Council Briefs: Township Hiring Labor Counsel

What follows is an account of actions taken on March 5 by the Bridgewater Township Council, which, while not breaking news, are still of note.

Council awards contract for labor counsel

The council unanimously approved a resolution to authorize a contract with Eric M. Bernstein & Associates L.L.C. as labor counsel from March 1, 2012 through Dec. 31, 2012.

The contract is for an amount not to exceed $50,000.

"We interviewed Mr. Bernstein, and it was a decision made through recommendations of township attorney William Savo and the work he has done in the field," said township administrator James Naples.

Change order approved in repaving project

The council approved a resolution to authorize a change order to increase the costs of the repaving project from North Bridge to Grove streets.

The contract is increasing from $108,842.85 to $116,483.69.

According to the resolution, the increase is required because of additional materials needed to complete the project, as well as the need to fix handicapped ramps that did not meet current standards.

Township to participate in Safe and Secure Communities Program

The council approved a resolution to participate in the state's Safe and Secure Communities Program for possible grant money.

The original grant was awarded to the township in 1994, and allowed Bridgewater to hire two new officers.

"It does not pay for them fully, but offsets part of the costs," said township administrator James Naples.

The township is currently eligible for a grant of $60,000, and this resolution allows it to apply for that.

But Naples said there is currently no hiring involved with this new grant, they are just going for the funds.