By JUDITH O. ETZEL – Contributing writer
Sections on more than a dozen Oil City streets have been earmarked for paving projects this spring and summer.
City council approved a proposed a list of streets planned for resurfacing at a meeting Thursday. The overall cost, said city manager Mark Schroyer, is “about $400,000 worth” of paving.
Funding is provided by a mix of Community Development Block Grant monies, Liquid Fuels tax income and city water and sewer accounts.
Wabash (Colbert to Glenview), Glenview (above Zemke Lane to near Oak Grove), Oak Grove (Colbert to lower Glenview), Fisher (Oak Road to near Pleasant), Merritt (Plummer to Manning), Spruce (Duncomb to Plummer), Smedley (First to Third), Cowell (First to Third), Memorial (Seneca to end), Darr (First to end), Central (patching by Second Street), Manning Alley (Plummer to Wood).
Scheduled as alternate streets are Crawford Alley (Cooper to Gay) and North Street (Hickory to Abbott).
Contracts are approved
Two bids were awarded for improvements to booster stations at West Fourth Street and Central Avenue and at Zemke Lane.
Chris Sporer, engineer for the Arcadis consulting firm, told council the bids “came in below the estimates.”
The bids for general construction and electric work were awarded to Hickes Associates Inc. of Alexandria, Pa., for $974,390 and Wagner Electric and Construction of Portersville for $204,141.
City events planned
Council members approved two requests to use city facilities for events.
The Oil City police department will hold a Back the Blue 5K fundraiser from 4 to 8 p.m. June 16 in Justus Park. The event raises money for the police department to help with training, equipment and education.
Patrolman Regina DeLoe told council the venue was switched from the city’s West End to Justus Park because “it is a good opportunity to let (participants) see our community and go into our businesses.”
In the second request, council okayed an event sponsored by the Future Leaders and Entrepreneurs Exchange (FLEX), the Venango Area Chamber’s young professional group.
The group will hold its third annual Bike ‘n Brew event on Saturday, July 21, in Justus Park. Outdoor activities are set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the brewfest planned from 5 to 8 p.m.
Donations received
The city received two contributions to help with the construction of a new Land of Laughter playground at the former Lincoln School site on the North Side.
SMS Millcraft of Oil City gave $100 and the Eagles Club donated $1,000 to the project. To date, Klapec Trucking has given $1,000 for the new playground.
A public campaign to raise about $40,000, a portion of the overall $90,000 cost, is underway. Contributions may be sent to Howard Faunce, public works director, City of Oil City, 21 Seneca St.
