Panel looks to set up volunteer task force
Owners of downtown businesses will soon receive invitations from the Uniontown Business District Authority to serve on a volunteer task force to plan improvements in the downtown area. The authority wants 10 to 15 people on the committee, which is part of the “Charting the Future of Our Community” planning program being conducted by the Penn State Cooperative Extension in Uniontown.
Lucinda Baron Robbins, the cooperative’s economic and community development specialist, told the authority Tuesday that she already prepared invitation letters and wants the task force to meet following the authority’s Sept. 17 meeting, which begins at 7:45 a.m.
Authority chairman Mark Rafail suggested about eight businesses and building owners that should be asked to serve on the committee.
In other business, the authority agreed to apply to the Fayette Enterprise Community for $2,470 to buy 30 utility pole brackets for “Welcome to Uniontown” and holiday banners.
The price includes $85 for a tool used to install the brackets. The existing brackets are broken, DBDA executive director Leigh Ann Sperry said.
Tuesday was Sperry’s last meeting in her position as her resignation takes affect Friday.
Rafail said a candidate to replace Sperry was interviewed in an executive session held at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting.
He said the authority might hire its new director at the September meeting.
Authority board member Sylvia Mullin also tendered her resignation.
Rafail said her replacement must be a city business owner or a city resident, and council must approve the appointment.
The authority agreed to buy an $80 commemorative sponsorship flag for the 80th anniversary of The State Theatre.
Authority members also said this Friday is the last Storey Square Summer Lunch Series with folk singer and guitarist Tom Pipak providing the entertainment and Eddie’s Tavern selling food.
Rafail said the program grew in popularity throughout the summer and turned a modest $131 profit this year.
Sperry thanked The State Theatre for setting up tables and chairs and cleaning up, and the Eberly Foundation for donating the performer’s tent.