NESHANNOCK TOWNSHIP Construction plans await budget review

Rising fuel prices may have caused higher bids.
By LAURA MILOSER
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Plans for a road widening and storm sewer project in Neshannock Township have been temporarily placed on hold.
Bids were opened Monday for construction work on Mitchell Road from Route 18 to east of Spiker Lane.
Supervisors John DiCola Jr. and John Karmecy agreed to table the decision to choose a contractor for the project after they review the township budget.
Two bids were received for the project. John Gulisek Construction of Mount Pleasant, Pa., was the high bidder at $684,518. Graziani Construction of New Castle bid $511,509.
DiCola said he estimated the project at $500,000, but said the increasing cost of fuel may have raised the project's cost.
First aid
A corporate grant buyout with First Aid Products and American CPR Training will enable the township to have automated external defibrillators in three locations in the township.
Township official David Cugini applied for the grant, which enables the township to buy three defibrillators at half price.
The supervisors agreed to buy the defibrillators for $5,156.50. They will be located at the municipal building, Hess Ice Rink and Pearson Park.
Sidewalks and survey
A request for sidewalks in a new development has prompted a need to create a township ordinance regarding sidewalks.
The supervisors approved Taylor Engineering to create drawings and specifications for sidewalks in the Highland Fields development. Solicitor Richard Harper will work on writing an ordinance.
Sanitary sewer engineers Hatch, Mott and MacDonald of Pittsburgh will survey areas in the township with septic systems to determine the need for sanitary sewers.
Township Secretary Leslie Bucci said the survey will cost the township $3,250. She added that it is the Department of Environmental Protection's final decision to determine if sewers should replace the septic systems.
A mutual aid agreement between Neshannock and Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Departments was also approved.
The supervisors gave approval for dugouts to be built at the Walmo softball fields. The Neshannock Athletic Association said Leo Golba Construction would build the dugouts at no cost to the township.