By Katherine Massopust
PERTH AMBOY – Landscaper Carlixto Rosario’s work in the planters on Smith Street and Convery Boulevard was an issue at the 5/21/14 BID Meeting. Rosario completed the work planting the flowers and wished to be paid $1,950 as stated in his contract with the BID.
BID Member Virginia Lugo was not satisfied with the work that Rosario did and felt that the City was being overcharged for the flowers. She showed photos of one of the planters placed at the Five Corners by Carlixto’s Landscaping Company on her electronic pad to all of the BID Members. The flowers were growing, but not yet in full bloom.
Lugo argued that the maximum cost for flowers should be $12 a flat (high end) and the maximum amount that the City should be paying should be $276 for 23 flats and $1500 for labor. Lugo proceeded to argue that the flowers in New York City are in bloom and there was no water in the planters she saw at the Five Corners. She then stated that the print invoices had white-out on them and were inconsistent.
UEZ/BID Coordinator Roxana Troche listened as Rosario as he explained about the invoices. He stated that he had to go to the Dominican Republic and someone handed them into the City for him. The proper invoices were handed in when he returned.
BID Member Reyes Ortega asked Rosario, “How often do you water the plants?”
“Three times a week, depending if it rains or not,” Rosario answered.
Troche stated, “Two proposals were given to the BID. Carlixto’s Landscaping was chosen with a contract for $1950. Eight flowers are planted in each planter altogether. Last year the flowers were already grown.”
BID Member Annie Hindenlang stated, “Last year the flowers came in a lot fuller.”
Roxana Troche stated, “Last year we did this it was later in the year. We wanted to have flowers for Memorial Day.”
BID Chair Barry Rosengarten said, “I have a brown thumb. We have a committee to look at the plants.”
BID Member Virginia Lugo was still not satisfied with the cost.”
Troche stated what the contract called for, “Four flowers in 63 planters. The contract did not call for a specific size. It called for Mr. Rosario to water the planters three times a week and $735/month for maintenance.”
Lugo then asked, “What was the official bid?”
Troche answered, “The cost of a project must exceed $3,750 to have bids. For anything less, you have proposals. We had two proposals – one for $2,750, one for $1,950. We accepted the one for $1,950 when Mr. Rosaraio came in and asked to do the work.”
Lugo then stated, “We have an invoice for April, May and June. This is what was sent to all the BID Members. I propose we table the bill and just pay him his monthly fee.”
With that, BID Chair Barry Rosengarten stated, “Mr. Rosario has fulfilled his contract. It is my recommendation we should move forward with this bill so he can be paid.”
Resident Alan Silber, who was in the audience offered his advice, “There is a difference between contractor grade plants, which are always in bloom and regular plants.” He cited the landscaping done at the Hess Gas station (on Rte. 9). “They are a different grade of flowers and are much more expensive.”
Rosengarten then stated, “He did a job and there is no issue.”
Troche stated, “I was satisfied with his work. It’s only May. Give the flowers time to grow.”
Mayor Wilda Diaz then added, “Come June, we should take this all under consideration.”
BID Member Annie Hindenlang added, “We need to develop more specific criteria for our contracts.”
Finally, a motion was made by Sergio Diaz to pay Rosario for his work.” Voting “Yes,” were: Sergio Diaz, Wilda Diaz, Barry Rosengarten, Yvonne Lopez and Reyes Ortega. Voting “No,” were: Virginia Lugo, Jeanette Ruiz and Annie Hindenlang. BID Member Israel Varela was late to the meeting and the vote occurred before he came. The motion passed, and Rosario was paid for his work.
