The January 17 special meeting of the Upper Frederick Board of Supervisors began with Michael Girard of Luce Architects presenting three design proposals for the schoolhouse renovation project, initiated by the previous board in 2022.

            Renovations include a meeting room, conference room and an ADA-compliant bathroom. The schoolhouse is located at 3211 Big Road, adjacent to the township building.

            Other options for creating an enlarged meeting space include building an addition on the front of the township building, renovating the lower floor currently used by the township's public works department, and/or renovating the upper story of the building behind the township building.

            Township building enhancements under discussion also include installing an airlock entry with door buzzer and an emergency exit in the office space to enhance the safety of township employees, relocating the public works garage and repair shop so fumes do not infiltrate the office space above them, additional garage and equipment storage space, and upgrades to the locker room for public works employees.

            Township Public Works Director Steve Heller's stated priorities were an expanded public works area so all the township's equipment could be stored inside, the installation of a lift to facilitate work on the township's vehicles, and a shower.

            Township Manager Tracy Tackett said the worst-case cost estimate for the schoolhouse renovation is $500,000. She stated that the township has $381,000 in COVID relief funds that must be committed to a project in 2024, a $100,000 reimbursement grant that can only be applied to the schoolhouse restoration, and $400,000 in reserves set aside for campus upgrades.

            Tackett explained that adding a larger meeting room and space for the services the township needs to provide within the existing township building was unworkable.

            An addition to the front of the township building is estimated to cost $1.5 million, which does not include renovating the space above the rear building.

            Board Vice-Chair Lisa Fischer initially supported the idea of moving forward with plans to move the meeting and conference rooms to the schoolhouse.

            Board Chair Bill Landman expressed concerns over the cost of the schoolhouse renovations, calling it a potential "albatross" and felt the COVID funds would be better spent expanding the township building.

            He pointed out that there could be substantial additional costs involved with the schoolhouse renovation, including the need for a new well, septic system, and repointing the foundation. He noted a report that found water damage to the interior and expressed concerns that the structure may be compromised.

            Tackett stated there was asbestos in the flooring.

            Fischer suggested that some of the building's siding be removed to determine the condition of the brick siding.

            Fischer stressed that the township is growing and that the supervisors need to think long-term. "If we're going to make any investment in this facility, we should make it in a way that grows with the township and doesn't find us 10 years from now saying, 'We need to build an addition because when we did the renovation and it cost us $400,000; we didn't think 10 years ahead.'"

            Fischer and Landman (Supervisor Sean Frisco was not present) agreed that they should design a space that is flexible and can be adapted to an additional employee headcount.

            Fischer asked the residents who were present what they thought of the schoolhouse restoration. One resident said, "I think it's a bad idea."

            Another referred to it as a "money pit."

            William Karaffa stated, "I think you can start dumping more money into that schoolhouse, you're going to find out it's not what you think it is." 

            Buck Reed questioned the business sense of investing more money in the building than it was worth.

            Resident George Jones felt it made sense to use the $100,000 grant for the schoolhouse's well or foundation. "Don't leave the money on the table."

            Bruce Fries asked if the lower floor of the township building could be utilized for office space. Tackett explained that would not be feasible because the area is not ADA accessible from the main floor so people would need to enter the space through the public works yard.

The board decided to have Luce Architects provide cost estimates for the redesign of the public works area and township building and a complete assessment of the condition of the schoolhouse.

            Next on the agenda was the township's roads overview. Heller stated that the public works department maintains 14 miles of township roads. Route 29, Big, Neiffer, Fagleysville, Perkiomenville, and Little Road are state roads, which the township only salts and plows. Synder, Deep Creek, and Green Lane Road are maintained by the county.

            Tackett stated that the township's priority for 2024 is the maintenance of Faust Road, which is highly traveled. The estimate for that project is $524,000.