S.R. approves pact to share
East Brunswick’s cell tower
SOUTH RIVER — Thanks to a new agreement, emergency communications will soon be coming in loud and crystal clear.
Last week, the Borough Council voted unanimously in favor of an interlocal agreement with East Brunswick. Under the agreement the borough’s public safety department, which includes police, fire and emergency management departments, will use one of the 12 available channels on East Brunswick’s cell tower for communications.
The five-year agreement, which can be renewed, is expected to cost about $27,000 per year for the five-year period.
"It’s a lot easier this way," Councilman Salvatore Marsicano said.
The borough will be using the communications tower during the expected $2.3 million municipal complex renovation to the police station on Main Street.
The borough considered constructing a new communications tower as part of the renovation project but found that it would be more cost-effective to use East Brunswick’s tower.
A new tower, including installation, was estimated to cost about $200,000, Marsicano said.
About $390,000 worth of equipment, including new radios and outfitting for each borough public safety vehicle, has already been purchased, Business Administrator Charles Kolakowski said.
Fire Chief Ron Krusius thanked the council members for their efforts.
Krusius said he had estimated a cost of $180,000 to upgrade the fire department alone had the council not entered into the interlocal agreement.
He estimated that it would have cost $2 million to upgrade the systems with the current communications tower.
"It’s for the safety and well-being of the residents of South River," said Krusius.
Under the interlocal agreement, the borough is expecting to spend about $135,000 for the use of the tower, bringing the total cost over the next five years, including the purchase of equipment, to $525,000.
East Brunswick was expected to vote on the proposal Monday.
The borough will also use Sayreville’s court system during the renovation project.
The borough court sessions and holding cells will be temporarily relocated to Sayreville during the project. The borough is expected to pay $200 to Sayreville per session for the use of the courts and holding cells.

