Public works reports project delays, new catch basin and upcoming sewer tap; council to contact Norfolk Southern about underpass debris

Public works staff told the council on Sept. 2 that several infrastructure items are in progress or delayed.

Public works reported that materials for the 03/29 project were missing and the start date would likely be pushed back about two weeks. A new catch basin on Osborne Alley was completed the prior week, and the sewer department planned a sewer tap at Fifteenth Street and Dewey Avenue on Friday, Sept. 5. Borough staff also said they will update the area used for the sledge dumpster at Seward Glen on Sept. 5.

Council members raised a separate safety concern about concrete pieces falling from the underpass on Woback Avenue. A council member said they would reach out to Norfolk Southern (corrected from the transcript phrasing) and that the railroad had previously come promptly to inspect and address similar issues. Council instructed staff to take photographs and contact the railroad’s local representative for follow-up.

Council members also asked about several code-enforcement properties that had been reported in July (including 1350 and 1362 Vienna Street) and noted they still did not appear on the code-enforcement report. A council member asked staff to investigate why the properties have not been addressed and to report back; staff said they would look into the matter and follow up the next day.

No new contract awards or budget approvals were recorded in the meeting on these items; council’s actions were limited to requests for staff follow-up and coordination with outside agencies.