Ventnor solicits engineering services
Nov, 18-2009 6:14 pm
By SHAUN SMITH
Staff Writer
VENTNOR – City officials are considering acquiring outside engineering services to oversee the various infrastructure improvements encompassing a $9.1 million bond issue aimed at improving the city’s streets, water and sewer lines and municipal buildings.
The commissioners authorized advertising for a request for qualifications at their Oct. 15 meeting, and at their workshop meeting Thursday, Nov. 12, they filed the 11 they had received by the deadline, 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6.
The proposals are going to be evaluated on three criteria, all equally weighted: experience, expertise and coastal engineering. The RFQ fails to address a fee structure for the work.
Presently, city engineer Dick Carter handles all the city’s engineering work. It was unclear whether the city is seeking to replace him or supplement the work he does. The city shares Carter’s services with Longport, and he works from an office in Longport Borough Hall.
Commissioner of Finance John Piatt said via email Wednesday, Nov. 18 that the city is finally about to begin work on its infrastructure.
“We have to remember that very little has been repaired over the past 10 or 15 years, so it is important to note that this is a large undertaking which will take longer than our terms in office as commissioners,” Piatt said.
“Because of that and because of the scope of the jobs ahead, the commission has been concerned about both continuity and project management.”
He said that in his opinion, the best route to take is a twofold approach that is currently underway.
“First, we have made inquiries to the Atlantic County Improvement Authority to review the projects at hand and to present proposals which would include everything from engineering services and construction management to actual construction. We are expecting proposals on some of the first construction sites now,” said Piatt.
“Second, we have issued requests for proposals for engineering services to professional engineers and engineering firms to serve as municipal engineer for Ventnor. We have received a number of proposals and we are scheduled to interview those applicants in mid-December.”
According Piatt, the municipal engineer would work with the ACIA as the projects are developed and handle day-to-day engineering services.
“We want the most professional engineering and construction services available to us. We want them available to us as soon as possible, and we want them at a reasonable and appropriate cost,” Piatt said.
“It has already been our experience in Ventnor that when the right professional is in place on the job at hand, progress is made, and in good time. That's what we're hoping for here.”
Both Piatt and Mayor Theresa Kelly have said in previous interviews that they thought Carter may have plans to retire.
But Carter said Wednesday evening that he had no such plans.
“How can I be retiring if I’m going to continue to be an engineer in Longport and when Ventnor was asked to continue an interlocal agreement with Longport with me, and they said no?” Carter said.
He said his salary is about $117,000 annually, split between the two cities, and that he has no problem with seeking outside agencies such as the ACUA for larger projects.
“I’ve written them a letter that basically says I’m willing to continue as municipal engineer as I have in the past. It is not a letter of resignation or retirement.”
Commissioner of Public Works and Recreation Stephen Weintrob expressed his support for Carter Tuesday, Nov. 17 and said hiring an outside firm may not be in the best interest of the taxpayers.
“Dick Carter is a municipal employee and has for here 25 years,” he said. “The main emphasis of going out for new engineer is looking for other areas to possibly get some help from the Atlantic County Improvement Authority or the Atlantic County Utilities Authority, to monitor work being done by the municipal engineer. Now, we’re adding layer and layer of expenses to the taxpayers that is unnecessary most cases unconscionable.”
Weintrob equated city switching engineers to a football team changing quarterbacks: It would take some time to learn a new playbook.
“There are so many projects we are in the middle of right now, and losing the expertise of Carter and 25 years of knowledge of the city – I don’t care who the engineering firm is – it’s going to take them awhile to catch up,” he said.
“Yes, Dick was part of the old regime, and I understand that. But I believe in treating everyone the same way they treat me, and Dick has given me nothing but good advice.”
He pointed out that Carter’s status as a city employee requires him to be on call 24/7.
Weintrob said if an outside engineer is based farther away, it may be harder to contact in an emergency and the city would be paying for travel time.
The Commissioners expect to interview all potential candidates Wednesday, Dec. 16.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. today, Thursday, Nov. 19.
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email Shaun.Smith@shorenewstoday.com
