Heidelberg Twp. approves interior renovations for municipal building

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The Heidelberg Township Board of Supervisors unanimously agreed to authorize an agreement for interior renovations, subject to review by the solicitor, at its monthly meeting Tuesday.

Last month, supervisors approved general, electric, and plumbing costs for the remodel. While the project was originally estimated to cost around $360,000, bids totaled $264,483.

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

Though nothing has been finalized, the township hopes to hold meetings at the fire hall while renovations are underway. If not, they may hold meetings in the shop, which has hosted meetings in the past.

Township staff will work out of a trailer on the premises during the approximately seven-month remodel, which will update the 1977-constructed building to reflect current use.

Supervisors also discussed policy for applying for grants on behalf of the fire company. As fire companies are not allowed to apply for Local Share Account grants, the township has applied for funding on its behalf.

Last month, solicitor Amy Leonard explained, costs ended up totaling around $2,000 more than was granted, and the township absorbed the extra costs. However, Leonard recommended the township establish an agreement with the fire company for the future to ensure the township is not expected to fill any payment gaps, as well as hold the fire company to complete non-fully-funded projects (as the township could have more difficulty receiving grants in the future if they do not use granted funding)

The township could still opt to pay the difference, Leonard said, but she advised them to plan ahead.

On Tuesday, supervisors unanimously agreed to a resolution applying for another LSA grant on behalf of the fire company, requesting $98,101.62 in funding for air packs. The township also plans to reach out to the fire company about establishing an agreement with regards to gaps in funding.

Supervisors also unanimously approved a cooperative agreement with the fire company, which allows the township to pay invoices addressed to the fire company.

Supervisors also unanimously approved the advertising of the draft 2026 budget, which is balanced and does not include a tax increase for the new year.

In other news, supervisors:

• Heard that the township may no longer be exempt from MS4 costs.
• Unanimously agreed to a resolution amending the 2025 budget to include the purchase of a new copier, which supervisors already agreed to purchase.
• Unanimously approved the renewal of the red light maintenance contract, with rate unchanged.
• Unanimously approved a 36-month electric contract with a rate of .0977.
• Unanimously approved the inclusion of zoning hearing application criteria and posting documents to the application paperwork provided to those seeking zoning hearings.
• Unanimously agreed to transfer the MMO pension funds not covered by the state.
• Heard that, for the new work done on roof insulation, the township will pay $18,297, with $14,850 picked up by the contractors due to issues with the previously installed insulation.
• Unanimously approved the closure of a block of South Market Street for a Schaefferstown Community Event Association Trick-or-Treat event, and permitted the fire police to assist.
• Unanimously agreed to end the cardboard recycling program at the end of the year, citing misuse by users including nonresidents.
• Approved, with supervisor Ted Cromleigh recused, the stormwater management and land development plans for a single-family home on the Duane Martin lot, along Horse Happy Road, and associated documents.
• Directed the township manager to pursue possible plans for America 250 celebrations.
• Unanimously approved the release of $40,246.53 of the Spohn financial guaranty.
• Unanimously approved the full release of $36,328.05 for the Lavern Martin escrow.
• Unanimously approved a time extension for the Keener plan until Jan. 27.
• Approved a time extension until Jan. 27 for the Stolzfus plan, with Cromleigh abstained.
• Unanimously agreed to accept a cash escrow of $75,000 for a street cut permit at 238 S. Lancaster Ave.
• Unanimously approved minutes and reports.
• Held an executive session to discuss litigation issues.

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.