Bradford City Council approved demolitions, talked about the K-9 officer coming to the police department and made the annual plea for lifeguards at Tuesday’s meeting.
Three properties within the city were approved for demolition. Council approved unanimously to accept the bid from 6V Excavation to demolish 62 South Kendall Ave., 115 South Ave., and 108 State St.
Blue Line K-9 Training LLC will receive $590 of donated funds for K-9 handler training. It is not clear which officer will handle the new K-9, as officers weren’t ready to make the announcement.
Two proclamations were made during the meeting. The first was to proclaim May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. Bradford City Mayor James McDonald read aloud the entire proclamation, and stressed the last part which urges “all our community to become aware of the inherent danger involved in operating a motorcycle and for riders and motorists alike to give each other the mutual respect they deserve.”
This proclamation was presented to Zach “Sneaks” Ball, of the Kinzua Chapter of ABATE and American Guardians Motorcycle Club, who reminded residents “this time of year there is still salt and gravel on the road, which makes it more challenging for riders to navigate.”
McDonald added that even though there is a law against grass clippings in the road, that has become an obstacle as well.
Ball agreed and continued, “the saying is not just a saying: look twice, save a life. It means something. All the signs are great but the message needs to keep going out.”
May is also Mental Health Awareness month. McDonald read the proclamation and reminded those in attendance of the importance to focus and recognize the circumstances and efforts of others. Mental health issues take a community commitment to increase awareness and make available help when it is needed.
Additionally, a call for lifeguards was put out. According to Councilman Fred Proper, “the pool opening is in dire need of lifeguards this year, it is a worse staffing issue than last year.” Proper relayed two guards are returning from last year and two new guards are going to take the certification class with Chelsea Schwab.
City Administrator Chris Lucco questioned Public Works and Park Director Chip Comilla about how many lifeguards are needed in order to run the pool. At first Comilla reported he only needed five, but after clarification that this number is for one day and limited use, he stated a full roster, to keep the pool operational all summer would be 15 to 18 guards.
Schwab is offering a certification course, at a discounted rate, beginning Tuesday, May 31 thru Friday, June 3. Another section will be offered from June 3-5, but this will be an intensive course.
Costs for lifeguard certification are: Lifeguard-Basic Lifesaving, $75 and Lifeguard Recert, $50. Guards who pass the course and work the entire summer at the city pool may be refunded for their class, according to Comilla.
Additionally, as was the case last year, funding may be available for those who need assistance. Contact Comilla for more information. Apply for a lifeguard position or Callahan Pool Manager at www.bradfordpa.com
The pool is scheduled to open on June 6, if there are enough lifeguards on staff.
Saturday, May 14, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. the City of Bradford will hold its annual spring clean up event.
Prepaid receipts are required in order to dispose of items at the DPW facility on Holly Avenue. Call Jill in the Refuse Billing Department at (814) 362-3884, ext. 112, for more information about paying for disposal.
There is a limit of one pickup truckload per account and accounts in delinquent status are not eligible. Items not accepted are electronic, hazardous waste, paint, and tires.
Delinquent refuse accounts will now be sent to Creditech Inc. (collection agency) and be subject to an 18% service fee which will go directly to Creditech Inc., as well as possible liens and termination of services; the council approved unanimously.
