Ford City Borough Engineer James Garvin is requesting he and Borough Council meet with the Department of Environmental Protection before a mass of fines are paid off due to perceived delays in the decision for a new water treatment plant
Ford City Borough’s newest police cruiser was reportedly out-of-service during the weekend and caused borough police to seek nearby assistance. Borough Council members were concerned to hear more repairs had to be made to the vehicle, just a few months after purchase. (KP File Photo)
By Jonathan Weaver
Three weeks ago following a town hall meeting, Ford City Borough Council voted to build a new wastewater treatment plant.
But, it is unknown if the Department of Environmental Protection has stopped assessing fines to the Borough due to missed deadlines.
According to Ford City Borough Council Vice-President Jerry Miklos, that fine total is up to $21,000 and counting. He said fines are usually paid by the 15th of each month – which is today.
Councilman Gene Banks was also concerned with the possibility.
“What can we do to stop the bleeding?,” Banks asked.
Engineer James Garvin said that the final decision of intent should have eliminated some fines and another should stop once council finalizes permits.
Council members unanimously agreed to pay $750 for a wastewater treatment plant permit last night during their regular meeting.
A general information form initially signed by former-Council President Lou Vergari will also be updated with Council President Kathy Bartuccio’s signature and a corrected construction timeline.
Garvin Engineering has already paid $7,250 in fines assessed before due to this project’s delay, but questioned the current fines.
“In accordance with the consent order, the new permits for the new treatment plant had to be filed before March 4 – which is impossible because we had a town hall meeting scheduled for the 24th of March,” Garvin said. “There was no way I could file permits without knowing which way I was going.
“That money would me so much better spent going toward this new plant. In their mind, it’s owed. In my mind, it’s up for debate.”
Garvin requested a sit-down meeting between him and DEP before more fines are paid, with Garvin accompanied by Borough Solicitor Anthony Vigilante.
A 1,500-foot interconnect with Pennsylvania American Water rather than building a new plant could have cost six or seven figures, Mayor Marc Mantini said.
In another step of moving forward, Garvin recommended that council follow through with their motion to award installation of five meter vaults Mortimer Excavating of Pulaski.
“These meters are essential under the consent order and agreement. The intent of these meters is to measure raw water flow coming from the three wells, water coming into the plant and water coming out of the plant,” Garvin said. “Council can do what they want to do, but based on my review of the bids, I see no reason not to award it to this contractor.
The reason it is a must is because we have 1-2-3 meters here in the bottom and one meter in the top – through basic math, we’ll be able to determine if there’s a leak in the raw water system. That question was raised during the public meeting if it was leaking or not, and we do not know.”
Mortimer Excavating bid nearly $71,550 when bids were opened at the beginning of March.
DEP also requested the meters – purchased through the State cooperative purchasing program COSTARS and paid for by the Clean Water Grant obtained - rather than pressure testing. The recently-purchased Doppler system would be able to isolate the leaks.
The vaults which are built and ready for installation hopefully will be able to be used long-term.
The recommendation is pending review by the Borough Water Committee.
Two bills from Garvin Engineering – totaling more than $6,400 – were tabled for further review. Those bills were described as for the consent order and water treatment plant.
Although a used police car was purchased earlier this year for $1,100, it is still causing confusion amongst council members.
Borough police had to be aided by Kittanning Borough Police during the weekend after Ford City officers only had one of the three police cruisers working.
The newest 1998 car – which has more than 86,000 miles on it - was purchased for $1,100, but the Borough has already had to pay $1,500 into it.
“If this situation keeps up, it could jeopardize the public safety of the community,” Mayor Mantini said. “This has turned into a dangerous situation for the citizens of the Borough.
“We need new police cars for officer safety.”
State Police troopers have also been notified.
“What’s going on with these police cars?,” Miklos asked.
Miklos contended there might need to be better supervision by Mayor Mantini of the officers on duty, while Councilwoman Vicki Schaub said officers don’t properly observe the neighborhood and need to slow down while on patrol.
Miklos, Schaub and Councilman Scott Gaiser asked for reports when the vehicle damages were reported.
In police business, Mayor Mantini did commended Ford City officers and county officials who maintained public safety during three bomb threats at Ford City Junior-Senior High School earlier this month.
A juvenile student was apprehended believed to be in-connection to those threats.
Garbage will not be collected this Friday, April 18 (Good Friday). Residents who usually have garbage picked up Friday should put out their trash Thursday, April 17.
Borough Council also plans to hold special meetings the fourth week of each month through the rest of 2014. Schaub talked with Miklos before the end of the meeting about the motion.
“With four new council members aboard, and trying to depend on two (veteran) council members, it’s too much of an overload for them. The rest of us need to be jumping in and get caught up on things,” Schaub said. “There are so many questions – the emails are just bombarding everybody.”
Usually the meetings will be held the fourth Monday of the month – such as this month when it will be held April 28 – but it will be changed to accommodate holiday scheduling.
Those meetings are to also begin at 6PM, with public work sessions beginning at 5PM, providing space is available at the public library along 4th Avenue.