By Mark Rosman
Staff Writer
UPPER FREEHOLD – The members of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders have approved plans for the reconstruction of a bridge on Arneytown-Hornerstown Road in Upper Freehold Township.
At their meeting on Dec. 12, the freeholders passed a resolution approving plans and specifications for the reconstruction of the bridge that is known as U-45. The freeholders determined that a need exists for the work to be performed.
French and Parello Associates has prepared plans and specifications for the project on behalf of the county and the freeholders “have reviewed the plans and specifications and found them to be in order and appropriate to the need for these improvements,” according to the resolution.
The freeholders’ approval of the bridge reconstruction plans means the project can be put out to public bid. The construction of the new bridge on Arneytown-Hornerstown Road will follow after a contract for the project has been awarded.
In other business on Dec. 12, the freeholders passed a resolution appointing Michael D. Fitzgerald to serve as county counsel for a three-year term.
Fitzgerald will serve as the chief legal officer for the county when he begins his term on Jan. 9. He will succeed Andrea Bazer in the position.
Fitzgerald is a member of the Colts Neck Township Committee and he said he will step down from that position effective Jan. 8.
Bazer resigned as county counsel in November to accept a nomination as a state Superior Court judge, according to the resolution.
The freeholders said that following Bazer’s resignation, the county “engaged in an extensive search and interview process for her successor, which involved publishing requests for qualifications and interviewing numerous candidates for county counsel.” The freeholders said Fitzgerald “has significant experience in the type of matters handled by county counsel …”
The position of county counsel has a salary of $160,000, according to a county spokeswoman.
