Somers Point council adopts rule requiring project labor agreements for large construction projects
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Summary
The Somers Point City Council voted to require project labor agreements (PLAs) on certain large-scale city construction projects after debate about quality, safety and contractor requirements.
The Somers Point City Council voted to require project labor agreements on certain large-scale city construction projects, approving Resolution 198 of 2025 after extended discussion and a roll-call vote.
Supporters said a PLA helps ensure trained tradespeople, consistent workmanship and safer worksites on big taxpayer-funded projects. “If were going to make that kind of investment ... I think we owe it to [residents] to ensure that were able to deliver a product that ... we can be proud of and that can last and has excellent workmanship,” Council member McGuigan said.
Council members discussed the resolution for roughly an hour, asking staff and the city solicitor to draft operational guidelines. One council member initially said they lacked enough information and would abstain; later, after discussion, that member voted in favor. At the end of debate the council approved the resolution by roll call: Council members Garrity, DePampolis, Owen, Johnston, McGuigan, Dill and Council President Haberkorn all voted yes and the resolution was approved.
Council members who spoke in favor framed the PLA as a method to reduce cost overruns and work stoppages on major projects, maintain safety and guarantee skilled labor. McGuigan added that PLAs would help ensure the citys large projects have “excellent workmanship” and a “safe workspace.”
The resolution also directs the business administrator and city solicitor to develop guidelines and thresholds for when a PLA will be required; the council discussed using the rule for potential future projects that could exceed $5 million, including a possible new buildings-and-grounds facility under consideration.
No statutory citation or state requirement was referenced in the reading of the resolution; the action was a municipal policy choice by the council. The council did not adopt draft guideline language during the meeting; staff were asked to prepare implementation details for later meetings.
The vote concluded the item; the council moved on to other agenda business.