Published: November 01, 2009 11:22 pm      

Ebensburg awaiting concrete settlement

EBENSBURG — Borough officials say they are still waiting for a final settlement for faulty concrete used in 2005 for the

$1.3 million Streetscape project.

Last month council members tentatively approved a settlement in the dispute with Straw Construction. The final version was expected by last week’s meeting, but it was not received, Borough Manager Dan Penatzer said.

The issue in the borough’s lawsuit against Straw was concrete that crumbled almost immediately after the project was finished.

Concrete valued at $120,000 was what Penatzer termed “completely unacceptable.”

Straw has agreed to replace all of that at no charge.

But other concrete was showing early signs of defects, which do not seem to have worsened, Penatzer told the council.

“That concrete, valued at $80,000, could be tolerated, and the borough sought $40,000 in damages. Instead, the borough will select 20 of those questionable slabs for Straw to replace and accept a cash settlement of $17,500,” he said.

All work must be started by March 30 and completed by May 30, under the terms of the agreement.

Because the settlement agreement was not received in time for last Monday’s meeting, council members approved the agreement subject to confirmation by the borough solicitor that it conforms to the terms agreed to.

Another sidewalk project on West Ogle Street is almost finished, Penatzer said.

All work has been completed, except for the street paving, and trees have been ordered, he said.