During a recent government meeting, officials discussed several key topics, including the selection of a vendor for a town-wide calendar and the restoration of the Kingsbridge Lane Pedestrian Bridge.

The meeting began with a debate over the recommendation to award a contract to Printology in Midland Park for the creation and mailing of a town calendar, with a proposed budget not to exceed $12,700. This figure represents a decrease from the previous year's expenditure of over $16,000. However, concerns were raised regarding the decision to select Printology, which was the third-highest bidder, despite the lowest bid being approximately $8,253. Officials expressed apprehension about the experience of the lower bidders, emphasizing the importance of reliability in delivering the project. The discussion highlighted the need for due diligence, including checking references for the recommended vendor, to ensure confidence in their capabilities.

In another significant agenda item, the council reviewed bids for the restoration of the Kingsbridge Lane Pedestrian Bridge. The low bid of $455,820 was submitted by Fred Devons Construction Company, with the highest bid reaching over $2 million. The project will be funded through two capital budget ordinances. Questions arose regarding whether the selected bidder had previously submitted incomplete paperwork for past projects, and officials committed to confirming this detail.

Additionally, the meeting touched on proposed adjustments to outdoor cafe licenses and dining corral fees for 2025, with a recommendation for a modest increase after several years without changes. The proposed adjustments were met with mixed reactions, with some officials noting that the increase, while appearing significant at 25%, translated to a relatively small dollar amount.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of thorough vendor evaluation and fiscal responsibility in municipal projects, as officials navigated budgetary constraints while aiming to maintain quality services for residents.