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City council approves $47,850 contract for Riverside Park community garden remediation
Summary
The New London City Council approved a $47,850 contract with Red Technologies LLC to remove contaminated soil and prepare the Riverside Park community garden site; funding will come from previously committed ARPA funds and council voted 5‑1 to approve the contract.
The New London City Council on Monday approved a $47,850 contract with Red Technologies LLC to perform site remediation at Riverside Park in preparation for a community garden.
Council members said the work is time‑sensitive because gardeners need usable seasonal beds, and city engineers recommended Red Technologies based on the firm's soil remediation experience despite that company's bid being higher than the lowest bidder.
Why it matters: the council acted to allow planting and community‑garden use to proceed after unexpected contamination was discovered. Councilors and public speakers noted that delays would interfere with seasonal plantings and volunteer schedules.
The contract covers removal of the top layer of soil (the project description referenced removing approximately one foot of soil in the affected areas), placement of demarcation fabric and clean topsoil, and safe disposal of contaminated material. The council packet says two of the three lowest bidders lacked the documented experience the city engineer considered necessary for safe remediation. The mayor's office and staff confirmed the work will be paid from ARPA funds already committed for these community projects.
Public comment supported expedited action. A representative of New London Trees, Lucian Vuela, urged timely work and requested continued city assistance for spigots and tree‑care planning; Stellar (public commenter) told the council prompt action was important "because this remediation is 1 foot" and noted garden groups need help with raised beds once remediation is complete.
Council discussion touched on cost and procurement. Councilor Moller (who pulled the item for discussion) asked why the council was not accepting the lowest bid; staff said the city's engineering consultant, Ty and Bond, recommended Red Technologies based on qualifications for soil remediation. Councilors also confirmed the funds are ARPA dollars and that the contract satisfies the ARPA commitment timeline.
Vote: the council approved the contract 5‑1. The council directed staff and public works to coordinate with Habitat and garden volunteers to expedite the planting program once remediation is complete.
What happens next: Red Technologies is authorized to proceed and the mayor was authorized to sign the contract and any documents necessary to implement the work. Public Works and city staff will coordinate logistics and disposal of excavated material; gardeners and Habitat will be asked to prepare for planting after remediation.
