Feb 26, 2014 3 min read

McMURRAY – Although discussion of the salt situation in Peters Township was not officially on the agenda at Monday’s meeting of township council, the topic was brought up by Councilwoman Monica Merrell.

She informed township manager Michael Silvestri that salt supplies in area municipalities was discussed at a recent South Hills Area Council of Governments meeting. She wondered whether Peters Township would be entitled to any liquidated damages from shipments that did not come in on time.

Silvestri said the monetary damages awarded to municipalities coincide with how much salt is due the municipality, and that the potential could be 50 cents per ton in liquidated damages.

Peters Township director of public works Peter Overcashier said the township has 900 tons of salt outstanding and is owed about $4,300 in liquidated damages.

He said the township was open to taking salt at any time of the day, not just during business hours, so it would be eligible for the damages.

He said he’s placed additional orders for more salt.

He added the public works staff worked on Monday to brine the streets and Peters Township has enough salt to “weather a couple more” storms.

In other public works matters at the meeting, the board voted to purchase a John Deere tractor with a boom mower for $93,800. The budgeted amount for the equipment was $95,000. The board also voted to purchase a skid loader/trailer for the lowest bid or the best fit for the township. Overcashier is still waiting on one bid.

Silvestri announced Columbia Gas and the state Department of Transportationwill be doing construction along East McMurray Road and several of its side streets beginning in July. The work will be to install new gas lines.

Silvestri said he was hoping to convince Columbia Gas and PennDOT to hold off on the project until the Valley Brook Road project is finished. However, both parties said the pipes need to be upgraded now and that it is best to do the work when school is out for the summer. He asked council if there would be any objections to having Columbia Gas do the work on East McMurray Road at night. He said the work on the side streets would still take place during the day.

“I don’t think we have a choice,” said Councilman Frank Arcuri. “I don’t like it, but what are you going to do?”

Council agreed it would be best for the work to be done at night on East McMurray Road to alleviate any further traffic congestion.