Council Briefs: Township Receives Security Grant

What follows is an account of actions taken on Aug. 6 by the Bridgewater Township Council, which, while not breaking news, are still of note.

Grant Approved from Homeland Security

The township council unanimously approved a grant for the inclusion of a Buffer Zone Protection Program from Homeland Security.

The grant is for $31,000.

According to township administrator James Naples, this is a grant through which Homeland Security has identified an area that is considered a target of opportunity.

“It is where the township can benefit from added protection,” he said. “Through the police, we will receive the grant funds, then we will assist in purchasing the equipment and we will monitor. We have access to monitor through a website channel.”

Authorization Approved for Municipal Alliance Grant

The township approved a submission of a grant for funding to continue with the Bridgewater-Raritan Municipal Alliance for 2013.

The grant, which comes from the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders, would be for $37,782.

“This is a continuing grant we have successfully applied for,” said township administrator James Naples.

Some of the programs run through the assistance of the grant include Red Ribbon Week, Girls on the Run, youth drop-in centers and Project Graduation, among others.

Council Approves Contract for New World Systems

Despite a vote against by councilman Howard Norgalis, the council approved a resolution to set a maintenance contract with New World Systems for software with the police department.

The contract is for $52,085.

The contract allows for maintainance of the equipment.

Council Approves Change Order for Meadow Road Project

With roadwork on Meadow Road complete, the township council unanimously approved a resolution to authorize a decrease in the cost of the contract.

The cost is a change from $176,835.85 to $169,069.93.

The decrease, township administrator James Naples said, came about because of fewer materials needed.

“It was a very successful project,” he said. “The portions we repaired came out great, and we look forward to more improvements in the future.”

Council Urges Support for Flood Control

The council unanimously approved a resolution to urge legislators and others to provide financial support for the .

“Previously, the council passed a resolution supporting participation in this commission,” said township administrator James Naples. “It’s recommended that the council pass a resolution urging funding from the federal government for improvements to the area.”

This resolution does not require the township to pay any money, but just shows support for urging legislators to do so.

Council Continues Preparing for COAH Plan

The council unanimously approved the execution of a grant agreement with Crossroads Condominium Association, Inc. for funds to make existing units more affordable.

The grant will provide for $233,673 from the housing trust fund.

“It is the continuation of providing a letter of commitment for COAH funds,” said township administrator James Naples. “They are requesting to establish this escrow account, and it will represent improvements only to affordable units.”

This is part of the township’s continued efforts to comply with its already submitted COAH plan.