Cleanup program applauded
By MICHAEL ANICH/The Leader-HeraldJOHNSTOWN - The public was happy with the city Department of Public Works dividing its once-a-year cleanup-dropoff program into two times per year, City Engineer Charles Kortz told the Common Council Monday night.
Kortz was asked about the cleanup program, which traditionally was offered just once a year in the spring. This year, it was offered in both the spring and the fall.
The city engineer said the cleanup last month went well.
"I think we got a lot of positive feedback from residents," Kortz said.
He said 103.3 tons of refuse were collected in the two city cleanups this year - "about the same" total as last year. Kortz didn't have a 2007 total tonnage figure readily available.
Kortz said the city in the spring collected 44.6 tons of garbage, 8.3 tons of metal and 132 tires. In the fall, the city collected 58.8 tons of garbage, 11.9 tons of metal and 88 tires.
Elsewhere in the DPW report, 2nd Ward Councilman J. Christopher Foss said:
The city is repairing deteriorating curb sections and fixing sidewalks. He said repairs also were completed on the North Chase Street Bridge.
The Malcolm-Pirnie engineering firm has been working with the city on determining possible uses for three former tannery sites in the city. He said that work is due to continue through the winter and spring.
The DPW has begun hanging up holiday decorations downtown this week in anticipation of the holiday parade that will start at 7 p.m. Friday.
Mayor urges recycling
Mayor Sarah J. Slingerland said Monday she wanted to get a message out to residents that more recycling will help cut garbage-disposal costs. She said municipal tipping fees associated with sending refuse to the Fulton County landfill will go up in 2009.
"I would like to encourage city residents to do every bit of recycling they can do," Slingerland said.
She anticipated the city might end up paying $8,000 more next year in tipping fees.
Kortz said the demolition of the former tannery at 311 W. State St., known as the "Snake Pit," is still under way. He said the city Fire Department has helped with demolition of the old structure.
"They've been great, rearranging their schedules," Kortz said of the firefighters.
Zoning Commission
Foss said the Zoning Commission is still meeting periodically as it attempts to come up with a new zoning plan for the city.
"It's been a much larger process than I thought it would be," Foss said.
He said the commission, which he chairs, will soon turn over a document to City Attorney Susan Palmer Johnson for a legal review.
"The community is changing so rapidly," Slingerland said. "The new zoning is just in time."
Foss reported the Friends of the Johnstown Public Library raised $730 in a recent Election Day bake sale. He also reminded the public that preschool story times are 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the library.
Foss thanked all those who helped with Haunted House fundraiser recently at the Johnstown Area Community Center.
"It was a very successful event considering we had some bad weather and cold weather," Foss said.
The Common Council approved several events to be covered by city liability insurance for 2009. The resolution said the council "appreciates and encourages" certain events and activities sponsored by the Johnstown Business and Professional Association which benefit city residents.
The future events include: a Mother's Day Tea, Spring Fling Market, Colonial Stroll, Fall Festival and the Vintage Cafe Car & Motorcycle Show.
"They keep the vitality of downtown for us," Mayor Sarah J. Slingerland said of the association. "People really seem to enjoy it."
