Commissioners to seek appraisal of airport facility
In anticipation of construction of a transportation facility at the Connellsville Airport, the Fayette County commissioners voted Tuesday to seek appraisal services for the property when the facility will be constructed. Plans are to construct a building for use by the county’s transportation service to coincide with the current transportation use at the airport.
During the agenda meeting, the commissioners voted to place on Thursday’s agenda a motion to advertise for an RFP (Request for Proposals) for appraisal services at the site.
Michelle Shumar, director of the county’s Human Services department and head of FACT (Fayette Area Coordinated Transportation), said approximately five acres is being considered for development of the FACT transit center.
The property is located near the entrance of the airport in a mostly wooded area that wasn’t previously designated for aviation development.
A drawing of the proposed complex was recently added to the master plan for the airport by the county airport authority. Shumar previously said the money for the project is secured.
The airport authority is working on a master plan that will ultimately include a runway extension. Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh recently sent out surveys to forward to the Bureau of Aviation as a way to demonstrate a need for the runway extension.
Cavanagh pointed out that U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown and U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum have each voiced support for the project and added that he is hopeful Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ed Rendell will support it as well.
Cavanagh said he believes Rendell will be the next governor for the state and his support is needed.
Commissioner Vincent A. Vicites said establishing a substantial need for a runway extension is the key.
He said they are hoping for a 5,400-foot runway, but at least 5,000 feet is needed.
In another item, the commissioners voted to place on Thursday’s agenda a motion to approve a three-year contract between the county and Cole, Layer Trumble Company for software support and Web-site hosting and software licensing for the assessment and tax claim offices.
Assessment office department head Jim Hercik said if the county pays for the three-year contract through the bond issue up front, the county will receive a $12,000 discount over the cost of the contract. With the discount, the cost will be $197,650. Without it, it will be $209,250.
Commissioner Ronald M. Nehls said he has a concern with using money from the bond issue. Vicites said it is reassessment related.
Cavanagh said it could be taken from the bond because it is a continuation of the countywide property reassessment. Vicites said it is an allowable expense. He said it is the “final leg of things.” Vicites said he feels it is best to go with the three years at once and save money.
Although Nehls said he wasn’t sure it was prudent, Cavanagh said he doesn’t want to pay for it out of the general fund. Vicites pointed out that the commissioners set aside money for computerization in the bond issue.
“We knew the cost was coming,” Hercik said.