Grant Dollars Going toward Manor Township Road Improvements

by Jonathan Weaver

Manor Township supervisors have approved an application to go forward with street reconstruction and water line additions to a local road.

During the past few months, Supervisors Paul Rearick, Bob Southworth and Don Palmer have discussed Boyd Road with Armstrong County Planning and Development Community Development Coordinator Kathy Heilman.

With their allotment of approximately $84,800 in 2016 Community Development Block Grant funds, supervisors unanimously agreed to apply to use that funding toward a multi-year street reconstruction project.

Township supervisors will be able to use about $69,500 in funds, but about $15,300 will go toward County Planning and Development administration costs.

Last month, supervisors agreed to modify 2013 Community Development Block Grant funds to ensure both projects are completed.

Heilman explained more than $20,000 originally designated for then-Short Street storm sewer reconstruction project and township-wide rehabilitation funds was made available for both the Boyd Road waterline extension project and street reconstruction.

“We had some funds left and we are going to need them (for) the Boyd Road waterline and reconstruction,” Heilman said.

County commissioners also approved the modification unanimously.

In June, supervisors agreed at a public hearing for Senate Engineering – the township’s go-to engineering firm – to oversee the project.

Senate’s Ben Bothell stated two bids for the work was received – the lower of the two from Tim Fouse Excavating in Kittanning. Bothell recommended Fouse be awarded the bid due to previous experience with the contractor.

According to the advertised request that began during the second week of February, the proposed scope of work includes the installation of approximately 300 feet of water line pipe; 30 feet of 3/4” service line, three service connections including corporation cocks, three curb boxes and three curb stops , and the connection to existing water line, among other specifics.

A trio of households will be provided a potable water source eliminating the need for a private well to provide water for their consumption.

Previous experience on similar projects and technical qualifications and ability to complete the project during the next year were all considered with the application.

In 2012 and 2013, money was earmarked for resurfacing and drainage improvements along Short Street (which is only a block over from School Street).

Shadco, LLC of Marion Center was the contractor responsible for improving road conditions for about five households.

About $48,750 was designated to extend water service to three residences along Boyd Road (based on the road’s condition and engineering) and the remaining funds were allocated toward housing rehabilitation.

Township officials are still in the survey process to determine how to utilize 2016 CDBG dollars. Hileman is currently working on collecting income surveys to possibly reconstruct Iseman Hill Road.

Cooperation agreements for both 2015 and 2016 were also approved unanimously last month.

The application is due by November 18.

Next weekend will be the municipality’s Fall Cleanup.

Fall Cleanup will be Thursday, Sept. 29 through Saturday, Oct. 1. Items can be disposed of from 7AM-7PM Thursday, 7AM-3PM Friday and 8AM-4PM Saturday in dumpsters located at the Manor Township municipal shed – 189 Fort Run Rd., Ford City.

Supervisor Chair Paul Rearick said there are restrictions on what can be accepted.

According to the Township social media page, the township will not accept: refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, any items with Freon, liquids - such as paint, oil or anti-freeze -, tires, building materials, wood products, fluorescent lights, concrete or any concrete items, electronics - such as televisions, VCRS, video games, computer monitors, computer towers and radios – or general household garbage.

“A lot of communities are only doing one in the Spring now – we decided last year to do two, and it worked out. It gives our residents an opportunity if they see something they have to get rid of. If there are any elderly residents or people with disabilities that need help getting their trash, junk to us, give a call to the office and we’ll make arrangements to come and pick it up,” Rearick said.

Township Supervisor and Road Foreman Bob Southworth said the township will recycle metal disposed of next weekend.

Residents can request more information by calling the Township municipal building at 724-763-9215.

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