Board approves joining municipal cleaning contract with modifications, seeks overnight cleaning

After a prolonged discussion about the library27s expiring cleaning contract, the Old Bridge Library Board voted to join the township27s municipal shared-service cleaning contract for two years, with negotiated changes intended to improve cleaning quality and reduce costs.

Staff and trustees described persistent problems with daytime cleaning that left bathrooms and high-dusting tasks incomplete. Dawn told the board the township asked for a decision by the close of the next day because the township needed to finalize its contract. Trustees reviewed multiple bids and described a range of figures: the township27s baseline shared-service proposal that had been discussed was cited at about $4,700 per month for basic daytime service; fuller overnight and supplemental options raised the monthly and annual cost estimates depending on the scope. Vincent, the facilities manager, recommended separating deep-clean/HVAC duct work and window/deep cleaning from the basic contract so those tasks could be scheduled as needed.

Trustees agreed to pursue a modified shared-service arrangement that would: remove the porter (grounds) service from the municipal bid, request Monday/Wednesday/Friday overnight cleaning coverage in place of daytime-only service, and include a 60-day escape clause allowing the library to withdraw if the contractor fails twice within a 60-day window. "We could enter the two-year contract and also negotiate supplemental overnight coverage," one trustee said during debate. The motion to join the township contract with the discussed modifications passed by roll call.

Board members said staff would inform the township of the board27s decision and work with the contractor to set the precise hours and scope to control costs; trustees noted the need to monitor performance closely and to use the 60-day clause if quality fails to improve.