Managers Corner

 

September 14, 2010

FALL 2010

It is time to bring you some thoughts on the Fall time of year here in Zelienople.

• Just a reminder to all of us to be careful driving. School is back in session and please be aware of school buses and walking children. Let’s be safe out there.

• As Borough Manager, it is important that I keep you up to date on what is happening in Zelienople even if it means that the Borough may be open to criticism.

During the last year, we have embarked on a project to estimate utility bills because in the case of an emergency, such as severe weather, actual readings may be impossible to obtain. Any utility must have a tested and accurate estimating program as I am sure you understand with experiencing other utility companies. Over the years, our customers have not experienced estimating here in Zelie but in the last two years, we have had two weather related situations where our meter readers could not get to the meters in what is a time critical period so that bills can be sent out.

We have been testing our current software, and staff ability, to provide estimating capacity. Unfortunately while doing so we have found two software glitches that have created problems which have caused consternation with some of our customers. While although it is not critical, we do not want to have any problems for our customers that can lead to a lack of trust of the system. When you find such problems, you have to determine if it is human error or computer error. To be honest, normally it is human error and that is what we tracked down first. However, we found that these situations are actually computer software problems and the system’s inadequacy to handle this effectively.

Therefore, all estimating actions have been suspended indefinitely. The Borough has been working toward new software in 2011 as a normal course of business to upgrade our utilities and better serve our customers. Since we were doing so anyway, we will wait until that new software in place in 2011 before we again try to establish an estimating cycle. However, the only thing that may make us estimate again before new software is in place is if we are faced with an emergency that requires us to do so.  It is hoped that will not occur. In the meantime, thank you for your patience and understanding.

• On a positive note, the Penn Dot paving project has been completed. However, there are some lingering issues that I am trying to resolve with them. These revolve around the pedestrian signals at two intersections, handicapped ramps and some drainage issues resulting from their work. I will do my best to resolve them as soon as possible.

• Our water project is progressing on schedule. The water line from Beaver Falls has been completed and final tests on it are being done. The new water storage tanks are also being completed and should be operational in October. Please see the photos on our website:  http://www.zelieboro.org/watertankconstruction.htm.

• Fall is coming upon us and that means some additional services that the Borough provides. We will publish when our leaf pick up service will begin as soon as possible. In addition, it is time for you to do a final check on brush and other organic material that fall within our brush pickup guidelines. Once leaf season is upon us, we will no longer be picking up brush, as our staff will be concentrating on the usual “mountain” of leaves that our trees produce. So if you do have brush, call our office to get on the pick up schedule.

• The Community Park is scheduled for some additional overhaul this fall. Renovation construction on the lower bathroom facility near the tennis courts will begin soon. This is another example of the Borough implementing the Park Master plan. We look forward to its completion before the end of the year. Other work is being planned as well that I hope will be to the benefit of all our residents and visitors

• Vandalism is still a problem at the Park. We are going to install additional security measures there but do need the help of all to instill a sense of pride in young and old alike to stop this ugly and expensive behavior.

• Fall is also a time for the fun of the season. Festivals, parades and other activities will be held in town. The Fall Festival will take place on October 9 & 10 so note the activities that are in store. The Halloween Parade will be on Saturday October 30, 2010 at 2:00 pm while Trick or Treat will be the same day from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Keep your eyes out for these and other plans that are on tap for the next few months. We will try to have as many as we can on the website.

As always, if there are any questions or concerns, please contact us at (724) 452-6610.

Donald C. Pepe

Borough Manager

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