Fayette City hears about flooding problem
FAYETTE CITY – The Fayette City borough council heard concerns Monday about flooding that has been occurring on Middle Street. Local resident Mike Baumiller said the problem was due to a blocked storm drain near his house that he had previously brought to the board’s attention.
Mayor Herb Vargo said that the borough street worker had reported that he was unable to clear the drain because it was blocked with concrete.
“We did not create that problem. Someone else did,” Vargo said, adding that he and the council had been told that contractors working on Baumiller’s house had put the cement into the drain by cleaning out wheelbarrows and tools.
Baumiller said he was not aware that they had done that, but he believed the drain caused flooding before the contractors worked on the house.
Vargo said that according to the borough street worker, the drain would need major construction to correct the problem, and it would be up to the board to decide if they could undertake that project.
Because the council’s engineer was not present and he would be the one who would have to make a recommendation, the board said they would have him check the drain.
They noted that they already have other problems because they have an old drain and sewerage system.
“It’s a small municipality,” said Vice President Charles Mirabella. “We don’t have the finances to do what the DEP already wants us to, and that would be to replace the entire system. We’re working on getting more funding.”
On a lighter note, the borough will celebrate during Summer fest on June 5-7.
Council members said that food and game booths will open at 5 p.m. each night. On Friday and Saturday a DJ will entertain until 10 p.m. On Thursday, there will be a parade at 7 p.m., in which Mirabella said local fire departments, politicians and American Legion honor guards will be participating.
On Sunday morning, there will be a community church service at 11 a.m. in the memorial park across from Eley-McCrory Funeral Home. At noon, anyone interested in playing horseshoes can sign up, and pitching will begin at 12:30 p.m. at the ball field.