WATSONTOWN — An Elm Street resident is hoping the borough will show support for her idea to turn an old church into a place where kids can hang out, learn and have some fun.
Theresa Sandrick is a member of Watsontown United Methodist Church, which is for sale. A new church is being built, and the old building is on the market for nearly $200,000, she said during Monday night’s Borough Council meeting.
“I would like to see the building turned into a youth center for our kids,” she said. “I have three girls, and I want there to be a safe place where they can go that is a safe haven away from home.”
Sandrick said there’s nowhere for the kids in the borough to go when they’re bored and that leads to trouble. She said her 14-year-old daughter and friends used to enjoy the pool, but now that it’s been closed, they’re left looking for ways to keep busy during the summer.
She would like to see activities run by volunteers as well as some classes that would help teach older kids — high school and college age — life skills.
Harriet Miller, council president, said, “It’s a great idea, but who will pay for the building?”
Sandrick said she already has looked into government grants and has found several that could be applied for to help pay for the purchase of the building. She also would look to fundraising to help make the project a reality. But Miller said it would take much more than that.
“You’re looking at buying the building and renovations,” she said. “It’s a wonderful idea, but there is a whole lot of effort required on behalf of the whole community. Grants are great but minimal. …”
Miller said she knows the borough can’t afford to financially support the project, but she encouraged Sandrick to continue her efforts and come back again.
After opening bids from four companies, the council tabled the awarding of a contract for refuse disposal until the next committee meeting, when members have had a chance to review and compare the bids. The companies who submitted bids were Dale Evans Disposal, of Bloomsburg, B&W; Disposal, of Dewart, Bob Fry Disposal, of Watsontown, and Hometown Disposal, of Sunbury.
In other business, the members authorized the borough secretary to advertise for the sale of old Christmas decorations.
The council also authorized the payment of $47,689 for the Eighth Street renovation project to Dave Gutelius Excavating, of Mifflinburg.
The members voted to approve a storage permit application for Thomas and Debra Raup, who want to store an unlicensed vehicle on their property.
The council agreed to pay $800 for the one-week use of an exactor locator, a piece of equipment that will help anticipate equipment breakdowns. Council Vice President Harry Hefty said using the machine was recommended to the borough by a consultant and will come from the borough’s electrical provider, AMP Ohio.
The Warrior Run Area Fire Department report for October was accepted. Chief Mark Burrows reported 143 members spent 286 hours on regular weekly training. There were 176 incidents, and the total fire loss was estimated at $141,000.
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