SEVEN FIELDS — Borough council voted Monday, Dec. 11 to award a contract for ongoing improvements to the Town Park Pool.

John Balewski, borough engineer, said the project only received one bid, coming in just over it’s estimated $250,000 cost.

“The one bid we did receive was from Shiloh Industrial, and it is $259,970,” he said.

Balewski reminded council that the borough previously received a $250,000 grant for the project.

The Local Share Account Program grant was awarded to the borough in March by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

“So the cost to the borough would be the $9,970,” he said. “I am recommending an award.”

Borough council completed the second phase of improvements to the pool earlier this year, updating the exterior to match its recently renovated community center.

Shiloh Industrial’s bid for the next phase included a new waterslide, general pool improvements, new main pool equipment and baby pool equipment.

Council’s approval of the award was made contingent on a review of the Local Share Account Program grant by Balewski and solicitor Megan Turnbull.

“Sometimes grants don’t like one bid, honestly, so we’ll have to review that to make sure that it’s all good,” he said. “If we both approve it, then we can get the contract signed and get them started. The sooner we start, the sooner they’ll finish for pool season.”

Council also amended the borough’s recreational fire permits Monday, extending them from two weeks to six months.

“A lot of our residents have come in and said, ‘Man, this just kind of stinks, because we’ve got to come back in two weeks,” borough manager Tom Smith said.

Smith’s recommendation to amend the permit also included a $60 permit fee. While the current permit is free, he said the fee could cover processing if the borough decided to offer it online.

Councilperson Jeff Smouse requested the permit remain free; councilperson Michael Trotta recommended a $20 compromise.

While the council unanimously voted to extend the permit, the question of the permit’s cost was tabled for a later date.

Additionally, resident and former council president Jen Sikora spoke up Monday evening, addressing negative comments made online against the borough.

“Some of the neighborhood things have a lot of stuff being put out that’s just not true,” she told council.

Sikora called it a “tumultuous year,” and thanked the council and Smith for their work weathering it.

“I’ve been a resident for 28 years in the borough of Seven Fields, and the fact that our taxes have been really consistent goes a long way,” she said. “And I thank you, council, because you’re the ones voting.”

Smith said he hoped “cooler heads and neighborly traits would return” in 2024 following the recent approval of its police services contract with Northern Regional Police Department.

“If not, I fear for the future of Seven Fields,” he said. “And that bothers me, because that’s not what Seven Fields has ever been about.”

Smith and council also took the opportunity to recognize the outgoing Trotta, who has 12 years of service with the council.

“He’s definitely a calming force on the council and he’s always there for sound decisions,” Smith said. “He doesn’t get too emotional on matters, and that, I believe, is going to be sadly missed.”