Palmer Supervisors Look at Public Works Facility Plans

A new facility for public works, public utilities and sewer all under one roof -- that’s the hope of Palmer Township officials.

On Thursday, Public Works Superintendent Scott Kistler and Sewer Authority Executive Director Paul Hosking appeared before the township Board of Supervisors to present the first draft of plans for the estimated $2.5 million to $2.75 million building. Officials have been working on plans for the past few months and have come up with an approximately 40,000-square-foot building to be located at 3500 Harley Avenue, which is next door to the existing public utilities, parks and recycling departments.

Last year, the township borrowed $2 million from the state for the new facility. The remaining $500,000 to $750,000 will come from the sewer authority. The proposed building will run north to south. The public utilities and public works offices will be on separate ends of the building and would only share common areas like the lunchroom, locker rooms and bathroom facilities, officials said.

“All the equipment would be under one roof,” said Kistler. “There would be nothing left outside at all.”

Currently, snowplows and public service vehicles sit outside of the facilities. The hope is to have a drainage system inside the building so that snow-melt and grease can be cleaned off the vehicles so they are ready to go. In addition, salt can remain in vehicles or be put into the vehicles in advance of snowstorms saving time. Plans call for the building also call for a heated area for sweeper trucks and rollers. This area is expected to remain between 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Currently we utilize block heaters, they run about 1500 watts each,” said Kistler. “That’s a substantial draw for the equipment we keep now. Under proposal no need to do that.”

Plans include five service bays for truck maintenance, wash bays, vehicle lift systems, and a sign shop. There are also plans for a 9,500 square foot welding area for the sewer department, Hosking said.

“The (sewer) authority is planning on giving a contribution for this portion. To help offset the costs,” he added.

The exterior of the building could feature a steel roof, radiant floor heat and insulated garage doors. Discussion is still underway regarding options of either radiant heat or gas furnace heat. According to Kistler, the up front costs for radiant heating may be more but in the long term, it would be a savings to the township.

“This is the public services complex forever now," said Colver.

Kistler said the proposed plan does leave room for future expansion. The proposed plan could be formally presented to supervisors at the next scheduled meeting on March 29.