Williamsport council approves HUD reallocations, Bowman Field netting contract and crosswalk MOU; multiple ordinances pass

Williamsport City Council approved several funding reallocations, contracts and agreements Thursday evening, voting unanimously on each recorded action.

At the top of the votes was a resolution that amended past HUD‑funded annual action plans: the council approved reallocating previously unspent HOME funds from fiscal years 2017 and 2018 to Habitat for Humanity housing construction and reallocating a small 2018 CDBG historic‑rehab surplus to Elm Park. City staff said Habitat is building on Scott Street and will use the funds for upcoming houses; staff also said the HOME guideline that requires 15% to a community housing organization will be met with the change. The motion passed 5‑0.

Councilors also approved a procedural amendment to resolution 9907 to add the phrase “2025 through 2029 consolidated plan” that the city solicitor said HUD required for approval; the council first voted 5‑0 to add the item to the agenda, then voted 5‑0 on the amendment and 5‑0 on the main motion after the correction.

Other formal actions taken Thursday included:

- Awarding a contract to Sportsfield Specialties for netting improvements at Bowman Field in the amount of $274,328; staff said the work is required by Major League Baseball for affiliated stadiums and will be completed before the June 6 opening game. Motion passed 6‑0. The contract is fully grant‑funded per staff.

- Authorizing a memorandum of understanding with Lycoming College for design and construction of six crosswalks near campus (Mulberry, Fourth, Bennett, Rose, Seventh streets; Washington Boulevard at Elizabeth; and Franklin Street). Lycoming College will fund the engineering and initial installation; the city will assume long‑term maintenance. Motion passed 6‑0.

- Approving an addendum to the master services agreement with UHY Advisors to continue as‑needed ARPA compliance support through the end of 2025; the administration said the work will be charged to ARPA administration funds and used on an as‑needed basis. Motion passed 6‑0.

- Adopting two transfer ordinances (one final reading, one first reading) and an ordinance amending the city’s classified ordinances (final reading). Each ordinance vote passed (final readings passed 6‑0; first reading passed 6‑0 where noted).

- Reappointing members to the Civil Service Commission and the Water and Sanitary Authority to five‑year terms; the five reappointments were approved 5‑0.

Council President Yoder and the administration thanked staff and the outside consultants for flagging required language for HUD and for coordinating grants and contracts. No public comment was recorded on the votes listed.

Ending: Council members said staff will continue work on grant compliance and project scheduling so the city can meet agency deadlines and start work on approved projects.