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Old Tappan council pauses on veteran-friendly procurement pledge, asks for research
Summary
Council discussed a proposed resolution to promote contracting with veteran-owned businesses and to set municipal workforce goals for veterans (proposal cited a 6% contract set-aside and a 5% workforce goal). Citing procurement-law concerns, council asked staff to research other municipalities and return in about 30 days.
At the Feb. 18 meeting, the Borough of Old Tappan Mayor and Council discussed a proposed "veteran-friendly" municipal resolution intended to encourage contracting with veteran-owned businesses and to recognize veterans in borough hiring and events.
Council President Boyce introduced the draft resolution, saying it would establish goals for contracting with veteran-owned business enterprises and for hiring veterans into the municipal workforce, and suggested commemorative events such as a Patriot Day observance. The draft referenced possible targets, including a suggested 6% set-aside for qualified veteran subcontractors and a 5% target for veterans in the municipal workforce.
Council members voiced support for the intent but raised practical and legal concerns. One council member highlighted procurement rules and low-bid statutes, warning that formalized preferences could expose the borough to legal challenges if not carefully drafted. Council members suggested investigating how other towns handle similar designations and whether state procurement statutes permit such preferences.
After discussion the council agreed to gather additional information — including model language from the League of Municipalities and examples from other municipalities that have adopted similar policies — and to return the item as Old Business in about 30 days for further consideration. No formal resolution was adopted at this meeting.
Why it matters: the resolution would be a public pledge to prioritize veterans in contracting and hiring where legally permissible. Council members emphasized the borough’s desire to support veterans while avoiding practices that could conflict with procurement law or create legal exposure.
What council requested next: staff will research municipal examples and procurement limitations, consult the League of Municipalities as needed, and present findings at a future meeting so that council can consider precise, legally defensible language.
Representative excerpt from the discussion: Council President Boyce said the resolution is intended to be inclusive and to "communicate when we put things out to bid that there are jobs and projects that can be awarded to veterans." Several council members agreed to research specifics before voting.
The item remains under discussion and will return to the council agenda for further action.
