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Scope of West Pittston sewer project may increase

Ian Campbell Dispatch Correspondent

West Pittston Borough officials may hold a special meeting in coming weeks to examine proposals for changes to the sewer project. The work would likely cost about $2 million, and be added to the current scope of work already under way.

Because of the cost, it would probably be bid out as a separate project, but that decision would need to be made by the end of the year as the funding available as part of the PennVest loan would expire after that time.

According to engineer Thomas Reilly, the work would involve focusing the work originally designed to be carried out along Exeter Avenue’s main line to a new project on Erie. Both lines have problems, but the Exeter route probably involves more residential properties, Reilly noted. He could not say for sure until he had reviewed the figures, he told council.

The change in work could result in the proposed annual sewer fee moving to a range of $230-$250, council noted.

Alternately, the borough could hold off on funding the work this year and apply in 2010 for another Commonwealth Financing Agency grant, Reilly suggested.

The sewer project has reached the point of working on the Philadelphia Avenue part of the system, and residents should expect more disruption in that part of the borough in coming weeks, he advised. The rest of the work will continue throughout the winter, through Thanksgiving 2010. Weather conditions over the winter will determine the schedule, he told council

Council also noted that leaf and branch litter collection will have ended this last week, although staff shortages may mean that final collections will be completed in the early part of next week. The staffing issues mean that residents will need to be tolerant of delays in service, council members said.

The borough does not have the money to add temporary or part-time staff to cover for the absentees, the public was told.

Residents at the meeting noted that the work of the borough in street cleaning was being undone by residents bringing out yard waste and trash after collections had been made. Future plans may call for a more coordinated system, council members suggested.

In other business, the borough established a bank account at PNC Bank in the name of the West Pittston Christmas Lighting Fund, under the care of Boy Scout Troop 302. The account will be for donations towards the cost of new Christmas lights for the borough, organized by scout Bobby Trusavage as part of his Eagle Scout project.

Trusavage has organized coin drops, and is now preparing to contact local businesses.

Residents can send contributions to him care of 706 Susquehanna Avenue, West Pittston.