CAPE MAY — The city’s Revitalization Committee recommended council approve hiring architect Martin Kimmel to design a new convention hall for the city.
The proposed agreement would have the city paying its engineering firm, Remington Vernick for the work with Kimmel as subcontractor. Remington Vernick recommended Kimmel, who has been working without pay to present concepts to the revitalization committee.
At an Aug. 21 city council meeting, Mayor Jerome E. Inderwies questioned if it was a good plan to pay Remington Vernick instead of a direct payment to an architect. He suggested the city seek proposals from additional architects.
“This is a very important project in the city,” said Inderwies. “We’re talking about $6 million or $7 million.”
He said Kimmel could turn out to be the best architect for the project, but council will not know until it looks at other proposals.
City Manager Luciano V. Corea Jr. said the convention hall committee voted overwhelmingly to use Kimmel. He said the committee should be asked its opinion on receiving other proposals.
City Solicitor Tony Monzo said council should hire an architect on a direct basis rather than through Remington Vernick. He said a professional services contract does not have to be put out to bid.
Inderwies said he had no problem with concepts presented by Kimmel, but wanted to make sure a contract was issued properly.
During public comment, resident Jules Rausch said Kimmel had no experience designing convention centers. He suggested council hire an independent engineering firm or individual to do inspections as the new convention hall is built.
The city should not use its own engineer, nor the architect’s engineer but somebody totally independent that would represent the best interests of the city, said Rausch.
Resident Christine Miller suggested the public may it see it as “fishy” to hire the only architect who presented a proposal to the convention hall committee. She said an architect should be sought that had experience building on the beach and with “green” energy efficient design.
Miller suggested “a competition” among architects and the preparation of a list of specifications town residents find suitable.
“We could get the most for our money instead of just doing it blindly and hiring a pig in a poke,” she said.
The audience applauded.
“Here we go again,” said Inderwies.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
