HOWELL – The Township Council has awarded a contract to the Monmouth Conservation Foundation, which will assist Howell officials in their ongoing effort to preserve open space in the municipality.
The nonprofit foundation is a land trust and its directors will enter into a two-year contract with Howell.
Mayor Theresa Berger, Deputy Mayor Evelyn O’Donnell, Councilman Thomas Russo, Councilman John Bonevich and Councilwoman Pamela Richmond authorized the contract during a meeting on Nov. 10.
In 2003, the Monmouth Conservation Foundation assisted Howell with its efforts to preserve open space and farmland, according to a resolution.
Howell will pay the foundation $55 per hour. Billable hours are capped at a maximum of 10 hours per week and a maximum of 100 hours per project. The funds will be available in the 2021 and 2022 municipal budgets.
Township Manager Brian Geoghegan said the Monmouth Conservation Foundation is a valued asset in helping Howell’s representatives locate and procure open space and farmland so it may be removed from the development stream.
The foundation’s executive director, William Kastning, said, “The Monmouth Conservation Foundation is pleased to continue to provide Howell with conservation expertise to further their land preservation goals.
“We are excited to have successfully assisted with the further protection of Bear Swamp Natural Area and look forward to announcing the imminent preservation of two additional parcels,” he said.