Heidelberg Twp. approves building renovation bids $95K under estimate

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The Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors unanimously approved interior building remodel bids at its monthly meeting Tuesday.

Between general, electric, and plumbing, costs for the remodel total $264,483. The project was originally estimated to cost around $360,000.

Supervisors explained that the remodel will include adjustments to the township building (constructed in 1977) including updating the meeting room and adjusting the floor plan to better reflect use.

During the approximately seven-month remodel, township staff will operate out of a trailer temporarily located on the premises. The estimate for a work trailer from United Rentals totaled $2,495 per month, though the township would need to negotiate a longer contract.

Supervisors unanimously agreed to go with that estimate, as well as receive services from Tillet Toilets for the trailer’s restroom.

Supervisors continued to discuss plans for public meetings during the renovations (planned to take place next year, though the exact timeline has not been established). The fire company has offered its space for meetings, but needs to check availability against scheduled meeting times.

In preparation for renovations, supervisors also unanimously approved a shredding quote of $775 for documents already agreed to be destroyed. The township recently sorted through decades’ worth of documents to determine what could be destroyed, as paper documents occupied almost an entire room in the township building.

In other news, supervisors:

• Unanimously approved a $17,550.90 change order for the 2025 paving contract, as well as agreeing to dispense $324,984.50 for the final payment.
• Unanimously agreed to take on the around $2,000 difference between LSA grant funds awarded to the fire company and the incurred expenses.
• Unanimously agreed to apply for an $85,656.46 LSA grant on behalf of the fire company, intended to cover power load equipment and a service contract.
• Unanimously agreed to upgrade Radio Read software to Flex Read, as the current software no longer receives support.
• Approved the Titus Martin Land plan, involving adding 12 acres from the Dean Martin farm to the Titus Martin farm and subdividing a half-acre residential lot. Supervisors also approved a waiver for plan scale. Supervisor Ted Cromleigh recused himself from the vote.
• Unanimously approved an auditor for $12,875.
• Approved a time extension for Middle Creek Mennonite School, with Cromleigh recusing himself.
• Unanimously authorized the transfer of state pension aid funds when they arrive.
• Unanimously authorized the fire police to assist at the Myerstown Parade.
• Unanimously agreed to set the first budget meeting for Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
• Unanimously approved reports, minutes, and bills to be paid.

Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.