Sumpter Township trustees have authorized the repair of the aging bathrooms and septic field at township hall in an amount not to exceed $144,341.30, with a 5 percent contingency for overruns.
Township Manager Tony Burdick brought the emergency request to the board members during the Aug. 9 workshop preceding their regular meeting. Burdick said the problems with the lavatory facilities at township hall have been ongoing for 2 to 3 years and the plumbing system has now become inoperable. He said that currently the township is paying $1,600 weekly for temporary lavatory services. Township Clerk Esther Hurst said that even with the expensive portable equipment, employees do not have a sink in which to wash their hands.
Township Supervisor Tim Bowman said that the situation would involve a complete reconstruction of the drainage field and the replacement of all plumbing pipes, connections and fixtures. The installation of new pipes would involve the removal of floors in some township offices as the plumbing pipes are located beneath the concrete floors, he explained. He stressed that this was an emergency situation and that a consultant from Wayne County had recommended the complete reconstruction of the aging plumbing.
“The entire floor would be coming up in replacing the lines,” he said. He added that the plumbing company consulted also recommended replacement of all the current piping and connections and starting over with brand-new components. He also reminded the board members that the reconstruction would ensure the township would be in compliance with federal handicap access laws.
Deputy Supervisor/Trustee Tim Rush told the board members that Bowman brought his business excavator to the site along with an inspector from Wayne County who performed soil testing at the septic field. “That saved us weeks and weeks on this project,” he said.
Trustees agreed that the repairs needed to be completed in as timely a manner as possible and Bowman said they had received estimates from several local contractors for the work. “We want to get this done right,” he said.
Bowman said that he would act as a liaison on the project and said that township Department of Public Works Director John Danci would provide regular inspections during the construction.
Board members unanimously approved the expense. Trustee Peggy Morgan was excused from the meeting.
