FREEHOLD – Members of the Borough Council have approved a $9,360 increase in the purchase and installation costs associated with an automated fuel dispensing system in Freehold Borough.
On Aug. 1, council members authorized the change order to the purchase of the automated fuel dispensing system from Whitemarsh Corporation, Middlesex, and the installation of the system by A&J Construction, Farmingdale, which was originally approved by the governing body in 2018.
Prior to the change order, the maximum cost of the new system was $23,200 and the maximum cost of its installation was $31,600, for a total of $54,800. The $9,360 change order will increase the total to $64,160.
As previously reported, the fuel dispensing system will be used by municipal vehicles and by Freehold First Aid and Emergency Squad vehicles, according to municipal officials, who determined the new system would enhance inventory security and provide accurate record keeping.
According to a resolution authorizing the increase in the cost of the system, the change order came about because during installation, it was determined the existing suction pump could not be rebuilt as was previously anticipated, and that existing wiring and conduit could not be reused. The additional materials and installation resulted in the additional cost of $9,360.
In other business, council members authorized the purchase of a self-propelled stump grinder at a cost of $29,939. The equipment will assist borough employees with brush collection efforts. A contract was awarded to Cherry Valley Tractor Sales, Marlton, according to a resolution.
And, council members renewed a shared services agreement with Monmouth County for an open public records system, records information management. The initial agreement was in effect from Oct. 5, 2009 through June 30, 2019. The new agreement will be in effect through June 30, 2024, unless terminated sooner or extended, according to a resolution.
