Manalapan Township Committee Prepares For Spring Renovations

As warmer weather approaches, the Manalapan Township Committee moved on several renovation projects that will be completed in the upcoming weeks and months.

The Committee voted on Ordinance No. 2011-03, a bond ordinance providing an appropriation of $2,592,388 for various capital improvements in the township. The ordinance authorizes the issuance of approximately $2 million in bonds or notes of the township for financing part of the appropriation.

 “There is a difference there that is made up of deposit money and also grant money that is coming from State DOT to accomplish those projects,” said Lucas. The money is used for road resurfacing and equipment to complete the work.

The Township Committee members had no comments about the ordinance, and only one resident voiced an objection during the public hearing.

“I really have a big problem with this,” said Gloria Close who is against the idea of the Township borrowing money every year for capital improvements. “If we can’t afford the equipment now, don’t buy it. But at least try to budget this under your infrastructure improvement.”

Following her comments, the Committee passed the resolution unanimously.

During Township Committee reports, Committeeman Don Holland had one announcement from the Department of Public Works regarding the spring leaf collection scheduled for April 18 – May 2. All leaves must be placed in biodegradable compost bags, which may be purchased at the Public Works Department on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bags are sold in bundles of five for a cost of $2 and may also be purchased from a local retailer. The bags must contain leaves only and no other debris.

“Please place bagged leaves at the curb and not in the street on the first day of each scheduled collection to ensure that you won’t miss any of the collections,” said Holland. The bags may also be brought to the Department of Public Works at 207 Route 522.

Deputy Mayor Ryan Green also encouraged residents to contact the Department of Public Works regarding the condition of township roads. Green complimented DPW for their hard work and hopes that in the future, an online reporting system will be available on the township website.

“We don’t have a web capacity yet but in the meantime if anyone wants to call DPW, the number is (732) 446-8403,” said Green.

During his report, Lucas announced that his office was notified by the Governor’s Office that Manalapan High School will receive a grant of $243,000 to offset their roof replacement costs.

Lucas also announced that the Green Team Advisory Committee will be looking to earn its Silver Certification from Sustainable New Jersey; Manalapan has been a member since 2009. Later in the meeting, the Committee voted to appoint new Green Team members, including Holland.

Lucas reintroduced the energy saving initiatives that the Township is finalizing, reiterating that the items won’t require any expenditure of taxpayer funds. The grant is available through New Jersey Clean Energy’s power purchase agreement and energy savings plan. According to Lucas this initiative will save the Township $1.2 million over the course of 25 years.

Currently, the plan has three primary components: replacing the HVAC system, obtaining an energy-efficient chiller, and replacing outdated lighting with more energy-efficient options.

A contracting company has proposed many improvements to the municipal building that will cost approximately $366,000, covered by the grant money.

The Township’s engineering firm, CEM Associates, reviews the plan from the bidding contractor. Last week, the firm received the contractor’s plan and is in the process of reviewing it. At this meeting, CEM sought the Township Committee’s approval to move forward on implementing the plan.

However, there was some confusion among the governing body on whether or not to grant approval when even the engineering firm has not had ample time for review.  

“I understand there’s a timeline pressure. I also understand from our administrator we received the DVDs in our boxes yesterday, and it’s a 268-page document,” said Committeewoman Michelle Roth. She pointed out that it’s the engineering firm’s job to make recommendations and present the technical information to the Township Committee.

Roth also apologized to Winckowski for “putting him on the spot”. Greg Valesi, the township's engineer who usually attends the meetings, was absent.

Lucas pushed for conditional approval of the plan, saying that it was necessary for the timeline get the HVAC system in place before summer. He doesn't want Township employees to suffer through another hot summer without it.

“I would feel more comfortable from the report that I read in passing the resolution tonight, pending the engineering review,” said Lucas. He asked Township Attorney Roger McLaughlin if that would be acceptable.

The Township approved the resolution conditionally, pending the engineer’s review, which according to Winckowski, would be completed by the end of the week. 

“I’d like you to just go through it with a fine tooth comb,” said Roth to Winckowski, citing that the Municipal Building’s address was incorrect in the report. Winckowski ensured the Committee that his firm will have a thorough evaluation by the March 23 meeting.

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