Paving project delayed in Smithfield
SMITHFIELD – The recent chilly, rainy weather has delayed the start of a paving project in Smithfield. Borough council updated residents on the status of the paving project at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
During September’s meeting, council members voted to award a $57,203 contract to Morgan Excavating of Belle Vernon to pave Washington Way, Hayden Street and Haydentown Street.
“I have been calling, and they (Morgan Excavating) said that they can’t do anything until it is above 50 degrees,” said Jamie Hoone, borough secretary.
Hoone said the company also heard that because of the rainy weather their work on another job has been slowed down, and once that particular job has been completed, they will begin work on Smithfield’s paving project. Hoone was told the project would begin in the very near future, she said.
In other matters, the borough’s new police officer, John Lingo III, attended Tuesday’s meeting for council to answer any questions he might have.
Mayor Chuck Cieszynski wanted to urge residents to still call 9-1-1 in case of an emergency and wanted to thank the state police for doing a good job patrolling the borough while the borough searched for a new officer.
“We are very fortunate to have the police officer,” said Cieszynski. “But, we, the people, have to still be the eyes and ears and work with him.”
Cieszynski also asked residents to check the caps on their sewer vents. People have been noticing a sewage smell in the morning around 7 a.m. that dissipates a few hours later. Because the vent caps are easily knocked off during grass mowing, he wants people to make sure their caps are still attached.
In other matters, council reminded residents that if they need to have leaves collected to call the borough office at 724-569-9601 to arrange a pick-up on a Tuesday or Thursday.
The council also wanted to remind residents that this year’s Halloween march will take place from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the community center on Water Street.
If it rains or if the weather is too cold, the activities will be held inside the center.
Trick-or-treating will take place immediately following the march and last until 6 p.m. Those residents wishing to pass out treats should leave their porch light on, council said.
Council also urged parents and other residents to please be careful and keep an eye out for children and to drive slowly while Halloween activities are taking place.
In other business, council voted to purchase a new lawn mower and leaf blower for the sewage treatment plant.
Council had given the plant the old borough lawn mower, which had been refurbished, but it has worn out.
Council President Jack Firth said many of the lawn mowers are now on sale, and he does not see spending more than $1,400, and he might be able to find one for less than $1,000.
In other matters:
? Council announced that the next meeting of the library reading circle will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and that the library will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 3, for election day and Thursday, Nov. 26, for Thanksgiving.
? Council announced recycling will take place on Monday.
? Council announced that the next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17.