How about that Betsey Patten. She rightly voted no to "waive the bid process for the compensation study and to approve the Thornton Associates contract for $11,950. Jim Seconded the Motion. A vote was taken with four Ayes and one Nay (Betsey). The Motion carried".
The company in question, Maine based Thornton and Associates per Carter Terenzini, Town Administrator ".....Thornton Association’s (sic) cost is $11,950 and they stated the study can be done within three months. He added that he is seeking a waiver to the bidding process as this is a professional contract with very few companies that can perform the job".
I went and looked on Thornton's website and they have provided services to about 19 municipal clients, but only three towns in New Hampshire. They do not specify what services they provided as they offer more than just compensation studies. ( I was not impressed by the way that they referred to one client as the "Twon of Wolfeboro" on their website).
The issues to me are not the qualifications of the consultant. At a glance, they appear qualified. I am concerned that we are seeking unnecessary shortcuts based on the word of the Town Administrator. The bid process is there to provide fairness and to avoid even the suspicion of wrongdoing .....and to protect the bidder from getting overcharged. For Carter to say that he is seeking a waiver because "this is a professional contract with very few companies that can perform the job" is just bull..... (the rest of the word that comes to mind is not suitable for this blog). His information is anecdotal and the waiver sets a dangerous precedent.
Carter also stated that " he had checked with LGC ( Local Government Center) and their cost was higher and they would need six months to perform the study". Did they get to bid? Sounds like they did not. The LGC does have the advantage of working with many municipalities in New Hampshire so why not give them the chance to officially bid?
Moultonboro adopted a Competitive Bid Process in 1991 "To standardize the Town of Moultonboro procedures for the purchase of all goods and services in excess of five thousand dollars ($5,000.00)". I'm not following how we can waive the bid process when a quote from a bidder was already obtained and publicized? Either we seek bids or we don't. This should occur above board and above suspicion.
Smells fishy to me Carter....
3 comments:
As much as I HATE to say that I agree with Bestey, I do. I don't like that we are slowly turning to Carter for making decisions for the town. He is not town manager. It is quite scarey that he has convinced the BOS to agree to his request to go against the bidding process. I get the feeling that some of the board did not even read what was presented to them to read in their weekly folder. Otherwise, why would they so readily agree to his proposal to accept this offer without any others? Does anyone else get the feeling that the BOS want to zip through their weekly meeting ASAP? So much so that they will accept anything that Carter tells them? I have to wonder what is next.
I will give Betsey credit for doing the right thing in this case. Have we not learned from past experience, like the leaky roof that's only 12 years old? It's not only the lowest price that should be considered. This town needs to decide if they want a Town Administrator or a Town Manager. We already have a Mayor.
It makes me feel good when the selectboard or any board does not vote in lock-step. Many votes will be unanimous but I recall one where the chair said she disagrees but voted with the majority to make it unanimous - what wrong with sticking with your opinion?
Recently the selectboard voted 3 to 2 - that is great when members vote their opinion and stick with it.
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