CREST HAVEN – Who wants to ride a zip-line over the Cape May County Park? Raise those hands.
Freeholders at the Jan. 27 meeting authorized use of competitive contracting for “provision of an aerial adventure course located at the Cape May Park and Zoo.”
Freeholder E. Marie Hayes, director of Tourism and Public Offices, told the Herald that state law prohibits zip lines over animal exhibits, so don’t think of soaring over the African Savannah.
Since there are only a small number of firms that provide such entertainment, there may not be many bidders. Hayes said that Director of Operations Michael Laffey, when he was parks director, had done some early exploration into the concept of zip lining at the park.
The next thing that will take place will be placement of advertisements seeking bids to provide the attraction.
Zip lining is done via a series of cables and platforms that take a rider on an aerial tour through forests. Many tourist areas have zip lines available so that adventurous visitors can enjoy the vista from tree top level or higher.
Mastrangelo Appointed to Library
Barry Mastrangelo of Stone Harbor was appointed by freeholders to a five-year term on the County Library Commission. His term will expire Jan. 27, 2020.
“I just want to thank everybody. I will try to do the best on the board the same as I have on borough council for all these years. I look forward to it. I know we’ve had people in Stone Harbor request it, that we have someone on the board. It came as a complete surprise. Getting someone on it, let alone me. We’ll have a lot of fun and hopefully get a library built,” said Mastrangelo at the public portion of the meeting. Mastrangelo is president of Stone Harbor Borough Council.
“When I looked at the appointment, I don’t think the pope has that long of an appointment,” quipped Mastrangelo.
In other actions the board:
Introduced the 2015 budget of $142.1 million that will increase the county tax levy a half cent to 21.5 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Designated February as Career and Technical Education Month in the county. The board encourages all to become familiar with the services provided by the Technical School District.
Accepted proposal of Michael Baker Jr., Inc. for $215,100 for professional bridge engineering services for various structural repairs to Ocean Drive bridges, including Corson’s Inlet, Grassy Sound and Middle Thorofare.
Accepted proposal of Greenman-Pedersen Inc for $14,837 for bridge engineering services for primary electrical feed modification to Middle Thorofare Bridge on Ocean Drive in Lower Township. Engineer Dale Foster told the board part of the reason the bridge often gets stuck open is due to inadequate electrical supply. Also a modification for $43,955 for engineering services for Corson’s Inlet substructure repairs.
Increase ceiling amount by $59,510 to Stantec Consulting Services Inc. for engineering services for roadway and infrastructure improvements at the County Airport. The area ais west of Hornet Road to Lexington Road to develop streetscape plans and modify the airport master plan and renderings.
Transferred the Wellness Division and Office of Risk Management and their employees into the Department of Human Resources and Training. The resolution also created the Division of Wellness and Safety in the same department. William Holmes and Joann Barnard will be transferred from former departments as a result of the resolution.
Approved professional service agreements for Public Safety Training Center instructors through year end for police instruction, “total amount not to exceed $17,500.” Instructors are Scott Adams, Robert Boyd, Nicholas Gallaccio, Mickie McComb, John reemer, Joseph Rogowski, Matthew Schaffer and William Wilent.
Approved professional service agreements through Dec. 31, 2015 wiith firefighter instructors for the Fire Marshal’s Office on as-needed basis. Total amount not to exceed $29,000. Instructors are: James Burleigh, Edward Dean, Michael Eck, Arthur Hayden, Bradley Ladislaw, Bruce McCausland, Ronald McGowan, Lewis Ostrander, Daniel Speigel, Mark Cifaloglio, William Dukes, Dale Gentek, Matthew Johnson, Ronald Martinelli, Nancy McDevitt, William Mulligan, Christopher Parke, Richard Sweeten, William Cripps, Daniel Dunn, Michael Haggerty, Michael Johnson, Dominick McClain, Sean McDevitt, Keith Nielsen, Michael Scardino, Leon Woodruff.
Hired via professional services agreement, NCSPlus Inc., effective Jan. 27 through year end, for cash recovery system for collection of outstanding debts owed to the county. The contract is for less than $17,500.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
