RSS
No lack of controversy here...
With 18 hours remaining before the council hears the first of three proposals to develop the High Rock Parking lot into a public safety facility, parking deck, and to-be-determined commercial usage, Commissioner of Public Safety Ron Kim is demanding he be given the right to ask questions of the presenters. The commissioner released a memorandum to other council members, the parties submitting proposals and the media Thursday afternoon.
In the memorandum, he argues that it will be impossible to assess which proposal is best without the ability to ask questions.
Although the commissioner makes a very valid point, and one that has been made by other members of the council, a directive issued by the Department of Accounts, which is charged with the bid process, stated earlier today that the council members were not permitted to ask questions at tomorrow's presentation.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out tomorrow. Please see the two memorandum below.
City of
OFFICE OF COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS
474 Broadway City Hall
Saratoga Springs , New York 12866
_____________________
Telephone 518-587-3550
Fax 518-587-6512
To: Mayor Johnson
Commissioner Kim
Commissioner Ivins
Commissioner Scirocco
Deputy Mayor Shauna Sutton
Deputy Commissioner Eileen Finneran
Deputy Commissioner Kate Jarosh
Deputy Commissioner Pat Design
Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction
James King, Forum Industries
Andrew Sciocchetti,
CC: Commissioner Franck
From: Deputy Commissioner Michele Boxley
Date:
Subject: Development of High Rock Lots
Bid #: 2008-54
As you are all aware, the date and times have been set for the presentations for the High Rock Lots Bid. These presentations will be open to the public and the press to attend. I would like to remind everyone, however, that the times scheduled for the presentations are intended to provide the bidders time to present their ideas. This is not an interactive session; questions will not be entertained by the bidders or the City of
Please feel free to contact me at 587-3550 ext. 543 should you have any questions.
Thank you.
Saratoga Springs
Department of Public Safety
RONALD J. KIM, Commissioner
EILEEN J. FINNERAN, Deputy Commissioner
To: Deputy Commissioner Michele Boxley
CC: Mayor Scott Johnson
Commissioner Ken Ivins
Commissioner Skip Scirocco
Commissioner John Franck
Deputy Mayor Shauna Sutton
Deputy Commissioner Kate Jarosh
Deputy Commissioner Pat Design
Sonny Bonacio, Bonacio Construction
James King, Forum Industries
Andrew Sciocchetti,
Deputy Commissioner Eileen Finneran
From: Commissioner Ronald Kim
Date:
Subject: Development of High Rock Lots
Bid #: 2008-54
I am in receipt of your memorandum dated
I think it is absolutely critical for the City Council to be able to question the presenters. It is impossible for me to fathom how we could make a determination on what is the best proposal without having this option. Moreover, it is my distinct recollection that when the first High Rock Proposal was presented there were questions asked by the Committee impaneled by Comissioner McTygue and the same occurred when the City Council met to review the proposal by BBL/LaBella Associates on the Woodlawn Avenue RFP sent out by Commissioner McCabe.
Finally, if the Accounts office still maintains, despite past City Council precedent cited above, that questions are prohibited, please provide us with the specific citation to either the City Code, and State bidding regulations or judicial opinion which supports this position prior to the meeting on Friday.
If I do not receive this information, I will assume there is no authority for the Accounts Department’s position and will proceed with my prepared questions for each respondent during Friday’s presentations.
Sincerely,
Ronald J. Kim
Commissioner of Public Safety
posted by The Saratogian City Desk at
7:59 PM
3 Comments:
Who gave John Franck the right to muzzle other commissioners? Isn't public business supposed to be conducted in public? Was Franck trying to make sure nobody would upset some back room deal he was trying to arrange?
There's a distinct odor about Franck's "No Questions Asked" directive. It sure looks like he was trying to pull a fast one.
On Friday, Deputy Commissioner of Accounts Michele Boxley clarified that state rules regulating bidding stipulate that the parameters of presentations must be set forth in the original request for proposals. Since the the RFP did not stipulate a time for questions, Commissioner Franck and Boxley were concerned that presenters would not be prepared for questions.
There was also a concern, in the interest of maintaining a level playing field, that each developer should face the same questions.
Still, Commissioners were given the opportunity to ask questions, and Commissioner Kim was the only one of the five to take advantage of the opportunity.
Franck is wrong. The City did not solicit bids, but "propoosals." It is common for question designed to flesh out proposals and gain a better understanding.
Interestingly, Franck and Boxley have no compunction about allowing vending in Congress Park (for a McTygue protege) in violation of the City Code or hiring McTygue 'confidants.'
Franck is in deep trouble with the Democratic Committee because he has become an embarassment and a thug.
Do not expect to see him receive their endorsement.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home