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Commissioners approve series of parks, zoo and public-works contracts and authorize exploring sale/lease of downtown parking garage
Summary
Board approved multiple contracts covering Turtleback Zoo renovations, playground and fence work, and public-works projects including a Livingston roundabout; it also authorized staff to begin surplus-property processes for a 380-space parking garage adjacent to the former Fair Stadium.
Essex County commissioners approved a block of procurement and capital items spanning parks, the Turtleback Zoo, playgrounds, public works and a surplus-property authorization.
Joshua Zates (County Parks) presented funding for several grant and design agreements: Local Aid Arts Program subgrants ($391,400 to distribute among nonprofits), Local History Grants ($72,500), Turtleback Zoo African Yard design services ($671,250), Ivy Hill Park perimeter fence improvements ($318,450), and Watchesling Park playground design ($147,000). The board approved these items as a package.
Public Works Director David Antonio presented construction and design awards: a contract to French & Parello for design and construction inspection services for the Turtleback Zoo African Yard exhibit (not to exceed $671,250); construction management for the Parks Administration Building to Joseph Jingoli & Sons (~$350,206); and playground and fence contracts for county parks. Antonio also presented a federal-aid agreement with NJDOT (approx. $1,148,469) for a Livingston roundabout project; he said bids are due March 7 and that construction is expected to begin in summer with about a 5–6 month construction window while traffic will be maintained.
Acting county risk manager Frank Delgaudio described insurance renewals for the Essex County Correctional Facility (including a flood-excess layer) and presented a $1,226,095.32 contract for network equipment and security at the new family courthouse complex; commissioners approved those items. County counsel and staff also presented resolution 89, authorizing the county to pursue disposal options for a 380-space downtown parking garage (near the former Fair Stadium) if the county determines the property is surplus. Staff clarified the resolution merely authorizes exploring sale or lease options and that any actual sale or lease would return to the board for approval; the board voted to declare surplus and to allow staff to research disposition options.
Commissioners moved the large package of capital and procurement items in block votes; most votes were unanimous among commissioners present with two absences recorded.
