Dunbar council tables bids for snow removal
DUNBAR — With winter approaching, borough council plans to hire a subcontractor for snow removal until it is able to purchase a truck to replace one with a blown engine.
Council on Monday tabled bids pending further review after opening three quotes from contractors that included $38 to $48 an hour from R&K Contracting of Dunbar Township; $100 an hour from Cavanagh Lawn Service of Scottdale and between $60 and $73 an hour from McGrew Construction of Monessen.
“The bids are our alternate plan for snow removal so the citizens don’t get into a panic when it snows,” said Councilman Rob Groover, street committee chairman.
The bids ranged in price depending on the type of truck being used and if the subcontractor would need to use any of the borough’s equipment.
Council last month agreed to advertise for winter maintenance bids after discussing the cost of a new snowplow.
Council also voted to advertise for bids for the sale of a 1999 F-450 dump truck with a blown engine the street workers were previously using.
The truck has a snowplow and salt spreader.
“We’re down to one vehicle so that’s the purpose of putting bids out until we get back on our feet and get a second vehicle,” said Groover.
Groover said he is also reviewing the option for the borough purchase a truck through the state’s cooperative purchasing program administered by the Department of General Services (DGS) Bureau of Procurement.
In another matter, council learned from President Norm Gordon that an estimate for heating and air conditioning as part of renovations to the police department are on hold after coming in over budget.
Gordon said that $7,500 in this year’s budget was allotted.
The police department is housed in the former fire station building and needs to be renovated.
“We need to revamp it to make it a safe environment for the police officers,” Gordon said.
Mayor Patrick Fitzgerald said the borough is still accepting applications for police officers.
In an unrelated issue, council agreed to set up a checking account at Scottdale Bank for Act 13 impact fees it will collect from Marcellus shale natural gas drilling.
According to borough secretary/treasurer Tammy Nedrow, Dunbar will receive $7,066.
Council also conducted the following business:
n Fielded questions from Weeblos of Cub Scout Pack 180 pertaining to their duties required to earn their citizenship badge. “The Scouts have been really helpful in our community,” said Gordon.
n Adopted a resolution to extend the life of the North Fayette County Municipal Authority another 50 years until 2028 so it can take advantage of a 2 1/8 interest rate on a 40-year loan for a water line extension in Perry and Upper Tyrone townships.