Several substantial public works projects will be done in Bel Air and some new equipment will be bought if the proposed $15.8 million town budget for the next fiscal year is approved.
The town has allocated $3,284,616 for public works for FY2015, an increase of $186,323 over what the town allocated in FY2014, Public Works Director Randy Robertson told the town commissioners during a work session Tuesday evening.
The town is planning renovations on Office Street and Courthouse Square. The town has allocated $243,000 in FY 2015 to upgrade traffic ability and integrate passage for pedestrians, Robertson said.
Robertson said the town also plans to add a sidewalk to Linwood Avenue and Giles Street. He said a man was hit by a vehicle while out walking his dog in December 2013 on Linwood Avenue. The man eventually died from his injuries.
The town plans to resurface North Kelly Avenue, Courtland Street, Dublin Court, Boulton Street and South Shamrock with funds from the proposed FY 2015 budget, Robertson said.
Funds allocated in the proposed FY2015 budget also will be used to purchase a new backhoe and dump truck for the town, Robertson said. An additional $141,700 was added to the proposed FY2015 budget in vehicle equipment and capital over FY2014.
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According to Robertson, some funding from FY2015 will be used to purchase a new 10-yard roll-off truck to collect bulk materials from residents. The town runs its own trash collection.
Robertson said the public works department spent $77,000 this past winter to maintain clear and passable roads for Bel Air residents. He said the town is responsible for clearing 32 miles of streets, sidewalks and curbs.
Steve Kline, deputy director of public works, said the town also purchased a new skid steer vehicle, which made clearing the streets a lot easier than previous years.
Robertson said during FY2014, the town spent $109,000 on the Ellendale Street and sidewalk renovation project. He said the renovation allows for better access on the street and parking for the Ma & Pa Trail.
During FY2014, Robertson said the town removed a total of 11 million pounds of trash and 4.5 million pounds of recycled materials.
"We've had a pretty successful recycling program," Robertson said. "We are definitely doing better at the percentage of recycling to refuse."
The will hold a public hearing this Monday at town hall to discuss the proposed budget for FY2015. The hearing and regular town meeting begin at 7:30 p.m.