Drippy Dilemma: New Public Works Building Still Leaking

It's brand-spanking new and awaits its showcase to the public.

But Forks Township's new $5.5 million public works building still has a hurdle it can't clear: a drippy dilemma that's leaving officials scratching their heads.

The building leaks. And despite efforts to remediate the issue, the leakage continues, Township Manager John Cornell told the Board of Supervisors at Thursday night's meeting.

"They have not fully identified the problem," Cornell said regarding the monstrous football stadium-like structure on Newlins Mill Road.

"They have tried every test imaginable," he said. "But what they thought would work has failed."

Water-proofing leakage issues have lingered for more than six months, holding up the public works department's move to its new headquarters.

There was talk that the facility could open in October or November, but those months have long passed. Some municipalities are asking for a tour and to hold a meeting there in mid-June but even that might be iffy.

The latest update was still hard to swallow for supervisors.

"Now we need to have them show up for the next meeting," Supervisors Chairman Erik Chuss said regarding project architect Kimmel Bogrette Architecture.

"We need to put them back on notice," Supervisor Dan Martyak said.

Supervisor Bob Egolf stressed a united front when supervisors confront the architect.

"We need to do our homework and develop strategies on how we approach this so we don't get nowhere," Egolf said. "It's very important they see we're united because we're dealing with some irresponsible people."