BY MICHAEL OLOHAN
OF PASCACK PRESS
PARK RIDGE, N.J.—Approximately $1.7 million in new bond debt was introduced Feb. 26 for replacement and expansion of a new synthetic turf field at Memorial Field and for a biannual road improvement program that includes curbing, drainage, and sidewalk improvement projects.
The two bond ordinances were approved 4–0, with councilmen Tom Farinaro and Robert Metzdorf absent. Councilman Michael Mintz and voted via phone.
A public hearing on both bond ordinances is planned for March 12.
At the council meeting, Chief Financial Officer Durene Ayer said the $846,000 2019 road improvement bond ordinance and $42,000 comes from the road improvement fund.
She said the borough anticipates receiving funds, which leaves $803,000 to be bonded.
She said this amount is likely to be reduced by future grant funds from the state Department of Transportation and and Community Development Block Grant program.
Ayer said that the $868,000 bond ordinance introduced for replacement and expansion of synthetic turf at Memorial Field will be supplemented by $43,400 in the capital improvement fund, leaving a bond debt of $824,600.
Members also approved a $113,695 professional service contract for Neglia Engineering for surveying, engineering, permitting and construction management for the Memorial Field turf expansion project.
On Feb. 12, the council approved another $93,000 professional services contract with Neglia Engineering for similar services on 2019’s road improvement program.
Borough Clerk Magdalena Giandomenico said the road improvement program bond ordinance occurs every two years and borough engineer Neglia Engineering compiles the bond costs provided in each bond issue.
Borough Administrator Julie Falkenstern said the turf field had emergency repairs in 2018 and at about 12 years old, public works employees have noticed deterioration including shredded rubber granules on the turf during maintenance.
Falkenstern said the borough hopes to replace the turf field in 2019 and will be applying for county Open Space funds, though replacement will go forward whether or not funding is received.
‘Get it done’
“We are under the gun to get it done this year,” said Falkenstern. She said the borough hopes to replace the turf in fall to allow its use during summer.
According to Neglia Engineering, proposed 2019 roadway improvements “will generally be limited to milling and paving, asphalt curb replacement, ADA ramp upgrades, striping, manhole and inlet upgrades,” notes its professional services agreement.
Neglia notes eight to 10 roads will be improved under the 2019 program, including phases II and IV for Mill Road repavement, and a 2018 block grant for Terrace Street, Oakland Street, and Woodland Street.
Calls to determine costs to an average taxpayer from the new bond debt were not returned by press time.