Architect retained for public works, firing range projects

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Mt. Lebanon commissioners were split in their approval Monday of a $288,500 contract that will kick off a major renovation of the public works facility and construction of a new gun range.

Commissioner Kelly Fraasch said early estimates of $2 million to $3 million had long been surpassed for the project, now pegged at about $6.9 million. That estimate includes $5.6 million for improvements to the public works facility and $1.3 million for the firing range, which would be used by local police and the Mt. Lebanon High School rifle team.

“We’ve gone well beyond that now,” Ms. Fraasch said of the increased cost. She said her constituents did not support it. “We’re talking about adding more and more to this project.”

Township manager Keith McGill said a December 2014 master plan estimated the cost for both projects at $5.8 million.

Commissioners voted 3-1 to approve a contract with RSSC Architecture of Wexford for architectural and design services for the project at a cost not to exceed $288,500. Commissioners Dave Brumfield, Steve Silverman and Stephen McLean voted in favor. Ms. Fraasch dissented. Commissioner John Bendel wasabsent.

Commissioners hope to begin seeking bids for the project by May.

Also Monday, commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would allow residents to install neighborhood identification signs on traffic islands.

The proposed ordinance would require residents to pay for the signs.

Commissioners are expected to vote on the ordinance April 11.

The ordinance was suggested by neighbors in the Lebanon Hills development, who wanted to erect an entry sign at Washington Road and Park Entrance Drive.

Group representative Faith Williard thanked commissioners for their support.

Commissioners also reappointed these volunteers who serve on township boards and appointed several new members: Catherine Schilken, community relations board; Martin Altschul and Natalie Uschner-Arroyo, environmental sustainability board; Joseph Bevins, historic preservation board; Corey Flynn, Maria Joseph, Wuyi Ning and Marcia Taylor, library board; Michael Evan, pension board; Matthew Simonds, planning; Michael Wertz, sports advisory; and Christine Green, traffic board.

All of the appointments run through March 31, 2020.