Cheswick officials want to get out of the water business.
In response to ongoing problems at the borough's water treatment plant, Cheswick is requesting bids from other agencies to supply water permanently to its residents.
Springdale Borough, Harmar Township, the Oakmont Water Authority and Pennsylvania American Water are expected to submit bids by the end of the month to sell water to the borough or to take over the borough's system, including treatment and distribution.
Council plans to open the bids on Sept. 13, then move the Sept. 20 council meeting to the borough fire hall to allow residents to comment on the various proposals.
A final decision is expected after the public comment session.
On March 7, a discoloration of Cheswick's water was noticed by residents. It was caused by issues with the iron and manganese tank where sediment that helps purify the water was leaking.
While there was no health threat, putting more chlorine in the water had an effect on its color.
Cheswick started buying water from Springdale for $6 per 1,000 gallons. Soon after, Harmar took over water service, charging Cheswick $2.50 per 1,000 gallons.
Cheswick put in a temporary rate of $8.05 per 1,000 gallons to pay for buying the water from Harmar, for distribution and to pay down the Cheswick water debt service of about $76,000.
Once a new supplier and possibly a new water plant owner are in place, borough officials hope to get the rate down to something in the range of $5 per 1,000 gallons.
"We're looking for the best deal for our residents," said Council President Frank Meledandri Jr. "We want to look at the cost, the quality and to make sure our residents don't have a significant rate increase down the road."
In other business
Council plans to refinance the borough's $1.6 million remaining on a bond with RBC Capital.
The borough is paying about 5 percent interest on the bond. Refinancing would lower the rate to 2.6 percent.
That would free up about $70,000 for the borough to use for capital improvements such as a new police car and a new public works truck without having to borrow the money and incur more debt.
Mayor Dan Carroll is hoping the borough will buy a new police car made by Ford Motors and designed by various police chiefs.
The public works truck is about 18 years old and needs to be replaced.
• Officials will take a walking tour with Sheetz Inc. representatives to inspect the new curbs needed on three streets for the new gasoline station/convenience store.
A middle, turning lane will be added to Pittsburgh Street in front of the Sheetz location, site of the former Cheswick Theatres.
• Residents were reminded about the annual Cheswick Day, Sept. 10, at the fire hall and Spruce Street from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Activities include a car cruise, a health screening trailer, miniature horse rides, crafts and vendors.
