ASHLAND - Ashland Borough Council approved a time extension to the Streetscape project in the downtown during Wednesday's meeting, with the hope it will be completed by the end of the year.
Phase III of the Streetscape project began earlier this month, originally planned to start in September. The delay in getting the project started, along with weather delays, could also mean it will not be completed until the spring.
"The extension would go from Dec. 3 to Dec. 30," said council President Frederick Spieles. "The reason for that is that in case we get any really bad weather and he (Heim) has to stop, he'll have that extension so maybe he can have it done by the end of the year."
The cost of the project is $187,575, funded through a state Department of Community and Economic Development Grant of $250,000. In addition to construction fees, the grant will also pay for legal and engineering fees, audit fees at the end of the project and any other related costs.
The project includes both sides of the 400 and 500 blocks of Centre Street and involves replacing sidewalks and curb cuts, for handicap accessibility and removing two trees, similar to the work done on the 200 and 300 blocks of Centre Street. In order to improve visibility at intersections, parking meters at the corners will be removed in the project area.
Spieles said that if Heim Construction Co. LLC, Pottsville, is unable to complete the project by the end of year, the company has until June 30 to finish within the funding guidelines.
In a related matter with Heim, the council approved the first payment of $44,524.88 to Heim for the construction work completed to date.
The council will hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28, to approve the 2013 tentative budget and discuss other matters. Councilman Patrick Cooney asked if the borough manager situation would be addressed, to which Spieles said it is possible that it can be done.
In other council business:
- Appointed borough office manager/treasurer Patricia Moyer as the right-to-know officer.
- Appointed Councilwoman Ann Marie Groody as an authorized borough official for the financial accounts. The appointment is temporary and fills the opening left after the council accepted the resignation of Borough Manager Thomas Joyce at the special meeting on Dec. 5.
In a related matter, Spieles said he has been bonded as council president to assist in the office as needed, which is also due to Joyce's resignation. Spieles said the cost for the bond is $350 and is necessary for him to handle money in the office
- Approved a request from the Ashland Area Rotary Club to hold the annual Santa Parade at 6 p.m. Saturday from 23rd Street, moving east on Centre Street to Hoffman Boulevard. The parade will stop at Centre Street and Hoffman Boulevard for the lighting of the Christmas tree and to allow children to visit with Santa at the steps of the Mother's Memorial.
- Approved a request from Ashland Downtown Inc. to hold the 10th annual Old-Fashioned Christmas in downtown Ashland from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15. The permission included closing Fifth Street from Centre to Chestnut streets.
- Approved free parking at all parking meters from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1 for the convenience of holiday shoppers. Meter parking will resume on Jan. 2.