By Deb Dawson, Special Writer
SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Most of Tuesday’s Township Council work session was spent preparing for the council’s regular session scheduled for Oct. 13, when it will hear from its consultant on a cost estimate for better using space in the municipal complex.
In an item that came up during the public session, Sherrie Rubel of the Aging in Place Partnership asked the council what it could do to help with senior transportation.
Acting for the mayor, who was absent, Deputy Mayor Chris Killmurray said the township is looking into car insurance for the agency’s van with its insurance company, but the answer was negative last year.
“We did provide a $6,000 grant. That’s why we provided the grant. If you have quotes our broker can search the market and maybe get a quote that works within the context of that $6,000 grant,” Mr. Killmorray said. He suggested she speak to Township Manager Bernie Hvozdovic.
Justin Saler of USA Architects presented plans for bathroom renovations for the South Brunswick Community Center. All finishes and toilet fixtures will be replaced and will have a “unisex look.” There will also be a single-use staff toilet room/ADA toilet. Work will start in the spring.
Mr. Saler was also asked to bring a cost estimate for a space utilization study of the municipal complex to the Oct. 13 meeting.
“Through attrition there are some gaps,” Mr. Hvozdovic said. “We’re looking into how to better utilize space.”
Several ordinances will be revised to better accommodate the way road closures are handled, according to Township Attorney Don Sears. He said there will be some revision to the ordinance on emergency closure, and the one for road construction and who has the authority to close roads — the township engineer or the director of public works.
When a developer wants to close a road, duration of closure will also be covered in the changes. For closures greater than 48 hours requests will have to go to the township manager, the council, the commissioner of transportation and back to the township manager. If the duration of the closure exceeds what was expected there will be penalties.
Lastly, what needs to be in place before construction can begin will be covered. These changes and the ordinances they apply to will be brought up at meetings later this month.
Wawa requested the township to vacate a portion of Griggs Drive in the cul de sac at the very end of the road.
“We have a lot of Wawas,” Mr. Killmurray said. “They’re asking us to increase the value of their land exponentially and at the same time they’re suing our pants off. I say no.” His colleagues on the council said “no” as well.
