The council’s focus on the wastewater pumping station project was spurred by the receipt of two bids—$7,986,555.19 from Underground Utilities Corporation and $9,640,000 from Pack to LLC—that were above the township’s cost estimates. With guidance from the township engineer and chief financial officer, the council resolved to reject these bids due to budgetary constraints. The township clerk was tasked with informing the companies of the decision and initiating a new round of bidding. The council unanimously approved this resolution through a roll call vote.

In an effort to mitigate the financial burden and ensure the project’s feasibility, the township engineer elaborated on potential funding mechanisms, particularly highlighting the availability of a low-interest loan from the I-Bank, a program offered through the D.P. for infrastructure projects. This loan program could potentially cover the entire cost of the project, including construction, engineering, and permitting fees, thus eliminating the need for the township to secure additional bonding. The engineer confirmed that an application for this funding had already been reactivated.

The discussion also brought to light the complexity and evolving nature of the project. Initially conceptualized as a larger endeavor, the project had grown more expensive over time, necessitating a detailed review to align costs with the township’s budget. The engineer announced plans for a peer review of the project’s design at no additional cost, focusing on aspects such as sizing, location, and compliance with permitting requirements. The peer review aims to identify cost-saving measures and ensure that future bids align more closely with the township’s financial expectations. Additionally, the engineer expressed intentions to engage with contractors who had submitted bids to gain insights into the factors driving the cost discrepancies, particularly the handling of impacted soil, which could influence bid amounts.

The council emphasized the urgency of progressing with the project, particularly in light of the impending holiday season. A council member underscored the importance of due diligence and timely responses to ensure the project advances efficiently. The engineer assured the council of prioritizing the review process, committing to swift updates and potential adjustments to the project plans with the design engineer before soliciting new bids.

In addition to the pumping station project, the council addressed other agenda items, including the approval of a resolution to readvertise for the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a planning award and master plan. Routine matters, encapsulated in the consent agenda, were also approved without controversy, allowing the council to focus on more issues.

The meeting also featured a public session where residents voiced concerns over the council’s handling of closed sessions and the perceived lack of transparency. A resident questioned the necessity of frequent closed sessions. In response, the mayor and council members emphasized the legal necessity of closed sessions for discussing sensitive matters, such as litigation and personnel issues, which require confidentiality. Despite public skepticism, the council maintained that these measures are essential to protect the township’s interests.

The tension between transparency and confidentiality was a recurring theme, with residents urging the council for more openness, particularly regarding litigation matters tied to the building department. The council acknowledged these concerns but reiterated the importance of adhering to legal protocols. As the public session concluded, the council transitioned into a closed session to discuss these sensitive topics further.