Freeholders OK Stone Harbor Library Contract

CREST HAVEN – As expected, freeholders approved the $4.46-million contract July 14 to build the Stone Harbor branch of the Cape May County Library. Aliano Brothers General Contractors was the successful bidder.
According to County Engineer Dale Foster, Aliano was the lowest of four bidders. “They took the job by $25,000 from Arthur Ogren of Vineland,” he reported to the board. Highest bid was nearly $5.5 million.
Aliano is presently working on renovation of the Wildwood Crest branch library, in its final stages.
The library in Stone Harbor will be built on the site of the former Bank of America adjacent to Borough Hall on Second Avenue at 96th Street.
Pedestrians Prohibited
Due to the narrowness of Sea Isle Boulevard being reconstructed, freeholders passed a resolution that temporarily prohibits pedestrian passage along the highway (CR 625) in Dennis Township. The resolution cited the “long-duration construction project from Garden State Parkway to Ludlam Thorofare Bridge,” as well as “the tight working and travel conditions” that are required due to staged construction.
As a result, walkers and bicyclists are forbidden. The speed limit was previously reduced, as was stopping and standing in the construction area. Regardless of that prohibition, Vice Director Leonard Desiderio told the board that some had parked and were fishing and crabbing, causing a hazard.
Regional Bike Facility
The board also passed a resolution authorizing a shared services agreement with South Jersey Economic Development District for $8,500 to provide planning services for the development of a regional bicycle facility plan and implementation strategy.
It noted that the Open Space Board had met with representatives of the 16 municipalities about regional parks and recreation projects that could provide the county with “community and economic development opportunities.” The towns have expressed interest in bike paths and lanes that would provide “meaningful transportation alternatives to visitors and residents…” Louis Joyce, executive director of the SJEDD submitted a proposal for planning services, it stated.
Reappointed to School District Board
Lenora Boninfante-Kodytek of Seaville and Kenneth R. Merson of Sea Isle City were reappointed to the Cape May County Special Services School District with terms expiring June 30, 2018.
Social Services Assumption
As part of the county assumption of the Board of Social Services, a resolution was passed to accept all contracts and management functions from the former Board of Social Services.
That action accepts all real property, personal property, leased other items effective June 28.
Toward Better Radio
The board passed a memorandum of agreement with the Regional Planning Committee 28 to implement a radio communications system that uses the 700 MHz band for Sheriff and Prosecutor offices’ transmissions.
Pool of Architects
Approved a pool of 20 architectural firms for services as needed good through July 14, 2020.
Appoint to Permanent Posts
Appointed county employees from the Civil Service Commission certification in the Department of Social Services, all effective July 10, 2015 to human Service Specialist 1: Ashly Castro, Teresa Cappachione, Alisa Erdman, Jillian Loughlin, Colleen Scully, Heather Taman.
Purchase Animal Medications
The board approved a one-year, open-ended contract with six providers of veterinary medications whose prices will remain unchanged through the life of the contract. Facilities that will utilize the drugs include County animal shelter, zoo and Sheriff’s K-9 Unit.