Dec 17, 2003 By Jenny Susa 3 min read

EAST BETHLEHEM TWP. – In order to help Greene Cove boating and recreation facility with pre-construction costs for a sewage project, the East Bethlehem Township Municipal Authority is working on an agreement to accept a $10,000 grant from the Greene County Commissioners on its behalf. Because the authority had previously agreed to extend its sewage system to Greene Cove, Anne Bargerstock, planning director of Greene County, approached the board Tuesday with the proposition.

“Because we have worked with the Boyle family on the biking trail and other projects at Greene Cove, we have involvement with this project as well,” Bargerstock said. “The Greene County Commissioners have asked us to offer you a $10,000 grant to assist with this work. By county code, we are required to grant money to governing bodies, and we cannot grant money to an individual. But we do have a connection with that project, and are very happy to help with it. This will increase revenue for you and promote economic growth at that site.”

She explained that there would be costs incurred for the project before Greene Cove’s PENNVEST loan is approved, and the money granted to the authority would help cover those costs so that there would be no out-of-pocket expense for the authority.

Solicitor Josh Carroll said that there would have to be an agreement written between the authority and the county, and a developer’s agreement with Greene Cove before the authority could agree to accept the grant. A motion was passed to allow Carroll to proceed with writing those agreements.

In another matter, the authority is considering moving to another office because of high rent costs and poor conditions at its current location.

“We’ve had five new leaks in the ceiling and were without heat here for a while,” said office manager Marcy Persin, adding that in four years, the rent has increased $250.

Although a previous motion was passed to stay at the current location, Persin asked them to consider renting another office located on Front Street. She told the board that the owner of the building would give them the option of a three-year lease, with three renewal terms. The rent would be $500 a month, with a five percent increase after three years, and another five percent increase the next three years. Another option that was offered was to sign a nine-year lease at the flat rate of $525 monthly.

“We would be responsible for utilities there, but it would save us money in the long run,” said Persin. “They would take care of snow removal, and we would have more space and parking right outside the building. They also have a ramp for the handicapped, and most of the people who come to the office to pay their bills are senior citizens.”

She added that the owner would allow them to sublease part of the building.

Because two people were absent from the meeting, the board agreed to table the decision until next month.

“We will vote to rescind last month’s motion to stay at this location, but wait until we have at least one more person here to vote on moving,” said Chairman Edward DeMuth.

Persin also reported that the East Bethlehem Township Commissioners had requested permission to use the authority’s meeting room to conduct their monthly meetings.

“They have their meetings in a very small room at the library and have trouble accommodating their audiences,” said Persin.

The authority agreed to allow the commissioners to use its meeting room, with the understanding that a representative for the board had to be present at each meeting.