Middletown approves CDBG-funded curb-ramp project; low bidder disqualified under township contractor rules

Middletown supervisors voted 4–1 to award the township's 2024 CDBG curb-ramp contract in the Cobalt Ridge neighborhood to Marino Corporation for up to $186,200, after staff disqualified the low bidder for incomplete Responsible Contractor Ordinance (RCO) apprenticeship documentation.

Assistant Manager Valla (speaker 12) told the board the township received $175,000 in federal CDBG funds for curb ramps and advertised the work; bids ranged from roughly $179,000 to $335,000. The apparent low bid of about $179,000 was disqualified under the RCO because the contractor did not demonstrate participation in the required apprenticeship training for the specific craft trades on the project (laborers, operators and cement masons). Valla said the second‑lowest responsive bid — about $186,200 — was within reason and recommended award.

Supervisor (speaker 17) voiced concern about the RCO enforcement and the budget impact, calling the $50,000 gap from the grant “a lot,” while Valla and staff noted that engineering costs (estimated at $30,000–$35,000) are not grant-eligible and that delaying the project likely would not reduce costs and could jeopardize future CDBG allocations. "The township is required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act," Valla said, noting the ramps are necessary and the grant cannot pay for engineering.

Chair (speaker 1) moved to award the contract to Marino Corporation; motion was seconded and carried with a 4–1 vote. Staff said the capital fund will cover the engineering and the small overage beyond grant funds.