Day care center must attend to safety, supervisors say
By Anya Tikka
DINGMAN TOWNSHIP — Safety tops the list of concerns Dingman Township have regarding renovations at the new Good Shepherd Child Care Center, supervisors Chair Tom Mincer told solicitor Eric Hamill recently.
Hamill, representing Good Shepherd, had come before supervisors to provide an update on the construction project, located along Route 2001. A lively discussion ensued to determine if all conditions had been met for a certificate of occupancy.
“Everyone’s seen a car parked in the front in the dirt pile, and it would be difficult for the town to give a CO when there’s work going on and having kids there at the same time without addressing safety issues," said Mincer. "You can’t even apply for a day care license without getting a certificate of occupancy, but it has not to do with cosmetic appearance, but with the safety of people working in the building and kids.”
Mincer enumerated the safety provisions that must be completed, including buffer plantings and the installation of bollards, signs, paved walkways, and rubber mulch on the playground and playground sitting area. Many require a performance bond to protect the township should the project fail in some way.
“What needs to be bonded in the project is the issue," Mincer said.
Mincer also asked for the signed parking agreement with the neighboring American Legion post, which was also required for final approval. During the preliminary permitting process, officials expressed concern about the safety of people walking from the parking lot to the center.
Hamill said Good Shepherd had a newly crafted agreement with the American Legion, but the town has not received it yet.
“The business itself would not be able to operate as day care until safety issues are resolved,” he said.
Township attorney John Klemeyer said the town can issue a temporary certificate of occupancy stating its limitations. The township can make changes if the state kicks it back.
“The conditions have to be spelled out, and taken out once safety issues are addressed,” he said.
Mincer thought the state would not have a problem with it , because it's for the purpose of building.
We’re giving a CO specifically for licensing purposes," he said.
The maps have not been released. An amendment has already been filed with the planning board for additional parking at the back.
The board issued a temporary certificate of occupancy and conditional approval of the maps, pending the completion of the safety list. As soon as the township engineer approves their completion, the board will give final approval.
The certificate of occupancy is only for licensing, and not for occupancy of staff or children. It does not allow equipment and furniture to be moved in, Mincer said.
The current planning chair, Walt Myer is retiring.
“He’s served 26 years as chairman, and his service has been amazing for the township," said Mincer. "His term expired and we received a letter of resignation last year (that) he’s retiring.”
Editor's note: The Jan. 8 article "Dingman board briefs" mistakenly stated that Good Shepherd's final land development had been approved. Rather, supervisors approved the center's request to table a decision. The Courier regrets the error.