WEST AMWELL: Many projects would be covered by bond proposal

By Linda Seida, Staff Writer
   WEST AMWELL — The Township Committee has introduced a multi-purpose bond ordinance that, if approved next month, would authorize road improvements, purchases for the Public Works and Police departments and new gear for the local fire company.
   The total amount of the purchases and road improvements would be $816,600. Of that amount, $775,770 would be bonded.
   A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. June 22 during the committee’s regular monthly meeting at the municipal building, 150 Rocktown-Lambertville Road.
   Road improvements would total $469,000, with $445,550 in bonds. Part of the project would consist of a portion of Old York Road, located behind Buddies Grill and Creamery and heading north. Work would include reclamation, drainage and restoration of the road’s shoulders. The project also includes a portion of Rocktown Hill Road. The improvements are expected to have a useful life of approximately 15 years, according to the township.
   The township does not yet have a timeline for the road projects to proceed, Clerk Lora Olsen said. The ordinance under consideration is the first step in laying the groundwork to get the projects moving, she said.
   Improvements to a southern section of Old York Road have been underway and are almost completed, Ms. Olsen said.
   Public Works purchases would total $194,000, with $184,300 in bonds. The new equipment would include a dump truck with a plow, a garage lift, a used backhoe, truck radios and a “brush hog” mower. The township has estimated the period of usefulness for the equipment as five years.
   For the Police Department, the township plans to buy two sport utility vehicles equipped with radar equipment. The cost would be approximately $95,000, with $90,250 in bonds. The period of usefulness is estimated at five years.
   Also planned are improvements to the municipal building, including interior renovations, roof repairs and HVAC alterations and upgrades. The cost would be about $35,000 with $33,250 in bonds. The improvements have an estimated usefulness of about 15 years.
   For the township’s fire company, turnout gear and airbags would cost $23,600. Of that amount, $22,420 would be in bonds.