The council passed a resolution approving a change order to a contract to award more money for the purchase of rock salt at its meeting on Tuesday night.
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HAMILTON — The township Public Works Department will have an extra $500,000 to spend on road salt, thanks to the Township Council.
The council passed a resolution approving a change order to a contract to award more money for the purchase of rock salt at its meeting on Tuesday night.
The council increased the original contract from $300,000 by $500,000 to a revised total of $800,000, according to the resolution.
The request was submitted by the Department of Public Works to allow for additional funds to supplement the current quantities of rock salt, according to the resolution.
Councilman Kevin Meara questioned if the township had enough salt.
”Last week we did,” said Business Administrator John Ricci, adding a shipment came in on Sunday.
Councilman Meara noted this year it has been “somewhat overwhelming” with the amount of snow that has fallen.
Councilman Meara recommended inviting Director of Public Works David Carothers to attend a council meeting when the budget is discussed and provide some feedback and possible input.
”I would like to recommend that maybe Mr. Carothers come in, maybe as we go through the budget, and talk to us about what we could be potentially looking at,” Councilman Meara said. “If there are any recommendations or any types of things that we could do (possibly do) differently.”
Members of the public told the council that the public works response this winter has been top notch.
”With the big snow storms that we’ve been having, I’m shocked the way it was cleaned up so fast the roads were open up and easy to go,” said August Scotto of Hamilton. “I wanted to let everybody know how good this was done this year. It should be congratulated.”
Vinnie Capodanno of Hamilton agreed, noting he used to be a sanitation worker in New York City and can relate to the workers, especially in times like these.
”Every time I talked to Mr. Carothers about certain problems he immediately called me back,” said Mr. Capodanno. “The township workers worked real hard and I know how difficult it is to please everybody in major snow storms and I have to give them a pat on the back.”
Janice Glonek of Hamilton thought the DPW did an “exquisite job” this year and was writing a letter to show her appreciation.
”I think they should be commended,” said Ms. Glonek. “They did an outstanding job.”
Ms. Glonek did question the council on who to call if you need to get dug out but it’s not an emergency. She described a situation where a friend’s driveway got plowed in and she was unable to shovel her way out. The friend did not warrant an ambulance and did not want to tie one up to get to her doctor’s appointment.
Ms. Glonek questioned if a hotline is in place to help people in these types of situations.
”She didn’t know anybody to get her dug out and she had a doctor’s appointment and she waited two days,” Ms. Glonek said, adding that the police sent out an ambulance.
Council Vice President Dennis Pone noted how hard the DPW, police and EMS worked during the past snow storms.
”I got a couple of emails of what a great job Dave Carothers and his crew did. Our Public Works employees worked really hard. Police and emergency services worked really hard. We got through several very difficult snow storms probably better than most towns. Every town is going to have to deal with the potholes — state, county, local, everywhere — so be careful driving.”
Council President David Kenny commended the DPW, police and EMS as well as the residents for doing their part to help keep the sidewalks clear and safe.
”I would like to also commend the residents who do such a good job cleaning their sidewalks,” said Council President Kenny. “The day after the storm you go out and the sidewalks are clear pretty much everywhere, so they deserve credit, too.”