By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
Olean City Public Works Director James Sprague updated the Olean Common Council on a number of projects Tuesday — including the replacement of street lighting on North Union Street.
Sprague was asked by aldermen last year to look into complaints that the North Union Street lighting was insufficient to light the street and sidewalks. The lights were installed in the first phase of Walkable Olean.
After looking into new lighting, Sprague estimated the cost of replacing all 85 street lights at $85,000. Replacement lights would be designed to fit atop the current lightpoles. The Public Works Department is working on a request for proposals to buy new light heads to be installed by the Electric Division, he added. If installed by a contractor, it would add 150% to the cost.
Sprague had no update on the replacement of decorative lights strung across North Union Street that have never worked since they were installed.
Alderman Lawrence Bennion Jr., R-Ward 1, asked whether the lights could be saved for use in some of the city parks such as Franchot Park.
Sprague replied that some could possibly be used in parks, but that the city would not need all 85 of the lights to be replaced.
Sprague also updated the Common Council’s Youth and Recreation Committee on the Franchot Park Beautification Project which predates his appointment. The council had earlier established a $50,000 fund to spruce up Franchot Park and discussed possible projects.
Sprague said he recently reviewed possible projects at Franchot with parks maintenance staff. “Where do we start? How do we most efficiently spend the $50,000 we have in the account?” he asked.
The basketball court needs cracks filled and the surface sealed and lines painted, Sprague said. Also, trail maintenance is something that can be addressed rather quickly — including an asphalt overlay. Some dangerous trees need to be removed as well
The Public Works director said those three projects would fit within the $50,000 available. Final recommendations will come after the winter snow melts.
Sprague touched on other possible projects at Franchot Park including the narrow asphalt entrance on Greene Street. He said a discussion on the entrances needs to occur. There is a dirt parking lot and entrance from South Fourth Street and the main entrance from South Union Street.
Sprague said it’s unclear what level of street Franchot Parkway — the road from South Union Street — is officially. It is currently dirt and stones and in terrible condition. The parking lots need attention.
The pavilion also needs a new roof. Sprague also said he’d consult with the Police Department to see where lighting could be placed for security purposes.
There was also talk about replacing the unused horseshoe pits with a dog park, but it is often wet and may not be feasible at that site, Sprague said. A new dog park is going into the renovated Marcus Park, he noted.
Sprague also noted that the city pool project in War Veterans Park is ready to go to bid. While the adjacent new splash park will open this summer, the pool project may result in it being closed again this summer.
During the City Operations Committee meeting, Fire Chief Eric Maurouard discussed renovations the Fire Department has been able to do at the city’s Gargoyle Training Center and what still needs to be done. Upgrading the facilities could attract more area fire companies to share in its use for training, the fire chief suggested.
Full renovation of the fire training center and fire tower could cost upwards of $500,000.
Council President Vernon Robinson Jr., D-Ward 6, asked whether any shared services agreements with other local governments were possible. “We did try,” Maurouard replied. “We were unsuccessful.”
