Montclair Approves Extra $500K for Snow Removal After Winter Costs Hit $1.3M

Montclair Township Council gave the green light Tuesday for another $500,000 to handle snow cleanup. Total spending jumped from $800,000 to $1.3 million after winter storms pummeled the town. Angels Landscape Contractors & Suburban Sidewalks and Shauger Property Services Inc. got the extra money because officials said harsh weather and bigger work needs made it necessary.

Did contractors bill twice for the same work? Council members asked that question during the approval meeting. Councilor-at-Large Bill Harrison spotted a big gap in what one contractor charged for plowing versus hauling snow away.

“The amount that was paid for Shauger for plowing was $154,795. The amount that was paid to Shauger for removing snow from the streets was $730,167.50,” Harrison said, according to Montclair Local. “That is an astronomical difference that should not have been necessary if the streets had been plowed correctly.”

Harrison said plows in his section left snow piled 10 feet from the curb. Department of Community Services Director Austin Ashley told him the township would watch contractors more closely so streets get plowed right next time.

Director of Administration Norma Tassy defended how bills get paid. Eight different people check each bill, she said, and software stops duplicate invoices from going through. The purchasing department, controller, treasurer, and chief financial officer all review bills before the council gives final approval.

Township Manager Stephen D. Marks explained why the same numbers show up on different bills. Contractors pay their drivers the same wages for the same hours worked. “We haven’t paid the same invoice twice,” Marks said. “Even though the same number may appear multiple times, it’s because they’re paying the same drivers the same rates for the same hours. But it’s not like we’re paying for the same work twice.”

Fourth Ward Councilor Aminah Toler wondered why some bills showed more money but fewer hours. Township Superintendent of Parking Manny Germano said contractors charge different prices for tasks like spreading salt or shoveling walks.

On April 21, the council passed a Snow Removal and Disposal Policy after residents complained about snow getting dumped in Essex Park and Erie Park. The policy tells the township manager to submit a snow management plan by Oct. 1 that picks dump sites in higher areas far from waterways and storm drains.

This happened during the same session where council approved $106.8 million in spending for the year.

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