Borough hall renovation ‘surpises’ ruffle council members’ feathers
Members of borough council learned of more than $23,500 in unexpected costs related to the borough hall renovation project at their March 3 meeting.
The Bethlehem Press previously reported $20,000 in change orders received by the borough from general contractor CMG of Easton, after only three weeks of construction. At the March meeting, this was amended with an additional $12,648 in unexpected costs, payable to CMG and two other contractors, related to outdoor lighting in the parking lot.
Council member Charles Derr referred to the unexpected lighting costs as a “boondoggle,” and asked why the council could not instead have opted for basic light poles from PP&L.
Council also learned of an additional $10,630 change order request from CMG for asbestos abatement, and a $300 request from another contractor for a toilet, prompting council member and borough Fire Chief Donald Wilcox to wonder “how much over budget” the project was to date, and how many more “surprises” might be in store. Council voted to approve all of the change orders, with Wilcox voting “no” on all three.
The borough hall renovation project is being financed in large part by a Redevelopment Assistance grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a Community Development Block Grant from Northampton County. Among the improvements being made is the municipal building finally becoming compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In addition to borough hall renovations, council also approved a resolution adopting changes to the Police Policy Manual. The changes were made necessary following passage of a 2017 law requiring all police departments to have formal written policies regarding audio and video recordings used in law enforcement.
Also during the meeting, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer Shannon Calluori of CodeMaster Inspection Services introduced Zachary Zubris, also of CodeMaster, who will replace Calluori effective April 1. Zubris holds a master’s degree in public administration from Kutztown University and has been with CodeMaster since June 2019.