Tuesday’s snow storm forced West Windsor Council to delay its scheduled meeting until Monday, January 27.
Noted Council President Bryan Maher, “We were concerned about the safety of residents who wished to come out to the meeting to speak. We knew that many residents would be attending, particularly the residents on Cranbury Road and from South Post Road. We felt there was no downside to postponing the meeting until Monday and the upside is we would keep residents off of the dangerous roads.” Maher added that the agenda would likely remain the same.
Council members will continue to discuss several issues raised at the last council meeting, including the Thomas Grover memorial project, which is being planned for the Grover Farmstead. Although not finalized, the conceptual plan is to have a flag pole, a plaque, and perhaps a spotlight to commemorate decorated Vietnam War veteran Thomas Grover.
Another project is moving forward as well: the township has received three responses to its request for proposal (RFP) addressing the Cranbury Road sidewalk project. The engineering department is expected to make a public presentation on these three proposals at the upcoming meeting.
Finally, as requested, township land use manager Sam Surtees will offer a quick overview on the proposed building use policy and fees for usage of the Schenk Farmstead barn.
In addition, council will discuss the addition of the Mercer County Performing Arts Stage project, under which the county would be installing a permanent stage at Mercer County Park. The proposed stage is meant to eliminate the need for moveable stages at various events held at the park.
The stage will be located near the ice skating arena, closer to the Old Trenton Road side of the park. Of possible concern is the impact such a stage might have on West Windsor residents living adjacent to the park, especially those along South Post Road, who have already been impacted by the solar farm located at Mercer County College.
Council is expected to approve appointments for numerous positions, with one glaring exception. Rather than reappointing Mike Herbert as township attorney, council will be considering a resolution advising the administration to solicit bids for the position through the RFP process. At the last council meeting, President Maher, Vice President Linda Geevers, and new member Peter Mendonez all expressed their support for the resolution; Kristina Samonte and George Borek did not. While it is likely the resolution will pass, it is less certain whether the administration will go forward with issuing an RFP. While the debate continues, Herbert will remain in the position of township attorney. (The News, January 10).
Unlike the position of township attorney, it appears that the council will approve the reappointment of Ruderman & Glickman as the labor attorneys; Harry Hauschalter as counsel for tax appeal defense; Phoenix Advisors, as financial advisors; Sockler Realty Services Group, to provide analysis for tax appeal defense; and McManimon, Scotland and Baumann, as bond counsel and redevelopment attorneys. In addition, Piazza and Associates is expected to be retained for affordable housing consulting services, and Vital Communications for computer maintenance.
It is also expected that council will approve professional services agreements with James Parvese; Remington Vernick and Arango; Alaimo Group; Act Engineers; and Van Cleef Engineering Associates.
Finally, it is expected that council will reappoint Charles Appelget to the Agriculture Advisory Committee and will appoint Tasneem Qamar Sultan to the Human Relations Council.
