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Garrett Park council authorizes IT security review and Penn Place fire alarm replacement; ARPA deadline looms
Summary
The Garrett Park Town Council authorized a third‑party IT security assessment (not‑to‑exceed $25,000) and approved a $42,155 contract to replace the Penn Place fire alarm, noting the approvals would obligate about $43,000 in ARPA funds before the Dec. 31 obligation deadline.
The Garrett Park Town Council on Dec. 9 authorized two contracts and warned that action would obligate federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds ahead of a year‑end deadline.
Councilmember Phil Schulp moved to authorize execution of a contract with ISM, LLC for a third‑party IT security assessment, and, after discussion about potential consulting needs to implement recommendations, amended the authorization to a not‑to‑exceed $25,000 amount. Councilmember Todd Eisenstadt seconded the amended motion, which passed unanimously.
Town Manager Barb Matthews said the Council wanted a briefing on the assessment results but that "the briefing would occur in closed session due to the nature of the discussion." The contract language presented to the Council specified an $18,000 base fee for the assessment and hourly consulting rates for any follow‑on implementation work; the Council approved the amended $25,000 authorization to provide flexibility for those services.
The Council also voted unanimously to authorize a $42,155 contract with EAi Security Systems, Inc. to replace the fire alarm system at the Penn Place building. Matthews told the Council that "the contract for the fire alarm system replacement for Penn Place would obligate approximately $43,000 of ARPA funds," and that a significant portion of remaining ARPA funds had been earmarked for a Waverly Avenue lighting project.
The manager reminded the Council that ARPA obligations require a signed contract or purchase order and that the Town must obligate those funds by Dec. 31, 2024 to avoid forfeiture. Mayor Keller and Councilmembers did not dissent; both contract authorizations passed on unanimous votes.
The Council recorded no additional votes on related budget reassignments during the meeting; Town staff indicated they will continue to bring contracts forward in time to meet federal obligation deadlines.
