WEST AMWELL: Officials OK spending for various improvements

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
   WEST AMWELL — A bond ordinance covering $816,000 in roadwork, new equipment and improvements to township buildings was adopted by the West Amwell Township Committee June 22.
   ”The road improvements need to be done,” Deputy Mayor George Fisher said just before the vote.
   ”It’s a lot of money,” he added.
   Mayor Tom Molnar agreed.
   It is “a lot of money,” the mayor said, but, “with the economy the way it is, this might be the best time to do it,” since contractors and vendors are looking for work and customers, due to the economic downturn and thus would be more inclined to give the township a low price than they would be when there is plenty of work and more prospective clients.
   Under the ordinance, the bond will pay for up to $775,770 of the work and equipment, with the balance covered by cash down payments.
   An estimated $469,000 will cover road improvements, including drainage and reclamation work and restoration of shoulders, lawns and driveway areas on Old York Road, Rocktown Hill Road and other roads.
   An estimated $445,550 in bonds will pay for most of the work, with the estimated $13,450 balance to be covered by down payments.
   The useful life of these improvements will be 15 years, the ordinance states.
   Another estimated $184,300 in bonds and an estimated $9,700 in cash down payments will fund equipment for the township’s Department of Public Works.
   Included are a dump truck with a snowplow and spreader, a garbage lift, a used backhoe, a mower and radios for trucks. The useful life of these improvements is expected to be five years.
   Two sport utility vehicles (SUVs) for the township police department will be purchased. Bonds will cover an estimated $90,250 of the cost, with cash down payments covering the $4,750 balance. The useful life of the vehicles is expected to be five years, the measure states.
   Air bags and turnout gear — the protective clothing and equipment firefighters use on the job — for the township’s firefighters will cost an estimated $22,420 in bonds and an estimated $1,180 in cash down payments. The useful life of this also is expected to be five years.
   An estimated $33,250 in bonds and $1,750 in cash down payments will cover improvements to various township structures. These include repairs, alterations and renovations (including HVAC alterations and upgrades) and any necessary roofing repairs. The useful life of this work is expected to be 15 years.