Local Government TV

▼

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Bethlehem Township Community Center Getting in Shape

Bethlehem Township's Community Center, first built in 2006 along Farmersville Road, is perhaps the best in the entire Lehigh Valley. A 50,000 sq. ft. multi-use facility, it includes 2 full indoor basketball courts, an indoor walking track, inside and outside pools and separate cardio and weight rooms. Surrounding grounds include trails connecting to the Township's vast park system, as well as baseball diamonds and the Bulldogs' football field. But it needs to get in shape.

Commissioners, at their February 20 meeting, unanimously approved a $36,000 invoice for new equipment already included in this year's budget. Community Center Director Floyd Shaffer has ordered five new elliptical machines, three recumbent bikes and eight spin bikes to include in his current inventory of eight spinning bikes. Later this year, he'll also have a rowing machine in response to member requests, leaving them with no excuse for being out of shape.

In addition to the equipment, Commissioners also unanimously authorized Manager Howard Kutzler to issue a Request for Proposals for architectural and engineering services at the facility. On numerous occasions in the past, Commissioner Michael Hudak has complained about roof and wall leaks, as well as problems with the HVAC. President Paul Weiss cautioned that those wishing to make proposals, which must be kept under $33,000, will be required to participate in a mandatory pre-proposal conference at the Community Center.

In other news, Commissioners unanimously authorized a professional services contract with T&M Associates for architectural services at Housenick Park. No money is being paid, explained President Paul Weiss. "We have not authorized any money for anything," he warned.

Fifty-five acres off of Christian Springs Road near Route 191, including a three-story mansion, were devised to the Township as a park by the late Janet Housenick. It adjoins another thirty-six acres of wetlands along Monocacy Creek, which Housenick conveyed to Northampton County before her death.

Housenick also set aside $2 million, in trust, for park maintenance. Township resident Tim Brady, one of Housenick's three trustees, told Commissioners he is "very interested in seeing this project move forward." While pointing out he is "only one of three," Brady predicts that any expenditures made by the Township will "most likely be reimbursed."

The other two trustees are Bethlehem Attorney Joseph "Jay" Leeson and Northampton County Judge Stephen Baratta.

Commissioners' next meeting is scheduled for February 5, 7 PM, at the Municipal Building, located at 4225 Easton Avenue.
at

3 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 21, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    "President Paul Weiss cautioned that those wishing to make proposals, which must be kept under $33,000, will be required to participate in a mandatory pre-proposal conference"

    So what that means is they don't want outsiders bidding on the good ole boy network of inside jobs...?

    ReplyDelete
  2. zoidFebruary 21, 2012 at 9:22 AM

    First the statement about the $33,000 is not totally correct, as Howard Kutzler correctly stated, the township included $33,000 in this years budget to take a look at some of the building issues. The purpose of the mandatory pre proposal meeting is so all interested parties hear the same information from the Township. Mandatory meetings are the norm in school district projects, NCC projects, county projects, etc. This is nothing new.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bernie O'HareFebruary 21, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    Zoid has it right. It's precisely so that all people who make a proposal can make an informed proposal. It will also minimize the inconvenience at the Center.

    ReplyDelete

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.