By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – The Township Committee has adopted a bond ordinance appropriating $7.47 million and authorizing the issuance of $6.87 million in bonds or notes to finance part of the costs of planned capital improvements in Freehold Township.
The following improvements are expected to be financed:
- Road improvements, including but not limited to bituminous (tar) concrete overlay at various roads and an overlay at Double Creek Parkway, $2.41 million. The maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued has been estimated at $2.1 million. A $250,000 grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation is expected to be received by the township.
- Land acquisition at the Freehold Mall shopping center, Route 9, $2.4 million. The maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued has been estimated at $2.3 million.
- Municipal building improvements, including but not limited to renovations, new roofs and new gutters to various municipal buildings and new generators for the Freehold Township Senior Center and municipal building, $1.9 million. The maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued has been estimated at $1.8 million.
- Recreation improvements, including but not limited to removal and replacement of splash pad pavers, resurfacing of tennis courts and the pavilion and replacement of bleachers at Michael J. Tighe Park and the replacement of water fountains at Michael J. Tighe and Opatut parks, $450,000. The maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued has been estimated at $428,000.
- The purchase of equipment, including but not limited to computer system upgrades, a dual backup system, closed circuit TV upgrades, TV studio upgrades and equipment and computer-aided drafting equipment, $190,000. The maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued has been estimated at $180,000.
- Underground storage tank remediation at the Department of Public Works complex, $90,000. The maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued has been estimated at $85,000.
- The purchase of various vehicles, including but not limited to sport utility vehicles and golf carts, $52,000. The maximum amount of bonds or notes to be issued has been estimated at $49,000.
In other business at the July 26 meeting, the committee passed a resolution certifying the 2015 audit report.
Mayor Barbara McMorrow said there were no comments on the audit indicating there are any issues with the township’s finances and she said because of those positive findings there is no need for any corrective action to be taken.
And, the committee passed a resolution authorizing a mutual aid agreement with Marlboro for code enforcement and housing/building inspection services.
According to Marlboro Business Administrator Jonathan Capp, the municipalities are entering into the agreement because Marlboro needs additional housing inspection services.