Street paving work described by Oil City officials as “robust” will start within the next six weeks as a result of a contract award made at Thursday’s city council meeting.
IA Construction Corp. Inc. of Franklin was awarded a $392,139.88 contract to resurface portions of several city streets. The bid, said city manager Mark Schroyer, came in less than the estimated $500,000 cost.
The project is being funded with a mix of Community Development Block Grants and liquid fuels funds.
In addition, a water repair patch will be done on East First Street between Central and State.
Students are honored
In other business Thursday, council adopted a resolution honoring Oil City Middle School students who are members of OCmsn and recently competed in a state-wide video competition.
Their entry was titled “What’s So Cool about Manufacturing” and featured local manufacturing company The Matric Group. The team competed against 283 school districts in Pennsylvania and placed third in the final 22-team competition.
The seventh- and eighth-grade students are Mackenzie Canaan, Makalya Canaan, Sarah Fox. Olivia Vorse, Carley Ames, Memphis Hulver and Shalyn Whittemore. They were coached by Middle School teacher Brian Rondinelli.
“They are really an amazing group of students. Oil City should be very proud of them,” said Rondinelli.
In another matter, council approved a request from the Oil City YMCA to use the Mitchell Avenue field for a T-ball program, which is scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. July 14.
Mask usage urged
At the close of the brief council meeting, council member Michael Poff urged city residents to follow pandemic-related health directives, including wearing face masks, social distancing and avoiding large gatherings.
“I know there is some angst for some people to wear a mask but it helps our neighbors,” he said. “We are not 10,000 individuals who look out only for themselves but we are a community. … I hate wearing a mask. It fogs up my glasses. But it is a sign of love to wear that mask.”
Poff added, “I want to thank my neighbors for helping protect our city. This is not a political thing – the virus doesn’t care. Let’s be kind to our neighbors.”
