City manager provides update on projects, programs

ST. MARYS - City Manager Joe Fleming provided various updates on projects and programs during St. Marys City Council monthly meeting on Monday evening.

During the manager’s report portion of the meeting, Fleming said the city recently received $410,000 in funding for the Erie Avenue/Washington Street sewer repair project. The city plans to submit for additional grant funding for the project.

Demolition has been approved for the Wehler Road blighted property in order to make way for new Benzinger Park Pedestrian Pathway. State environmental studies are also slated to be completed on the property.

New AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator) machines have been placed in the city’s police cruisers, replacing the old, outdated machines. The City of St. Marys Police Department also recently participated in an active shooter drill on Thursday at St. Marys Area Middle School. Fleming thanked the Pennsylvania State Police’s SERT team for conducting the training.

With the arrival of spring, the city’s street sweeping program has commenced. Check the city’s website and local media outlets for a schedule of what dates specific streets will be swept.

The city’s annual spring cleanup is slated to take place in later April with an exact date to be announced in the near future. The disposal process and location will be the same as last year.

The city’s community and economic development staff are seeking facade and signage projects to enhance the appearance of the downtown area.

Results from the city’s parks and recreation comprehensive plan will be presented at next month’s city council meeting.

Fleming reminded residents of the city’s new YouTube channel where they can view coverage of council meetings.

City Hall will be closed on April 7 in observance of Good Friday.

Council approved an updated resolution for a COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) H20 Pa. Program grant in the amount of $1,699,525 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used towards the replacement of deteriorated sewer lines within the city.

Council also unanimously approved the city’s request for funding from the Greenways Block Grant Program from North Central Pa. Regional Planning and Development Commission for the Benzinger Park Pedestrian Pathway Project.

An executive session took place prior to the meeting regarding personnel matters.

City Council’s next meeting will take place on Monday, April 17 at 7 p.m.