Sewickley officials intend to allocate approximately $650,000 to resurface five roads and an intersection later this year.
Council gave permission to Gateway Engineers to release its 2024 paving program for competitive bidding.
The decision was made unanimously during the March 12 meeting, with Councilman Tom Rostek being absent.
Engineer Mike Galet expressed the hope of awarding a contract in April and commencing construction in June.
The project is projected to take around five months to finish.
The roads scheduled for repair this year are:
• Hill Street from Broad to Mulberry streets.
• Academy Avenue from Linden Street to the end of the street.
• Graham Street from Harbaugh Street to state Route 65.
• Maple Lane from Maple Lane to Dippold Street.
• Melville Lane from Chestnut to Bank streets.
• The intersection of Murray Street and Centennial Avenue.
The streets were assessed during the winter.
“We publish a road program every year, and this is essentially in line with the borough's annual spending,” he explained. “We grade the roads and prioritize based on their current conditions. We tackle the worst roads first. These are all in need of repair, non-emergency issues.”
Council president Cynthia Mullins emphasized the importance of keeping a close watch on infrastructure and making upgrades whenever possible to prevent the need for emergency repairs.
“We want to maintain a strong road improvement program,” she said. “We also aim to improve pedestrian safety. We're fortunate to have a healthy budget to carry out this work.”
Council awarded last year’s paving project to Youngblood Paving.
The borough allocated $600,000 for paving last year, and the contract amounted to about $462,000.
Galet mentioned that Youngblood managed to stay within the contract and the crews did excellent work.
No brick road repairs were considered for at least the second consecutive year.
In police matters
Council accepted the resignation of a full-time police officer and approved an offer of employment to a potential replacement.
Officer Doug Miller of Baden will depart the department this month after serving Sewickley for the past five years.
Police Chief Dave Mazza stated that Miller secured a position at a police department in Beaver County.
“Doug was a loyal and dedicated employee during the past five years,” Mazza remarked. “The department will miss him. He was an asset. I wish him luck.”
Council approved extending a job offer to Richard Stuart of Cranberry. Salary details are yet to be determined.
Mazza mentioned Stuart previously worked part-time as an officer in Sewickley and currently holds a full-time position as an Avalon officer.
“He is a skilled investigator,” Mazza commented. “He is highly proficient with technology and possesses a strong understanding of police work, going above and beyond. He's a well-established family man and an extremely dependable employee.”
Stuart is anticipated to be officially sworn in next month, pending successful completion of physical and psychological evaluations.
