PennDOT Awards Transportation Economic Recovery Project for State Street Improvement in Parkesburg Borough

This announcement from PennDOT hit the web this morning.  There are several bottom lines not mentioned in the announcement:

1. Parkesburg gets $637,132 TARP dollars. $637,132.  Let me say it again: $ 6-3-7,-1-3-2 Wow! Even the most ardent Republican should mouth a heartfelt one time "thank you" to President Obama and the American people for help with this key project.

2. The project will be done by Atglen based J. D. Ekmann meaning all $637,132 will stay in the local economy and generate local jobs.

3. Parkesburg Borough Council led by President Mel Keen, Mayor John Hagan and Borough Manager Jim Thomas worked hard to make this project happen.  And lets not forget the work of recently retired Council President David Jones.  Kudos to the entire leadership team.

4.  Parkesburg continues to get better.  Next up; Sidewalks on 1st Avenue and Main Street. And lets not forget the West Bridge Street bridge.

	01/15/2010-KING OF PRUSSIA
	PennDOT District 6 today announced the award of a $637,132 transportation economic recovery project to remove an old bridge abutment and connect two streets to improve travel and aesthetics in Parkesburg Borough, Chester County. J.D. Eckman, Inc. of Atglen, Chester County, was awarded the federally-funded contract to completely remove a bridge abutment, partially remove another bridge abutment and to lower the profile of State Street to create an at-grade intersection with Front Street. By removing the old railroad bridge abutments that were built in the 1880s and connecting State and Front streets, this project will enhance travel in the borough, remove deteriorating structures that are a visual eyesore, and return the streets to a pedestrian-friendly condition. Construction is expected to start in February and finish in July 2010. In the five-county Philadelphia region, PennDOT is investing $255 million of federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds on 30 transportation projects, which include road and bridge improvements, Intelligent Transportation System installations, traffic signal upgrades, multi-use trails, and curb ramp replacements. PennDOT has awarded 26 transportation economic recovery projects in the five-county Philadelphia region and 20 projects are in construction. To learn more about how the federal economic recovery program will benefit Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov. PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to 511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out.

Parkesburg January 18, 2010 Borough Council Meeting

These are my notes from this evening's Borough Council meeting.

Police Chief’s Annual Report – Brian Sheller

• Accidents down 40 from 58
• 176 Summary arrests up from 150 in 2008
• Parking tickets 82 in 2009, 61 in 2008
• 6 criminal Juvenile criminal arrest down from 15 in 2008
• Year end report
• Reduction 12% in fuel usage
• $13,000 grant for Segway
• 17% increase in criminal arrests in 2009
• High clearance rate for crime
• Police incidents continue to rise, 56% in 5 years
• Traffic safety had a good year, 31% decrease in traffic accidents
• Traffic arrest down 6%

Question, Does Wendy have permission to pay recurring bills?  Tom Curtin asked if there were legal issues?  No and John Carnes gave his stamp of approval.  The motion was approved.

No visitor comments

Main Street West Development – Letter for extension, until 6.30.2010 written by Senya Isayoff.  Motion made and seconded with no discussion and approved by council

Parkes Edge Associates – Carl Folsom (sp) gave an informational presentation.  They don’t have room for the parking requirements.  Zoning requires 2.5 spaces per unit.  Must go to the zoning hearing board and ask for relief.

Manager’s Report – Jim Thomas

State Street Contract awarded to J. D. Eckman of Atglen $637K.  Slated to begin in Feb and end in July 2010

Fire Chief – Stepped out to answer a call.  His report will be moved up in the agenda to ensure he deliver his report even if a call comes in.

PABA working on putting a brochure together of vacant commercial property

Farm Market – Tom Curtin will pay for advertising to get the word out

HVAC issues with the new building are being looked at, the issue is especially severe in the police portion of the building.

Library has an emergency procedure document.  Also has a small collection of ebooks available.

Tax Anticipation Note – Final approval – John Carnes provides an overview.  For $230K and must be repaid by the end of 2010.  Rate is 2.4%.  Banks reduced their fees to $1500 as a courtesy to Parkesburg.  Settlement will be on 1.19.2010 at 10:00 AM at Sovereign bank. 

Parkesburg Man Lucky To Be Alive

http://www.wgal.com/video/22179340/index.html