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Residents press county to restore Dividend Hill as commissioners approve parks signage and maintenance contracts
Summary
Public commenters urged restoration of Dividend Hill at Weekway Park while the board approved multiple parks contracts — masonry and signage work to GSP Properties, geese control and a sanitation change order — prompting questions about unit costs and next steps for community engagement.
Public commenters pressed the Essex County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to prioritize restoration of a historically significant site while the board approved multiple parks contracts that include sign repairs and other maintenance work.
"I rise today to...encourage you and your colleagues to...provide due notice to this number 5 bullet," said Che Colter, urging the board to consider using funds in agenda item 5 to restore Dividend Hill at Weekway Park because of the site's Indigenous and Black American historical significance.
Winifred Victor Hines, executive director of the Weequate Park Association, said her group submitted a renovation proposal more than two years ago and asked commissioners to expedite review. "We sent it to the Department of Recreation and Parks and they keep stalling," she told the board.
Those public comments framed a park‑focused presentation by Joshua Zates of Essex County Parks, who reviewed three contract awards: a masonry contract to GSP Properties (two years, not to exceed $733,290, including $240,000 in materials); a 24‑month contract to GSP Properties for maintenance and restoration of approximately 100 customized engraved wooden signs (not to exceed $595,640); and a contract with Preferred Outdoor Experience (DBA geese control) for $85,062.50 covering several named parks. Mr. Zates also presented a change order to a portable sanitation contract with Russell Reed Waste Hauling adding $92,437.80, bringing that contract to $555,626.80.
Vice President Commissioner Murray Thomas and others pressed Zates on costs. "I'm looking at unit cost for a double post single face sign being $4,970," Murray Thomas said, noting the total for dozens of signs approaches $200,000. Zates said the sign contract was recently bid and that GSP Properties was the only responsive bidder; he added that the county will inspect signs and replace or repaint as needed.
Commissioner Cooper asked about useful life; Zates estimated 8 to 15 years depending on placement, weather and vandalism. Commissioners also discussed whether some restoration funds could be channeled toward Dividend Hill and said they would convene community stakeholders to review prior studies and proposals in the summer.
The board moved the park contracts and change order, and the measures passed by roll call with several commissioners recorded absent for that vote.
What happens next: County staff will proceed with the awarded contracts and inspectors will determine which signs require repair or replacement; commissioners said they will host a summer convening to review proposals for Dividend Hill and explore restoration options with community groups.
