Published: August 09, 2007 11:52 am      

Rephann prefers youth on council

CUMBERLAND - If the area is to thrive, it needs youth representation, Councilman Terry Rephann be-lieves.

As the youngest member of council at age 43, he's hoping when he vacates his seat, it will be filled by someone in that age range.

"The best symbolic thing they can do is promote someone young," he said.

Rephann offered his thoughts during an ex-change at Tuesday's meeting with Herb Broll, a Pennsylvania Avenue resident who has spoken in favor of Jim Combs being named to council.

Broll accused Rephann of making disparaging re-marks against Combs on a radio broadcast. He specifically mentioned Rephann's apparent reference to Combs' age, which is over 60.

"I feel there's very, very talented people in the pile," Rephann said. "Several of the candidates on the list I've encouraged to run."

With only one slot to fill, he added that he hoped those not selected would run in next year's election.

In addition to Combs, the field of candidates interested in filling Rephann's seat are: Gerald Chambers, Lindsay Farris, Brian Grim, John Harvey Jr., Donald Hedrick, David Kauffman, Bernard Lechman, Richard Noreikis, Mary Beth Pirolozzi and Stanley Robinette.

Rephann announced in June that he would resign his council seat because he has accepted a job in Virginia.

Once his letter of resignation is received, city officials have 60 days to fill the seat.

Also during Tuesday's meeting, Jonas Merrill of Sperry Terrace brought several concerns to officials related to possible development on the former Sperry Terrace playground.

The Cumberland Housing Authority is looking to bring two-story, three-bedroom dwellings to the area. The modular homes would be constructed by inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution and would be for low- to moderate-income families.

Merrill said although the neighborhood borders Interstate 68, a natural sound barrier keeps the decibel levels down. A housing development, however, could cause the noise level to increase and he suggested the authority conduct a study to determine the impact.

He was concerned that residents don't have access to any survey reports to know how much runoff would be expected. The road also is in "total disrepair," is too small and should be declared a one-way street and the sidewalks need to be replaced, he said.

Merrill's final concern was the removal of trees and he'd like the city to enact a tree-for-tree program.

Mayor Lee Fiedler noted Merrill's list and said the project is under study with now being the time to address those issues.

Maria Smith can be reached at msmith@times-news.com.