Middletown to bid Phase 1a of DPW yard upgrades focused on winter operations

The Middletown Township Board authorized staff to prepare and advertise bids for Phase 1a of the Department of Public Works yard improvements, a project focused on winter operations that includes a new salt storage shed, replacement of an aged brine tank, fencing updates and site circulation changes.

Township staff said the current salt shed does not allow trucks to back in to dump salt and that fuel and brine systems are outdated. The recommended Phase 1a design will allow salt deliveries inside a shed, permit trucks to be loaded internally and centralize brine operations. "It will increase that... it's gonna be a lot safer. It's gonna be cleaner. You're wasting less salt," a staff presenter said.

Project timing: staff aims to prepare the bid package in fall and complete construction in 2023 following Phase 1 fuel-system work. Budget planning provided by staff indicated about $1 million allocated in the coming year for yard improvements as part of a multi-year sequence.

The board voted 5–0 to authorize advertising and bidding the Phase 1a documents. Staff will return with bid results and pricing for the board to consider before awarding construction contracts.

Next steps: staff to finalize bid documents, advertise, receive bids, and present award recommendations to the board.