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Public Works outlines road projects, winter readiness and PSE&G to advance vegetation work in Kildee Road area
Summary
Public Works Director Jeff Birklin updated the committee on fall capital projects (Devon Drive, Benjamin Boulevard, Dutchtown Zion), container facility operations, recycling access and winter readiness (58 plow routes). Township staff said PSE&G agreed to move up vegetation management in the Kildee Road area with work expected in October to reduce recurring power outages.
Public Works Director Jeff Birklin briefed the Montgomery Township Committee on ongoing maintenance, upcoming capital projects and winter preparation, and the administrator and engineering staff reported progress on a resident concern about recurring power outages.
Birklin said DPW has been addressing mowing, potholes, sidewalk repairs and pathway maintenance and that several capital asphalt projects will begin in coming weeks, including work on Devon Drive, Benjamin Boulevard and Dutchtown Zion (Pin Oak to the Hillsborough line). He told the committee he worked with engineering to complete some capital work in‑house, saving nearly $50,000 compared with outsourcing. The DPW also highlighted container facility management and an always‑available recycling bin at the public works site that the crew empties twice a week.
On winter readiness, Birklin said the township operates 58 plow routes and stages trucks, spreaders and chainsaws for storms; crews coordinate with police and other departments and aim to clear main roads within roughly four hours depending on storm severity.
On recurring outages reported by residents in the Kildee Road neighborhood, the administrator said township engineering met with PSE&G’s vegetation management team to review the problem. PSE&G officials told the township the Mount Rose substation service area has a four‑year vegetation‑management cycle and that the Kildee Road subarea is scheduled for 2025; following the township meeting, PSE&G agreed to move the Kildee Road work forward with activity expected in October. Township staff will also inspect township‑owned trees and identify hazard trees for remediation.
Committee members thanked DPW for responsiveness and noted positive resident experiences with online services. Several planned projects authorized earlier in the meeting (including the Montgomery Road resurfacing award) will proceed as procurement and scheduling are finalized with county and state partners.
