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Vol. LXIII, No. 8
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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Vol. LXIII, No. 8
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Wednesday, February 25, 2009
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Collaborative projects involving the Engineering Department and the Sewer Operating Committee dominated Monday evening’s Township Committee Meeting.
Reports included Mayor Bernie Miller’s news that 170 deer were killed in this season’s recently-ended deer control program, and Chief Financial Officer Kathy Monzo’s announcement that the Township will soon offer an online credit card payment option which, unlike the Borough’s, will not include a user fee.
The Committee approved previously introduced bond ordinances authorizing $322,100 for the repair and improvement of defective sewer laterals involving properties located along Edgerstoune and Winant Roads. Township Engineer Bob Kiser provided details on the project, saying that the current inflow and infiltration of sewer lines necessitated sewer plant treatment of the water “at great cost to taxpayers.” A five-year old project has enabled the visualization of these leaks, which often occur on private property. While property owners may choose to retain their own plumber to correct the problem, Mr. Kiser noted, allowing the Township to do it is probably a more economically viable option, offering a guaranteed ten-year window for payment.
A local resident expressed concern about the impact of the proposed project on bus and truck traffic in the area, where a number of current private construction projects are currently underway. Mr. Kiser responded by saying that the Township was in touch with current homebuilders, and that although the work will entail a certain amount of “mess,” it should be completed within three months, from its April start date to completion in June. He indicated that Edgerstoune Road would be completely closed for just a brief amount of time, when Russell Road will be an alternate.
A similar project involving work by the Engineering Department and the Sewer Operating Committee to improve defective sewer laterals located along Cedar Lane, Southern Way, and Western Way was also approved by the Committee on Monday, with an appropriation of $230,790. Sewer Operating Committee Manager Robert Hough reported that bids would be sought in the coming weeks for the project, which also involves some sidewalk replacement. Mr. Kiser reported that Belgian blocks will be used when curbs need to be replaced, and that new drains at the intersections of the streets involved will eliminate water pooling problems, and intercept water that currently flows out onto Harrison Street.
In response to a request initiated by Grigg’s Farm residents, the Committee approved a new sheltered bus stop for the eastern side of the development. The bus stop, an addition to the one that already exists on the western side of Grigg’s Farm, was approved by N.J. Transit and will be installed at no cost to the Township.
The Committee’s Monday evening approval of an appropriation of $789,692 for improvement and construction of the Stony Brook pedestrian bridge and pathway represents the compilation of four grants and close work with the Friends of Princeton Open Space and the N.J. Department of Transportation, said Mr. Kiser, who described the track as “a vital missing link in the Township’s path system.”
The Committee’s approval of a bond ordinance authorizing the appropriation of $300,000 for road repairs will allow the Township to repair two miles of Township Roads this summer. The locations have not yet been determined, according to Mr. Kiser, who said he has a list of about four miles of roads that are potential candidates. He noted that the Township typically repairs two miles of road each summer, using equipment it shares with Lawrence Township.
The next Township Committee meeting will be on Monday, March 9, at 7 p.m, at the Township Municipal Building.