Belpre council hears paving estimate, water booster trouble and parks upgrades; schedules committee meetings

Belpre City Council spent part of its May 25 meeting on infrastructure updates and parks planning, hearing an estimated local share for regional paving, details about a damaged water line and scheduling committee work to pursue park improvements.

Councilman Mr. Locke reported that state- or regionally scheduled paving of U.S. Route 50 and Route 7 is slated for 2028; he said Belpre’s portion of the project is "just under $600,000," a figure he warned could increase as asphalt prices rise. Mayor Abdella explained that one hillside pipe had been crushed and showed a roughly 20-foot-long crack, requiring a full-section replacement with outside help when the city’s mini excavator was insufficient.

Council also discussed a recurring electrical problem at the Farson Street booster station that caused pumps to shut off whenever a pole flickered; AEP was contacted, and the booster was run on a generator until repairs were made. Mr. Locke said the street department has been busy with pothole patching, branch clearing, mowing and shelter electrical hookups; a new street sweeper is in service.

Parks and Recreation items were assigned to the committee: Civitan Park camera upgrades, portable fencing considerations and exploring multi-use fields. Mr. Seebaugh announced a Multi-Cultural Festival for June 19 at Civitan Park; Mayor Abdella noted a Community Picnic for the 250th anniversary on June 27 at Howe's Grove Park. Committees set meeting times to follow up (Finance/Audit June 1 at 6:00 p.m., Streets June 1 at ~6:30 p.m.).

The council did not provide detailed funding sources or a finalized paving contract during the meeting; financing and detailed vendor decisions were left to committee and staff work.