Jackson Township supervisors approve contracts for break room renovations

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The Jackson Township Board of Supervisors on April 21 approved three contracts to redo the municipal building’s break room for $20,143.

Supervisor Thomas Houtz said the room needs some attention so township staff feel more comfortable using it.

“The employee break room is in pretty rough shape,” he said during the meeting.

They agreed to a $10,460 contract with Jake’s Construction to build and install custom cabinets for the kitchen, install drywall, baseboards, and casing, and paint the walls, ceiling, and trim.

The proposal from Jake’s Construction also included installing new flooring, but treasurer Mandy Fidler said it’s in decent shape. She said the flooring would be done last, anyway, so if they finish the rest of the room and decide they’d like the new flooring, they could add it. Adding flooring would cost $1,750, and would bring that total to $12,210.

The electric and plumbing contract went to Fox & Long for $7,640 and includes PVC pipe and fittings, installing the water and drain to the sink, and doing the light fixtures.

Supervisors gave the contract for two microwaves, an electric range, a dishwasher, and appliance installation to Tom B. Morrissey TV and Appliance for $2,043. Supervisor Thomas Morrissey abstained from the vote.

Houtz said they will add a wall to block off the utilities from view and a door to access them. Employees will be able to sit, use the appliances, and enjoy their break in the center of the room.

“Very much needed,” Houtz said. “You finally get to go on break, and you’re like, ‘Oh.’”

The township will also be accepting bids for a traffic signal upgrade project at Wintersville Road until 10 a.m. Friday, May 2, according to a paper posted at the township building’s entrance.

The base contract includes the installation of a battery backup on a pole-mounted auxiliary cabinet, installation of an emergency redemption four-way system, and the installation of signal backplates with a retroreflective border. 

Township engineer Stephen Sherk said he will open bids after the submission deadline and will have a recommendation for the board at the first May meeting.

In other business, supervisors:

• Advised road foreman Tim Hibshman to get an additional quote to redo the floor as part of the township’s renovation of salt storage bays to be storage for out-of-season vehicles. The quote they got would cover the 1,344 square feet for $12,457.90, but Houtz said they should get another quote before approval.
• Signed a recommendation letter for the Myerstown Water Authority, which is looking for a grant of $424,660 to upgrade one of its systems.

Jackson Township supervisors will meet next at 60 N. Ramona Road on May 5 at 7:30 p.m.