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Finance committee approves procurement items; pool chlorine supplier change prompts rescind-and-reaward request
Summary
The Warwick City Finance Committee approved a group of bid packages and moved smaller purchases on the consent calendar. Public Works requested rescinding a chlorine award for McDermott Pool and re-awarding to the second-lowest bidder after delivery failures by the low bidder.
The Warwick City Finance Committee on Jan. 13 approved a set of procurement items and moved to the council a consent calendar of routine purchases, while taking separate action on a problematic chlorine delivery to McDermott Pool.
Public Works told the committee it sought to piggyback a state MPA contract and requested smaller purchase approvals for equipment and supplies. Christy Moretti of Public Works described three specific procurement matters during the meeting and asked the committee for favorable action on items over and under $50,000.
McDermott Pool chlorine delivery problems Christy Moretti reported that the contractor awarded to supply liquid chlorine to McDermott Pool failed to deliver compatible fittings and missed multiple delivery dates. "We placed an order on December 30 for chlorine," Moretti said. "We were told that it would be delivered on January 7. On January 10, they came to deliver. They did not have the right attachment for our tank... Sunday night ... we had no chlorine because it was never delivered on Friday." Moretti asked the committee to rescind the award and re-award to the second-lowest bidder so the pool could remain operational.
The committee noted public concern that pool closures affect users and agreed to rescind and re-award the chlorine contract; the item later appeared on the consent calendar and was approved by the full council.
Security-system monitoring Public Works also recommended awarding a three-year security system monitoring and maintenance contract to National Security for $75,000. Moretti told the committee the recommendation was the same as at the prior meeting; the committee moved the item forward for council action and it was later approved on the council floor.
Other bid items The committee approved piggybacking a state MPA for commercial and industrial equipment and supplies (MPA 348) at $60,000 for a two-year term (expiring Dec. 31, 2026) and moved several smaller purchases under $50,000 on the consent calendar (items included software licensing, telecommunications investigation services, and motor oil and filters).
What happens next The consent calendar and the security-system award were placed on the full council agenda and approved by the council at the Jan. 13 meeting. The chlorine contract was rescinded and the administration was authorized to re-award to the next eligible bidder to ensure timely delivery and pool operation.
Source: Committee testimony from Christy Moretti, Public Works, and the finance committee meeting record, Jan. 13, 2025.
