Seven Fields Borough Council accepted $162,450 in Municipal Infrastructure Program grants this week.

“The council did approve our grant — the stormwater grant,” said borough manager Tom Smith. “That’s been signed, and we’re getting ready to send it off to the county.”

These MIP grants are part of the SW Butler Stormwater Planning Group’s larger effort to prevent flooding in the region.

“This has been a collaborative effort for two years plus,” Smith said. “I have to tell you, each municipality should be commended for their collaboration. This is something that is pretty unheard of.”

The borough’s project is focused on maintaining and improving their northern detention pond outlet, off Route 228.

“All of the stormwater collects there — it holds all of that runoff from heavy summer rains or spring rain,” Smith said. “It needs to be maintained.”

Maintenance to the detention pond will require upgrades to the water outlet, as well as clearing sediment or buildup in the basin. The borough expects the project to maintain the pond for another 20 to 25 years.

“We want to get this done sooner than later,” Smith said.

Anticipated costs for the project are $180,500. The borough has agreed to match the award amount to meet the cost.

“This was something that hopefully really impacts people’s lives,” Smith said. “We’re very pleased and grateful to the commissioners.”

Further renovations to Town Park Pool also were approved Monday.

“This is phase two of the renovations,” Smith said. “It involves the completion of the locker rooms, a new fence with columns, and stone or veneer outside the building itself.”

The borough budgeted for $100,000. Final costs came in at $97,813.80.

“Much of the work is going to be performed in-house by public works,” Smith said. “It saves a tremendous amount of money for the borough.”

The previous renovation made improvements to the pool’s bathrooms and concessions. That project also began work on the complex’s locker rooms.

“We’re ready for summer,” Smith said.

Council members approved an agreement with the regional police commission on unfair labor practices.

“The union had filed unfair labor practices with concerns about open shifts,” Smith said.

There was no formal hearing on the matter. Instead, a conference call was held between the regional police commission, Evans City and Seven Fields.

“The hearing officer suggested working out a settlement,” Smith said.

The recommended settlement stands until the issue can be addressed. For now, open shifts will continue.

“No tax dollars were used for this,” Smith said.