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Finance committee backs $45,000 engineering agreement for West Third Street streetscape design
Summary
The committee reviewed a $45,000 professional services agreement with Libby Veil to design streetscape improvements on West Third Street, funded by a $200,000 DCED multimodal grant; members discussed scope, permitting and future grant phases.
The Williamsport City Council Finance Committee on Tuesday reviewed a proposed $45,000 professional engineering agreement with Libby Veil to design streetscape improvements along West Third Street.
The design contract covers preliminary engineering, final design, a PennDOT Highway Occupancy Permit (HOP) application, bidding and construction support. "The fee is 45,000," Bill Scott said, describing the work as preliminary engineering, final design, bidding and part‑time construction administration, including an $8,000 component for bidding and construction support.
The project is the first phase of a streetscape plan running from Hepburn Street west toward Center Street. Grant funding comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) multimodal program; Scott said the city received $200,000 in the grant and intends to use this phase to show progress before applying for a future phase. "So that's why we're doing a small piece to get this done and, show progress for another phase and more phases," Scott said.
Committee members asked for clarification about the HOP and timing. Scott explained that a HOP is required for work within the PennDOT right of way and that obtaining it during design prevents later delays: "You get that during design because you you do that now... PennDOT will look at that design and basically approve it and agree with it."
Committee members discussed material choices and durability. The design will include new handicap ramps, crosswalks, curb, sidewalk (a portion of which will be brick), streetlights and street trees in an area roughly in front of the Jackass Brewery and the block across the street. Scott and committee members noted prior use of stamped concrete downtown and a preference for real brick in high‑wear areas because it is easier to repair.
Members also discussed project phasing and grant strategy. Committee member Eric Biter urged applying for the DCED multimodal grants again in July to fund subsequent phases. Scott confirmed the next DCED multimodal grant cycle is due in July and that staff will pursue future phases.
Bill Scott committed to provide supporting documentation and the agreement to committee members after the meeting.
No committee vote on the resolution is recorded in the meeting transcript; staff indicated the item will proceed through the usual council review process.
