No news is not good news for the Summit Hill Fire Department.

During a meeting of the Summit Hill Borough Council, a firefighter pressed for answers regarding the status of the newly-erected fire house.The council declined any comment, stating the borough is working with a construction lawyer and legal action is likely.The firefighter, Larry Black, asked the council for a "worse case time line" to move its apparatus and equipment into the new fire house."I can't answer that," responded Council President Joe Weber.Black retorted, "You're pounding a bunch of good volunteer guys."Council members took a defensive posture, too, stating that they also are taking flak from borough residents over the situation. Several council members stressed that their intent was to give the fire department the building they deserved, but that things beyond their control have occurred.Those things, as related in previous council meetings, aren't relegated only to the fire house. The borough hall and adjoining police station, occupied for the past year, also have shortcomings which the borough is trying to get addressed, including a nonfunctioning central air conditioning system. Fire company problems also include a floor, which has allegedly developed cracks even before apparatus is placed on it, and a parking lot, which has council members concerned regarding the paving.The structures are part of a $3.5 million building project, which was made possible with long-term financing, coupled with a $1.25 million state grant obtained through the office of state Rep. Keith McCall.The fire company has been frustrated in that it has to share space in the borough garage, utilized by the borough workforce, and has had to store such things as office equipment, records, trophy cases, and other objects in a POD unit, at the Summit Hill American Legion, and in other locations.The new fire house was originally planned for completion last December. The fire company planned a dedication program for a new fire truck and the fire house last month, but had to scratch those plans because of the problems.Last night, Fire Chief Shawn Hoben said that without a fire house, Fire Prevention Week activities that were originally planned have to be curtailed. Monica Marshall, treasurer of the Summit Hill Recreation Commission, offered her group's assistance with staging a Fire Prevention Week program elsewhere.The topic of the buildings came up when committee reports were aired.Michael Kokinda, chairman of the buildings and grounds committee, said there's "nothing to report" when asked for a status of his committee."How can there be nothing to report?" questioned Black.Kokinda explained that the council has talked to an attorney specializing in construction law regarding the buildings dilemma."Some things we can't report," interjected Weber regarding the potential legal action.Attorney Joseph Matika, the borough's solicitor, agreed that another attorney is being considered to press legal action regarding the building project impasse.He said, "Unfortunately for the inquiring public, the contents (of those discussions) cannot be disclosed.""There is potential for litigation," admitted Matika. "There is potential for other things to occur."Borough resident Charles Ziegler suggested that the state attorney general be contacted."No," answered Councilman John O'Gurek. "They don't even want to get involved."The attorney general's office normally investigates criminal matters such as fraud.The council has been arguing with contractors for months over the workmanship of the buildings, alleging that various items haven't been done properly.Several times the council has asked the contractors to make repairs to such things as the air conditioning in the borough hall, heating and ventilation system in the fire company, floors in the fire company, and the parking lot of the fire company. Earlier this year, a contractor replaced sidewalks at the borough hall because cracks appeared.