District Justice Office to Remain in Palmer Township

will remain in Palmer Township over the next several years.

The Monday night approved a new contract for which negotiations had begun last year.

Township Manager Christopher Christman said the contract to lease the space in the lower level of the township's municipal building has been "ironed out."

Christman said Solicitor Charles Bruno's office worked out the details of the contract, a six-year lease that will keep Taschner put until 2017.

The lease agreement is for $3,666.06 or $15.86 per square foot, Christman said. Christman said the prior monthly cost was $3,522 a month.

Supervisors Chairman Dave Colver stated that the costs include all utilities and whatever is necessary to maintain the space, like snowplowing.

The district justice office has been in since at least 1993, Supervisor Bob Lammi said.

"We don't want them moving," Colver said. "They've been a great tenant. It's a good use of the space. And it's very convenient for our police officers. Our officers just have to walk next door."

Bruno said the DJ office is very convenient for residents who have to do business there as well.

"This helps cover township costs," Colver said. "It really works out good for everyone."

In other township business, reported progress on two recent initiatives he announced.

Palmer said a pet chip reader, which allows authorities to track lost animals, arrived Friday.

Palmer said he also held a teleconference and met with representatives regarding the purchase of Tasers for his police officers.

"We're moving along," the chief said. "We want to do our research."