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Whether it's levee improvements, city park upgrades or appointments and reappointments to authorities, Williamsport City Council had a busy Thursday knocking off several items presented to it by the administration of Mayor Derek Slaughter.
In terms of the continuing flood levee recertification process, council awarded the northwest levee system cross pipe final design to Wood Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions for $66,500 but with questions as the company continues to be a business partner with the city.
The design will involve preparing the cross pipes for slip lining as opposed to excavating them, said Jon Sander, city engineer. The cost will be paid for using the American Rescue Plan fund, he said. Construction bids are expected to be prepared on or before Aug. 1 depending on the state
Department of Environmental Protection permitting schedule and other factors that might condense the timeline.
The firm was among the most expensive of the three which submitted bids. That led to questions from council to Sander about the reason it was chosen.
Wood has been working for many years with the city on the levee project, and has the expertise and familiarity and intimate knowledge on the progress toward the recertification of the levee, an unfunded federal mandate.
Still, while Councilwoman Liz Miele said she understood that rationale, the disparity between Wood and another company bid was $25,000. She said there may be an opportunity in the future for the city to diversify depending on the job at hand, to ensure the city gets the best bang for its buck.
Council President Adam Yoder echoed those sentiments and said while these are the seven worst cross pipes of about 60 it will be important for the city administration to consider the price point, keep the vendors honest and look for the best value for the jobs ahead.
Parks improvement
Council approved a resolution committing $75,000 in local match funding for a state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant for the city. The grant will be used toward the improvements at the park systems.
If received, it will be used toward a comprehensive plan for recreational and open space and added green infrastructure.
The goal is to see more connectivity to the city parks such as pedestrian and bicycle pathways.
Mayor Derek Slaughter said the grant application is being handled by Delta Development Group and the city should receive word by late fall and start the improvements in 2023.
Council approved a change order for the Lose Park Playground improvement project. The park at the 1100 block of Memorial Avenue will be undergoing several improvements including sidewalks, curb accessibility, a resurfaced basketball, accessible playground equipment, lighting and a possible pagoda or pavilion. The park is in a residential neighborhood, with a mix of rental properties, home owner properties and is close to Memorial Park and all it has available with the newly refurbished Memorial Pool.
The change order was for Larson Design Group design work that went from $31,655 to $32,955, or $1,300, said August Skip Memmi, director of city community and economic development.
Any cost overages for the work will be handled through the action plan so sufficient funds are available to complete the project as originally designed, he said.
Using Larson Design services the city was able to receive and review three construction bids as opposed to one and held the pre-bid meeting April 11. The bids will be reviewed by Larson and the solicitor for legal purposes.
Miele noted the change order request was for an expenditure that was incurred and that council was reauthorizing it.
Council approved a land development plan for West Pharmaceuticals, 2921 Reach Road. The company is building an 11,445 square foot addition and adding paint stripes to its parking lots that will have 174 parking spaces and two accessible spaces, said Gary Knarr, city zoning officer.
Council approved a land development plan for the first phase of Old City Land, 225 E. Third St.
Pine Ridge Construction Management Inc. plans to build a three-story building with up to 12 commercial spaces for rent and 12 in second and floor space for townhomes for sale, Knarr said.
The land development plan was approved with the proviso that Lycoming College finalize the deed of dedication and that be recorded.
Council leadership was excited about the mutual benefits the project holds for the developer, college and the city.
Council approved land development for Revapurii LLC, 868 First Ave. The developer plans a mixed-use commercial and apartment building.
Council closed out the ordinances on Community Development Block Grant prior year to ensure reallocation of funds to 2021 to fund the three fire trucks – two engines and a ladder – for about $700,100, Memmi said.
Council approved lot consolidation for Brett and Sue Johnson at 730 Wildwood Blvd. The couple want an additional building for storage.
Council approved a subdivision and lot consolidation at 607 Cemetery Street and St. James Place. The owner of the former RC Smith Building is looking for developers to construct at the site.
Council approved Don Lundy to replace a term on the Williamsport Redevelopment Authority ending Jan. 7, 2023.
Slaughter noted how Lundy has been a resident for many years and has vast residential, commercial and industrial construction knowledge. Miele noted how the goals for the redevelopment authority are expected to take on a renewed vigor and purpose, especially with intended funding of the land bank using ARPA funds.
However, she added the authority has one more vacancy and that two of the five sitting on it have close business ties to the community and suggested the next appointment be someone who is unlikely to encounter a conflict of interest or put the authority in a position where a quorum could not be reached or an abstention could not result in a recommendation in a vote because of familiarity with those in the community.
Council approved Andree Phillips to be reappointed to another five-year term on the Williamsport Municipal Water and Sanitary Authority.