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Board approves seasonal MOU with STEM Alliance amid resident calls for RFP and cost review
Summary
Trustees approved a seasonal memorandum of understanding allowing the STEM Alliance to manage the Marine Education Center for the summer on a budget‑neutral basis while staff negotiates a longer contract; resident speakers urged an open RFP process and a cost‑benefit analysis before a longer-term management decision.
The Board approved an MOU authorizing the STEM Alliance to manage the Marine Education Center for the upcoming season while village staff negotiates a longer contract. Trustees said the arrangement is budget-neutral for this summer and will allow programs to continue while a contract is prepared for later consideration.
Public commenters raised concerns about awarding management without an open bidding process. Daniella Bierman (S18) and other residents asked whether an RFP was issued and urged a transparent cost-benefit analysis, citing prior examples where outside nonprofit management had led to increased costs for other community programs. Bierman referenced coop-camp financials and questioned whether village oversight and budget lines will remain visible if an outside operator assumes management.
Trustees said the MOU is a short-term operational step so STEM Alliance can prepare for the season; staff and counsel will present a negotiated contract in the future. The MOU was approved unanimously.
What happens next: The MOU takes effect for the coming season; a longer-term contract will be negotiated and returned to the board for approval. Residents requested that staff consider issuing an RFP for long-term management.
