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LOCK HAVEN -- In its continued discussions surrounding the future of its police station and city hall, Lock Haven City Council considered a feasibility study at 509 E. Main St. by architecture firm Buchart Horn.
The study, which would have cost $6,600 to complete, died for lack of a second during Monday's meeting.
City Manager Greg Wilson looked into the potential study at 509 E. Main. St. -- the former East Main Street United Methodist Church -- and other properties after a request by Councilmember Richard Morris. Wilson said this property, which remains for sale, was the only property considered for the study.
Previously, council approved a feasibility study to be conducted on a portion of its East Church Street parking lot where a police station could be constructed.
At the time, Wilson noted if council moved forward with that idea, it could potentially receive a $1 million grant from Senator Bob Casey for construction. The grant, however, is only for new construction.
Multiple members of council spoke against the potential study.
"We've spent a lot of time discussing this. For me, this is a step backwards. This is not money well spent," he said.
Morris motioned to approve the study, but it died for lack of a second.
Following this, Morris spoke about council's decision so far and its relation to a feasibility done regarding its current facility.
"I remind council that we currently are working on a new police building for $2 million which contains 6,000 square feet of growth, 5,500 net to answer a need that was identified in a feasibility study for the police department," he said.
Although the potential Church Street building could answer this need, Morris noted it wouldn't necessarily assist in the administrative end.
If the city were to construct a police station, it was suggested the remaining city staff move to the Ross Library, where the city-owned properties patio area could be converted into an office.
"The only proposal that has been kicked around it to develop the space under the Ross Library, which contains something like 3,000 square feet," he said.
Morris said, according to the feasibility study, the requirement for administrative services and public access is 8,200 square feet.
"So, either we have lost faith in the feasibility study or we embark on a course of action that would go nowhere close to satisfying the space requirements for both the police department and the remaining services," he said.
Morris said he suggested the 509 E. Main St. property as a way to potentially meet both.
"The motion has died, but I think it's worth keeping those thoughts in mind," he said. "We're in danger of confusing activity with progress."