By Jessica Kenley

COUDERSPORT — Funding for audible pedestrian crossing signals for visually impaired residents, the future of a deteriorating historic train car at the Coudersport Arboretum, and upcoming community events were among the topics discussed during the June 17th, 2026 meeting of Coudersport Borough Council.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Monarch Media raised concerns regarding the lack of audible crosswalk signals at Main Street intersections and asked council members about reports that funding for the devices had been included in the borough’s budget for this year. 

Kimber Empson, a blind resident of Coudersport, reported that approximately eight months ago, when the subject was first brought up at a Borough Council Meeting, Commissioner Robert Rossman had told her personally later that the funding “would be in this year’s budget.”

Borough Manager Todd Brown clarified that no funding had been budgeted for the project.

“We don’t have $20,000 extra dollars,” he said, visibly upset. “I’ve been working on getting a grant.”

Kenley pointed out that $20,000 was a small price to pay to save a human being’s life.

When pressed to name the grant that he had been working on, Brown said he had not found one yet. 

Another Council Member, seated across from Brown, leaned over and pointedly asked reporter Jessica Kenley if she had found a grant that would cover this expense, inexplicably. 

That answer is no. Jessica Kenley is a reporter, and not a Borough Council Member. This reporter has absolutely no authority to enforce ordinances or to price or investigate traffic light changes so that they are safer for the visually impaired to cross Main Street, Coudersport, which Ms. Kimber Empson has to do several times daily, as she lives in the middle of town and cannot drive. 

Ms. Empson walks almost everywhere she goes, along with her new guide dog, Pablo, who is only two years old, and is still learning how to work with Kimber, according to multiple interviews with her over the phone and in person in the past year, while Monarch Media follows up on this important story.

The discussion then centered on the challenges faced by visually impaired residents attempting to cross Main Street safely.

“She cannot cross the road comfortably or safely because there is no stop signal and then a chirping noise or some other noise signaling that it’s safe to cross,” Kenley told council. “She has almost been hit by a car several times, one of which actually grazed her, leaving a mark and painful bruising.”

If the vehicle had been only a few inches closer, Ms. Empson may have been killed, which has happened recently, this year, to another, visually capable, member of this community on Route 6.

It is important to note that Main Street, Coudersport, PA is, in fact, PA State Route 6, and is heavily trafficked at all times of the day and night because of the oil and gas fracking and drilling and logging industries.

Council members expressed support for the project but said the cost remains a significant obstacle.

“It is of concern,” Abigail Rossman said. “We are very supportive, but we need a grant to make it happen.”

Officials explained that the current traffic signal system cannot simply be upgraded with an audible component and would require replacement of entire signal units at an estimated cost of approximately $10,000 per intersection.

Dennis Goodenough said that efforts have already been made to improve pedestrian safety, including adjustments to signal timing that give pedestrians additional time to enter crosswalks before vehicle traffic receives a green light.

“It’s a work in progress,” Brown concluded, appearing exasperated. “I’m trying to work on it the best I can.”

Council members encouraged residents to contact elected officials, including the office of State Representative Martin Causer, to advocate for funding opportunities.

Monarch Media left a message for Mr. Causer on the evening of June 17th regarding this matter, and will update the public when responded to.

Train Car Restoration Proposal Discussed

Council also discussed the future of the historic railroad car located behind the Coudersport Arboretum.

Councilman Jack Keifer reported on conversations with Arboretum representatives regarding a proposal from Michael Bass, president of the Allentown & Auburn Railroad, who has expressed interest in removing and restoring the train car at no cost to the borough.

According to Keifer, restoration costs could exceed six figures if the community attempted to rehabilitate the car locally.

“When I look at that car, to me, that’s kind of the symbol of the Arboretum,” Keifer said. “But at the same time, it’s deteriorating.”

Keifer noted that the proposed arrangement would allow the railroad organization to invest approximately $18,000 to relocate the car, restore it, and put it back into active educational use.

“It doesn’t have much of a future sitting there,” he said. “It’s just going to continue to deteriorate and probably become a hazard at some point.”

Council members discussed the possibility of replacing the area with landscaping and additional public space if the train car is removed. The proposal remains under consideration pending further documentation and approvals.

Eliot Ness Museum Bus Tours Approved

Council approved requests related to upcoming bus tours organized through the Eliot Ness Museum. The approval allows parking meters on West Second Street to be reserved for tour buses on June 18, July 25, and October 12 for visitors to the museum.

Building Code Enforcement Resolution Passed

Council approved Resolution 2026-14 formally appointing C&S Inspection Services as the borough’s building code enforcement agency.

Banner Approved for Gospel Tabernacle Event

Council also approved Resolution 2026-15 authorizing the placement of a banner advertising an upcoming Gospel Tabernacle block party.

Skill Machine Tax Proposal Tabled

Council briefly discussed the possibility of imposing a tax on skill gaming machines operating within the borough. Officials noted that recent court rulings and ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding the machines make it difficult to proceed at this time.

Borough Manager Todd Brown explained that the proposal was intended to generate revenue from machine operators rather than local businesses.

“My idea for this tax isn’t to just add to the borough budget,” Brown said. “It’s more or less to replace something that would maybe alleviate a little bit from the taxpayers currently here.”

The matter was tabled pending additional developments at the state level.

America 250 Celebration Receives Approval

Council approved a request connected to the community’s America250 celebration scheduled for Sept. 12.

The event will include a parade on Main Street beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a free hot dog lunch sponsored by the Rotary Club.

Rotary Club Recognized for Park Improvements

Council also approved a request from the Rotary Club to place identification stickers on playground equipment the organization has refurbished at local parks in order to give credit to themselves.

Members praised the club’s volunteer efforts to repaint and improve recreational facilities throughout the Borough.

Additional business was conducted before the meeting adjourned.