Canonsburg Council Rejects Low Bidder, Revotes

Councilman Rich Russo said he understands fellow members liked Bob Stopperich and thought he did an awesome job cutting grass at Town Park. But he cautioned members of council: You can't reject a low bid just for that reason.

"That's why we are here," the councilman said. "To make sure that taxpayers' money is being used wisely."

Russo and President John Bevec then explained at length the rules governing the borough: That expenditures of more than $10,000 must be bid, and that by law council must accept the proposal of the lowest responsible bidder.

While some members of council said they had reservations about Pittsburgh Lawn Care of Braddock, borough Manager Terry Hazlett reported that two references had come back with positive reviews.

For Russo and Bevec, that meant the rejection of the bid was groundless—which left council stymied because both men said they feared the rejection would open the borough up to liability, or even a surcharge for individual members.

Solicitor Pat Derrico said council could either rebid the contract for a third time or could opt to have borough employees cut the grass at Town Park.

A motion to rebid the contract yet again, though, died for lack of a second.

Then Derrico said that members of council who voted no on the contract could change their votes to abstentions during a second tally. That way, he reasoned, they could show their support for Stopperich without affecting the awarding of the bid.

"We just can't pick what we want," he told them.

The second vote passed 4-2-3. Councilman Tim Bilsky made the motion, which was seconded by Paul Sharkady. Russo and Bevec also voted yes. Councilmen Joe Graff and Mont Miller voted no. Councilwomen Patty Romano and Fran Coleman abstained, as did Councilman Joe McGarry.

The contract totaled $94,500 for 2012, 2013 and 2014.

After the meeting, a resident asked if two votes on the same matter can be taken.

Asked about the matter, Bevec said any procedural errors would be taken care of at the March meeting.

Either way, Stopperich said he believed the borough "screwed up the bidding process" the first time around, and that he would likely pursue legal action against Canonsburg.

"I can surcharge them also," he said.