October 6, 2010 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Ho-Ho-Kus Council rejects bids for town green renovation by Jennifer Crusco The Ho-Ho-Kus Council has rejected the bids for the Ho-Ho-Kus Town Green renovation, leaving the project on hold. Eight contractors bid on the project in early September, but the low base bid of $120,728 submitted by Van Orden Landscaping & Design, Inc. exceeded the estimated cost of the work. As a result, Borough Engineer David Hals recommended the bids be rejected. The related resolution voted by the council last week also notes that the Ho-Ho-Kus Shade Tree Commission will evaluate the project to determine if an alternate design or materials might reduce the cost of the project prior to re-bidding. Although the bids have been rejected, Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli reported that the engineer will apply to extend the grant the borough received for this project. Fielding a question about the grant extension from resident Leo Strauss, Mayor Thomas Randall said, “We’re keeping our options open for next year.” Councilman John Mongelli pointed out that, if the borough receives an extension on the grant, local officials would have the opportunity to look at the specifications for the project and potentially lower the cost of the work. Strauss urged the council to reject the plans completely and use the money the borough devoted to the project to reduce the tax rate for next year. “Let the taxpayers benefit,” Strauss urged. The renovation project was funded in the 2009 municipal budget, and no new money would have been needed, borough officials said. The borough has already received a Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund matching grant that would have covered half of the project, up to $55,000. The gazebo, which has been located on the Ho-Ho-Kus Town Green for many years, was not included in the bid specifications due to the limited availability of funds. Three years ago, the council considered replacing the gazebo with a larger, bandstand style structure that would be conducive to more forms of outdoor entertainment. Concepts for the green have included the potential relocation of the existing gazebo to the area across from the post office, and a future fundraising or sponsorship campaign to cover the cost of a bandstand. Borough Engineer Hals previously advised that open space funding cannot be used to purchase structures. Hals, who prepared the bid specifications for the town green, recently told the council the renovation plan included landscaping, trees, a fountain at Franklin Turnpike and Sycamore Avenue, benches, an arbor, new seating, and game tables for chess and checkers players. Construction estimates, he said, were between $100,000 and $105,000. Hals recommended the council receive bids in early September to allow a contractor to work during September and October. Some residents expressed concern about the project after the engineer’s presentation, and Councilwoman Maryellen Lennon asked at that time, “Would the money be better allocated somewhere else?” Hals advised Lennon and her peers that the council could go out to bid and still decide not to proceed with the renovations. The council then decided to receive contractors’ proposals, all of which have now been rejected. �������������������� ��������������������������� ������������������������� But STILL can’t lose that Tummy or Cellulite? Call me about VelaShapeTM A NEW Nonsurgical method of Fat reduction and body contouring • Non-invasive • No Anesthesia • No Downtime Beverly Dunn, MD Waldwick, NJ • 201-445-0032 Dieting? Working Out? 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