Council OKs sole bid for playground renovation

FARRELL, Pa. -- The only bid for renovation of the Emerson Avenue Playground came in nearly 70 percent higher than anticipated, but city council approved the project anyway.
City Manager LaVon Saternow said the project involves resurfacing the basketball court and putting in new hoops and backboards at the playground as well as adding some fencing.
Engineering estimates put the job at $30,000 but Combine Construction Inc. of Sharon, the sole bidder on the job, proposed to do the work for $50,047.
The city had earmarked Weed & amp; Seed and federal Community Development Block Grant money to pay for the improvement up to the $30,000 mark, Saternow said.
Council indicated Monday it is willing to take money from the sale of land in the former Farrell City Park to cover the difference, Saternow said, adding that money from the park sale must be spent on recreation anyway.
In other business, council voted unanimously to accept Shenango Township as a member of the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Department.
Shenango opted to eliminate its own five-man force and buy police services as a member of the Southwest Regional department beginning July 1.
Farrell, Wheatland and West Middlesex make up Southwest Regional and all three municipalities must approve expanding the agency to include Shenango Township.