FREEHOLD – The Borough Council has appropriated $1.2 million toward sidewalk and pedestrian walkway improvements in Freehold Borough.
During a meeting on Aug. 1, council members adopted a bond ordinance that will appropriate $1.2 million for improvements to sidewalks and pedestrian walkways. The legislation authorizes the issuance of $370,000 in bonds or notes to help finance the costs.
According to the bond ordinance, the appropriation will also be financed by $59,000 that was originally appropriated in a 2017 bond ordinance. The money was initially intended for crosswalk improvements and road design, resurfacing, repairs and restoration, including the West Main Street pedestrian crosswalk improvements, engineering design for Phyllis Road and Frances Drive, resurfacing on Bennett Street and Hudson Street, and various road repairs and restorations.
The 2022 bond ordinance states that the $59,000 is no longer necessary for the 2017 improvements and will be reallocated toward the current planned sidewalk and pedestrian walkway improvements.
The remaining costs of the $1.2 million appropriation will be covered by two grants from the New Jersey Department of Transportation that total $1.03 million. No down payments will be made on the appropriation, according to the bond ordinance.
In other recent business, council members authorized a professional services agreement with Peter Lupo to serve as special communications counsel. The services are in an amount not to exceed $7,500.
Council members also authorized a professional services agreement with Joseph Baumann of the law firm McManimon, Scotland and Baumann, LLC. Baumann will serve as bond counsel and special litigation counsel. He will receive an amount not to exceed $125,000 for the services.
Baumann previously provided special redevelopment counsel services to Freehold Borough, according to a resolution.