‘Forward Thinking’ Leads to FC Choo-Choo Agreement
Ford City Renaissance Community Partnership Founder Paul Klukan and his team completes the transfer of title for the Ford City Choo-Choo Train with Ford City Borough Council members last night following Council’s regular meeting.
by Dalton Bowser
The new Ford City Borough Council took perhaps its first major step forward last night at its first regular business meeting.
The Council finally accepted a transfer of title agreement between the Ford City Borough and the Renaissance Community Partnership for the Choo-Choo Train.
Transferring the title to the Renaissance group has been an ongoing discussion of the Ford City Borough Council. Council President Carol Fenyes was glad to see the vote pass.
“It was our goal to get it resolved and out of the way,” Fenyes said. “I’m just so happy that we got it done.”
Paul Klukan, founder of the Renaissance Partnership, commented on his relief that the agreement passed.
“I was glad it’s over. (The train) has a lot of history behind it. It was actually going to the scrap yard and we resurrected it,” Paul said.
The process of transfer was delayed because some citizens were concerned about what would happen to the train if the Renaissance group dissolved.
Dave Wolfe, the spokesman for the Renaissance Partnership was corrected when he claimed that the agreement the Council was about to vote on was exactly the same as a previous agreement.
Solicitor Anthony Vigilante explained that the previous agreement gave the title back to the Borough, while the current agreement allowed for transfer back to the Borough “or another 501 c (3) Non-Profit Charitable Organization which is in place within Ford City Borough.”
Wolfe, wanting to move forward, explained that the group did not care whether the Borough wants to transfer the train back to the Borough or to another group if Renaissance should dissolve.
“This has gone on enough. There was a motion passed that an agreement had to be reached,” Wolfe said. “We presented an agreement based on both sides. I think the taxpayers of the town want this over with. I know we do.”
The Council indeed passed the agreement 5-0. Councilman Ray Klukan abstained at Solicitor Vigilante’s recommendation.
Council members modified the agreement to say that, if the Ford City Renaissance Partnership does dissolve, the train title would solely be returned to the Borough rather than possibly another non-profit.
Solicitor Vigilante noted that council members talked about the possibility of title ownership being difficult to get if the group dissolved.
“We’ve had that conversation and this Council was comfortable that they can get that achieved,” Vigilante said.
Councilman Ray Klukan commented on the significance of passing this agreement for the Ford City Borough Council.
“Just remember, we’ve made one step tonight, forward,” Ray said.
President Fenyes, in her closing statement, also focused on moving forward.
“How do we move Ford City ahead? And how can Council facilitate that forward movement? It is my desire and I believe the desire of the entire Council to work together to bring about the brightest future possible for Ford City. Please join with us in moving forward. Offer your ideas and your talents to this endeavor.”
After Council’s decision, residents in the audience applauded their action.
Ford City Renaissance Partnership Representative Dave Wolfe compares previous and current agreements with Ford City Borough Solicitor Anthony Vigilante. Vigilante corrected Wolfe, who was inaccurate in his assessment of the contracts.
Ford City | KP NewsDesk January 12, 2016
By mad-2010, January 12, 2016 @ 6:56 AM
Glad to see this agreement was completed in a Professional manner and everyone is happy.
Good Luck to All.
By savvynewshound, January 12, 2016 @ 7:12 AM
well, it’s about time. jerry still went down kicking and screaming. He continues to embarrass this town.
At least we can move on to issues much more important.
By Just sayin, January 12, 2016 @ 10:25 AM
“That’s Uncle Joe; he’s a movin’ kinda slow
at the junction.”
By createawareness, January 13, 2016 @ 10:48 AM
@savvynewshound:
This issue was of grave importance to an all volunteer non-profit group trying to accomplish positive changes for Ford City. I am sure that the entire group did not wish to have this issue dragged on and on, as from what I have read, they had hoped to have this piece of history and heritage back on the streets for “Ford City’s Fantasy of Lights” celebration in November. It is sad that a certain former Council person made what should have been a simple transaction for all involved into a political nightmare for this group. Do not place blame on this group for the debacle created by the former Council. I personally applaud this new Council for doing what is right by the community, as the train’s return will serve the community well, as it had many, many years ago. Yes, many important issues face this Council. But, the Choo-Choo played a significant role in Ford City in the past, and will again do so in the near future. It is an “icon” that needed brought back to life, not sent to the scrap yard.
By Just sayin, January 13, 2016 @ 6:37 PM
“Petticoat Junction…CHOO CHOO”
Life would be easier and HEALTHIER for people if they’d just let go and try not to be in control of everything. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh…
There you go…
By savvynewshound, January 15, 2016 @ 7:42 AM
createawareness…
As I said in my post I’m glad this group was finally given the train and I’m sure they will put it to good use. However, I’m happy the council can be focused on getting our town healthy again.