Dear Neighbor:

With the conclusion of the summer construction season, and in keeping with past practices, this section of the newsletter will serve to update the community on the status of various projects that were undertaken in the borough during the summer of 2006 and some of those planned for 2007.

2007 Road Improvement Program (RIP)
The Borough concluded its 2006 RIP in August. In 2007, Council will enter into the fifth year of our multi-year RIP schedule that provides a systematic approach to evaluate yearly scheduled improvements to the Borough’s roadways.

To maintain Castle Shannon’s 26 miles of roads, the Borough plans to invest approximately $150,000 annually into this effort.

The following road segments will be presented for Council’s consideration in 2007: Kerry Hill Dr. from Glen Shannon to Waterford, Ulrich Ave. from Willow Ave. to Frank St., Rosewood Dr. from Sleepy Hollow Dr. to Maplewood Dr., Maplewood Dr. from Rosewood to Larch and Larch from Maplewood to the Borough line.

Although the price of petroleum products has increased the overall cost of each years maintenance plan, having a previously adopted schedule allows for early bid letting thus securing better seasonal prices from contractors.

This was clearly illustrated in the 2006 RIP. Initial construction estimates projected the 2006 RIP at nearly $200,000. However early bidding drove this estimate down to nearly $180,000 and actual prices based on previous sub-base maintenance activities ultimately yielded additional cost savings.

Each year, Council deliberates on the scope of the RIP in conjunction with yearly budget development.

AdministrativeConsent Order (ACO)

As we have indicated in previous newsletters, in early February 2004, Castle Shannon along with over 80 other communities in Allegheny County, signed an ACO to address elements of the Clean Water Act with the Allegheny County Department of Health.

This is one of the most daunting challenges that Castle Shannon, along with the other communities in the ALCOSAN service area, will encounter for at least the next 10 years because of the magnitude of the estimated costs.

Borough Council has taken a proactive approach to address the requirements of the ACO. By working cooperatively with neighboring communities we can realize cost savings on some ACO requirements through economies of scale. And, in other areas, we have moved aggressively to complete these requirements in-house.

To finance our Water Shed One, Two and Three structural repairs, we have secured over $5 million in debt financing.

By utilizing a combination of market timing and presenting “strong” municipal balance sheets, council was able to structure a repayment plan, which will directly benefit borough taxpayers.

All of the above actions have benefited Castle Shannon as we have let two contracts; one, for approximately $2 million to Robinson Pipe Cleaning and one for over $350,000 to Soli Construction for manhole repairs. These bids are in line with initial cost estimates for Water Shed One.

The above contracts are structured in a manner that allows for deletions or the use of least cost measures when applicable. The use of these techniques allows the Borough’s contractors to apply the most cost efficient method to encountered repairs.

The ACO requires that at least 20% of system deficiencies are to be completed by November 30, 2006.

The work on Water Shed One will keep Castle Shannon ahead of the curve and allow for the continuation of the necessary CCTV work is 34%-48% complete on the additional watersheds in the Borough.

Due to the nature and the magnitude of this activity, it is my intention to provide annual updates in the newsletter on the progress we are making in our ACO work components.

Department of Public Works Facility Expansion

Although the status of this project is referenced in another section of the newsletter, it is safe to say that site control is moving in a positive direction. Once site control is complete, Council is poised to move aggressively on a final site design and construction documents.

I will also update you on the status of this project in future editions of the newsletter.

Shannon Station

Much has been written and discussed recently on the status of a proposed Transit Oriented Development (TOD) project slated for the large Port Authority Park and Ride Lot on Castle Shannon Boulevard.

At this point in time, the developer is still working on overall project financing and is completing site renderings. Castle Shannon, Dormont and Mount Lebanon are concurrently working on the establishment of a multiple municipal Transit Revitalization Investment District (TRID) to help support this activity.

As this project progresses developments will be reported in the newsletter.

Comprehensive Plan Update

Another activity that Council will undertake in 2006/07 involves the update of the Borough’s comprehensive plan. All municipalities are required to review their development plans on a 10- year basis and make appropriate revisions where necessary to address changes within the community.

Castle Shannon last underwent this process in 1996. In keeping with the requirements of the Municipalities Planning Code, we will again initiate this activity.

The Borough’s Planning Commission will be the first borough agency that will react to plan modifications and will conduct several public hearings on the modifications that are proposed by this update.

Once approved by the Planning Commission, Borough Council will begin its review of the update with ultimate adoption being conducted only after an additional set of public meetings.

In the above activities along with a host of others, all members of Borough Council and staff work to assure that all actions ultimately benefit the community.

On behalf of Mayor Baumgarten and all Borough Council, we wish all residents a safe and happy fall, and peace and joy for the upcoming holiday season.

Thomas C. Hartswick
Borough Manager