Antrim to wait on government center
By PAT FRIDGEN Echo Pilot

Scott Diffenderfer, left, receives a plaque from Antrim Township Manager Ben Thomas Jr. recognizing his 18 years of service as a supervisor. The plaque came from the Franklin County Association of Township Officials. Diffenderfer represented the citizens from 1989-2007.

Stating that a responsibility of his position was making recommendations that benefit the citizens, Antrim Township Manager Ben Thomas Jr. asked the Board of Supervisors Oct. 23 to revisit the government center issue and set a date to advertise for bids. They were originally scheduled to be put out Nov. 6 but the board voted Oct. 2 to delay any action until January when newly-elected supervisors would be seated.

Thomas said the board had directed the architect to downsize the plans, which she did. He recommended authorizing the project and advertising, with bids opened Jan. 15, 2008.

"You could possibly get 2007 prices," he said. "That gives the board 60 days to March to accept or reject. You need to look at the figures to make a sound decision. I'm concerned about pricing."

Supervisor Sam Miller responded, addressing the depressed construction market, "According to business reports, we haven't hit bottom yet. Time is on our side." He wanted to wait until January.

Supervisor Fred Young III agreed. He said he wanted input from the new supervisors and to avoid the scenario of last spring, when citizens were vocal in their opposition to the project. He wanted to be comfortable with the plan so that it could be awarded if the prices were good.

"You're going to drive up architectural costs," said Thomas. "The cost has already been borne for the redesign. If you re-do this building, you will have to put in public sewer and water at a potentially significant cost."

The board decided to wait until January for any action.

At odds with developers

Representatives for two developments asked for accomodations to their plans.

Jack Sharpe, an attorney, represented Tom Mongold and Antrim Meadows Phase II. He said the land was under contract for sale but the buyer wanted final approval of the plan, which had been submitted preliminary/ final to the township. However, because of the economy, the buyer wanted the approval contingent upon financing.

Sharpe said that with a regular final approval, the developer must begin building or get a bond, but was not ready for that. Quoting the Municipal Planning Code, he said conditional approval could extend the time frame five years.

Zoning officer Angela Garland said the township was concerned about that, and if somehow the staff didn't keep tabs on the project, it would be deemed approved in three years. Then the township would be required to put in the infrastructure since it was a legal lot of record.

Temperatures rose as the two sides disagreed on the interpretation of the code.

Thomas suggested a 90-day extension. He preferred a reasonable window so that the current staff would still be around to settle the issue.

Miller asked if the word 'final' could be dropped as Mongold had asked Sept. 11. Solicitor Debra Hoff, representing the township for that issue, said no, a new plan would have to be submitted. Garland said the development would then have to abide by Conservation By Design rules.

"That's baloney," said Mongold from the audience. "I'll go back and white it out myself."

On a motion by acting chair Curtis Myers, second by Miller, the board voted 3-1 to grant a 90-day extension contingent upon financing for bonding and fees associated with recreation and repair and improvements. Scott Diffenderfer cast the dissenting vote. James Byers was absent.

Paul Schemel, a lawyer for Heritage Hills, again asked the board what it was going to require concerning a future traffic light at Route 16 West and Rosebud. He said the developer was already paying to widen Rosebud, which would become an extension of Walter Avenue, and was installing a right-turn lane off Route 16. Heritage Hills had 84 lots, far less that proposed developments that would also use the new bypass road.

Schemel said a traffic study had predicted HH would contribute 14 percent to the traffic flow at the intersection and a light would cost $125,000. The developer preferred not to pay that percent or put money into escrow for the light, because of its other expenses that benefited both the township and the borough.

The board tabled action until staff could meet with its own engineer and PennDOT.

Ajoint discussion

Thomas recognized Ken Myers, Greencastle borough manager, who took a similar job in Huntingdon. "He is leaving with lots of knowledge and wore many hats here." From their associations, he said both operated on the philosophy 'If you didn't plan for your future, others will plan it for you.'

"I wish Ken the best and hope he returns to Greencastle to retire."

Thomas asked if the board would be interested in pursuing a joint planning idea with the borough, to investigate sharing zoning ventures.

Miller asked if they should wait until January.

"No," replied Thomas. "You are elected officials. You have to make decisions."

"I was referring to the new council," said Miller.

The board authorized staff to set up a meeting with the borough council. Council member Schemel, still in the audience, said he had already been thinking about the idea, and now with the manager position open, maybe even sharing administration.

Other business

The board considered a letter from John Hart, Franklin County Chief Clerk/County Administrator, concerning relocation of District Judge Duane Cunningham's office. He wrote that the current office in the township building was less than satisfactory and he intended to relocate it soon. He wanted to know the status of the construction project.

The board said they could get back to him in January.

The office now pays $605 rent per month and automatically renews.

The board approved spending $998 to replace loose carpet in two offices. Staff will pull up the old carpet and Henry's Floor Covering will install the new.

Charles Goetz presented a proposed 2008 budget for the utilities department. He projected revenue and expenses of $2,359,300 and only 50 sewer taps next year. He saw no reason for a rate increase.

Bill Little, President of Medic 2, thanked the board for its leadership in establishing the service seven years ago. He said many people now have a wonderful quality of life because of the assistance it provides in emergencies. He said his own wife is alive because of the response of Medic 2 last January. He asked the board to remember the rescue services in its budget talks.

The board met in executive session to discuss litigation issues with Sky King, Todd Auto Body, and Greencastle-Antrim Franklin County Water Authority, if the township repealed its mandatory water hookup. It returned and decided to set up a meeting with GAFCWA.