Ford City Ford City Alley Repaving Concerns Discussed with Engineer
Gibson-Thomas Engineer Daniel Schmitt explains how the recent alley repaving happened during yesterday’s work session.
By Jonathan Weaver
When two Ford City alleys were repaved in the middle of September, there were clear skies overhead.
But, with about four inches of rainfall since paving was complete, local residents are starting to feel a difference unlike what was hoped for.
Councilwoman Vicki Schaub knew of at least a few garages that saw water following the resurfacing in the 500 block of 5th Avenue near Boulder Park and other areas of concern near Cypress Alley after Pro-Tech Asphalt completed the job.
“There’s quite a drop-off into the drain, but the water’s not running toward the drain; it’s lying,” Schaub said. “At the end of the alley, the drain appears to be higher because water’s not flowing toward the drain.”
She brought her concerns to Gibson-Thomas Engineer Daniel Schmitt at Monday night’s work session.
Ash Alley travels parallel to 4th Avenue from 17th Street to 12th Street, and Cypress Alley runs from 9th Street to State Route 128 past Boulder Park
Schmitt said a pre-construction meeting with the New Castle-based company showed some initial concerns before work began.
“That was the first time I actually saw the project myself. I wasn’t aware what was going on with that –all I saw was we’re going to mill so much and pave so much,” Schmitt said.
“The concern I had from the get-go on this particular project was that it was an alley. Alley’s are a different animal that streets are,” Schmitt added. “Alleys are typically very difficult to pave because there is no standard when you meet the private property owners’ property line.
“Everybody has a different thing going on – everybody has a different elevation going on.”
Schmitt explained how the machinery used can but is not designed to account for surface changes or sporadic driveways and sidewalks without it resulting in uneven leveling.
Alleys typically also have fewer storm sewers to begin with, but due to the population and size of many local municipalities, motorists are more apt to use the shortcut.
“When you go in and lay this out, there were a lot of variables,” Schmitt said. “We had to walk block-by-block and see what you could do.”
The project has not yet been closed out and the contractor must submit a 12-month maintenance bond following completion of a punch list to ensure work, but Schmitt counseled members that more description in the next project scope could help erase some concerns.
“If we tried to do a transition on every garage, we might’ve caused more problems as far as traffic,” Schmitt said. “In the future, when you do specifications and that’s what you want on the alleys, tell the contractor so they’re aware of it ahead of time and the inspector is aware what (Borough Council members) specifically want.”
Schaub said she received regular concerns from residents, and was satisfied with Schmitt’s explanations.
“Now we know,” Councilman Gene Banks said.
Planning Commission Member Tyson Klukan proposed the alley repaving to Borough Council members in May. Klukan estimated the two alleys paved weren’t paved in nearly 20 years.
Photos at the time of Klukan’s proposal showed alleys rotted and stress fractures near Millwood Arms on 13th Street, Taylor’s Auto Repair near 15th Street and Family Dollar near 12th Street.
The five council members present – a full board minus Councilman Scott Gaiser – are also still discussing ways to promote local news other than the Borough Facebook account.
Council members discussed having Family-Life TV return to air live telecasts of monthly meetings, but a majority of council did not seem in favor of that idea Monday night.
“I don’t think it warrants us $260 for TV,” Schaub said. She noted a poll for the past month noted that residents were more-interested in seeing up-to-date information on a Borough website.
Banks agreed.
Borough Manager Eden Ratliff said “diligent” efforts are being made to access administrative controls of www.fordcityborough.com – which according to the website homepage was last updated in August 2011.
“No matter what we decide, we need a functioning website,” Ratliff said. “Whether you choose to do a newsletter, television or nothing, we’re still going to need a website.”
Councilman Josh Abernathy asked if Council should set up a website in the interim as well.
“To get anything, you’re going to have to pay for it. Getting stuff for free is not going to work,” Abernathy said.
Council Vice-President Jerry Miklos recalled that the newsletter was last produced more than 20 years ago – prior to current-Borough Secretary Lisa Bittner’s employment.
Council members adjourned the meeting before an executive session to discuss personnel and litigation, according to Ratliff.
Ford City, Local News | jweaver October 28, 2014
By sickofpayingforit, October 29, 2014 @ 2:55 AM
Admin-
Is it even possible for local boroughs to strike a deal with this site to have a dedicated section for their local business that they can control the input of? Being a local government section, the content would automatically be professionally and family oriented with no risk of vulgarity or profanity.
I don’t want to speak out of turn here, not knowing all of the parameters involved in running this thing, but it seems so logical to me to try and consolidate into existing entities, rather than always wanting to build/buy new stuff. I can’t help but think it ups your hits and if possible, saves the borough a few bucks. Potentially win/win, no? Perhaps I am completely off the mark with this notion as well. I figured it didn’t hurt to ask.