Oakmont paving project sent out for bid, Civil Service requirements for police sergeant to change

Oakmont officials put this year’s paving project out for bid and plan to award the contract next month.

Council unanimously voted Feb. 15 to advertise its street improvement program, which includes eight streets and a boat ramp.

Borough officials budgeted about $350,000 for the infrastructure upgrades.

Streets to be improved include:

• Virginia Avenue from Twelfth Street to the cul-de-sac.

• Woodland Avenue from the paving seam east of Wade Lane to the cul-de-sac.

• Fairways Drive from Oak Street to Pinehurst Lane.

• Eighth Street from Hulton Road to Virginia Avenue.

• Dogwood Way from Pennsylvania Avenue to Virginia venue.

• Washington Avenue from Allegheny Avenue to Third Street.

• Willows Drive from Washington to California avenues.

• High Street from Washington Avenue to the dead end.

• The boat ramp at the Allegheny River.

Two alternatives on the paving list include Virginia Avenue from Sixth Street to the dead end and First Street from Delaware Avenue to the dead end. They could be added to the overall project depending on funding.

Manager Scot Fodi said they hope to approve a contract at the March 15 voting session.

Roads are evaluated annually with the assistance of Senate Engineering, public works crews and borough officials. The borough created a five-year road program in 2018.

Police matters

Council approved advertising an ordinance amending Civil Service rules and regulations regarding qualifications to become a sergeant.

Rules state that an officer must have served Oakmont for five years to be eligible for the rank.

The change makes it five years with only three having to be for the borough.

Solicitor Kate Diersen said the Civil Service Commission also has to sign off on the change, which could be formally approved in March.

Police Chief Michael Ford said one officer was eligible for the promotion under the original regulations, and three would be eligible with the rule change.

A swearing-in ceremony for recently hired full-time officer Tyler Jaecke of Plum was postponed to next month due to inclement weather.

Mayor Christopher Whaley said officials were concerned about Jaecke’s family traveling to council chambers in rain and icy conditions.

Jaecke, a former Carnegie Mellon University officer, started Oakmont patrols on Feb. 1 at about $35 per hour.

Ford called him a good officer and a welcome addition to the force.

Oakmont has eight full-time officers, including Jaecke and Ford, and six part-time officers.

Most of council and other officials participated in the meeting virtually.

Only Ford, Fodi and council President Patricia Friday were present in council chambers.