It is time to wrap up discussion related to this weeks "agenda setting session" and focus on the actualities of next Monday night's business session.
Resolutions that might meet some opposition include awarding Reminington & Vernick another "road" contract under the "fair and open process " methodology which is anything but open. Contracts under this format are awarded to vendors on an approved state list. There is no competitive bidding involved. This method is the haven under which the "pay to players" flourish.
There is another resolution for a change order, the 3rd, for road construction by the Lucas Construction Company. This met negative comments by Council members who felt that they should not be asked to approve a project after it had been done.
The Council will be asked to approve a professional service contract with NJIT's Center of Information Age Technology for z"extraordinary unspecifiable services" to the tune of $48K for the implementation of a closed circuit television program. There were questions why this contract was issued sans bids. There are also unanswered question relating to the effectiveness and operation of the program.
Two resolutions for firemen safety equipment will be approved although they too are from "state authorized vendors which means no bids were sought.
We will probably have to wait until Monday before we can learn what surprises will be in the actual agenda.
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A couple of questions:
ReplyDelete-When is Dasheilds last official day in Plainfield.
-Is the replacement soley the choice of the Mayor or does the Council have to approve?
-What happens to the budget process while the position is being filled?
9:23, Great questions. According to today's papers Dasheild's last day will be Jan.10,2010. I know that is a Sunday which raises some interesting questions as to timing.
ReplyDelete2-The Mayor selects the City Administrator, Department and Division heads with approval of the Council. This is part of the "strong Mayor" concept of government, but the Council has the fiduciary responsibility for confirmation. If the Council does not approve than the Mayor can fall back on an acting (or temporary) appointment. I am unable at this time to locate the term limits of such an appointment. I believe that it is 90 days but some Mayors have stretch it indefinitely.
3-The budget becomes the Council's responsibility once it receives the Administration's proposed budget.
The city administrator's term is concurrent with that of the mayor, so his term ends Dec. 31. The Jan. 10 date has to do with the Montclair contract. It would be strange indeedif the mayor appointed him "acting" for 10 days in January.
ReplyDelete