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Local tow operator presses council for clarity as city extends existing towing contracts
Summary
A Montclair tow‑company owner asked when the city's towing contracts will be rebid and why Montclair vendors are not currently selected; city manager said the last renewals were in Sept. 2019 and the city typically solicits about every 10 years, with next evaluations likely in 2029–2030.
Josette Luffey, owner of I10 Towing and Recovery in Montclair, told the council she has tried to get information about the city's tow contract and asked why two vendors that lack current Montclair operations were selected when a Montclair‑based company exists. "Why Montclair is helping other cities when you've got a company right here in your own city capable of providing the services that are required by the police department," Luffey said.
City Manager Ed Star replied that the city last renewed or extended towing contracts in September 2019 and that, at that time, the vendors chosen had prior operations in Montclair but had since located outside the city. He said there is no state law requiring a bid/RFP for contracts of this nature, that the city typically solicits these contracts about every 10 years to allow vendors to amortize capital investments, and that staff expects to evaluate the landscape again in 2029–2030. Star also said the city is pleased with the current vendors' service.
Council members asked staff to sit down with the business owner to clarify any misunderstandings and the chief acknowledged he would do so. No formal procurement action was taken at the meeting; staff committed to follow up with the speaker and to provide clearer timelines for future solicitations.
