Additionally, Chief of Police John McKeown announced the approval of the township’s emergency operations plan.
By Krista Cerminaro
Monroe Township Council introduced a bond ordinance that would appropriate funds for capital improvements within the township, including the construction of a new fire building for the Cecil Fire Department, and approved two resolutions associated with the 2017 Road Program at its meeting on Monday, April 9.
The O:13–2018 bond ordinance would authorize the acquisition of various pieces of equipment and completion of various capital improvements for the township, and appropriate a sum of $7 million. The estimated amount of bonds or bond anticipation notes to be issued is $6.6 million, with a required down payment of $350,000.
Some improvements and obligations include the construction of a new fire building for the Cecil Fire Department, estimated to cost a total of $2.3 million, improvements and repairs to the Williamstown Fire Department facilities at an estimated $2 million, improvements and repairs to township roadways as part of the road program at an estimated $1 million, acquisition of various equipment for the Williamstown Fire Department — including SCBA equipment and a pumper truck — at an estimated total of $765,000, improvements to township municipal buildings at an estimated $240,000 and acquiring a replacement dump truck with a snow plow, spreader and trash truck for the public works department, at an estimated cost of $225,000.
Additionally, Ordinance O:12–2018 was also introduced for first reading, appropriating a sum not to exceed $50,000 for services related to the improvements throughout various parks within Monroe Township.
The second reading and public hearing for both ordinances will be held at the April 23 meeting.
Resolution R:88–2018 awarded a contract for professional services to the municipal engineer for construction administration and inspection services.
“[This] encompasses various streets within the township — resurfacing and paving,” township clerk Susan McCormick said.
According to McCormick, the proposal was approved for engineers to administer the program and inspect as it progresses.
R:90–2018 awarded a bid to South State, Inc. for services associated with the road program as specified in the bid specifications, and authorized township officials to execute the required documentation. The contract is contingent upon review and approval by the state Department of Transportation. The resolution specified the township clerk received seven bids for the road program, and South State, Inc. was the second-lowest bidder, with a base bid of $882,873. Arawak Paving Company, Inc., the lowest bidder — with a base bid of $682,000 — withdrew its bid on March 28.
The chief financial officer said sufficient funds are available for the project.
Additionally, Chief of Police John McKeown announced the township’s emergency operations plan has been approved at the county and state levels.
“The fire companies,” McKeown said, “have worked with us tremendously to get that done in a timely manner, and really bring things up to speed so we have a valid and reliable plan to help safeguard residents.”
McKeown also commended public works, the school system and other partners for their roles in safeguarding the township.
Mayor Daniel Teefy noted two more grand openings in the town this past month, which include I.M Dance Academy in the Trader’s Lane shopping center, and a cobbler shop, Lenny’s Shoe and Leather Repair, on Main Street.
Teefy also announced the grand opening ceremony of 13th Child Brewery on “Friday the 13th,” coinciding with the Little League opening day.
The director of public works said the township will hold a community shred event on Sunday, April 22, at the Monroe Township Public Library on Marsha Ave, from 9 a.m. to noon.
For the full meeting agenda, visit www.monroetownshipnj.org.
