Politics & Government

Council Briefs: Council Preparing for Dog Park

The council approves resolutions for shared services and a liquor license.

What follows is an account of actions taken on Feb. 17 by the Bridgewater Township Council, which, while not breaking news, are still of note.

Interlocal services agreement approved

After weeks of discussion concerning how it could affect Bridgewater workers, the township council unanimously approved a resolution for of a video camera truck and sewer operator through the public works department with Bound Brook.

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The agreement had also previously been for sharing a street sweeper, but that was taken off the table.

“We dropped the street sweeping option,” said township administrator Robert Bogart. “We didn’t feel it was cost effective for us, and there was a question of whether our equipment would function on their streets.”

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Bogart said the video camera truck would only be used by Bound Brook up to five times, so it would not impede on its use for Bridgewater.

“And the rate of contracting out would cost three times as much as us sharing the services,” he said.

The township will be compensated with $11,000 for the use of the sewer operator, and $150 per hour for the video camera truck.

Liquor license awarded to Ramaram Inc.

The township council unanimously approved a resolution to award a liquor license to , despite previous concerns as to the company’s authenticity.

The bid for the license, as accepted by the council, was for the amount of $455,570.

“The investigation was in order, but there is no set location for the company yet,” township administrator Robert Bogart said.

Bogart said township clerk Linda Doyle had addressed all concerns from residents about how many licenses the company already has, and it all checked out.

Contract awarded for trail, dog park

The township council unanimously approved a resolution to award a contract for professional engineering services to Hatch Mott MacDonald LLC for providing a design for a dog park, exercise trail, parking area, driveway access and construction cost estimates.

The contract is for an amount not to exceed $27,800.

Township administrator Robert Bogart said the company will be required to put forth a concept plan that will then have to be approved by the council before construction can move forward.

“It doesn’t go to design until the council approves the concept,” he said. “The council will next see a final concept with the width of the trails, paving and other facts. Then the council can make changes.”

Bogart said he recommends the council take a look at the plans before the public does, but that the public will have the opportunity to look at the plans and comment on them.

“I like that option because when we get a presentation, we always feel like that’s it and it’s done,” said councilman Matthew Moench.

LOSAP program contributions approved for rescue workers

Despite questions over whether any changes should be made, the township council unanimously approved a resolution to approve contributions paid to first aid rescue squad workers under the length of service awards program.

According to the resolution, the required contribution in 2010 is $1,210.48 per qualified member.

The resolution states that volunteers must meet certain criteria to qualify, and earn a minimum of 500 service points in a year. This year, there are 24 workers who qualify.


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