CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield Area School District Board of Directors discussed a corner property along Nichols and Weaver Streets as a potential location for the district’s maintenance facility at Monday night’s committee meetings.
As part of the district-wide feasibility study, the board’s been considering the construction of a new maintenance building at the high school campus. The 4,000-square foot building would cost $741,000 to construct, according to prior GantDaily.com reports.
However, during the Clearfield fair parade, Rick Bunning, director of buildings and grounds, learned a “businessman” was interested in selling his Nichols and Weaver Street property. The businessman indicated to Bunning that he could give the board a walk-through of the building.
According to Bunning, it was “good-sized” and adequate for housing the district’s vehicles and serving as the central receiving warehouse. He said the building also had storage space available for long-term district records.
“It’s in very good shape, which is why I brought it to the attention of (Superintendent Dr. Thomas B.) Otto and (Business Administrator Sam) Maney,” he said.
“. . . We’d have to put a little of our own money into it. It’s not the perfect building. There are a couple of minor issues that I could see from just my walk-through of the building.”
He said if the district was interested in acquiring the property, they would have to proceed with inspections and an appraisal. He said the businessman was asking $125,000 for the property but was aware an appraised value would be given and subsequently willing to negotiate.
“The inspection will be the tell-tale of the story,” Bunning said.
Board President Dave Glass said there wouldn’t be any harm in board members touring the property location. Although board members Jennifer Wallace and Larry Putt weren’t keen about the building, both thought it warranted further consideration.
“Yeah, I’m not thrilled about the location. But if it is $125,000 and we only have to put another $50,000 or so into it, we have to take a look at it,” Wallace said.
Bunning agreed that the property location wasn’t an ideal one; however, he indicated that it would be similar to the current location. The trucks would only be traveling between the maintenance building and the district’s school buildings.
When he was asked during the board’s discussion, Bunning said the current maintenance building and offices couldn’t be used even if repaired. He said the roof was in poor condition, and there are leaks throughout the building.
Otto said he’d work with Bunning and Maney to schedule a walk-through of the property for further review by board members. Glass suggested Bunning take photographs during the walk-through so the board would have them for future reference.