Desiderio Questions Design Contract

CREST HAVEN – Freeholder Vice-Director Leonard Desiderio said Sept. 11 at the freeholder caucus meeting, “I had a bad taste in my mouth” Aug. 28 when the board voted to spend $136,178 on a contract with an Ohio firm to design a logo and design planning for the county Open Space program.
“I’d like to get more information on that project we voted on,” he continued.
Freeholder Will Morey, who oversees planning and economic development, responded the contract awarded to Designing Local Ltd. for creative placemaking for one year was “not intentionally a logo study.” He added if it had been for only a logo, it could have been done for about $5,000.
Morey added that the firm would combine planning and graphic design for all Open Space projects to use, whether for signs, gazebos, furnishings or other details of municipal Open Space projects.
Key to the program, said Morey, will be to “create a better sense of place” for Open Space and Farmland Preservation projects. By doing that, he added, the impact will be to “enhance the quality of life in Cape May County in general.”
Morey continued that while municipal projects in the program are based on good ideas, part of the study will be to “develop a consistent architecture, directional signage, furniture, chairs.” By so doing, a visitor will see the connection of all the projects.
“The logo is a relatively small part,” said Morey.
Morey stressed that the funds used for the hiring of the firm were from the Open Space program, funded by a separate tax, and not from the general county tax.
Desiderio asked, “As far as bidding, this company is from Ohio. Was this open to all?”
“It was an RFP (request for proposals), wide open,” said Morey. “This firm was chosen for its experience and really demonstrated performance. This is a relatively new area of planning, not a great number of folks were able to show experience in this area, and it’s important to have experience.”
“Cape May County deserves the best,” Morey continued.
Desiderio asked if there would be job opportunities for county residents for the projects involved.
Morey said that, after broadening the scope of Open Space projects to include historic preservation and parks and recreation, more jobs were available for locals constructing bike paths, gazebos, “and all kinds of work. It could act as a stimulant.”
“As a result of this program there will be even more work available for county businesses because it’s not cost efficient for folks to do this work outside the county,” Morey said.
Desiderio added, “The goal is to keep Cape May County working.”
He urged “due diligence” on the board’s part to pay the firm in phases, and receive project updates to ensure that the work is being done in accordance with the board’s wishes.
Morey assured him that would happen. Desiderio said the first payment would be $50,000.
“I thought it was $25,000,” said Director Gerald Thornton.
Planning Director Leslie Gimeno said that was correct, and that the design elements were $32,000.
Morey said that board would get progress reports, and if it were not satisfied “we should not spend the money.”