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Residents press council on large change orders and $357,000 professional-services item for Stelton Community Center; council approves resolution
Summary
Public commenters and multiple council members questioned change orders (about $347,000) and a $357,000 professional-services item tied to the Stelton community center’s remediation and options study; council adopted the resolution after debate.
Residents pressed Edison Township leaders on Feb. 11 over two finance items on the resolutions list: a change order (R95) tied to ongoing contracts (cited in public comments at about $347,000) and a professional-services package (R96/096) listed at about $357,000 to evaluate remediation, abatement and options for the Stelton community center.
Thomas Leki, a resident speaking during public comment, asked whether the $347,000 change order had contractor backup documentation and whether the amount should have been rebid, saying the timing (work dating to 2023) raised questions. “Typically when a project is done you want that work closed ... two years just seems like ... it looks a little shady to me,” he said. Joel Bassoff and Joseph Romano also asked whether the scope had changed enough to require rebidding and urged that a construction manager or project manager be engaged to prevent incremental as-bid cost growth.
Council members and administration staff responded that R95 extends an ongoing contract with added streets and drainage work, and that R96 funds the study and necessary paperwork needed to evaluate whether the building should be rehabilitated or replaced. Council member Brusher said the administration was considering hiring a construction/project manager and that the current approach should reduce repeated asbestos and remediation line items.
The council removed item 096 from the consent agenda for separate consideration and then held a roll-call vote. The clerk recorded votes including Brusher (No), Dimma (Yes), Kentos (Yes), Patel (Yes), Patiel (No), another council member (No), and Council President Coyle (Yes); the resolution passed.
What to watch: Council members said R96 funds options analysis, regulatory paperwork and environmental work needed before deciding to rehabilitate or demolish the aging Stelton facility. Residents asked for clearer scope, cost breakdowns and retesting of procurement options.
