Competitor challenges low bidder on school contract

NORTH CANAAN — Lawn maintenance contracts are not usually the source of controversy. But a letter from one bidder, berating the work performed by the current contractor at North Canaan Elementary School, made for a lengthy school board discussion March 11.

Three bids were up for consideration for a two-year contract, awarded every other spring. Foley Land Service was the low bidder at $4,800 for each year. Green Acres Landscaping came in at $6,000 for each year. Sebbens Lawn Service bid $6,200, to be increased to $6,500 in the second year. Foley is the current contractor. All three are based in North Canaan and have held contracts with the school in the past.

Normally, the board would look automatically to the low bidder, only declining that bid with good cause, which explains why various contractors have been used over the years.

But according to Chris Crane, Green Acres’ owner and operator, Foley Land Services has not been doing a professional job. His letter pointed to a long list of issues. Crane claimed mulch is too thick, shrubs are not properly pruned, autumn leaves were not entirely removed and so forth. When assuming the contracted services, Crane stated his company always has to “fix the lack of maintenance from another company.�

Board Chair Dolores Perotti took issue with the assessment. She is a professional gardener herself and helped establish and maintain the educational gardens in the school’s courtyard.

She said bushes are left untrimmed until spring to create a winter habitat for birds. Some fallen leaves are also left as winter protection for landscaping, with a plan to clean them up in the spring.

It was noted tree trimming is done as needed by Toomey Tree Care. Tom Zetterstrom, who established an arboretum through Arbor Day tree plantings over the past 20 years, regularly walks the school grounds to monitor conditions. Head custodian Lester Robson has reported no concerns.

Board members initially agreed to a suggestion that Perotti and board member Susan Warner inspect the property to aid the board in making a decision. But it was discovered the bid specifications indicated the board must make a decision that evening and notify bidders on the following day.

“We have no proof or cause right now not to award the contract to the lowest bidder,� Perotti said.

Board member Laurie Perotti noted that as employers, the board can demand a contractor correct any problems.

A motion was passed unanimously to rehire Foley Land Service. An inspection, with as many people involved as possible, including the contractor, is still planned.