Freeholders’ Actions: Change Adds to Jail Job; OK Medical Shelter

CREST HAVEN – A $385,000 change order for architectural and engineering services for the planned $37-million Cape May County Correctional Center was approved June 10 by freeholders.
The contract for the service is with CDI Architects Group, doing business as L.R. Kimball of Bridgewater.
The change in scope was for additional time to demolish the present building then build the parking lot, according to Facilities and Services Director Ann Marie McMahon. Thus, the increase was to add an additional year to do the work, she stated. McMahon said the firm will also coordinate the purchase of furnishings, fixtures and equipment, which are included in the budget.
Initial board action was taken after Sheriff Gary Schaffer and McMahon made presentations to the board Feb. 25. Architect Jack King of L.R. Kimball also explained some of the features of the facility at that time.
Originally the county considered a $29-million renovation of its existing correctional center, but it became evident that even that would not remedy all the problems at the overcrowded jail, built to house 188 inmates, but routinely holds 250 or more. The new facility would house 356 inmates. Additionally, all Sheriff’s Department facilities would be housed in the center, including sheriff sales.
For the public, there would be a separate entrance from the correctional center side.
Possible Savings
Like a bargain hunter seeking the lowest price for goods, the county authorized execution of a cooperative pricing agreement with Middlesex Regional Educational Services as lead agency to buy various goods and services at the lowest price. The agency “offered voluntary participation in a cooperative pricing system,” the resolution states. The county will not sign any contract directly with winning bidders, “but will adhere to the terms and conditions of the master contract,” the resolution stated.
Emergency Medical Shelter
A memorandum of agreement was authorized June 10 by freeholders to allow Crest Haven Nursing and Rehabilitation Center to be used as a temporary emergency shelter facility for storm-displaced persons with medical and functional needs. The agreement is with the county Office of Emergency Management. A duly licensed health care facility, the center “recognizes that it may have the capability to assist (emergency management) with appropriate sheltering of medical and functional needs residents.”
When a storm-displaced person with a medical or functional need “that prevents them from being able to be appropriately sheltered in a general population shelter” requires care, the center may be used.
Path Support
Middle Township’s grant application to the state to install “a path along the south side of Stone Harbor Boulevard (CR 657) from the 96th Street Bridge to Second Drive” by the Wetlands Institute won freeholders’ support. The resolution notes that the federal funding is for community-based non-traditional projects “designed to strengthen the cultural, aesthetical and environmental aspects of the nation’s intermodal system.”
Deemed a safety improvement the proposed municipal project “will further enhance the activities Cape May County has recently undertaken along Stone Harbor Boulevard on its western approach to the 96th Street Bridge.”
Surveying, Engineering Services
Competitive contracts were approved by freeholders with six engineering firms that will provide surveying and engineering services, as needed, for the county Open Space and Farmland Preservation programs.
The firms are: Van Note-Harvey Associates, P.C., Court House, Gibson Associates, P.A., Ocean View, Remington, Vernick & Walberg, Wildwood and Mott Associates, LLC, Egg Harbor Township, Hatch Mott MacDonald, LLC, Court House and Johnson Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc., Trenton.
Safe Route Grant Supported
Freeholders supported Cape May’s grant application to the state for its Safe Routes to School program. The application involves county traffic signal upgrades, ADA curb ramp construction and pavement markings as well as sign installation on various city and county roads from the Coast Guard base to Cape May Elementary School on Lafayette Street.