New Sidewalks Planned for Woodlawn Avenue

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

Council hoping for grant for sidewalk construction

The council unanimously approved an ordinance to participate in the 2012 Regional Center Partnership Challenge Grant Program, with the hope of receiving a $20,000 grant.

The township is hoping to receive the money to use for designing and constructing a sidewalk along Woodlawn Avenue from the NJDOT Bridge to Rambler Drive. The distance, according to township administrator James Naples, is 750 feet.

“We would like to continue the sidewalk to North Bridge Street to eliminate some hazardous busing,” he said. “There is really no place to walk and ride a bicycle right now.”

Council to support Sustainable Raritan River Initiative

With the understanding that there is no money required right now, the township council unanimously approved an ordinance to provide its support for the Sustainable Raritan River Initiative.

“It’s a sustainable river action plan,” said township administrator James Naples. “The mayor has also asked the environmental commission, and they support supporting the concept.”

Naples said the purpose of the initiative is to support opening the area for recreational opportunities.

“But this resolution is just for support right now, no money at this point,” he said. “We’ll review again if any request comes in for money to be paid.”

Additional funding needed for culvert improvements

The council unanimously approved a resolution to allow for an increase in a contract price for the Gilbride Road Improvement Project because of the bad structural condition of nearby culverts.

The contract price is increasing by $7,275, from $16,050 to $23,325, and the work is being done by Engineering & Land Planning Associates, Inc.

According to township engineer Robert Bogart, when the proposal for the improvement project was submitted, the old culvert on Gilbride Road had both ends obscured by vegetation.

“The vegetation was removed, and although at both ends of the culvert it looked at first like there was no problem, it turns out it was crumbling and in very bad structural condition,” he said. “We will have to rebuild that culvert, and it’s a significant structure.”

The average proposal received for the engineering, Bogart said, was $25,000, so the one they have accepted is dramatically lower.

“This is not one of those things we could have ascertained prior to the contractor being hired and getting into the structure,” he said. “There was no evidence outwardly that there was a problem.”

Council approving sizable reduction in Finderne Area Project

Because of the decrease in the quantity of items needed for the Finderne Area Project, the council unanimously approved a decrease in the change order for the project with Jo-Med Contracting Corp.

The contract was originally set at $656,175, and has decreased to $496,654.

The contract is for the 2011 sanitary sewer repairs in the Finderne area.

Council approves resolution for purchase of wood chipper

The township council unanimously approved a resolution to award a contract for the purchase of a wood chipper for the sewer department.

The contract was awarded to Modern Handling Equipment, in Edison, for $42,978.50.

Township engineer Robert Bogart said this purchase was included in the township’s capital ordinance.

“The wood chipper will be used primarily to clear easements that are off-road,” he said.