JOHNSTOWN - The Common Council will conduct a lottery drawing for the city's 2009 sidewalk replacement program at its meeting Monday.

Second Ward Councilman Chris Foss said the applications are in, and the lottery results will determine which property owners will take part in the program.

The Department of Public Works plans to replace two residential sidewalks in each of the city's four wards as well as sidewalks at two businesses. DPW workers will do the work, and homeowners will pay $1.75 per square foot of sidewalk to cover the cost of materials.

Elsewhere in his DPW report to the council, Foss said city residents can bring yard waste to the city facility off West Main Street during daylight hours, seven days a week.

The DPW recently completed its collection of curbside brush for the spring and summer, Foss said.

Foss said street patching is being done, and DPW employees soon will complete work on the Rail Trail bridge between Washington and West State streets.

The city has set a tentative date of mid-June to seek bids for street resurfacing projects, Foss said.

City Engineer Charles Kortz said the city will conduct spring cleanup days June 5 and 6, when people may bring "junk" to drop off behind the Johnstown Area Community Center.

"We'll get rid of it for you," Kortz said.

First Ward Councilwoman Cynthia Lakata reported the city Fire Department's three new employees completed basic training with high honors at the state Academy of Fire Sciences. She said Firefighter Scott DeNinno was class valedictorian, with a 94 percent average.

In April, the Fire Department responded to 58 calls for service, including four minor structure fires, several motor vehicle accidents and service calls that included five grass-bush fires.

Lakata noted the city Police Department had 1,011 calls for service and made 37 arrests in April. She also noted Officer Adam Schwabrow and K-9 Spike gave four demonstrations during the month.

"These demonstrations are very popular," Lakata said.

Foss reported the Johnstown Public Library conducted Landscaping Day recently, with volunteers mulching, weeding and planting around the facility.

"We appreciate all of the help from all of our volunteers," Foss said.

Library Director Barbara Germain said 19 people helped, and "the results are really beautiful."

Mayor Sarah J. Slingerland reported the city's Spring Fling sponsored by the Johnstown Business and Professional Association will take place June 6 downtown. The event will feature music, crafts and food.

"It gives a sense of vitality to our city," the mayor said.

Michael Anich covers Johnstown and Fulton County news. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com