Lebo to reopen bidding for pool renovations
The Mt. Lebanon commission voted unanimously to reopen bidding for the municipality’s $4 million pool renovation project at its Sept. 23 meeting. The project, originally slated to begin after Labor Day, stalled after a contractor contested the bid process.
The commission originally awarded the contract to Plavchack Construction Company on Aug. 13. However, another bidder, Waller Construction, protested the award based on an alternate item. On Aug. 26 the commission planned to rescind the original contract and award the base bid only to Plavchak. That item was removed from the agenda at the last minute. The Sept. 23 vote was also a late addition.
The commission also held a mandatory public hearing on the Mt. Lebanon Comprehensive Plan.
Planning board member Carolyn Byham said the most important thing about the plan was the action plan. “If one were to read nothing else one would be able to understand the intent behind the document, initial budget constraints and a rough timetable,” she said.
The comprehensive plan’s objectives are categorized as related to cooperation, vitality, connectivity, systems and resources. Key points include ensuring pedestrians and cyclists have safe routes throughout the municipality, creating solutions for traffic congestion and ensuring adequate infrastructure to support economic development. Broader goals include promoting community spirit and optimizing municipal operational efficiencies.
Commissioner Dave Brumfield said he appreciated the action plan most of all. “I found the prior comprehensive plan very difficult to get through,” he said. “I’m glad you decided to focus on the action plan. That is such an important guideline as the commission does its work, deciding what to focus on.”
Commissioner Kristen Linfante agreed. “The fact you had such an enormous amount of community involvement is so impressive. That you’ve been able to boil it all down with such clarity will help the community understand what we’re up to,” she said.