The Department is vital to the Borough of Berwick because through its work, the Borough is able to present itself as a beautiful place to live and play to visitors. It also allows the citizens to take pride in their community. The Department of Public Works takes great pride in, and devouts hours of hard work to maintain the more than 60 miles of streets in the Borough, along with storm sewers, parks and various Borough owned properties, for the highest level of safety for the residents and visitors of Berwick Borough. The Working Foreman, Jack Kyttle, heads the Department. The Department also consists of an additional eight full-time employees: Assistant Foreman Michael Long, James Dalberto, Charles Gerasimoff, Phillip Keifer, Aaron Zanoline, Andrew Hess, Garrett Burke and Samuel Herring. 

The Public Works Department also takes care of Street Sweeping, Building Maintenance, Snow Plowing, Brush Recycling, and Tree Maintenance.

The Department is vital to the Borough of Berwick because through its work, the Borough is able to present itself as a beautiful place to live and play to visitors. It also allows the citizens to take pride in their community.

Annual Leaf and Brush Collection

Approximately four weeks are utilized in October and November to pick up the residents’ leaves and brush, which must be left at the curb. We also pick up in the Spring for Christmas Trees and small brush. The Borough also has a drop off site at the Test Track for small brush, leaves, and grass clippings.

Celebration Preparation

The Public Works Department helps with preparations of numerous Borough and non-Borough event set ups such as Carnivals, 4th of July, Fireworks, blocking the streets for block parties, concerts, Kids Night, and many other events throughout the Borough.

Landscaping/Mowing

The Public Works Department spends a great deal of time mowing the seven parks in the Borough. In addition, there are several other properties in the Borough in which the Department takes care of. The Department also spends a lot of time landscaping different areas of the town, beautifying the parks, City Hall, and the Downtown.

Park Maintenance:

Berwick has four neighborhood Parks (Sponslors, Arbor Street, Louis Stevens, and Vine Street), a Downtown Park (Saint Charles), and two of the most beautiful parks in the area (Ber-Vaughn and Test Track).

Signs:

The Department is also responsible for the signs throughout the Borough limits. This includes signs that are missing, damaged, or have graffiti on them. If you see such signs, please call the City Hall at 570-752-2723.

Snow Removal/Plowing:

There are several snow removal duties that are performed: snow removal from the Borough, maintain sidewalks, and hauling snow as needed from uptown areas and parking lots. A list of the equipment used in snow plowing and removal include 5-ton trucks, a pick-up trucks, a front end loader, a Backhoe, and a Skid Steer. All trucks are equipped with plows and salt spreaders.
Dumpster Day, (Has been discontinued due to the cost)

The Borough had its 1st ever Dumpster Day on May 31, 2009 at the Test Track. The Public Works Department volunteered their day to ensure that the more than 300 cars that arrived were safely and efficiently unloaded. Residents were very thankful for this opportunity.

Street Maintenance:

There are over 60 miles of Borough maintained streets that the Public Works Department attempts to keep in the very best condition, despite a challenge in funding. Potholes are patched as quickly as possible when found. If you know of a pothole that needs patched, call the City Hall at 570-752-2723. Leave a message with the Receptionist and we will pass it on.

Street Painting:

The Department tries to maintain the highest level of safety for the residents with the painting of curbs, crosswalks, and stop bars, which is done on an annual basis during the Summer months.

Street Sweeping:

This is done throughout the year, although primarily in the summer. All residents are to follow the posted signage throughout the Borough in regards to parking restrictions.

Storm Sewer;

There are several hundred storm water catch basins and drywells in which the Borough maintains. The Department tries to keep each of these free and clear of debris. If you see a blocked catch basin, please contact City Hall at 570-752-2723.

Traffic Lights:

Even though most of the traffic lights in the Borough are on state roads, the Borough is responsible for the maintenance of the traffic lights. Thanks to the Columbia County Commissioners, the Borough has recently installed LED traffic lights throughout the Borough, saving taxpayers over 35% on the cost of traffic lights. In addition, the new lights have added a “brighter glow” to the Borough. In upcoming months, crosswalk lights will also be changed. There are daily inspections to see if all of the lights are working properly. To report lights that are out or malfunctioning, call the Police Station immediately at 570-752-3677.