Junior commissioner pushed for pavilion renovations
The structure is located at Rich Maha Memorial Playground.
Elizabeth Township Junior Commissioner Kamerin Krise helped complete renovations to a local pavilion.
For the past several months, Krise has been working on renovations to a pavilion at Rich Maha Memorial Playground in the Industry area of the township near the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
Commissioners approved a $2,600 quote from Chelse’s Roofing to replace the pavilion roof during October’s meeting. Boards were replaced and snow guards were installed, and the company donated its labor free of charge.
Krise said at the November meeting that the roof was completed. They are going to be painting some of the park and the pavilion thanks to Veolia Water, who donated five gallons of paint along with supplies like rollers and paint brushes.
“We are waiting to plan a date for the park’s painting when the weather permits it, so hopefully soon,” Krise said. “The roof turned out great. I think they replaced four boards and they put on the new ice shield for the winter time. So it’s a great repair.”
Tim Banfield presented a $1,000 check on behalf of the Mon Yough Trail Council to go toward the renovation of the pavilion.
“The trail council is glad to contribute to this project that benefits both trail users and the local community,” Banfield said. “I would like to thank the junior commissioner for spearheading this effort.”
Commissioner Chris Thoma said it was a great project, thanked Krise for bringing it to the township’s attention and thanked those who donated their time and effort.
“It’s very rewarding to see these young adults over the last couple years,” Thoma said. “Each one of them has their own unique skill set that they bring to the table, and there’s been so many, countless projects that come through.
“You can’t go anywhere within this township and not see the impact it has with this junior commissioner program. Working with our junior commissioners on projects that make a positive impact in our community is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. Their ideas and energy help bring new life to local spaces.”
Road projects
Dennis Ottaviani of Veolia Water said the company is working with township manager Tammy Firda and Penn-DOT on a project at Lovedale Road.
PennDOT is trying to put a retaining wall on the north side of Lovedale Road along the stream bed, according to Ottaviani, and there is a still a bit of work that needs to be done.
“PennDOT approached the township saying that they thought they needed to relocate our sewer line,” he said. “Upon a little bit of further investigation, we are fairly confident that we will not have to relocate the sewer line. There is enough alignment distance, separation between the two projects.”
The Boston paving project began Oct. 31 at Meade and Roslyn Streets as well, and lasted the weekend as they milled the streets. More paving continued throughout that week.
During this time, no vehicles were allowed on any road asphalt surfaces because of possible vehicle damage and to allow crews to work unobstructed.
Director of Public Works Tom Methven said reconstruction was done in October on Deer Drive, which was also repaved. Drainage upgrades and roadside stabilization were completed on Wolf Drive along with pothole patching.
Commissioner Josh Walls thanked Methven and the public works team for their work on Deer Drive, and stated that employees got more experience from working on that road.
“Deer Drive is a road I have been talking about for the last couple years, and I think you guys did a fantastic job,” Walls said. “I think it’s neat you were able to finish that job, but able to finish it in house and to use the paver. I’m confident the homeowners on that street are mostly happy with a brand new, paved road.”
In other business:
• Commissioners approved during the November meeting a Winter Maintenance Service Agreement with PennDOT to plow state roads in the township during the wintertime.
• Buena Vista Fire Department’s Light Up Night will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6.
