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LEWISTOWN -- The Lewistown Borough Council meeting on Wednesday brought a sobering update on the long-awaited state meeting to allocate ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds.
Initially scheduled for July, the meeting's delay has left local municipalities in financial limbo.
As the clock ticks, the estimated cost for the much-needed infrastructure repair climbed from $2 million in August 2022 to about
$2.2 million.
Lewistown Borough and neighboring Derry Township applied for a $1 million grant to offset these costs. However, their request for funding from the County's ARPA allocation was denied. As a result, the two municipalities now bear the brunt of the repair expenses. The state is expected to meet on September 18 to discuss awarding the ARPA funds.
On a brighter note, residents looking to dispose of old tires have an opportunity this week. The PA Cleanways Tire Event is on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Borough's Refuse/Recycling/Streets warehouse on Washington Avenue. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
The pricing for tire disposal is tiered based on the type of tire:
Car tires: $2
Tractor-trailer tires: $7
Farm Tractor tires: $15
Wide racing tires (over 14" wide): $10
The event provides an environmentally responsible way to dispose of old or worn tires and is open to all residents.
Also, the Borough announced holiday updates:
• October 21 is Trunk or Treat
• October 25 is the Halloween Parade
• October 27 is Safe Night Trick or Treat
• October 31 is Trick or Treat from 6 to 8 p.m.
In other Council news,
• The Borough is attending a meeting with DEP in Harrisburg on October 5 to discuss the Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) issues within the Borough.
• The second annual Borough Town Hall meeting will be held January 24 at the Community Center.
• The Red Cross will install smoke detectors September 20 in residences that need them. Contact the Fire Department or the Red Cross if interested.
• The Police Department received their new drone for operations and a police car.
• The Council approved an additional funding amount of $21,000 to assist FAME with its operating expenses. FAME receives almost 3,000 calls per year for ambulance support within the Borough.
• The Borough Employee Handbook has been approved and will be distributed ASAP.
• Council approved the purchase of a new vehicle for the Code Department.
• Council approved the sealed bid process to sell the lot at 22 Ridge Road.
• The Council approved the resolution and funding to pave West Fifth, West Fourth, and North Grand in 2025 at a projected cost of almost $600,000.
• The Council is working on estimates for the paving of about ten alleys in 2024.
• Council approved the purchase of a new truck for the streets department at a cost of $100,000. This will replace a more than 20-year-old truck with more than 100,000 miles.
• Council approved a $5,000 donation to Downtown Lewistown.
• The Council is accepting applications for a Deputy Director of Public Works.
• Council issued a resolution congratulating the Lewistown Fire Department for conduct of operations for the Central District Fire Convention in August.