MARS — Running a borough is about building relationships — and sometimes about building curbs.

At least, according to leaders of Mars Borough on Monday night when they discussed assisting property owner Dave Geyer with some renovations.

Geyer, who wasn't present at Monday's meeting, owns a small patch of land at the intersection of the roads of Mars-Valencia, Irvine and Grand. His property abuts the borough's near the borough sign.

Mike Fleming, council president, said Geyer plans to renovate a “wall” at the spot in a project that could provide easier access for updating the borough sign.

Geyer asked if the borough would be willing to do the demolition work if he covered the cost of installing the new wall, according to Fleming.

“It should be a two-part effort,” Fleming said. “We got skin in the game and so does he.”

Councilwoman Julie Schultheis said when council moved last month to work with Geyer, she looked into the borough's right of way at the site for clarity.

Specifically, she said she wanted to clarify who is responsible for maintaining sidewalks and curb space. Schultheis said she wanted to be sure the project doesn't cross into private property maintenance.

“What I don't want is any property owner seeing us doing work on someone's property and saying, 'Come on over,' ” Schultheis said.

Fleming reminded council that the borough has worked with property owners in the past on projects that affect borough maintenance. Fleming specifically cited stormwater problems.

“These things are going to happen,” Fleming said.

“I don't want to not help somebody,” Schultheis said. “I just see it as that landowner is replacing a wall.”

Fleming said the spot that will be renovated acts as more of a curb. Councilman Brad Price said because the area is at the corner of an intersection, it is partly the borough's concern.

Fleming estimated Geyer's part of the work would be around $10,000. The borough would need to use its own manpower and equipment. Fleming added the renovation might provide an opportunity to update the town sign at the same time.

Schultheis said she wanted to be sure the area doesn't sit unfinished between the demolition and reconstruction.

Fleming said the borough wouldn't get involved with the demolition process until the rest of the project was “ready to go.”

“You do what you can within reason to work with the resident,” Fleming said.

After the discussion, Schultheis said she was more comfortable working with Geyer.