The Bradford City Water Authority discussed the volatility of the timber market and potential revenue from timber, as well as progress on various projects, during its meeting Wednesday.
Executive Director Steve Disney reported that seven timber bids were received and opened May 21, with the highest bidder, Emporium Hardwoods, submitting a bid of $449,422. This issue, which was tabled at the May 22 meeting, was evaluated and the board voted to reject all bids at this time. The move was made based on the fact that the highest bid was more than 10% lower than the estimated value and the current timber market is volatile and unstable due to proposed international tariffs, according to meeting minutes.
During the watershed report, Ken Kane, president of Generations Forestry, provided an update on the progress of current activities involving watershed timber. According to Kane, forestry crews have completed field work and are in the process of evaluating data.
Progress on various projects was outlined during the old business portion of the meeting. Disney opened with the announcement that the water treatment plant lagoon cleaning project has been completed.
Next, the authority’s funding application request regarding a new 24-inch transmission main is waiting for the July 17 PENNVEST board meeting, when successful loan and grant offers will be announced. The application was submitted on April 29.
The Forman Street Bridge project is still in the pre-work phase. Crews will need to remove and relocate two gas lines in order to complete that phase, and that work won’t be done until the temporary road closure is in place, which is up to the bridge removal contractor.
Also, the contract for the valve replacement project, which will include installing nine new gate valves, has been fully executed with Mortimer’s Excavating of Pulaski. Material submittals are underway, and a schedule will be developed following the completion of that process.
Disney also reported that Bob Cummins Construction Co. has begun work on the bridge foundation abutments for the Gilbert Dam spillway pedestrian bridge project, which will include the installation of a five-foot-wide by 90-foot-long pedestrian bridge across the spillway of the Gilbert Reservoir. The bridge has been ordered but has a 10- to 12-week lead time.
The Toad Hollow Bridge water main relocation project bids have been received. Three bids were opened on Tuesday, with Bob Cummins Construction as the lowest bidder with a bid of $42,877. The bid was approved by the board based on recommendations from the authority’s engineer for the project, E&M Engineers. The bridge is located on Route 4007 and will require replacement as well as the relocation of an 8-inch water main.
Finally, the TOPO survey has been completed and plotted for the Kenmar Acres main line extension. Preliminary water line drawings have been completed and stream crossing permits and right-of-way agreements are the next step, currently in progress. This project may be advertised for bids in August.
The distribution report for the month of May was also released. In the report, it listed repair of main lines at 775 South Ave. and Bushnell and West Corydon streets, the replacement of a hydrant at North 4th Street, water service repairs at 14 Babcock Road, 1272 E. Main St., 1001 E. Main St. and 169 Derrick Road, as well as to reset a curb box at 84 Cornen St. Servicemen responded to 44 calls during the month of May.
