome for the millions of victims, survivors, and loved ones affected
everyday by domestic violence.
Detective Deirdri Fishel
2010 Annual Report
Page 3
Neighborhoods
State College is One of the Safest Places to Live!
Once again, State College ranks as one of the top three safest
metropolitan areas in America out of 347 areas surveyed annually.
Rankings are determined using criteria on crime rates taken from the FBI‘s
Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Six categories are examined—
murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and motor vehicle
theft. These metrics are applied to all metropolitan areas and then ranked
to determine the ―safest‖ places to live. Additionally, 84% of the residents
completing the 2010 National Citizen Survey said they felt very safe from
violent crimes in their neighborhoods, which is significantly higher than the
national norm.
Our Goal:
Maintain Safe, Stable,
Attractive Neighborhoods
LION Walk 2010
Community in Action
Chart Source: National Citizen Survey 2010.
State College Ranked Second Among Best College Towns
The State College area is second only to Ithaca, NY
in a national ranking of seventy-five college towns
by the American Institute for Economic Research.
AIER‘s rankings are based on data collected in
twelve categories including cost of living, income,
options for art and entertainment, city accessibility,
unemployment rates, and entrepreneurial activity.
State College received a high rating for ―creative
class‖, the percentage of residents who work in
fields such as arts, education, and science and
engineering. However, State College received a
low ranking in ―brain gain or drain‖ reinforcing the
importance of efforts made by Borough officials to develop incentives
which promote a diverse, well-educated workforce.
The third annual Living in One
Neighborhood—LION Walk—took
place on August 31, 2010. The
neighborhood welcoming event jointly
sponsored by State College Borough,
Penn State University‘s Division of
Student Affairs, and Off-Campus
Student Union saw over 90
participants from various student
groups, Penn State staff, police officers,
and Borough staff take to the streets
to welcome student and non-student
residents to the community. Areas
visited this year included portions of
the Highlands, Holmes-Foster, College
West, and College Heights
neighborhoods. The response from
both participants and residents visited
was extremely positive. Post-event
feedback shows a great community
interest in expanding the LION walk
and other forms of interaction
between students and residents.
2010 Annual Report
Page 4
Neighborhoods
RDA Begins Affordable Housing Project
Neighborhood Initiatives
The Redevelopment Authority (RDA) partnered with the
Temporary Housing Foundation, Inc. (THF) to purchase a
nine unit apartment building on Kemmerer Road as an
affordable housing project. The RDA holds the mortgage for
the property which will be satisfied using funds repaid from
other affordable housing projects and rental income from
the property. THF is the owner and is overseeing
management of the units. Already, 4 of the 5 units
designated as affordable housing are occupied by qualified
residents, including two families with children. The four
remaining units will be rented at market rates to help pay
the mortgage.
In August, 2010, Mayor Goreham and Council
President Ron Filippelli convened a meeting with
Neighborhood Association Leaders in State
College. This was an opportunity for neighborhood
association leaders or their representatives to meet
with the Mayor, President of Council, and Borough
staff to start a dialogue with neighborhood leaders
around issues and programs to improve the quality of
life in the neighborhoods. The Manager, Chief of
Police and Planning Director also participated in the
meeting to discuss various programs and initiatives
that the Borough is working on to address problems
and concerns voiced by the community. More
importantly, this was an opportunity to share
information between the Borough and the
neighborhood associations so we can all work closely
together to make certain we have more livable,
sustainable neighborhoods in State College.
Continuing to Strengthen Neighborhood Relationships
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Neighborhood Enforcement & Alcohol Team (NEAT): Piloted in 2010, two police officers patrol the Highlands
neighborhood on foot every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.
Pre-Party Contacts: Continuing a program that began in 2008,
police officers provide information on how to host a
responsible party.
F8: A program that began in 2007 that addresses issues that
arise in neighborhoods near campus as students return to town
for the fall semester.
Problem Properties/Rental Housing Permit Suspensions: Violations
are assigned a point value and when 10 points accumulate at a
rental property, a permit suspension process is initiated.
Community Resource Fair: A fall event providing one stop for
people to see the resources available in our community. The
fair provides an opportunity for a number of organizations such
as the American Red Cross, the Centre County United Way,
and the Girl Scouts of America to interact with residents and
Pictured here are organizations participating in the
recruit volunteers.
Community Resource Fair held each fall in the municipal building
2010 Annual Report
Page 5
Public Spaces and Infrastructure
Immediate Repairs Avert Disaster
West Fairmount Avenue
The sole pipe that drains storm water from the
downtown area runs through the Penn State
Wastewater Treatment Plant, and eventually drains into
the Duck Pond along East College Avenue. A recent
inspection of the 66" corrugated metal pipe revealed
structural issues that necessitated immediate
repair. Numerous underground utilities, treatment
tanks, and buildings are within the close proximity of the
pipe and could have been significantly compromised if
the pipe were to collapse. Additionally, the area is
prone to sinkholes, and leaking water from the pipe
could have caused a sinkhole to open. Collapse of the
pipe could have been catastrophic; jeopardizing the
operation of the plant for an extensive period of time,
allowing the potential for opening sinkholes, and
resulting in flooding of the Calder Way storm sewer
system. The Public Works Engineering staff quickly bid
a project to replace 190 linear feet of pipe. Numerous
obstacles, including utility conflicts and a building that
was built over the pipe had to be overcome. In a
number of areas, it was necessary to relocate the
pipe. Despite all the obstacles, the contractor was able
to complete the work within three weeks.
Every three years, the Borough Engineering staff completes
a survey of the pavement conditions on all streets and
alleys. Each street and alley is assigned a Pavement
Condition Index (PCI) number, based on the
condition. The PCI number is used to identify streets for
resurfacing, and in extreme cases, streets which qualify for
reconstruction. Reconstruction consists of complete
removal and replacement of the roadway structure and
curbing. One of the lowest ranked sections of streets that
qualified for reconstruction was West Fairmount Avenue
between Fraser and Atherton Streets. A reconstruction
project for the street was bid and funded through the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program. The project was done in conjunction with the
State College Borough Water Authority waterline upgrade
and replacement of sanitary sewer mains and laterals.
Combining the utility work with the reconstruction
reduced the overall inconvenience to residents. A short
timeframe for the construction was necessitated since
both the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and fall
student move-in were impacted. The project was started
in mid-July and was completed by late-September.
North Burrowes/Hillcrest Intersection Improvements
Improvements were made to the North Burrowes Street and Hillcrest Avenue intersection to remove a traffic
diverter. The existing temporary flower planters used to control thru traffic through the intersection were removed
because they posed a liability for potential safety hazards. New curbing was installed along Hillcrest Avenue and a
‗hammer head‘ turn around area was put in on North Burrowes Street. New sidewalk was installed across the
intersection as well as other locations in the construction area. An emergency access driveway of inverted concrete
blocks along with removable bollards was installed to allow emergency vehicles to travel from North Burrowes Street
onto Hillcrest Avenue, if needed. Additionally, sanitary sewer repairs and curb replacement were completed on
North Burrowes Street in preparation for resurfacing the street in 2011.
Pictured at left are the
diverters before removal;
at right, the new
resurfacing.
2010 Annual Report
Page 6
Public Spaces and Infrastructure
Improved Response Time
Residents provided feedback through a citizen‘s survey on
services provided by the Public Works Department (PWD).
The survey showed that citizens had a 51% overall approval
rating for snow removal operations and indicated a need for
improvement in response time for winter maintenance of
streets.
To improve response time, additional salt spreaders, snow
plows and wing plows were purchased over the past three
years. The PWD evaluated past plowing and salting
practices to determine how these operations could be
improved. The evaluation resulted in the elimination of the
30+ year practice of ―tandem plowing‖, when two or more
snow plow trucks would follow one another on a street to
plow. Now a single truck is assigned its own snow removal and salt route, giving priority to main arterial and
collector streets prior to completing residential streets, alleys and parking facilities. This new system results
in a quicker response in all neighborhoods.
In the past, it took three hours to plow the entire Borough. Crews are now able to complete plowing in 90
minutes. The PWD continues to monitor and make recommendations to improve operations with the goal
of improving Borough residents‘ satisfaction rating for winter maintenance operations.
Fraser Street Garage Renovation
During the summer of 2010 the Borough contracted
CPS Construction group to perform a major
renovation of the Fraser Street Parking Garage. The
major aspect of the renovation was repairing the
brick façade. This work was done to eliminate the
risk of water damaging the bricks. The parking stalls
and traffic arrows were also given a fresh coat of
paint. Also, the concrete floors were covered in a
sealant that also prohibits water from corroding the
concrete. Due to this renovation, and the ongoing
commitment of the Borough in the past, the useful life
of the garage was extended to a minimum of 7 more
years before another major renovation will be
needed. With the help of the Downtown State
College Improvement District (DSCID), staff was able
to leave parts of the garage open throughout the
renovation, which helped minimize the inconvenience
to downtown patrons. We also replaced the aging
―FRASER STREET PLAZA‖ sign on the front of the
building.
2010 Annual Report
Page 7
Public Spaces and Infrastructure
New Street Tree Inventory
The Penn State Forestry Extension office completed a
street tree inventory for the Borough in 2010. The last
complete street tree inventory was conducted in 1991 and
the software for that inventory became outdated in 2000.
Only paper records of removals, plantings and
maintenance have been kept since that time. The 2010
inventory showed only a small increase in the number of
trees but a significant improvement in diversity of species.
The inventory program is Access based and linked to GIS,
allowing easy preparation of maps and reports, detailed
analysis of street tree benefits, and new options for tree
maintenance record keeping.
Illuminated Bicycle Crossing at McKee & Park
At a busy crosswalk linking the Penn State campus to
the College Heights neighborhood, PWD crews
replaced a standard Bicycle Crossing Sign with an
internally illuminated signal at the intersection of Park
Avenue and McKee Street. The sign illuminated at night
to alert motorists of this crossing used by residents to
safely access College Heights and the McKee Street/
Clinton Avenue Bike Path and the Bellefonte Central
Rail Trail. A similar illuminated sign was installed at the
intersection of Atherton Street and Foster Avenue in
conjunction with the Foster Avenue Bike Lane in
2009. The increased visibility realized by Atherton/
Foster illuminated sign prompted the Department to
replace the McKee/Park sign with an internally
illuminated sign.
American Elms Devastated by Disease
In 2010, Dutch elm disease
continued to take its toll on
American elms within the
Borough, but a relatively
new disease to our area,
―elm yellows‖ killed most of
the remaining elms. A
combined total of 40 street
trees have been killed by
Example of Elm Yellows
this disease. Many more
private elms also succumbed to the disease. There is no
known control for this insect spread disease, which will
likely require more removals in the future. A once
dominant street tree in the Borough has now been
reduced to less than twenty specimens. Even the Dutch
elm resistant trees that have been planted in recent
years as replacements for the American elms are
susceptible to ―elm yellows.‖ The Borough has not
planted any type of elm for over two years and will
continue to plant a diverse selection of street trees
within the confines of these developing trends.
Traffic Signal Controller Upgrade
The Borough was awarded a $50,000 grant from
Centre County which was used to upgrade 22 traffic
signal controllers. The new controllers provide the
Borough with increased capabilities for programming
and adjustments regarding pedestrians. The new
controllers match those installed as part of the
PennDOT project for the Atherton Street Congested
Corridor Mitigation project. Additionally, the Borough
is now consistent with the surrounding Townships
which will assist in cooperative efforts to optimize
traffic signal functions within various corridors. The
Borough thanks Centre County for making this upgrade
possible.
Page 8
2010 Annual Report
Authorities, Boards and Commissions
2010 Borough Council & Mayor
Seated left to right: Theresa D. Lafer, Mayor Elizabeth A. Goreham, and Silvi Lawrence
Second row left to right: Ronald L. Filippelli, James L. Rosenberger, Peter Morris,
Donald M. Hahn and Thomas E. Daubert
Each spring Borough Council hosts an Appreciation Dinner for its more than 100 volunteers who donate their time,
talent, and expertise to various Authorities, Boards and Commissions. These volunteers provide valuable advice and
assistance to Council when making important decisions and help guide the future of State College. In 2010, several
awards were presented to Borough residents and organizations.
The Arnold Addison Award: The Arnold Addison Award was
presented by Council member Theresa Lafer to the University Park
Undergraduate Association (UPUA). This award is given to an
individual or group who has promoted the quality of life in the
community through improved Town/Gown relations. Gavin Keirans,
former UPUA President, accepted the award on behalf of UPUA.
UPUA was created in the Fall of 2006 and is credited for many
accomplishments including the creation of the Tenant/Landlord
Mediation Program, expansion of the White Loop bus service, a free
legal services program which matches students with lawyers from Penn
State University Dickinson School of Law School, and the
reestablishment of Encampment, where Borough officials, alumni,
administrators and trustees gather in a
Pictured here are Theresa Lafer (left) and
forum on student life.
Gavin Keirans (right).
2010 Annual Report
Page 9
Authorities, Boards and Commissions
The Legacy Award: The Legacy Award is given to a group or an
individual who has contributed significantly to improving the quality of
community life for Borough residents. Council member Silvi Lawrence
accompanied by journalist Adam Smeltz presented the Legacy Award
posthumously to Mayor Bill Welch. Jennifer Theiss accepted the award
on her father‘s behalf. Mayor Welch was serving his fourth four-year
term when he unexpectedly passed away in September 2009. He was an
icon on both sides of College Avenue as a dedicated public servant,
community leader and humanitarian.
Pictured here are Jennifer Theiss (left) and
Silvi Lawrence (right).
The Ingrid P. Holtzman Award: The Ingrid P. Holtzman Award was
presented by Council member James Rosenberger to the Arboretum at
Penn State. This award is presented annually to recognize a worthy
individual, organization, company or corporation who has enhanced,
promoted, or maintained the aesthetic appearance of the Borough of
State College. Dr. Kim Steiner, Arboretum Director, accepted the
award on behalf of the Pennsylvania State University and everyone
involved in the vision and culmination of the project. The Arboretum is
an outreach, teaching, and research facility dedicated to preserving the
beauty and ecological functions of vegetated landscapes in an urbanized
society.
Pictured here are Dr. Kim Steiner (left)
and James Rosenberger (right).
The XYZ Award: The XYZ Award is presented to an individual
who has provided outstanding community service through their
membership on an Authority, Board or Commission. Council
member Thomas Daubert presented Anita Genger & Eric Boeldt
with the XYZ Award in recognition of their service on several
ABCs over the past 20 years. Anita and Eric have served on the
Zoning Hearing Board, Planning Commission, Urban Village
Revitalization Plan Steering Committee, and the former
Commission for Pedestrian and Traffic Safety.
Pictured here are Eric Boeldt (left), Anita Genger (center)
and Thomas Daubert (right).
To learn more about our volunteer opportunities please visit our website at www.statecollegepa.us.
2010 Annual Report
Page 10
Partnerships
Emergency Management Center Upgrades
The Centre Region Council of Governments (COG) in
partnership with the Pennsylvania State University has
opened the recently renovated Emergency Operations
Center (EOC). The new facility provides additional
space and technology for managing disaster
emergencies which affect the Centre Region and Penn
State.
The facility, located at
Beaver Stadium, was
renovated by Penn State
and equipped by the
COG. The EOC has
been outfitted with
redundant emergency
power supply, internet
and telephone service
vital to achieving the mission to provide residents with
emergency medical care. Additionally, the EOC is
equipped with multiple video displays and access to live
camera feeds. The room utilized for emergency
operations can accommodate up to thirty essential
support staff.
First Splash Set for May!
Originally constructed in 1958, the Welch Pool has seen
several improvements over the years, including the
addition of a bathhouse and entrance building, a wading
pool, a deeper diving well and a water slide. The Centre
Regional Recreation Authority and the Centre Region
Council of Governments, along with the State College
School Board and State College residents determined
additional amenities were necessary for the Welch Pool.
After considering several plan concepts and conducting
many public hearings, a final plan was chosen. In
December of 2009, all existing facilities were demolished
and 2010 saw the plan come to life. The ‗First Splash‘
ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, May 28 at 11:30 a.m.
Come out and enjoy the fantastic new pool.
Achieving our Goals through AmeriCorps Service
The Pennsylvania Mountain Service Corps, an AmeriCorps Program, helps non-profit and government
organizations fulfill and expand their critical missions by funding full or part-time AmeriCorps positions
to serve in the areas of education, environment, or human needs. In 2010, State College Borough was
selected to host two AmeriCorps members.
The Borough’s AmeriCorps Employees
Kate Doe: Kate has been vital in establishing relationships with a number of student
organizations, neighborhood associations and other Town/Gown relationships.
Through these relationships, Kate is working on a number of activities to bring
student and non-student residents together.
Courtney Hayden: While working in the Public Works Department, Courtney
has undertaken several environmental initiatives and fostered community efforts in
sustainability. She has collaborated with the local bicycle community towards the
recognition of State College as a Bicycle Friendly Community.
Pictured above are Kate Doe (left) and
Courtney Hayden (right).
2010 Annual Report
Page 11
Partnerships
Borough Selected as Countywide
Earned Income Tax Collector
A law enacted by the state General Assembly made structural
changes in the collection of local earned income taxes in
Pennsylvania beginning in 2012. This new structure replaces the
current one where individual earned income tax collectors serve
each municipality and school district. The change is designed to
save money and improve revenues by centralizing and
streamlining the collection of the local earned income tax.
The Centre County Tax Collection Committee studied options
for collecting the earned income tax in Centre County. Because
the Borough has extensive
experience in collecting the
earned income tax and the
capability to perform
collections on an expanded
basis, the Committee agreed
to contract with the
Borough to collect the
earned income tax on a
countywide basis.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory
Researchers from Penn State‘s Department of
Geography began working on the Centre Region
Climate Action Plan as part of a grant the Borough
received from the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection. Phase I was to
inventory greenhouse gas emissions for the Region
(base year 2006) in order to measure the
effectiveness of future actions on greenhouse gas
emissions. Phase II was completed in 2010 and
established community focus groups to brainstorm
mitigation ideas. Phase III & IV prioritized these
options, again using community focus groups.
Phase V developed a Regional Climate Action Plan
that was forwarded to the Centre Region Council
of Governments General Forum for their revision/
adoption in early 2011. Additional information on
both Resolution 944 and the Sustainability Action
Plan is available on the Borough‘s publications web
page at http://statecollegepa.us/index.aspx?
NID=1251.
Getting Out the Count
2010 was a United States decennial census year. In an effort to improve low
participation rates in past U.S. censuses, the Borough partnered with the local office of
the U.S. Census Bureau and formed a Complete Count Committee
(CCC). Representatives from a wide spectrum of the community served on the
Committee. The CCC was assisted greatly by a team of students from the Penn State
Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America called ―Count Centre
County‖. All the hard work of the CCC to raise the visibility of the census and the
importance of participation paid off – the response rate to the census questionnaire
went up 6% compared to the 2000 U.S. Census. And, the Borough‘s population grew
by 9.4% to 42,034.
Bobby Ryan, former UPUA President
(left), Mayor Goreham (center) and
Penn State President Graham Spanier
(right) mail their census questionnaires.
Student Representative Appointed to Serve on Council
In October, Borough Council adopted Resolution 1030, establishing a Student Representative
to Council. The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) General Assembly
appointed Ben Pugh as student representative. This was an historic event in relations
between State College Borough and the student population of the Pennsylvania State
University. Ben is a State College native and sophomore majoring in business administration
and provides a unique perspective on Town/Gown relations. While serving as Borough
Student Representative to Council, Ben will be working to bridge the gap between residents
and students and establish a clear line of communication between the Borough and UPUA.
2010 Annual Report
Page 12
Sustainability
Leading by Example Through Energy Efficiency
In 2010 the Borough
undertook a number of
projects to improve
municipal buildings and
operations. The Borough
installed a green roof on a
portion of the Municipal
Building‘s roof (1400 sq. ft.)
with the support of grants
from the State Department
of Community and
Economic Development and
the Federal ARRA Program.
The gravel ballasted roof
Installation of sedums at the
was replaced with trays of
Municipal Building.
fleshy plants known as
sedums that can reduce storm water runoff, filter
pollution from the rainwater, reduce radiant heat and
provide habitat for urban wildlife. The Borough also
received Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
funds to replace appliances at the Bellaire Court
apartment complex with Made in America ENERGY STAR
washers, refrigerators and air conditioners
in each of the eighteen units. The Borough
anticipates lower electricity and water
usage as a result of this project.
Organic Recycling Diverts 560 Tons of
Waste From the Landfill!
Curbside collection of food waste began in January 2010
from 561 residences in
two Borough
neighborhoods. Nine
commercial and
institutional properties
participated as well.
Collection is done as part
of a pilot program funded
in large part by the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection through a Resources
Recovery Demonstration Grant. Borough crews collect
segregated food waste that is placed curbside in a special
collection cart. The food waste is then mixed with
leaves and other organic materials at the Yard Waste
Recycling Facility and composted. Food waste recycling
is mandated in several communities on the West Coast
and is viewed as having the potential to significantly
reduce landfill-bound waste. Garden and other organic
waste has been collected curbside throughout the
Borough since 2008, culminating in over 450 tons of
Green Waste being collected and composted in
2010. Overall, Borough residents contributed over 560
tons of food and green waste to be composted rather
than trucked to a landfill.
Sustainability Committee
Council and Mayor Goreham have made sustainability a major goal for State College. Council adopted Resolution 944
in 2007 declaring State College a Climate Protection Community and establishing community goals to reduce the
Borough‘s carbon footprint. In 2006, the Borough along with a Penn State Geography class prepared the Sustainability
Action Plan. The Plan identified strategies to assist achieving the community goals established by Resolution 944.
In April 2010, the Manager‘s Sustainability Committee was appointed and charged with implementing and coordinating
the Borough-wide Sustainability Action Plan. This Committee consists of representatives from every department of
the Borough to ensure consistent approach across the government. The Committee‗s work will include:
 Developing criteria, policies, and procedures for sustainable programs
 Providing training and outreach to Borough staff for the development, adoption, and implementation of
sustainable practices in Borough operations
 Identifying and implementing best practices in sustainable operations, specifically in the areas of resource
conservation, transportation, pollution prevention, public health protection and community and economic
development
 Developing and coordinating Outreach Strategies and public information
 Providing ongoing evaluation of Sustainable Programs, including progress reports
 Conducting research studies and surveys; producing reports recommending appropriate courses of action for
solutions to environmental/sustainability problems
 Researching and identifying applicable grants to further develop and improve sustainable Borough initiatives
2010 Annual Report
Page 13
Commercial Revitalization
Foxdale Village Expands
The largest privately-funded project
proposed in the Borough in 2010 broke
ground in August with the expansion of
the Foxdale Village retirement complex.
Located on a 22 acre site at the corner of
Marylyn Avenue and University Drive, the
Village was built in 1988 and consists of a
two-story main Commons Building and
smaller one-story townhouses built in
clusters. Foxdale Village provides 148
independent living units, 56 residential
rooms and 245 parking spaces. The
expansion project includes the addition of
57 new residential apartments, the
construction of healthcare rooms, and
community facilities. The newly
constructed apartments will include
geothermal systems for heating, LED
Fraser Centre
lighting, low flush toilets for water use
reduction, electrical power reductions
and a other energy saving measures. In
addition to these resource saving
measures, Foxdale Village is committed
to promoting wellness by using low
VOC emitting paints for air quality,
installing bay windows for increased
daylighting, and promoting the idea of
neighborhoods within the complex.
Foxdale Village has also been designated
an EPA Green Power Partner by
purchasing 100% of its energy needs
from renewable energy sources. Based
on current projections, residents will be
able to move into the apartments and
enjoy the green facilities as soon as
August 2011.
Susquehanna Real Estate (SRE)
and Downtown State College,
partners in the Fraser Centre
project, moved closer to
bringing this important
redevelopment initiative to
construction. As reported at
year‘s end by Jack Kay,
President of SRE, they are
within 10% of the pre-lease
requirements to obtain
financing for the project. The
project is anticipated to get
underway in 2011.
Community Collaborates on “Dreams Take Flight”
A project facilitated by the Community Arts Collective, under
the sponsorship of the Creative Oasis, constructed a large
mural on the Calder Alley wall of McLanahan‘s Downtown
Market on Allen Street. The Community Arts Collective‘s
mission is to enrich the community through artistic processes
using public spaces to promote civic engagement. This
project received design ideas from over 200 participants. The
leading artists then collaged together the community‘s ideas
to create the design. The final design was divided into 102
sections that were then projected, traced and color-coded
onto 5‘ by 55‖ fabric panels, turning the mural into a giant
paint-by-number project. Over 500 people ranging in age
from 4 to 88 participated in the painting process.
(Pictured at left are some of the panels before installation.)
2010 Annual Report
Page 14
Budgeting, Spending and Performance
Strong Financial Performance
A strong financial performance in 2010, with revenues exceeded expenditures, allowed Borough Council to adopt the
2011 Budget with no tax increase. This is the second year in a row where a tax increase was avoided. This also marks
the sixth consecutive year in which revenues have exceeded expenditures in the General Fund. The Borough closed
the year with revenues of $18,900,223 or 109% of the budgeted amount, primarily due to increases in
intergovernmental revenues and departmental earnings. Expenditures for the year were $17,911,297 or 96.2% of the
budgeted amount, reflecting continued efforts to control operating costs, leaving several staff vacancies unfilled and
joining cooperatives to purchase electricity and fuel.
Even though revenues have exceeded expenditures in the General Fund, the Borough continues to face underlying
financial challenges. A relatively flat tax base and projected increases in future operating and capital costs will continue
to present budget challenges. The Borough‘s Five Year Financial Forecast projects that the growth in revenues will not
keep pace with the growth of expenditures for the next five years. The Forecast provides a framework by which
Council and staff can develop ways of tackling the financial challenges facing the Borough while maintaining desired
programs and quality services.
The Parking Garages, Sanitary Sewer, Refuse Collection and Enterprise Funds all performed well in 2010. The FiveYear Financial Forecast, the 2010 Independent Audit and the Annual Report can be viewed at: http://statecollegepa.us/
index.aspx?NID=1251.
Federal Stimulus Funds Used to Improve Infrastructure
State College Borough received three grants totaling $408,851 through the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more commonly known as the ―Federal Stimulus
Bill‖. These grants were used to fund projects which improved the Borough‘s infrastructure
while preserving and creating jobs and contributing to our nation‘s economic recovery. An
award of $194,100 was received from the Department of Energy through the Energy
Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. These funds were used for three projects
which were completed in 2010: the installation of energy-efficient appliances at the Borough‘s
eighteen unit Bellaire Court apartment complex, the conversion of fifty-one downtown
streetlights to energy efficient street light fixtures, and the installation of a green roof at the
Municipal Building. These projects have the added benefit of reducing the Borough‘s energy consumption and, in turn,
greenhouse gas emissions. The Department of Justice awarded the Borough a Justice Assistance Grant of $23,512
which was used to purchase a motorcycle and related equipment for the Police Department. The motorcycle offers
added flexibility and mobility for patrol officers. Lastly, an award of $191,239 was received from the Department of
Housing and Urban Development through the Community Development
Block Grant-Recovery program. Most of these funds were used for the
reconstruction of South Barnard Street from College to Beaver Avenues.
The remaining funds will be used to assist two eligible Borough
homeowners to rehabilitate their dwellings. The Borough submits
detailed reports to the agencies which awarded the funds as part of the
federal government‘s efforts to provide complete information to citizens
about how the ARRA money is being spent and the contribution of these
projects to our national economic recovery.
2010 Annual Report
Page 15
2010 National Citizen Survey
Listening to you—2010 National Citizen Survey
We participated in the National Citizen Survey (NCS) providing residents the opportunity to rate the quality of life in
the Borough, as well as the service delivery and overall workings of local government. In addition, the community
survey also provided residents the opportunity to weigh in on policy issues like spending priorities, use of social media
as a method for delivering municipal services and information on Borough activities, and quality of life issues in
neighborhoods in the Borough.
The Borough expanded the number of questionnaires mailed to allow us to examine the opinions of the community.
The overall response rate to the survey was 26% for a margin of error of plus or minus 4%. Overall, residents
reported they were pleased with their quality of life and services received from the Borough. The percentage of
respondents who rated the overall quality of life in State College as either good or excellent increased to 88% from
85% in 2009 and 79% in 2007. The percentage of respondents that gave these ratings to their neighborhoods also
increased when compared to previous years. A substantial number of residents felt safe in State College, but ratings of
safety were higher during the day than at night.
Nearly 60% of respondents reported speaking with their immediate neighbors several times or more each month.
Two-thirds of the respondents rated the sense of community they felt in State College as good or excellent and 69% of
the respondents felt community members demonstrated openness and acceptance towards people of diverse
backgrounds.
Services were rated favorably, especially refuse collection and recycling, street cleaning, parks, and library services.
Respondents rated the quality of
services provided substantially higher
than any other level of government
(82% excellent or good for State
College compared with the next
highest level of satisfaction at 71%).
In addition, residents who had
contact with an employee in the last
12 months reported the experience
to be favorable and 75% had an
overall impression that was either
―excellent‖ or ―good‖.
(Chart Source: National Citizen Survey 2010
Overall, survey results suggest that
the Borough continues to provide
high quality customer service and safe
environment. The results also
suggest the Borough should consider
focusing more resources on
expanding the supply of affordable
housing for families and on job
creation. The full report on the
results and previous surveys are
available on the publications section
of the Borough‘s web site at http://
statecollegepa.us/index.aspx?
NID=1251.
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PAID
State College, PA
Permit No. 206
Borough of State College
243 South Allen Street
State College, PA 16801
http://www.statecollegepa.us
[email protected]
814-234-7110
TTY: 814-234-7101
Upcoming Downtown Events
First Thursday: A year-round monthly event designed to showcase and stimulate culture and entertainment.
This event takes place at various locations throughout downtown. Activities begin as early as noon and may
last until 9 p.m.
Summer’s Best Music Fest: A day-long event (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) featuring three stages of music and a street
bazaar. Street vendors emphasize public safety, the importance of going green and family fun activities.
Summer Concert Series: Concerts will be on Old Main lawn this year at 7 p.m., so bring your blankets and
lawn chairs.
1. July 28 - Scarab, featuring 80‘s tunes by Journey.
2. August 4 - Bennie & the Jets, featuring Elton John classics.
3. August 11 - Cast of Beatlemania, back by popular demand.
More information on these events can be found at
www.downtownstatecollege.com.