Apr 5, 2016 3 min read

Spectators in Fallowfield Township sporting events will be enjoying new bleachers at municipal ballfields.

Township supervisors March 30 awarded a contract to BHC Incom Division of Northern Cambria for $10,714.

Two sets of 50-seat bleachers will be installed at each of the three baseball fields located at the two municipal parks, one on Memorial Drive near the municipal building and the other at the site of the former elementary center on Florence Drive.

Money from Washington County’s local share of slots revenue at The Meadows Casino is funding the project. Work is expected to begin shortly.

BHC was awarded the contract contingent on the price, including a double foot rest. If not, the contract will be awarded to next lowest bidder, Fitness Doctor of Monongahela, for $13,752.

The installation of bleachers is the first phase of township park upgrades. Supervisor Wilbur Caldwell said the township is exploring funding for future park upgrades.

A township survey conducted by the Delta Development Group Inc. found residents would like to have playgrounds, a walking trail and soccer fields, among other items, at the parks.

Supervisors also voted to have infield dirt delivered for the start of baseball season at a cost of $4,684. Supervisors voted to install two portable toilets at the fields as needed while a project to bring public sewers to the parks is finished. The cost will not exceed $400.

Supervisor Earl Sadler said the sewer work is expected to be completed before the end of April, when baseball season begins, but in case of delay, the portable toilets would be in place.

In other news, supervisors approved a resolution to retain certified public accountant Edward Opst at a cost of $7,125 for the end-of-year audit. Sadler said he didn’t think hiring an outside auditor was right since the township has three elected auditors and under the township code, the hiring of an outside auditor would limit the duties of the elected auditors.

Township Auditor Helen Sadler said she didn’t think it is fair and the elected auditors have found many things on a daily and monthly basis. “We found a discrepancy in gas being bought on the weekend, which could have been a problem if not caught right away. A CPA can’t do what we have done. We have worked on more than a final audit. We have worked with sick days for employees,” she said.

She added by working on the financial records on a daily or monthly basis, the elected auditors help all aspects of the township not just by being fiscally responsible, but finding additional funding for upcoming projects.