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Council adopts emergency contract to replace Route 36 manhole frame after debate over responsibility and cost
Summary
The Borough Highlands council approved an emergency contract to replace a manhole frame and cover on Route 36, despite council questions about whether the county or state should pay for the roughly $15,000 repair; the mayor said staff will send letters seeking reimbursement.
The Borough Highlands Mayor and Council voted March 4 to adopt an emergency contract to replace a manhole frame and cover on Route 36 after a short debate over who is responsible for the repair and its cost.
Council discussion focused on whether the manhole and its cover are municipal infrastructure or the responsibility of county or state agencies. A council member said the structure appeared to date to 1930 and described the $15,000 emergency replacement as “a little heavy-handed.” That speaker added questions about whether the borough could seek reimbursement from the county or state for work on the state/county route.
The mayor said borough staff would pursue follow-up with higher jurisdictions. “Mister Ball could help us with a strongly worded letter that we could send to both the state and the county in regards to this payment,” the mayor said, offering to request assistance pursuing recovery or contribution.
Despite reservations, the council moved, seconded and voted to adopt Resolution R26077 authorizing the emergency contract; the motion carried. The clerk recorded affirmative votes at roll call.
The council did not specify a contractor name or provide a detailed procurement history during the meeting, and no public speakers were present to weigh in. Council members asked staff to follow up with the state and county about cost-sharing and to report back at a later meeting.
Next steps: the borough will proceed with the emergency replacement while borough staff pursues correspondence with county and state officials to explore reimbursement or shared responsibility.
