Hoberman Park upgrades nearly complete
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LOCK HAVEN -- In a meeting that was dominated by discussions surrounding the 2026 preliminary budget, Lock Haven City Council breezed through its other agenda items rather quickly this week.
Though not actively discussed, council received an update regarding the continued upgrades at Hoberman Park, which is nearing completion.
Updates to the park began over the summer, with nearly 100 volunteers turning out for a special playground build day in conjunction with KABOOM!.
The improvements also included the addition of a multipurpose court, basketball court, new restroom, pavilions, resurfacing the parking lots, relocation of the t-ball field and installation of a walking path.
Information was provided to council this week by Planner I Carter Simcox who indicated there was little work left on these remaining projects.
According to Simcox, the majority of work that still needs completed involves the restrooms. So far the restroom's siding, roof, doors, rough plumbing, rough HVAC and rough electrical were completed in November.
He added the east parking lot was paved in September, but was milled and repaved later due to substantial water pooling in the area.
The parking lot's entrance apron and sidewalk were completed this month with the sidewalk, curbing and apron turning out well, he said.
A wooden split-rail fence was constructed around the detention pond as well.
Once the project is complete, plans are being made to hold a final walkthrough to identify any remaining updates or changes that may need to be made, Simcox said.
Hoberman Park upgrades were funded in part through grants from SEDA-COG and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
In other business, council:
-- Authorized the solicitation of bids for the permanent installation of groundwater wells along Youngdale Road, Wayne Township, and installation of a pipeline to carry the water to the water filtration plant.
-- Appointed Maher Duessel to perform the 2024 fiscal year audit at a cost of $55,000. City Manager Gregory Wilson said this is the first year the city is contracting with Maher and added the cost associated would be split amongst the city funds and its pension funds. The city is still waiting on the 2023 audit from Baker Tilley before the 2024 audit can begin, he said.
-- Considered an ordinance which amended Chapter 99 Pensions to align with a 2 percent flat rate contribution on W2 earnings in the Lock Haven Police Officers Association agreement.
-- Awarded a contract for fencing and gates at the Lock Haven Airport to Fye Fencing at a cost of $23,760.
-- Authorized the Commercial Through-the-Fence agreement between the airport and the Piper Museum.
-- Appointed Mayor Joel Long and council members Tami Brannan and Jeff Brinker to the Zoning and SALDA update focus group. The three join Council Member Barbara Masorti who already serves on the steering committee for the project.
-- Approved the closure of Leather Alley for Citizens Hose Fire Company from Nov. 27 to Dec. 20 for the department's annual Christmas tree sale.
-- Approved, on first reading, the closure of the East Main Street parking lot beginning at 1 p.m. on Dec. 12 for Robb Elementary School's annual holiday concert. Community Life Director Kasey Dumm said she will be working with Police Chief Matthew Rickard to ensure safety on Main Street and the Public Works Department to guarantee access to electricity for the concert.
-- Accepted the resignation of Art Sanders from the Ross Library Board after over 15 years of service. Council also approved the appointment of Faith Ronk to the board.
-- Approved a $2,500 funding request from the Lock Haven Flood Protection Authority to help cover expenses.
-- Approved a request from the Lock Haven City Authority to pay the water portion of the 2023-2024 audit.
Council's next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 24 at 7 p.m. The meeting is held in council chambers and streamed on the city's YouTube page.