City officials weigh options with professionals
'[T]o try to do something smaller, smarter and more efficient'
Asbury Park city officials are looking to see if their professional staff is producing the most bang for the city’s buck.
Under the direction of the city council, the administration issued a request for qualifications Monday for several positions to see what else is available in the current market. Positions include the city’s labor attorney, redevelopment attorney, bond counsel, redevelopment and debt financial advisor, insurance broker, city engineer and real estate appraiser. They are also requesting information for a company to provide new computer technology services.
City Manager John “Jack” Kelly told the Sun Monday he is in the process of contacting current vendors to notify them that the city is seeking competitive quotes. The move may save the city some money, but that is not the only reason they are advertising the position, said Kelly.
Contracts for professional services can only last for one year and the state Division of Local Government Services advises municipalities to explore the marketplace “every now and again” Kelly said. “It’s a prudent practice.”
No one’s head is specifically on the chopping block and no hard decisions have been made yet, he said, officials and administration are “just exploring options.” All professional service contracts expire Jan. 1.
Current Council Members Amy Quinn and John Moor, who will be sworn into another term of service in less than 30 days, reiterated Kelly’s comments. The two incumbents, along with their three running mates on the Asbury Together — Joe Woerner, Jessie “Coach K” Kendle and Barbara “Yvonne” Clayton — swept the election.
“We’re going to look and see what is out there and evaluate all of our options,” said Quinn.
“The council-elect is looking to advertise for some professional appointments and see what else is out there,” Moor said.
All unclassified employees are appointed by the city manager, except the city manager and chief financial officer who are appointed by the city council.
Last May, when Moor and Quinn were sworn in along with Mayor Myra Campbell and incumbents John Loffredo and Sue Henderson, all of the professionals agreed to hold their set rates over from the previous year, Kelly said.
The city is not seeking other proposals for the city attorney, the attorney that litigates tax appeals and the city auditor.
However, that may change in the coming days, according to Moor.
“Nothing is set in stone, but we want to see what our options are instead of continuing to hold over people. I believe more will be posted in another day or so,” he said.
“We’re trying to achieve a broader perspective in the city,” Kelly said, “to try to do something smaller, smarter and more efficient.”
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