Bath Borough Council is concerned about the long-term planning of the municipal building along with road repairs.

Council held a special workshop meeting May 28 to discuss both items.

This was not the first time borough officials searched for a new location to house the borough's municipal building. In the past, former borough officials explored the fire fighters field and Selko location near the log cabin properties as a possible municipal building site. Instead, the location on East Main Street became the municipal building.

Located on 215 East Main Street, the location serves as the central location for borough council meetings and is home to the Bath Museum.

A host of ideas surfaced from council members and former Councilman Manny Mirabito during the meeting.

Two ideas include purchasing nearby buildings. One building identified is located at the intersection of Main Street and Route 512. The second location is across from the engine house.

According to Mirabito, the Fox is a historical building located on Main Street and Route 512. The site gives visibility to a prospective municipal building.

In addition, historical matching grants available can restore the building to its original appearance. Mirabito suggested a larger parking space can be added to the back of the Fox building with the approval of nearby neighbors. The parking would give staff, personnel and visitors closer proximity to the office.

He noted a selection of neighbors who are willing to fraction part of their backyard to create the parking lot expansion. The proceeds from the sale of the East Main Street municipal building can alleviate any future incurred expenses.

Councilwoman Jennifer George opposed the idea of additional parking space at the expense of neighbor's properties. George was also concerned about what would happen to the property value and to her nearby business, The Daily Grind.

Borough Council President Robert Fields suggested a second location for a new municipal building across from the engine house. Fields pointed out that the municipal building needs to be in the center of Bath with more visibility for people to see it. He suggested erecting a new building on the site.

Councilwoman Carol Bear-Heckman said local artists can use the current municipal building rent free for a year. The artists would use the third floor and make any necessary repairs to the old municipal building. After the year is up, rent can be collected to generate revenue.

"We need to first find out if we want to sell or repair the building," council Vice President Mark Saginario said. "I cannot make an educated decision without clear numbers."

Borough Manager Thomas Petrucci informed council of the future building needs to meet with the Americans With Disabilities Act. ADA accessibilities and improvements are requirements that involve parking, bathrooms and an elevator.

"We have been playing catch up. Either way is going to be expensive," Councilwoman Bear-Heckman added.

According to Fields, $576,816.00 was offered as a projected cost to repair the municipal building. In addition, the building was estimated at a value of $200,000.00.

Other ideas suggested are to build a modular. Also, for voters to vote on a public referendum which will decide if a new municipal building should be built or the current building restored, or to survey borough residents about the future of the municipal building.

Saginario said he is concerned for the Bath Museum's future. The museum is "a big part of the borough, it's got to be in the plans," he said.

While the municipal building is on a Commercial Neighborhood Zoning District, Bear-Heckman said the building has the same potential to qualify for matching historical grants. The building's historical status can bring funds to fix specific sections of the building.

"If we are going to repair the building, we need to do correctly. We need professionals," Saginario said.

"I need to narrow it down," Petrucci said. "I need some direction, so I know where to focus."

Council approved Petrucci to engage with contractors, obtain additional estimates and prospective buyers. Petrucci said the municipal building's long term planning was necessary since the borough's 2015 budget was six months away.

In other business, council also discussed road repairs. The strong winter season this past year along with Wunderler's Way sinkhole reduced the road repair funding. It was recommended the borough to seek a low interest loan. At the present time percentage rates are low and provide the opportunity for the borough to continue the road repairs.

At the time the road survey was taken it highlighted roads on the low level four. After the winter season those level four roads have become level five.

Old Forge Drive is currently at level five and in need of repairs estimated at a cost of $546.000. It was noted Old Forge Drive, which was never reconstructed, dates back to 1976 or 1977. Penn Street, with an estimated cost to repair at $610,000, is also classified as level five.

Council approved Petrucci to research loan rates for council to review.