“Temporary” Sligo Footbridge to Sligo Elementary School and COG Pool Park. Photo by Ron Wilshire.

SLIGO, Pa. (EYT) — Sligo Borough Council learned during its latest meeting that the highly anticipated pedestrian footbridge project has been pushed back, with installation now expected in early fall.

While the project was originally hoped to be ready for the August return to school, council confirmed the contract with Allison Park Contractors runs through October. A progress meeting via Microsoft Teams is scheduled for May 26, but current estimates place the installation window in September or October.

Blight and Code Enforcement

Council took a firm stance on several property issues throughout the borough:

Condemnations: Officials are discussing the condemnation of at least four business-district properties. This includes a downtown building described as “collapsing.” The owner, Roy Zeigler, has reportedly contacted West Penn Power to disconnect lines and is seeking demolition quotes.

Civil Complaints: Following a 30-day grace period on violation notices, the borough has requested code enforcement officer Jake Seigworth to sign civil complaints against April Best, Jerry Best, and Teddy and Melissa Cobbett.

Public Nuisance: A separate notice regarding loud music was sent to Jim and Annie Harbodin, and concerns were raised regarding overgrown grass at a rental property on Colerain Street.

Infrastructure and Equipment Updates

Maintenance supervisor Jim Mortimer received approval for a triaxle load of premium patching material from HEI-Way at an estimated cost of $2,880 ($120 per ton). Other infrastructure updates include:

Penn Street Drainage: The borough signed an agreement with the Clarion County Conservation District for a grant-funded drainage project along Penn Street to Little Licking Creek. Because the total cost is under $10,000, the borough can hire a contractor directly without a formal bidding process.

Blinker Light Removal: Council is weighing the removal of the blinker light at Bald Eagle and Madison Streets. While PennDOT representative Michael Ashbaugh told the borough a traffic study may not be required, the borough would be responsible for removal costs. If accidents occur post-removal, the borough could be forced to install high-cost LED stop signs ($2,000–$3,000 each).  Council also suggested having Rick Himes inspect the blinker to see what repairs were needed. Any removal would have required formal council action at a public meeting.

New Equipment: Ed Hopkins of Clarion Chrysler Dodge reported the borough’s new dump truck was being shipped by rail to Ohio and would then be scheduled for Zoresco to install an aluminum dump body. Additionally, the borough is considering listing a surplus 2002 GMC 2500 pickup for sale on MuniciBid.

Sligo Authority: Billing Disputes and Repairs

The Sligo Authority, which met prior to the council session, addressed ongoing sewer billing issues:

Uncapped Lines: Accounts for Cindy Hawk and Korner Properties continue to be billed because sewer lines have not yet been capped.

Leak Investigations: The Authority is investigating a potential water leak at a car wash managed by UK. Recent readings averaged over 60,000 gallons per month. The authority stated that all trailers must be empty and lines capped/inspected before billing can be discontinued.

Generator Repairs: The Authority received an $8,177 estimate from Penn Power for repairs to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) generator. However, the EADS Group recommended waiting for a second estimate from a certified electrician before proceeding.

Real Estate Note: Officials noted that Brent Mortimer may be in the process of purchasing the former Selker Brothers site (2022 Madison Street Extension) from Sligo Auto Salvage. The five-acre property includes a garage and office space.