Some on governing body say township getting shortchanged.
By: Shanay Cadette
WEST WINDSOR The township should renegotiate its deal to hire police officers to patrol the Nassau Park shopping center, Councilman Charles Morgan said Monday.
On the table several years, Developers Diversified Realty which owns the massive retail center off Route 1 agreed to a deal to pay $150,000 to cover the salaries and benefits of two West Windsor officers. That $150,000 would increase as the cost-of-living index goes up.
Mr. Morgan said Monday that the $150,000 figure won’t cut it especially if salary grades increase much faster than expected and health benefits continue to skyrocket.
"In five or 10 years, I suspect (the $150,000) will cover the cost for one patrolman," he said.
The township needs to renegotiate the deal, he said. "Let’s draw another card and see who blinks first," Mr. Morgan continued. "We don’t know how much negotiating room we have."
Police Chief Joe Pica said junior-level officers are likely to be hired to patrol the mall, and with $42,000 to $45,000 as a starting salary, the $150,000 will cover the officers’ pay and most of the benefits. Ultimately, the deal would be a winner for both the township and the developer, the chief said. The township could stop its current practice of taking away patrol officers assigned to other zones to answer calls at Nassau Park. And the developer could end its contract with the independent security company that patrols the mall, but lacks police authority to arrest people, process evidence or conduct investigations.
Chief Pica expressed fear about losing the deal, and DDR’s willingness to renegotiate. "I don’t know if that’s going to fly or not," he said.
Council members also outlined other problems with contracts involving Nassau Park, which include details about the police hirings, a holiday traffic plan, fees and contributions.
Councilwoman Alison Miller said she was concerned the wording of the arrangement with Nassau Park precludes the township from getting any money to hire officers until after the company dissolves its contract with the security company.
The council expects to discuss the contracts again at its Monday meeting.
In other business, the council:
Approved a professional services agreement with Remington & Vernick Engineers after much discussion. The company is expected to analyze the problems with the township’s Delaware & Raritan Canal sewer interceptor at a cost not to exceed $60,500. Councilwoman Jackie Alberts said she believed inspections of the interceptor were conducted two years ago, so the township should not have to spend the entire contract amount just to produce duplicate reports. Township Engineer Jim Parvesse explained some parts of the interceptor and manholes were inspected in the past, but a more detailed inspection is needed to design plans and specifications for future repairs or replacements.
Rejected a $158,670 bid from Jonico to complete landscaping, pavement and walkway work at the old firehouse on Alexander Road. Officials plan to split the landscaping and pavement-walkway work and solicit separate bids in May.
Reported the posting of revised speed limit signs on Alexander Road has been delayed because of wording problems in the ordinance.
Learned the township was served with a complaint from developer D.R. Horton for the council’s refusal to release performance guarantee bonds in March. The council declined the release because residents at the Village Grande development claimed shoddy, incomplete work has led to problems with paving, sidewalks, sewers and a myriad other things that are covered by the bonds. Township Attorney Michael J. Herbert said he plans to begin mediation with the developer to avoid costly litigation.