ASHLAND - Improvements will be made at Eureka Park if the borough is successful in obtaining state grant funding.
During its Feb. 13 meeting, Ashland Borough Council approved applying for funds from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources that would include a $20,000 straight grant, plus an additional $20,000 in funding that would require a local match, bringing the total park project to $60,000 if the matching funds are available.
"We're not sure what the exact prices (on the project) are right now," Raymond Jones, borough manager, said. "We're proceeding with some engineering at Eureka Park."
A portion of the proposed project will be the installation of a "tot lot" that will provide a recreation area for younger children. The borough installed a similar tot lot a few years ago at Higher Up Park.
"A number of years ago there was a master plan done for all the parks, and we're proceeding with a portion of that plan should we be approved and have the money to do it," Jones said. "The project would also include rotating the existing basketball courts, turning them north to south rather than east to west as they are now. Apparently, there's an issue with the sun."
If the borough is successful in being awarded a grant, then the solicitation for project bids will be advertised.
"The grant application needs to be submitted to DCNR by April," Jones said.
Jones said the project to install video surveillance cameras at several locations is proceeding.
"We got a grant quite awhile ago from Schuylkill Area Community Foundation for $5,000 and we're getting prices," Jones said. "The plan is to install the cameras at Eureka Park, Higher Up Park and the Mother's Memorial, but realistically we'll probably get one or two of them done with that amount of funds. We'll start at Eureka Park, since that's a trouble spot with vandalism."
Jones said the police station project is completed. The lower level of the borough building will become the new station, replacing the existing site on Walnut Street. Jones said items from the current police station are being moved at this time.
In other business, borough council:
- Adopted a resolution to appoint Jones as liaison between Berkheimer Associates and the Borough of Ashland.
- Adopted a resolution authorizing Berkheimer Associates to impose and retain costs of collections on delinquent local taxes.
- Adopted a resolution appointing Jones as chief administrator of the municipal employees pension plan and the police pension plan.
- Approved a request for American Legion Post 434 to hold the Memorial Day parade and program at the Mother's Memorial on May 27 and a request for police and fire police for traffic control.
- Approved a request from the Borough of Girardville for Ashland Fire Police to assist with traffic control at the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 23.
- Approved a request from Ashland Downtown Inc. for fire police at the Easter Extravaganza at Memorial Field at 10:30 a.m. March 30.
- Approved a request from Mayor Dennis Kane to use the Mother's Memorial on May 12 for the Mother's Day Program.
