rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — Canton Borough’s street committee met to discuss recent and upcoming projects throughout the borough.
The committee reviewed the 2020 paving projects on South Center Street, Elm Street and West Union Street.
For the 2021 projects, South Ave was discussed, with the ditch project and the issues of head wall damages on two properties on that street. Letters to residents will be sent on what their options are concerning fixing this issue. Clinton and Lycoming Streets were also discussed.
2022 paving projects could include West Union and Second Streets, if there is money for the projects.
West Union Street will be taken to council to consider for a drainage work. The money needed can be paid in-house to fix the issues on that street.
Second Street and the sinkhole behind the Subway were also discussed, with Street Supervisors Dave Wilson noting that it will be an expensive project due to the work needed to be done, especially to a sinkhole behind the Canton Subway. Wilson says it could be due to water issues.
Administrator Seeley noted that to help pay for this project, they could consider a Pennsylvania Infrastructure Bank loan, because they have lower interest rates, however, the borough already has two of those loans and the earliest one does not end until 2029 so she does not recommend that option.
Carlton Street and Upper Mountain Road were both submitted into the Lower Volume Road Program for consideration on money to fix those roads. Seeley said Carlton ranked #4 last year, so there is a good shot they will get the financial help with that street this year, but they won’t know until a later time.
Other news
Street Supervisor Wilson asked the committee about putting on council’s agenda a trailer purchase for $7,895, a dual-axel trailer that is 20 feet long and carries 14,000 pounds. The money used to purchase the trailer will come out of Act 13 money the borough receives. He plans to use the trailer for in-house work and hauling tools to sites where he works.
The committee reviewed an ordinance on street opening and excavation after a discrepancy last year with the ordinance and a contracting company. They needed to change some wording in the ordinance to make it more clear that it is a contractor’s responsibility to get all permits for street opening and excavation.
Administrator Seeley also recommended looking at and revising the fee structure to the ordinance as well. The ordinance will be reviewed and approved at the next borough council meeting.
The committee decided to move forward with selling forks that the department has for at least $300 on Municibid.
Seeley told the committee that she has not heard from PennDOT as of the meeting on her letter to them regarding the agility projects and whether or not they still do that program. The borough clears local bridges for PennDOT and in exchange can get work done by them for helping, which, the department was hoping could be used to help the condition of Upper Mountain Road.
Seeley reported that she spoke with the Bradford County Planning Director Matt Williams on reviewing the bridges in town for an inspection because it had been awhile since they have been inspected and they need inspected every certain amount of years. Bridges need to be compliant with the National Bridge Inspection standards.
The 2018 DCNR grant used for the War Memorial Pool needs to be completed this year, Seeley reminded the committee, which includes work with mulching and in-kind bench work. The new grant Seeley applied for will be for an ADA composting bathroom facility.
Snow removal was discussed next, with the committee discussing the procedure of helping local churches remove snow and at what inch amount.
The committee will be asking council to advertise for summer help.
Seeley will get pricing on yellow center lines for Lycoming Street as well as checking with PennDOT on a mirror at the intersection of Troy and Second Streets (Subway area).
The committee will ask council for action on work for private individuals.
Two residents on West Union Street will be getting letters in the mail from the borough on the discharge of water onto borough streets, which is illegal.
Action needed to be taken will be at the next Canton Borough Council meeting on Monday, March 14, at 7 p.m. in the borough council building.