FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP- Township trustees approved at a special meeting Tuesday a change in construction plans for the free-standing building being erected on the old Fairfield School site.

According to Trustee Chairman Bob Hum, the new plan will now include a larger facility with interior insulation for the same cost of the original project, based on an assessment by the contractor that found the township could have a larger building with less steel for the same price as a smaller building with more steel.

In October the trustees originally accepted a bid of $111,495 from Jim Santini Builder in Leetonia to construct a pre-engineered, 48-by-60 foot metal out-building with a 16-foot lean-to, and a bid of $28,784 from Graft Electric in Columbiana to install electricity.

The project also includes fencing around loose pipe and steel at the administration building to prevent theft and construction of a fluid storage unit for the road department's flammable liquids.

Mike Fagan of Olsavsky & Jaminet in Youngstown, the project's architect, had originally estimated the metal storage building alone at almost $122,000.

Currently the building is on site and the foundation is being prepared, Fagan reported, noting that it should be erected quickly once everything is ready.

Since the building will be used as a repair facility- with its high roof making it accessible for the road department vehicles- all equipment will be moved from the township's garage site on Southern Avenue.

Once the move is complete, the trustees will address the demolition of the three buildings on the site.

The next regular trustees meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 7 at the administration building.

Kevin Howell can be reached at khowell@salemnews.net