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AVELLA, Pa. - The Independence Township Supervisors accepted bids for two contracts for the construction of an estimated $550,000 municipal building.

The first contract, for plumbing, was awarded to the McRandall Co. of Pittsburgh for $44,400, and the second, for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, was awarded to Hranec of Pittsburgh.

In other business, the supervisors were approached about sharing a police force with another area township, noting that there is a possibility that Donegal Township to the south may be a potential partner. Residents proposed an exit poll on Election Day to see if there is interest in the idea. Supervisor James Wright said the supervisors wouldn't be adverse to pursuing the idea, but it would cost additional money and the supervisors do not wish to raise taxes. Wright estimated that it would cost approximately $300,000 yearly to run a police department.

"Just so everyone realizes, it's going to be expensive," said Wright.

Residents didn't believe the township needed around-the-clock protection. There was a discussion about seeking federal funding for police officers, but the funding is 100 percent only the first year, and is 50 percent the second and 25 percent the third.

It was proposed that the supervisors consider moving their offices into the former Lincoln Bank building or perhaps a police substation, should the township partner with another municipality to provide police protection in the township.

The supervisors noted that there was room for a police substation in the new municipal building, once it is built, if such a thing is necessary. It also was noted that the cost of the municipal building is less than the estimated $823,000 to renovate the Lincoln Bank building.

Joe Bogo, an Avella Area Community Association representative, approached the supervisors with a report on the group's progress in restoring the former Lincoln Bank building. Clean-up efforts continue and the majority of the building's windows will soon be replaced.

Bogo told supervisors that the association has invested $24,000 into the building, received $37,000 in in-kind services and continues to raise money.

The association was seeking the supervisors' support of its $50,000 Local Share Grant application, with which the group hoped to make repairs to the roof, install electric and water service, pay for a sewer cap, repair the sidewalks, make the building handicap accessible, replace windows in the rear of the building and make the building more energy efficient.

"Between fundraising and other grants and loans, we think we can finish," said Bogo. "A lack of support speaks volumes."

The supervisors expressed concern that they would be competing against themselves, and noted that, at a recent workshop, officials learned it wasn't necessary for the local municipalities to submit a letter of support for the application to be complete.

The supervisors denied the request.

Also during the meeting:

Supervisors discussed placing a lien against a property which has chronic high grass complaints reported against it. It was proposed that the township cut the grass and place a lien for the cost against the property, if the property owner doesn't respond to requests to bring their property in line with township codes.

The Washington County Sewage Council, in response to budget cuts, is levying a $300 assessment fee on member entities for 2010. Supervisors noted that the township will receive a bill.

The Washington County Department of Public Safety is implementing a new system.

Paris Contracting has submitted a road bond for travel involved with the Independence-Cross Creek Joint Sewer Authority sewer project.

The Pennsylvania American Water Co. has requested permits from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to cross streams within the township.

Chesapeake Energy/Dale Properties requested a meeting with the supervisors during the first week of November, but the supervisors noted that they would have to advertise for a special meeting. The supervisors noted that the representatives would have to come to the next regularly scheduled supervisors' meeting.

The Washington County Planning Commission is updating the 12-year transportation plan.

A budget workshop will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 10.

The supervisors passed a resolution in support of the Avella Community Center's application for Local Share funds.

The supervisors passed a resolution in support of the township's application for Local Share funds for the construction of a salt and cinder storage building near the new municipal building.

(Wallace-Minger can be contacted at swallace@pafocus.com)