SMETHPORT — Smethport Borough Council accepted the lone bid of $3,000 Monday from Casella Waste Services as the contractor for Clean-up Week during the week of May 7 to 11.
In March, council set this year’s registration fee at $40 to participate in Clean-up Week. Last year, when just 81 customers registered for this event, the borough faced a loss of more than $800, and this, along with an increase of tipping fees at the landfill, prompted council to increase the fee by $5.00.
After the council vote approving the new fee, Council President Greg Rounsville remarked, “We’re not trying to make money from Clean-up Week, but we should at least break even.”
Residents who plan to register for Clean-up Week should pay the fee at the borough office by May 2.
In other news, council approved requests for permits for “Art on the Island,” on June 23 and 24, a cooperative event sponsored by the McKean County Historical Society and Smethport Area Chamber of Commerce. Megan Simms, an official of the chamber who substituted for event coordinator Bart Barton, requested the permits telling council they were for a parade including entries from the event’s car show, the street dance and a new activity, Light Up the Lake featuring lights placed around the edge of Hamlin Lake.
Mayor Wayne Foltz, in a report to council, mentioned the companies and businesses that have contributed to the community fireworks display on June 23.
Council members also discussed the matter of summer employees, but took no action.
Another vote saw council accept the high bid of $2,227 from G. Farrell of Limestone, N.Y., for a used Cub Cadet lawnmower that has been used in Hamlin Lake Park. Two other people submitted bids; they ranged from $975 to $1,566.
Council met in an executive session for about 17 minutes to discuss personnel matters.
After council reconvened and returned to the public agenda. Matt Dart, the borough’s working supervisor, told council that he had met with a representative of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to discuss the streets that are under consideration for repairs this year.
Council will advertise for bids for these repairs. Bids are to be opened in May.
Foltz complimented the police department for “acting professionally,” adding, “These things do not go unnoticed.”
