Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works Procurement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pompton Lakes rejects Willow Field bids and clears DPW vehicle purchases; staff reports roadwork and recycling-center reopening
Summary
Council rejected bids for the Willow Field improvements after finding a material defect in the lowest responsive bid, approved two Department of Public Works vehicle purchases from the capital plan, and staff said the recycling center will reopen on or about July 7.
The Pompton Lakes Borough Council on June 25 rejected all bids for the Willow Field improvements project after borough staff and counsel determined a lowest responsive bidder omitted a required subcontractor checklist, a material defect under state statute, and therefore could not be cured.
Borough staff told the council the project — which includes construction of one large baseball field and two small T-ball fields — had previously been rebid after an earlier round produced prices above budget. The administrator said the county Open Space Trust Fund has been notified and that the borough remains in compliance with grant timelines; if bids must again be rejected three times, local contracting law allows negotiating directly with contractors.
Separately, the council approved resolutions to purchase two Department of Public Works vehicles included in the adopted capital plan: a standard pickup replacement and an F-750 salter truck to support winter operations. The administrator said both purchases are within budget estimates in the capital plan.
In the administrative report, staff said work on the Doris Highway improvements is nearing completion of concrete and drainage work with milling and paving to follow in one to two weeks. The borough confirmed the recycling center was closed temporarily for paving work and is expected to reopen on or about Monday, July 7, with a new paved driveway and revised traffic routing through the DPW yard. Staff also noted pending NJDOT and other grant applications for Albany Avenue resurfacing and a DPW facility request currently pending with the state budget process.
Council members raised additional parks and open-space items — including a denied grant for a basketball court and possible donations for other resurfacing — and asked to keep the public updated on timelines and bid results. The council gave consensus to move forward with a design-standards contract (budgeted at $20,000) and scheduled further action on redevelopment design standards for a July meeting.
