MILLSTONE – The Township Committee has adopted a $185,000 bond ordinance to provide for technology and safety improvements in Millstone Township.
The ordinance, which was adopted on April 17, authorizes the issuance of $175,750 in bonds or notes to finance part of the $185,000 appropriation. The remaining costs are covered by a down payment of $9,250, according to the ordinance.
According to the ordinance, the technology and safety improvements include the acquisition and installation of camera systems and security systems at various parks. These latest improvements supplement a prior ordinance that provided funding for improvements to Abate Park.
According to Chief Financial Officer Annette Murphy, the camera systems and security systems are being installed in response to an increase in vandalism and misuse at the township’s parks.
Wagner Farm Park, the municipal building, the community center and the Department of Public Works building and yard were included in the first phase of the improvements.
An estimated $45,000 from a prior bond ordinance will be appropriated for the acquisition and installation of camera systems and security systems at Abate Park, according to the new ordinance. Officials said $130,000 has been appropriated as the estimated cost for these improvements.
In addition to Abate Park, the second phase of the improvements will include Millstone Park and Brandywine Park, according to Murphy.
Also covered by the $185,000 bond ordinance are technology upgrades, including but not limited to computers, laptop computers, software and upgrades to the township’s website. These improvements have an estimated cost and appropriation of $30,000.
The remaining $25,000 will be appropriated toward the replacement of fire and burglar alarm systems at municipal buildings and parks.
In other business, committee members authorized the purchase of a John Deere 5065E utility tractor and attachments from an authorized vendor under the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey co-op program. The cost for the purchase is not to exceed $37,866, according to a resolution.
And, committee members awarded a $3,965 contract to Complete Security Systems to install a fire system at the historic Thomas Baird homestead on Baird Road.
Additionally, committee members awarded a $6,000 contract to Tree Wise Men, LLC for emergency tree removal on Witches Hollow Road.
Finally, officials appointed Tristan Maraday as a full-time laborer in the Department of Public Works. Previously, Maraday was a temporary seasonal laborer. The full-time position pays $14.50 per hour. On July 30, Maraday’s one-year anniversary with the township, the rate will increase to $16 per hour.
