Brownsville company makes choice on logging firm
BROWNSVILLE – Borough council, after discussing bids received for the logging of the Patsy Hillman Park, chose to recommend the higher bidder for the job. With only two bids received, council members chose the highest bidder, Stump Creek Lumber of Punxsutawney, which bid $91, 500 to log the park. Earlier this past summer, park officials accepted bids for the logging of the park, but had to re-advertise the bids because Luzerne Township, who jointly owns the park along with Brownsville Borough, questioned why they were left out of the bidding process.
Council President Jack Lawver, informed those in attendance that he had met with Luzerne Township officials, who held their supervisors meeting earlier in the day, to determine which logging company would get the logging contract.
“The money the park board receives from the logging will be used for the upkeep of the park and for grant and local match money,” said Lawver. “Financially, the park is in bad shape. If it wasn’t for volunteers helping (Frank) Ricco, the park would be in even worse shape.”
According to Lawver, several years ago, the park board developed a comprehensive plan to revitalize the park.
“They have the first step of the plan complete, and that was the repaving of the roads,” said Lawver. “Their second phase is to update the restrooms and sewerage facilities. With the money from the logging, they can accomplish this next step.”
Under the contract agreement, Stump Creek Lumber has one year to complete the lumbering from a yet undetermined date; must stay 100 yards away from pavilions; and the trees must be trimmed chest high at 12 inches in diameter.
In other news, Oktoberfest will be held in Brownsville’s Southside on Saturday and Sunday. At 1 p.m. on Sunday, a car show will be held with all proceeds to be awarded to the Brownsville Police Department’s equipment fund.
“This car show is for a good cause,” said Councilman Scott Rohrer, “It’s to help out our police force. We hope the community shows up to support their efforts.”
In personnel matters, council announced that Michael Bernot Jr. was hired as the new street commissioner, effective Dec. 1, to fill a vacated position due to the retirement of a former employee.
Elsewhere, council:
– Said that they are looking to develop a bike trail along Dunlap Creek and are seeking grant money to do so.
– Will sign the First Offenders Contract that will allow volunteers to supervise local teen offenders and assign community work if needed.
– Mayor Norma Ryan announced she will participate in a nationwide event on Nov. 20, which brings homelessness to municipalities’ attention. Ryan said she will live on the street for 24 hours as part of Homeless Awareness Month.
– Council is asking anyone who may have family or friends overseas in the military to notify them. Brownsville Area School District is preparing a project that will have their students writing area servicemen and women to lift their spirits.