Township Committee members in Upper Freehold Township have authorized decreases in three contracts for improvements to local roads that will result in final payments of $829,533, $787,215 and $769,445.
On Feb. 4, committee members authorized the decreases with Asphalt Paving Systems for road improvement projects that began in 2019.
The original contracts were in the amount of $1 million for Jonathan Holmes Road, $967,800 also for Jonathan Holmes Road, and $911,200 for Millers Mill Road.
The $1 million contract for Jonathan Holmes Road was reduced by $237,596 to reach a final total of $829,533.
The $967,800 contract for Jonathan Holmes Road was reduced by $180,584 to reach a final total of $787,215.
The $911,200 contract for Millers Mill Road was reduced by $141,754 to reach a final total of $769,445, according to municipal officials.
Each change order was submitted by Township Engineer Glenn Gerken.
In other business, John Ondy was reclassified from a probationary employee to a permanent employee in the Department of Public Works. Ondy was hired on a probationary basis in September. Township officials determined he performed his duties in a satisfactory manner and DPW manager Saverio Fiorenzo recommended that Ondy be reclassified as a permanent employee.
The administration of Gov. Phil Murphy has announced plans to spend $1.2 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds to address the academic and mental health impacts of the pandemic on New Jersey students and educators, according to a press release from the New Jersey School Boards Association.
As part of an initiative the governor is calling “The Road Forward,” the funds will be made available to districts, including grants dedicated specifically to research-based instructional and mental health interventions.
“We know our students and educators have had a difficult year,” Murphy said. “Providing our school communities with increased flexibility and support is essential to move our education system forward. The additional federal funds will allow districts to best meet the individual needs of their students during this challenging time.”
“Educators and students have endured a great deal over the past 11 months,” said Acting Education Commissioner Angelica Allen-McMillan. “These additional federal funds will support targeted initiatives to enhance academic enrichment and mental health interventions for all students and educators.”
Brookdale Community College STEM Institute has announced the addition of a Data Science Option to its Mathematics/Science Degree. This new program aligns with Brookdale’s mission to offer quality affordable educational programs that lead to transfer and career opportunities, according to a press release.
Brookdale is the county college of Monmouth County.
Over the last decade, there has been significant growth in data generated and retained by companies. Data scientists are in demand in all industries, according to the press release.
Brookdale will offer the program starting Fall 2021. Data science is an interdisciplinary field for students interested in math, computer science, business or lab sciences that translates to a degree that meets a growing demand for new jobs. For more information, visit brookdalecc.edu
Center Players Dessert Theater continues its online programming with An Evening of Short Films, streaming March 12 at 8 p.m. A question and answer session with the directors and cast members will follow this free event.
The theme of the evening is connection, or the lack thereof, either due to technology or COVID-19. The films scheduled to be screened include: “Misconnected,” directed by Michael Tota of Jackson; “Acoustic Space,” directed by Anthony Marinelli of Manalapan; “Mugging … the Art of Social Distancing,” directed by Dave McGrath of Long Branch; and “Smile,” directed by Jeff Musillo of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Registration via email is required to access this event:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jN8lDwljQsiFNw0JctcRaQ
Registration information can also be found at www.centerplayers.org and on
Facebook.com/centerplayersnj
