Franklin committee narrows Somerset County trails grant request, raises contingency and keeps accessibility items

The Franklin Township Trails Advisory Committee voted June 10 to pursue a narrower Somerset County trails grant application that prioritizes an ADA‑focused loop and purple/blue trail connections rather than funding the entire yellow loop discussed at previous meetings.

Staff presented a draft application and cost estimates for resurfacing and associated work. The initial material takeoff showed roughly 3,717 units of crushed stone for the proposed resurfacing, with staff adding a 15% contingency; committee members said that contingency looked low and advocated increasing the buffer to about 25 percent to account for regrading, divots and contractor cost uncertainty. An estimated $2,000 line for ramp grading was included in the draft, but staff said that number is a placeholder until a DPW quote or contractor estimate is obtained.

The committee also asked staff to keep an item for a 3D printer in the grant narrative so the group can produce tactile trail maps for accessibility; members reported the Open Space Advisory Committee is willing to cover the printer—up to $3,000—from trust funds if the county grant does not. Staff said the printer’s consumables (filaments and plastic sheets) were included in line items but may need adjustment to reflect realistic usage.

Members discussed two competing approaches: request funding for the entire yellow loop (a larger, more ambitious package) or submit a smaller, permit‑light project that focuses on resurfacing the pond loop and adding the purple/blue connections so the work could be completed within the grant’s 18‑month performance window. Several members noted permitting and drainage work—especially where the trail skirts a vernal pond—could trigger longer timelines and additional engineering (hydraulic) studies that the county grant may not finance.

To reduce schedule risk, the committee settled on the smaller, ADA‑focused package but instructed staff to write the application so it can be scaled up if the county awards a larger sum. Members also recommended adding a larger contingency to material and labor lines and to show options for phasing in the full scope later.

On next steps, staff will revise the narrative and budget to reflect the committee’s direction, seek DPW input for firm ramp and grading estimates, and circulate the revised package for review before submission. The item will return for committee review at the next meeting.