SMETHPORT — Smethport Borough Council approved a resolution Monday to apply for a Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant of $250,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority in the Department of Community and Economic Development for Phase 1 of the Smethport Borough Hamlin Lake Park Improvement Project.
Councilman Ryan Yingling, who chairs the parks committee, said the borough has been working closely with Dan Beyer, an engineer with the EADS Group in Altoona, an engineering, architectural and design firm, to find state grants for borough projects.
If the grant application is approved, the borough could be awarded the full amount or a portion of the request, Yingling said.
“Replacing the deteriorating walk bridge in the park is the first of three priorities,” said Yingling. “Next is the addition of a handicapped accessible parking lot for the new kayak launch, followed by replacement of restrooms on the Willow Street side of the park.”
Yingling explained that the original park plan called for the kayak launch to be installed on the Willow Street side of the lake instead of its present location on the Water Street side. Therefore, the new parking area will be completed before the kayak launch is moved to the Water Street side.
In personnel matters, four college students were approved for summer employment. They are Brooke Kane-Walker, Meagan DeLuca, Michael DeLuca and Stone Page.
One each will be assigned to the electric and streets departments, while the remaining two will work in the park.
In another vote, council agreed to have E & M Engineers and surveyors to update the borough’s Emergency Action Plan, which now must be electronically filed with the government, and this requires attending instructional sessions. The cost to the borough will be $2,540.
Some borough residents spoke to council.
Megan Simms requested and received borough permission to proceed with plans to close the 400 block of West Main Street for the annual street dance on June 22. The dance is slated for 7 to 10:30 p.m. but the street will be closed from 6:30 to 11 p.m. for setup and tear down.
Judy Marquart noted that sandy pebbles on the road leading to the park has made the surface slippery and a risk for walkers. She also mentioned the yellow gate posts in the park are rusty and should be repainted.
Council President Greg Rounsville said the summer employees are scheduled to do this job.
Marquart complimented borough employees for handling arrangements for parking on the island.
Warren Blair returned to council again requesting for corrective action on a water problem from a foundation drain that has affected his garage and yard.
Darlene Dorward expressed concern about some trees on two locations of Hamlin Lake. In one case, the trees could be partially hiding the flag on the island near Mechanic Street.
In the other case, the McKean County Conservation District personnel have inspected the trees on the other site farther upstream and were found to be safe.
Following a 20-minute executive session, council returned to the public meeting, but adjourned immediately.
