Public Works Garage Needs a Facelift

–a dilapidated structure attached to the back of the borough building–is in such poor condition it needs blue tarps attached to the ceiling to keep water from drenching the equipment.

The building has been rigged up with temporary fixes so often that engineers wonder how much longer it can be used.

In response, the borough is soliciting to design a new garage and offer cost-estimates. Initial estimates put the construction work at slightly more than $200,000, but the borough has saved more than half of that money in its capital reserve budget.

The borough can no longer hold off on building a new garage, Councilman John Duda said.

“That roof leaks like a sieve,” he said.

Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to hire Integrity Design to draw up the plans. There is no timeline on when the architectural renderings will be returned or when construction would begin.

Also during the meeting…

• Heidelberg fire Chief Joe Wissel Jr. said he is concerned about the condition of an apartment complex at 1654 W. Railroad St. Wissel said there are multiple code violations including no fire extinguishers, defective smoke detectors and clutter in the stairwell. He also is concerned the porches connected to the building may collapse. “That honestly is a structure where we’re not going to be able to get to them (in a fire),” he said. The borough previously notified the property owner of the problems, but has yet to receive a response.

• Council voted to amend the borough code to prohibit smoking in the parks. A designated smoking area with a butt can will be placed just outside of the park.

• have paid the borough more than $500 in restitution for the damage. The vandals, who were not identified by police because of their age, broke several rail spindles, ripped out the screening and damaged a light in the gazebo.

• The Red Cross will have “shelter training” for borough residents and officials on Aug. 6 at the Heidelberg Volunteer Fire Department. Those interested in attending should contact the borough manager at 412-276-0363.