BRICK – Brick Standard LLC is the owner and operator of the solar energy field on Sally Ike Road, and during a recent Township Council meeting, the governing body approved a resolution that authorizes an amended and restated side letter agreement for the sale of the solar credits generated at the site.
“DTE Energy Trading, in its role as energy manager, has been selling the facility’s energy into the grid for the township,” said Council President Derrick T. Ambrosino.
DTE has provided notice to the project developer that they are terminating their role as the energy manager and Castleton Commodities International has agreed to succeed DTE in that role pursuant to the existing energy management agreement, he said.
“So basically, none of the terms and conditions of the original agreement have changed,” the council president said.
In other news, the council authorized the receipt of bids for snow removal services. In 2023, the township awarded an initial two-year contract that included the option to extend for an additional year, said Councilwoman Melissa Travers. The extended contract will expire in November 2026.
This bid will be a one year contract that will run along with the other contract in order to expand the pool of vendors. In this approach, all contracts will extend through November 2026, she said.
There are seven categories in the equipment list with seven approved contractors, the councilwoman added.
The governing body is also seeking bids for tree trimming removal and disposal. “This bid is necessary for the tree trimming, removal, disposal and cannot be done in-house,” said Council Vice President Vince Minichino.
“Work will include the removal of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, objectionable and weak branches and/or the complete removal of an entire tree, including the grinding or removal of the stump and all exposed roots to the depth of six inches below adjacent existing ground level, chip removed and to be replaced with fill dirt upon request,” he said.
Continuing with road improvements, the council authorized an award of contract for roadway resurfacing of Long Point Drive and Perry Drive, located in Shore Acres.
“This resolution authorizes the award of contract in the amount of $216,213 to Earle Asphalt Company of Farmingdale,” said Councilman Steve Fineman.
The project generally consists of roadway milling and resurfacing of the two roadways. Bid notices were provided to 80 prospective bidders, seven requested bid packages. Four bids were received with the winning bid going to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder.
And finally, Councilwoman Travers said she wanted to touch briefly on food insecurity that is being faced by some residents of Ocean County.
“If you are somebody who needs some assistance, there are plenty of places you can look up online, but I just wanted to name a few,” she said.
Osbornville Baptist Church provides hot meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until noon.
The Church of Epiphany Helping Hands at 615 Thiele Road offers hot meals on Mondays from 10 a.m. until noon and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Seeds of Service, located at 725 Mantoloking Road, has a food pantry and also provides other resources like a food bank, prepared meals and food delivery services.
The non-profit organization offers hot meals hosted by a volunteer group called The Food Angels, who partners with Seeds of Service. Meals will be served on November 30 and December 14 and 28 from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m.
“If you don’t need the meal, if you have the opportunity to donate or even offer your time, that’s something that’s really important right now,” said Councilwoman Travers.
