Done & Done.

Done and Done.

As anticipated, the Nazareth Borough Council tonight unanimously approved a new Government Center and appointed an individual to fill the vacant 3rd Ward Council seat.

Fred Daugherty was the candidate voted in by Council to serve in the position vacated by Michael Davis in the 3rd Ward. Following the interviews on Thursday, the Council simply waited for one member to make a motion. It was Councilman Samus who made th motion to vote for Fred Daugherty to fill the vacancy. It was seconded by Councilman Bowers and voted on 5-2. Since there was a majority the motion passed and the other two candidates were not considered. Daugherty was then sworn in and had the opportunity to stay for the executive session (the old business took place after all the other business and the executive session immediately followed the swearing-in).

The new Government Center issue was resolved when Council voted unanimously to purchase the Lafayette Ambassador Bank building located on the west side of South Main Street (the drive-through, not walk-in branch on the east side) and the adjacent lot that was formerly the Commercial House. The total purchase cost was $1,455,000.

The Council also approved a motion to to immediately draw the remaining funds ($1,428,845.10) in the line of credit borrowing for the Borough's Capital Projects Plan from KNBT Bank of Nazareth (borrowing at 3.38%) and deposit these funds in the Borough's interest earning money market account with PLIGIT (currently earning 5.39%).

During the meeting it was noted that the executive session on Thursday was in regard to litigation on real estate related to the Government Center project.

Paul Kokolus provided a background and history. It was noted that the property owner (Lafayette Ambassador Bank) requested anonymity out of concern for its employees. In June following the rally by the Citizen's Committee, Lafayette Ambassador Bank officials approached Council about the property.

In late July Council had an appraisal of the property conducted.

In August members of Council were given tours at night, so as not to upset emloyees of the bank, to see the condition of the building.

To a person agreed in best interest regarding location, condition, ability to take over, in downtown, and doesn't take park away. Further, income can be generated from the property in the future (for example metering the lot).

The purchase of commercial house lot plus the Lafayette property solved problems of access, space, etc. Twice previously the Commercial House property was offered, but didn't work. Al Pierce requested discussion on purchasing the property from Nazareth Mutual.

It was noted that the efforts of the Citizen's Council delayed the process and resulted in a better offer being made (that being from Lafayette Ambassador Bank).

Al Pierce then introduced Mr. Houck a member of the senior management of Lafayette Ambassador Bank, who indicated he'd moved to nazareth 24 years ago and now lives in Bushkill. He noted that they had read about concerns of the citizens and realized this building (on South Main with the drive-through) could remove those concerns and problems of the two existing proposals. He state they had about 15 employees in that building compared to as many as 50 in the past. With no long term plans, the ability to help was possible.

Pierce noted that the building can be used with no renovations and that it fits within the bond structure. The total space is over one acre. He then opened for quesions.

Will the bank continue to have a presence in the borough?

Yes, it is not the branch office building on the east side of South Main, it is the building with the drive through that is on the west side.

What happens to 30 Belvidere Street facility?

That is for the Council to decide at a later time. They can sell it to cover renovations, but that is their future decision.

What happens to Council Chambers?

That's the next thing we need to look into.

How do we protect this land from future development?

First ought to get the ADA, then Council will need to decide. There are a few of us willing to go that way.

Is there a way to propose open land is not to be developed in the borough?

Not for private land, can't restrict private owner.

Don Keller, District Engineer, stated that borough had done an inspection. It is in move in condition, has about 13,000 square feet, and that provides flexibility for the future.

Audience: Appreciate the consideration of Council to hear concerns of the people.

Council Chambers will remain on Church Street.

The appraisal that was made of the building was set at $1,545,000.

Audience: The Easton Main Street program as reported by Mayor Mittman was to have brought in $27 of private dollars for each $1.00 of public spending. It was great to see a responsive government in our situation.

Council: The bank will maintain the drive through for five years with ability to extend the lease.

Audience: When do you anticipate 30 Belvidere will be addressed?

Pierce: It will first be addressed in the budget meeting, but if not there then in 2007.

Audience (myself asking): Over the summer the plans had a heavy emphasis on security, partitioning areas for security, the garage, etc. Will police need to remain in 30 Belvidere or is the building secure as it is?

The police chief confirmed it is adequate for their needs. In the future they could add secure garage.

With that the conversation regarding the purchase ended and council voted unanimously to purchase each property.

Update:
Read the Express-Times article here.
Read the Morning Call article on the Council Vacancy here and the Building purchase here.