A new program designed to enhance fire safety in Oil City will be rolled out June 1.
“It’s a Sound the Alarm campaign that will be done jointly with the Oil City Fire Department, South Side and Siverly Neighborhood Associations, Rotary Club and the Red Cross,” said Mary Rogers, executive director of the Oil City Red Cross chapter, at an Oil City council meeting Thursday.
The American Red Cross launched the Sound the Alarm campaign four years ago in several communities across the U.S., said Rogers.
Volunteers as well as firefighters will visit homes throughout the city on June 1 to offer smoke alarm installations. In addition, the teams will discuss fire safety issues in the home, offer an assessment of risks, talk about an escape plan as to access and exit and more.
“It’s a valuable program and we are happy to bring it to Oil City,” said Rogers.
Mark Hicks, the Oil City fire chief, said the visiting teams will consist of a member of the fire department, a Red Cross representative and a volunteer. A total of 250 alarms will be available with the potential to obtain more, said the Red Cross director.
“It will be a very good and worthwhile program,” said the fire chief.
Hicks also told council that one fire engine is being repaired while a second engine also needs extensive repairs. With one engine temporarily out of service, the Oil City department arranged with the Franklin fire department to borrow one of its engines.
“We are very grateful with the relationship we have built with Franklin,” said Hicks, adding that “within the next year, we’ll have to spec out a new fire engine.”
New contract signed
Council voted to approve a $2,238,072 three-year contract with Tri-County Industries Inc. of Grove City for garbage and recycling collections in the city. Tri-County has the current contract.
City manager Mark Schroyer earlier cautioned that a new contract might result in higher recycling costs because of changes in the global recycling marketplace. The new contract came in about four percent higher than the current agreement.
“We had anticipated a six to 10 percent increase,” he said, adding that the amount had been budgeted and that means “we won’t have to raise rates right now.”
He cautioned, though, that more changes may be on the way.
“There is an issue with glass (collection). They are talking about not taking it anymore so I suspect it will be an issue,” he said.
Playground project is on
The city’s latest playground re-configuration is underway at the Mitchell Avenue playground.
Howard Faunce, the city’s public works director, said crews have removed the outdated playground equipment and BKI of Oil City has offered to provide trash containers and remove the materials at no cost. Work to revamp the playground will start next week.
The city renovated the Land of Laughter playground at the former Lincoln School site earlier this year.
New ordinance eyed
Schroyer told council he has asked city solicitor Bob Varsek to explore a new property nuisance ordinance that would apply to residential and commercial properties that have been vacant and are in deteriorating condition.
A proposed ordinance could be considered at city council’s meeting later this month.
In other matters:
— Jason Herman, the city water manager, said the PNA Club has donated $5,000 to cover the cost of chemicals for the city swimming pool this season.
The pool will open June 8, and there will be no increase in daily admission or season pass fees.
— Council approved a request from Boy Scout Troop 17 from Oil City to use Hasson Park for its annual Flag Day ceremony set for 7 p.m. June 14. Scouts will have a fire to retire the flags.
The troop was also given permission to use the large pavilion on July 16 for its annual Oil Heritage Festival pork chop dinner. The Scouts offered to pressure wash the pavilion prior to the event.
— The Oil City softball organization was given approval to use the Hasson Heights and Mitchell Avenue fields from May 1 through Oct. 31.
— The week of May 12-18 is designated as National Police Week, and council issued a proclamation to recognize Oil City police officers during that week.
In the proclamation, Mayor Bill Moon asked that residents “make every effort to express their thanks to the men and women who make it possible for us to leave our homes and families in safety each day and return … knowing we are protected by men and women willing to sacrifice their lives … to guard our loved ones, property and government.”
— In a second proclamation, Moon set May 19-25 as National Public Works Week in honor of employees in public works systems and programs such as water, sewers, streets and highways, public buildings and solid waste collection.
The employees ensure the “health, safety and comfort of this community,” said Moon, who asked that residents and organizations “acquaint themselves with the issues involved in providing our public works and to recognize the contributions (they) make every day.”
