During the latest Mantua Township Committee meeting, members approved a bond ordinance authorizing the payment for various pieces of equipment and the completion of various capital improvements for a sum of $1,008,000.
The majority of the bond ordinance is for the reconstruction and repaving of roads and intersections over the next 10 years, including East Essex, West Essex, East Morris and Trenton avenues. The estimated cost of repairs is $480,000; the township will make a down payment of $24,000.
“These roads were identified as streets that are in deplorable conditions after a walk thru performed by the Mayor. We routinely review the roads that earmarked for reconstruction in order to prioritize the funding,” said Township Administrator Jennica Bileci.
The township received a grant that was awarded through a NJDOT grant of $196,000 to offset the $203,000 cost of reconstruction and repaving of East Warren Avenue. The grant will pay for the project after the township’s initial $7,000 down payment.
Over the next five years, the police department will see an estimated $130,000 of equipment needs through this bond ordinance, including all-wheel drive vehicles and handguns. The township’s down payment will be $6,500.
“The purchasing of three new vehicles to add into rotation would allow the department to retire vehicles before they become excessively outdated and run down,” said Bileci, who added that there will also be a replacement for handguns to replace the older handguns that do not meet the modern standards.
The Township Parks Department will also receive needed equipment through the bond ordinance. An estimated cost of $70,000, with a down payment of $3,500, will go toward the various items, including irrigation heads, lawnmowers and parking barriers, over an expected period of five years. The Township is also replacing the playground equipment in McCarson Park to ensure safety, according to Bileci.
Additional items include: the seal coating and re-lining of various municipal parking lots over an expected period of five years at $20,000, with a down payment of $1,000; various improvements to the Municipal Building and grounds over a five-year period, including carpet replacement and lighting upgrades, at $55,000 with a down payment of $2,750; and the acquisition of various computer hardware and software at $50,000, with a down payment of $2,500.
The average period of useful life for the bonds is no less than 7.89 years, according to the township. The township’s gross debt is increased by this bond ordinance in the amount of $764,750.
In other news, the township appointed Paula Brown to the position of Deputy Municipal Court Administrator. The position was previously vacant.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
