Council Ratifies $129,000 in Storm Cleanup Contracts, Pursues Financial Emergency Status Over Covid Shortfalls
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The council ratified a package of emergency contracts totaling $128,956.90 tied to Tropical Storm Isaias cleanup — tree removal and pruning (Dujets, $64,200), debris pickup (Green Valley, $12,750), right-of-way restoration (Perrone Construction, $37,020), forestry assessment (RichView Consulting, $2,821.90), and debris disposal (Natures Choice and S. Rotundi) — and authorized the Chief Financial Officer to apply for special financial emergency status to cover pandemic-driven revenue shortfalls estimated at roughly $160,000 in the Current Fund and $275,000 in the Swimming Pool Utility. Two related ordinances, No. 1737 (Current Fund) and No. 1738 (Pool), were introduced on first reading.
The council also introduced Ordinance No. 1739 setting 2021 management salaries, awarded a $39,055 tree removal and stump grinding contract to Dujets Tree Experts (the low bidder among five, undercutting Rich Tree Service's $82,225), and authorized the sale of a surplus 2005 Ford F450 jitney bus ("Bus 457") and assorted small equipment via GovDeals.
During public comment, resident Robyn Fields raised the artificial turf issue again, referencing a letter she had submitted back in 2018, and Councilor Law responded. Chief Byron-Lagattuta reported the Public Safety Committee had held an emergency meeting to address a rise in Covid-19 exposures heading into the pandemic's second wave, with the Health Officer conducting walkthroughs of borough departments. The meeting opened and closed with the Mayor and administration wishing residents a safe and healthy Thanksgiving.
What to watch
- Ordinances 1737, 1738, and 1739 (financial emergency declarations and 2021 management salaries) heading toward public hearing and final adoption
- Borough's application to the state Division of Local Government Services for special emergency status over pandemic revenue shortfalls