SLIPPERY ROCK — Despite its shiny appearance, the cracks are beginning to appear in downtown Slippery Rock.

Bill Sonntag, president of Slippery Rock Development, said seven years after its redevelopment, the borough's downtown is in need of maintenance.

He told borough council Tuesday that the group would like to work with council on this and future projects.

"We look at this as a joint effort," Sonntag said.

Many of the borough's streetlights need to be repainted. Sonntag said road salt and anti-skid material are the likely culprits and repainting is an ongoing issue.

Trees along the streets need to be pruned, which Sonntag said should probably be done every other year. Last year, Slippery Rock Development spent $1,000 to have a professional gardener do it.

In addition, curbs are deteriorating, electrical outlets on the side of the road regularly are knocked down and the concrete around many of the borough's storm drains is deteriorating.

Sonntag said the group can take care of most of the small tasks, but larger tasks likely will require council assistance. Slippery Rock Development is funded entirely by donations and grants, and Sonntag said funds are thin these days due to the economy.

Sonntag said the group is exploring the possibility of modifying the waterfall and rock landscaping at the corner of Elm and New Castle streets. Motorists turning onto New Castle Street from Elm Street have complained of being unable to see the road because of the landscaping.

He said the group was not sure if it needed to ask the borough to make any modifications to the landscaping.

John Rusnak, the borough engineer, said since New Castle Street carries Route 173, the group might need to contact the state Department of Transportation before making any modifications.

Council President Dave Miller said the group should check to make sure there is a line of sight problem before proceeding to PennDOT.

Councilman Royce Lorentz said there is a line of sight issue with the landscaping, but that the pumps used to operate the waterfall also are an issue. The borough spent $1,000 to replace them last year.

Sonntag also said Slippery Rock Development has received complaints that some business owners on Main Street have not been maintaining their sidewalks. He suggested a letter from the borough to the business owners might help.