Stormwater Construction Project Begins in Leetsdale

Work that will resolve a storm water problem in is slated to begin today, the borough engineer said.

Leetsdale Engineer Daniel Slagle told council that workers with R&B Contracting will begin clearing trees to prepare for the storm sewer project along Route 65. Officials are working to repair a major blockage that is causing runoff problems near .

Slagle said he has been working closely with administrators. A pre-construction meeting with the contractor took place on Jan. 20, and officials will meet again today.

Slagle said the problem storm sewer, about 60 inches in diameter, runs the length of Route 65 and is about 90 percent blocked. The blockage has caused  flooding issues on the boulevard, even flooding vehicles passing through the area, he said.

Police Chief James Santucci said rising floodwaters in September 2011 damaged a borough police car to the point that the cruiser had to be totaled.

Plans are to open a drainage ditch behind the grandstands and to direct the water flow through the Quaker Valley Shopping Center to the nearby Little Sewickley Creek, Slagle said. The sewer work is expected to begin within two weeks.

If the problem isn’t addressed, Slagle said, the issue could cause “extensive damage” to Route 65.

“We discussed the permit requirement with PennDOT, who agreed to view this project as roadway maintenance,” Slagle said.

The borough was awarded a $56,000 grant last year to address storm sewer problems. The funding expires at the end of the month.

In other business, council:

• Appointed Judy Felicion to a six-year term on the planning commission.

• Appointed Police Chief James Santucci assistant emergency management coordinator, a non-compensation position.

• Appointed Councilwoman Melanie Dunn chief administrative officer for pension plans. 

• Appointed Megan Ott of Goehring, Rutter & Boehm as solicitor.

• Approved O’Connor, Pagno and Grupac LLC to provide services for the 2011 audit.

• Approved the .

• Raised the compensation for emergency management coordinator from $50 to $100.

• Discussed establishing a policy requiring audio recordings of borough meetings to be erased once meeting minutes have been prepared.

• Noted that due to recent bus accidents in the area, the borough police department was stepping up patrols at stop signs and traffic lights.

• Noted that part-time worker Justin Wilson was laid off from the public works crew as of Jan. 27. Council approved a motion to release Wilson on Dec.19, but he remained employed in the borough. His release leaves four full-time workers.