dedicated;
volleyball and tennis courts plannedCorrespondent
Soccer complex
dedicated;
volleyball and tennis courts planned
Correspondent
The Upper Freehold Township Committee rejected bids on the Byron Johnson Recreation Area last week.
A resolution to send out for new bids was also approved.
According to Deputy Mayor William Miscoski, "The final bids on Byron Johnson came in way out of line. We spoke to [Township Engineer] Glenn Gerken and would like to send them out for rebids."
Township Administrator Barbara Bascom added, "We’re rejecting [the bids] based on Glenn Gerken’s recommendation that [they] exceed appropriated funds for the project."
As for changes, Miscoski said, "Land clearing came in at $35,000 — there’s no land clearing to be done. Take out the tennis courts at $75,000. Take out the volleyball [courts] at $15,000 — we can do that ourselves."
Miscoski also said that only two bids were received on the project, but several people called two days before bids were due to inquire about the work.
"We expect to get better bids," he said.
In related business, Miscoski announced that summer soccer camp started last week at the new Mark Harbourt Field at the recreation complex.
"It’s a good feeling to see kids out on that field playing soccer. It makes it all worthwhile," he said.
The complex was dedicated in Harbourt’s name over the weekend in a ceremony which was scheduled to include officials and members of the Harbourt family.
Frank Cipriani of Ellisdale Road appeared before the committee and complimented it on the "great job on the soccer complex," but complained that a portable toilet had been placed within 30 yards of his property.
"It will stay there until soccer camp is over; then it will be moved and plantings put around it," said Miscoski.
In other business, retiring township employee Marlene Donnell was honored at the meeting for her 15 years of service to Upper Freehold.