Morristown council tables solid-waste contract after bid protest, adopts six other resolutions including Municipal Alliance grant plan

During the meeting the council considered a proposed five-year solid-waste and recycling collection contract under Resolution R49-20-26. According to the record, an attorney representing the unsuccessful bidder delivered a letter to the town shortly before the meeting alleging grounds for a bid protest. Councilmember identified in the transcript as Mister Mitchell asked the council to table R49-20-26 to allow staff time to review the protest letter and prepare a response.

Council moved and seconded a motion to table R49-20-26 until the next meeting; the motion carried by voice vote. The council did not take a final vote on selecting a contractor at this meeting and said it expects to resolve the matter at the next scheduled meeting after review.

After tabling R49-20-26 the council moved to adopt Resolutions 47, 48, 50, 51, 52 and the item added earlier to the agenda, R53-20-26. The meeting record shows affirmative responses from council members and the resolutions were adopted. The mayor’s announcement of R53-20-26 identifies it as a resolution "authorizing a strategic plan for the Morristown, Morris Township Municipal Alliance Grant for the fiscal year 2027."

The record does not include the text of the protest letter nor the identities of the bidders beyond the meeting reference to two bids received. Council indicated the review of the protest will be completed before the next meeting and the matter returned for a vote.