The Atlantic City Council, which usually takes the recommended lower bid on projects from contractors, moved away from that practice during their meeting Wednesday evening, and approved a bid that was slightly higher than the low bid (By around $35). Snyder and Associates Engineer Dave Sturm explained the infrastructure improvement projects, and recommended McCarthy Trenching, LLC. out of Avoca for the job, after speaking with Street Superintendent Derald Anderson.

Two bids were received, with McCarthy Trenching coming in at $27,100 and Stamp Construction, of Atlantic, at $27,135. Councilperson Ashley Hayes asked if the City has dealt with McCarthy before, to which Sturm replied, “Yes, numerous times.” Hayes thought that because the difference in bids was so small, the job should be handled by a local company. Snyder and Associates usually always recommends the lower bid, and Sturm they are a very reputable contractor.

He said Stamp hasn’t done a lot of underground work for the City in the past, but he has no issues working with that company. Councilman Chris Jimerson said owner Rob Stamp is definitely an individual who gives back to the community, and Councilman Halder agreed. Councilperson Kathy Somers suggested experience tells her they should go with the low bid, but the Council voted 4-3 against McCarthy and upon a motion and second vote approved Stamp Construction by a vote of 6-1, with Somers voting against.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council voted 6-to 1 against amending a City Ordinance to allow for certain types of Poultry to be raised within the City limits. Councilperson Hayes was the only vote in favor of amendment. And, the Council unanimously voted against allowing resident Jillian Scarf to apply for an exemption to the Code that would permit her to have two hens and one cockerel on her property. Before their vote to amend, the some members of the Council expressed their views on the matter, including Dana Halder. Halder said “It opens up something else for us to monitor, and that the City has enough things to do.”

The Council also voted to allow the sale of fireworks, and set the hours of use from Noon until Midnight on July 2nd, 3rd and 4th (the rules for New Year’s Eve and early New Year’s Day were unchanged from previous discussion). That was based on a recommendation from Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees. Fireworks are not to be used within 300 feet of a school or assisted living/care facilities, as a public safety aspect.
Sales of fireworks from tent vendors are not allowed until June 8th.