The Bradford City Water Authority heard from Ken Kane of Generations Forestry Wednesday about some vandalism he’s found while conducting an inventory of timber on authority property.
Steve Disney, executive director of the authority, explained after the meeting, “Vandalism to road gates and trespassing has been occurring on water authority property, primarily in the Marilla Reservoir area of the Gilbert Reservoir access road.
“Anyone with any information is asked to call the authority offices or Bradford Township Police,” he continued. “Persons caught trespassing or found responsible for vandalism will be fully prosecuted. The authority suggested surveillance cameras be posted at troubled areas.”
At the meeting, Kane said the freeze and thaw cycle has hampered timber operations. The ash salvage off Interstate Parkway remains at approximately 65% complete and is on hold until road conditions improve. An area of blowdowns due to high winds continues to be harvested as conditions allow out of Compartment #3. Two different markets are being used for the sale of the timber from these areas. Due to the poor weather conditions, all watershed roads are locked and closed to all traffic.
Disney said the authority has granted permission for the Willow Creek Snowmobile Club to submit a grant application that would provide funds to connect two “out & back” trails into one large looped trail on the Heffner watershed.
Also at the meeting, authority members heard an update on the potential for water treatment plant improvements.
Disney said, “A capital improvement proposal along with cost estimates is being prepared by Bankson Engineers for improvements to the water treatment plant. Bankson Engineers conducted a draft planning review meeting with the authority staff in mid-February to review draft proposals. An architectural engineer … visited … this week to review potential improvements.”
In an update on the lead abatement project, Disney said final milling and paving restoration on South Avenue is planned for this spring, and paving of East Main Street from East Avenue to Welch Avenue is planned for this summer.
The authority continues work with Johnson Controls to upgrade its water metering system.
“They are currently analyzing the authority’s customer billing data and records to ensure accuracy,” Disney said.
A meeting was held last week to review the list of large meters (3 inches and above) that are scheduled to be tested on site, beginning April 1. Johnson Controls have also sent a listing of meters sized between 5/8-inch and 2 inches that they would like to pull and send out for independent lab testing and evaluations. This testing could begin as early as March.
Disney reported an independent audit of the authority’s records and financial statements is underway.
He stated that the Pennsylvania Rural Water Association Annual Conference is scheduled for March 18 to 22 in State College. Water authority representatives plan to attend.
