SHAMOKIN -- A demolition project that involves properties on South Diamond and Webster streets likely will begin in June.

The City Council awarded a $28,475 contract Monday night to Robert Gusick Construction, of Shamokin, to do the work. The firm submitted the low bid.

The money will come from Community Development Block Grant funds, according to city manager David Bohanick. "This grant money has to be used, or we lose it," he told the council.

In his parks and public buildings report, Councilman R. Craig Rhoades said the community pool is "in the process of being prepared for the swimming season. Some slight patch work has to be done. But, we hope to have it ready by the time school ends."

Rhoades also was concerned about safety in the area. To that end, Whistle Stop Fence, of Catawissa, was awarded a $2,598 contract to fence in the pool.

Larson Design Group, of Williamsport, was nominated to serve as city engineer by Councilman Mike Snyder and unanimously approved by the council.

The city has decided to change phone service providers, Bohanick said. "Verizon was our provider, and our monthly bill was quite expensive, more than $500 a month. By awarding our business to Service Electric, of Sunbury, at $387.39 a month for exactly the same phone service, we'll be able to save a substantial amount of money." The council approved the switch to Service Electric.

The members began the meeting with a 10-minute executive session on a personnel matter, Mayor Ronald Bradley said.