SOUTH AMBOY — Work being performed by the Middlesex Water Co. may provide long-term benefits for residents, but it’s causing some problems in the meantime.
Resident Tom Cross told the City Council on July 20 that he and his neighbors have been troubled by decreases in water pressure, and he is particularly concerned about how the pressure problems may impact the city’s ability to handle an emergency.
“If we get hit with a fire, we’re screwed big-time,” he said. He then asked when the work being done by the water company would be complete.
City Engineer Mark Rasimowicz said the project would be wrapping up in November, though all new lines should be in place by the end of summer.
As part of its RENEW project, Middlesex Water is lining and replacing approximately 17,500 feet of 6-, 8- and 10-inch water mains in South Amboy at a reported cost of $3.2 million. It is being done for the city at no cost, as part of a larger project that Middlesex Water is completing throughout its service area.
In response to Cross’ concerns, City Council President Joseph Connors said he would like to see some spot checks done on hydrants.
Rasimowicz said this was the first he heard of any problems related to the project.
“There wasn’t supposed to be any pressure lost,” he said. “I’m concerned.”
Councilman William Schwarick agreed that pressure is definitely an issue.
“I don’t live anywhere near the area concerned, and my pressure has been terrible,” he said.
The RENEW project area crosses the train tracks, with the targeted area running east of South PineAvenue and south of Augusta Street to the border of Sayreville, according to officials.
Councilman Mickey Gross said that with the advent of these issues, he would like to also see spot checks done on water quality through bacteria tests. Connors said testing was already being done, but Gross wanted to explore the possibility of more extensive testing.
Fire Chief Jamie Norek said earlier this week that the fire department is aware of the concerns and has pumper trucks on call in the event of an emergency.
Other council business
Officials are moving ahead with some renovations to City Hall — namely, a new roof, new windows and new carpeting. Currently in council chambers, there are multiple receptacles being used to catch rainwater from the leaky roof.
The city is going out to bid for these improvement items, Business Administrator Camille Tooker said, and the council took formal action to seek those bids at its July 20 meeting.
In constructing the new roof, at this time, the city will not be installing solar panels — something that has been discussed at past council meetings, generally at the urging of resident Vincent Mackiel. However, installing those panels is still a possibility.
“It’s going to be a roof that can handle solar panels,” Connors said, adding that the roof will be installed with brackets to hold them.
The city was unable to apply for a grant in 2011 for the project; that grant money could have gone toward solar panels. Officials will look toward applying next year, Connors said.
Also at the meeting, the council awarded a contract to rebuild the retaining wall at the Sixth Street Park, which was damaged by a nor’easter last year. TL Landscape Construction Group of New Brunswick won the contract based on its low bid of $19,305.
Connors said he anticipates that the costs for this project will be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has been reimbursing the city for various restorative work caused by last year’s storms.