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WILKES-BARRE — City council reviewed a varied but brief list of items Tuesday night in preparation for its upcoming public meeting.

The installation of a stop sign, new bulletproof vests for the police department and the repair of damaged flood walls along Mill Creek were on the agenda.

Council Vice Chairman Mike Merritt, who represents District E, said he opted for an ordinance rather than go through the Traffic Committee to have the stop sign installed at the intersection of East Chestnut Street and Sunrise Drive. The committee would have shot down his request for the sign, he said.

Council Chairman Bill Barrett recalled investigating a fatal crash in that area years ago when he was on the police force. “I think it’s well warranted there,” Barrett said.

The ordinance requires two votes of approval from council at separate public meetings before it can be enacted.

Newly named city administrator Ted Wampole briefed the council on the flood control project and the bulletproof vests, two items requested by Mayor Tony George. The administrator stood in for the mayor who has said he would not attend so as not to distract the focus from council.

The city received a $70,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to repair the creek walls south of the West Sidney Street bridge. Bids were opened Tuesday afternoon and were being reviewed in preparation for council awarding the contract at the Thursday night meeting, Wampole said. One of the bids came in below the project cost, he said.

The project involves repointing the mortar in the stone walls and the installation of some fencing, Barrett said.

“The stones are falling off the wall right into the creek,” Merritt added.

Council also will be asked to approve the purchase of five additional vests at a total cost of $3,975 from Red The Uniform Tailor of Lakewood, New Jersey.

Last October, council approved the purchase of 38 vests from the vendor at a cost not to exceed $29,716. However, the cost exceeded the authorized amount by $223 and council will be asked to pay the overage and for the additional five vests with a grant from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

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By Jerry Lynott

[email protected]

Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott