Council opens bids for road materials, refers packages to Public Works; approves multiple routine contracts and donations

MIDDLETOWN — During a meeting that opened several procurement packages, the Middletown Common Council opened bids for asphalt materials and for sand and gravel supplies and referred the bid packages to the Commissioner of Public Works for review and recommendation to the Common Council.

Public Works staff presented multiple bids for asphalt types, premix cold patch, and stone materials from vendors including Callahan Industries, Kallen Industries, Edith and Sons, Tokan, and DICK'S Concrete. After the bid openings, a motion by Council Member Massey, seconded by Rodriguez, referred the bids to the Commissioner of Public Works; the council approved the referral by voice vote.

In addition to the bid referral, the council approved a series of largely routine items by voice vote: a $2,200 appraisal services contract with Ackerley and Hubble Appraisal Group for a North Street property involved in litigation; a renewal of a financial advisory agreement with Capital Market Advisors (noted at the meeting as a 2% increase); renewal of the Auctions International agreement for surplus equipment sales; authorization to send three older city vehicles to auction; acceptance of a $250 donation from the Middletown Lions Club for the recreation department's Fishing Derby; a waiver of sidewalk sale fees for the Cinco de Mayo celebration; agreements with Pet Alive for stray-dog and cat rescue and a separate stray/dumped-animal rescue agreement (referred to in the meeting as "Dump"); and approval of an end-of-season lifeguard bonus program (discussed separately in the council's recreation item).

A motion to approve the appraisal services contract was made and seconded; the council voted "Aye." The Capital Market Advisors renewal was presented as a routine two-year renewal with a 2% increase; the council approved the resolution by voice vote. The council also authorized staff to surplus and auction older vehicles through the auction vendor and approved the other listed routine items.

One agenda item — a request for a snow-adjustment claim where a landlord asserted tenant responsibility but cited illness as the reason for missed service — received no motion and therefore died for lack of a motion. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which carried by voice vote.

Votes at a glance - Refer bids for asphalt, sand and gravel to Commissioner of Public Works for review and recommendation: motion by Massey, seconded by Rodriguez; outcome: referred (voice vote). - Approve appraisal services contract with Ackerley and Hubble Appraisal Group for $2,200 (North Street litigation): outcome: approved (voice vote). - Approve renewal of Capital Market Advisors Financial Advisory Service Agreement (through December 26) with a 2% fee increase: outcome: approved (voice vote). - Approve contract to sell 122 Dorothea Dix (Tuckerman Hall) to Feitian College (see separate article): outcome: approved (voice vote). - Renew Auctions International agreement for surplus equipment sales: outcome: approved (voice vote). - Authorize surplus and auction of three vehicles (2002 Ford Expedition, 2002 Chevy pickup, 2002 Chevy Tahoe): outcome: approved (voice vote). - Accept $250 donation from Middletown Lions Club for Fishing Derby (deposit to recreation account): outcome: approved (voice vote). - Waive sidewalk sale fees for Cinco de Mayo celebration: outcome: approved (voice vote). - Enter into agreements with Pet Alive for stray dog and cat rescue and a separate stray/dumped-animal rescue agreement (referred to as "Dump"): outcome: approved (voice vote). - Snow-adjustment claim for which the tenant cited illness: no motion; item died.

Council members and staff said the bid opening was routine and that staff will return recommendations on vendor awards once the Commissioner of Public Works completes review and evaluation of the bids.