Bradford City Council approved the adoption of an Act 537 special study for upcoming work at the wastewater treatment plant.
The resolution, passed at Tuesday evening’s council meeting, brings the Bradford Sanitary Authority one step closer to starting construction on Phase III of the plant’s rehabilitation.
According to paperwork provided by the city, the authority plans to complete the design for permits, and submit applications for permits to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection this month.
The authority plans to apply for funding in May, receive the funding offer in July and be ready to open bids for the project by September. If the project remains on schedule, construction is slated for October 2017 through October 2018.
In other news, the city received word on March 30 that it will receive $272,958 for its 2016 Community Development Block Grant.
Regarding future CDBG funding — which is may be cut from the federal budget — Mayor Tom Riel said a letter has been written in the city requesting CDBG funding not be cut. He is hopeful city officials will join in signing it before it is sent to Bradford’s U.S. legislators.
Council introduced an ordinance regarding firework displays in the city, passing it on the first reading. It must be approved a second time before becoming law.
Bradford City Fire Chief Eric Taylor noted the ordinance will be useful when companies come in to shoot firework shows, explaining that when shows are scheduled, the fire department is “usually the last ones to know.”
Council authorized the sale of its third new home. A home at 40 Elm St., located within the Second Ward Neighborhood Revitalization Area, will be sold to Melissa Valerio for $135,000.
Riel noted, “We just hope we can get the assessments more fair.”
As far as being able to make the sale, Sara Andrews, executive director of the Office of Economic and Community Development, talked about the quality of the homes, saying, “The houses sell themselves.”
Also approved was a $62,540 grant to Alfreda Carletta to rehabilitate 26 Park St., located in the Second Ward Neighborhood.
Council accepted a bid for $2,954 to Tom Vickery for the emergency demolition of 36 Rosedale Ave. The home was destroyed by fire on March 14.
Council passed on second reading a $750,000 general obligation note to be used for streetscape improvements.
Andrews explained at the March 28 meeting that the funding will help the city pay for streetscape improvements, then the city will be reimbursed through CDBG funds.
John Frisina was appointed to the Parking Authority Board.
