Hardyston looking to replace salt shed

The Hardyston Township Council on Oct. 23 started pointing an eye toward winter in a discussion with Department of Public Works Director Robert Schultz

The first winter issue pertained to the salt storage facility being proposed for the 2020-21 winter season. The current salt storage facility was built in 1993, and due to size and repairs, a new one is needed.

The recommended storage facility would house 2,000 tons of salt, whereas the current facility holds 650 tons. Schultz said approximately 150 tons is used per storm and with the new facility, 1 order could be placed, and the town would be prepared for the season instead of having to make multiple calls for small orders of salt.

Schultz also said delivery trucks currently cannot get in there to dump the salt so it must be done outside and pushed it in, causing labor work that the township does not have to spare.

The second issue was a discussion about maintenance and snowplowing roads. Schultz asked the council to consider making changes to the ordinance to clarify what “maintenance” of a road means and to classify roads as either being Township responsible or not responsible for snowplowing. Specifically, he asked if DPW workers should be plowing private communities or should those communities be reimbursed under a formula, citing an example that Vernon Township contracts out their portion of Scenic Lakes for snow removal.

Township Manager Carrine Piccolo-Kaufer said roads in rural farming areas over the years tended to be private roads that were never actually turned over the township. Piccolo-Kaufer asked the Township attorney to do title work on certain roads.

Council members decided they should start having face to face meetings with private communities and Homeowner Association leaders starting in January 2020 to determine needs and decide on solutions together.

Schultz said school buses won’t travel on roads not maintained by the town.