DONALDSON - The Donaldson playground is a step closer to reality.
Bids for the project were opened by Alfred Benesch & Co. recently, and the Frailey Township supervisors approved the lowest bidder during its meeting contingent upon review and agreement of the engineer.
Although eight companies showed interest in the project, only three were received with Spotts Brothers, Schuylkill Haven, submitting the lowest total bid of $51,359, which included the alternate bid of $7,780 for the installation of a swing set.
Arthur "Pat" Aungst, Pine Grove, submitted the next lowest total bid of $53,733.25, which included the alternate bid of $4,625, while Reading Materials, Skippack, submitted a total bid of $66,851.25, with the alternate bid of $11,152.50.
Chairman Donald Allar said the township was awarded a $40,000 Department of Community and Economic Development grant for the playground, plus the supervisors had approved additional township funds of $34,000. A total of $19,000 had already been spent on playground equipment last August and is in storage. It was purchased through Bitting Recreation, Harrisburg, which saved the township $2,000. Bitting is a recognized member of the U.S. Government Purchasing Alliance, similar to a Co-STAR member, which allows municipalities to make purchases through them without going through the bidding process.
Bills
The Frailey Township supervisors reminded residents April 1 that the next sewer bill they receive will be the final one the township will be paying until November. Residents were also reminded that only four 33-gallon trash bags per household per week will be picked up by the township.
Also, the board approved a quote from James Lucas Contracting, Tremont, to construct a salt shed. Two additional quotes, besides Lucas' $19,000, were requested as required by law. Double E Construction, Minersville, quoted $31,630, although that price included a cement floor which is not wanted, and Allen Wolff, Tremont, quoted $22,100.
Property report
Allar presented a new Property Maintenance Report, which the board reviewed and approved. He said he took a ride through the village and compiled a list of the worst properties, which would be sent to the code enforcement officer for investigation.
"It's just about everybody on last year's list," Allar said, adding that people moved out of two of the properties. "We'll be cutting grass. A bank took over and they don't do it."
In other business
- Because of current projects, such as the playground and salt shed, the board agreed to a limited road project for this year. Clark Street from the ball field to Railroad Street will be resurfaced as well as sections of Spring Street.
- A discussion was held concerning the stray cat problem that exists in three locations in the village. According to some residents, the SPCAs are not helpful.
- Supervisor Jack Barnhart reported tri-axle trucks are speeding through the village in the morning when kids are waiting for the school bus. According to one resident, a lot of the trucks are going to Elizabethville hauling materials received at the Blackwood facility (We Care Organics). The amount of materials being shipped out equals what is coming in, the resident said, and their permit will probably be lifted in June. According to the Department of Environmental Protection, which was contacted after the meeting, We Care is in compliance.
"It is operating within the purview of its permit," Colleen Connolly, community relations coordinator in Wilkes-Barre, said.
- Any qualified person interested in a lifeguard position at the Tremont borough swimming pool is encouraged to call the borough office at 570-695-2199 or email tbsec@wtvaccess.com.
- A right-of-way agreement with PPL for the installation of three light poles from Center Street to Martin Street was signed by the board and includes the removal of some trees. According to Allar, it is part of a project to eliminate the line from Middle Creek to Newtown.
- Allar reported the township had paid this year's real estate taxes in the amount of $403.68 for the old factory building. The township would, however, be getting $164.10 back with the remainder going to the county. Several other approved expenditures include $680.67 for street lighting, $7,950 for sewage and $2,174.99 for February police protection.
- The February police report indicates 24.16 hours of coverage during 22 days of the month, most of which involved patrolling, with two unspecified incidents listed.