BRIDGEPORT — During their meeting on Aug. 20, the Logan Township Council took steps to reduce the scope of its FY2018-2019 Road Program.
Engineer Annina Hogan recommended rejecting the two bids that came in for the job from American Asphalt and Pioneer Pipe because they both came in over budget.
Later Council authorized Hogan to prepare bid specs and re-advertise bids for the Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Road Program, reducing its scope of work. Logan Township has also been looking at
potential traffic calming measures for Beckett Road, including the addition of medians, with or without trees and shrubs.
Council also rejected all bids for the FY2018 New Jersey Department of Transportation reconstruction of Commerce Boulevard Project.
In other resolutions, Council appointed K-9 service dog “Tyson” to the Logan Township Police Department.
Council also authorized the donation of surplus fire equipment/turn out gear to the Salem County Fire Academy. They also approved the submission of a grant submission and the execution of a grant agreement with the NJDOT for the Heron Drive Improvements Project.
One more resolution saw Council appoint Andrea Passarella to the Environmental Commission to fill an unexpired term of Press Robinson. In new business, Wayne Stewart resigned as Alternate #1 member of the Zoning Board.
Elsewhere, Council approved a block party request from Surrey Place (submitted by Amy Widener) to be held Sept. 7 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Brian Shields also requested to hold a block party on Merle Lane on Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In reports, Fire Chief Scott Oatman noted that a new fire truck was coming to the department. Batman said he would like to update a truck about every five years. Oatman, also a zoning officer, mentioned that zoning permits had been up in the area this year.
Logan’s Police report listed 1,333 calls to service for the local forces in July, 12 arrests and no DWIs. Lt. Raymond Kennedy said that 41 cadets had attended the Police Youth Academy this year.
Logan Mayor Frank Minor pointed out that there had already been talk of expansion. “The feedback I got was outstanding,” Minor commented.
Minor also had good words for Logan Township’s food drive. He commended the volunteers for the project and the companies that helped with their excess food. “I see that this food has been helping people who are having trouble making ends meet,” Minor observed. “This food has been a bridge for people who were in tough times.”
The Council has been working with participating companies in Logan Township who wish to donate their excess food to residents in need of food assistance. Logan also opened up an employment portal this year as well to help residents create a profile and check for open positions in the community.
by Robert Holt