Council Briefs: Emergency Improvements Funded

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

Turf fields underway

Township administrator Robert Bogart announced that the turf fields being constructed at the municipal complex are moving along and should be done soon.

“They should be open to the public by the end of November, maybe sooner,” he said.

And the is coming along as well, Bogart said, now that the state department has ok’d the agreement between the township and the board of education.

“Bids are being taken and construction is expected to start in January, weather permitting,” he said.

Emergency appropriations to be financed

The council approved a resolution to finance emergency appropriations for certain building and electrical inspection costs required in the township.

Natasha Turchan, director of finance, said this resolution allows the township to put up the cash to pay for the work to be done.

“And it will be included in the 2012 budget,” she said.

The resolution allows for the appropriation of $350,000 for litigation costs, and $82,509 for in-house building and inspection costs.

Township attorney William Savo said the township has to advance the funds, and much of the money is being reimbursed.

Contract awarded for emergency improvements

The council approved a contract for roadway widening on about 700 feet of road of Billian Street from Union Avenue to Frog Hollow Road.

The contract was awarded to Stilo Excavating Inc., and is estimated to cost $189,969.69.

The contract requires milling and overlay, full base repair, new granite curbs, handicap ramps and drainage improvements.

Contract awarded for drainage improvements

The council approved a contract with Stilo Excavating Inc. for drainage and resurfacing work on Flanders Way and Woodlawn Avenue.

The contract is estimated to cost $123,383.60.

“When we did the inflow infiltration work, we sealed off the pipes in the area and the water had to go someplace, so it came right up through the street,” township administrator Robert Bogart said. “This is to relieve the pressure and put the water where it’s supposed to go.”

Council approves moving welfare work to county

After initially tabling the resolution in September, the council approved a .

Councilman Matthew Moench was the only dissenting vote.

The resolution was initially tabled because of questions about gaps in service.

Township administrator Robert Bogart had said that the request is being made because of reduced personnel in the township that makes it difficult to keep up with the recent increase in welfare applications.

Councilman Dan Hayes said he believes this aid from the county will be beneficial.

“I believe this is a consolidation that will reduce township costs,” he said.