Perth Amboy evening news., 1915-09-14
Contractor Thomas F. DUNCAN
and the Utility Construction
/ Company Have Lawyers at
Meeting of FreehoIders.
BIDS ARE HELD IRREGULAR
Board Refers Matter to County
Solicitor Burton, Who Will
Make Decision at Meeting
to be Held on Thursday.
BIDS ARE HELD IRREGULAR
Specful to the EVENING NEWS.


New Brunswick, Sept. 4:-Middle-
sex county is in the midst of another
paving war, over the contract for the
Extraordinary improvements to Rar-
way avenue, in the Carteret section
of Roosevelt from Woodbridge ave-
nue., in Carteret, to the Blazing Star
road. The Utility Construction Com
pany, of this city, submitted the low
est bid on this work two weeks ago,
with Thomas F. Dunigan, of Wood
bridge, a close second, being only
$400 above the proposal of the local
contractors. The bid was about $780,
600. The road is to be improved
with amiesite, a patented concrete
pavement.
The argument came up before the
Board of Freholders yesterday af-
ternoon, with both bidders repre-
sented by local lawyers. Russell E.
Watson opened for Mr.. Dunigan,
stating that it was the contention of
his client that the Utility Construc-
tion Company's bid was not legal as
to form, and should be rejected. 1t
was explained by Mr.. Watson that
the local contractors had failed to
specify in their proposal whether or
not they owned sufficient equipment
to do the work. Two other bidders
had failed in like manner, Mr.. Wat
! son explained, but their bids were
Higher than those of either Mr.. Dun
Hgan or the Utility Construction Com
pany.
Freeman Woodbridge, judge of
the local district court, appeared for
the Utility Construction Company
and stated their side of the case. He
gave an Interpretation of the speci-
fications which made his clients bid
a legal one. Mr.. Woodbridge also
presented a letter from Engineer
Meeker, of the State Road Commits
sion's office, and Theodore Backus,
assistant to Attorney General Wes-
colt, which stated that the Utility
Construction Company was bound by
its proposal
Referred to Burton.
After the lawyers had given argu-
ments pro and con Director Anthony
j. Gebhardt stated in behalf of the
freeholders that the matter would be
referred to County Solicitor George
l.. Burton, and a decision given on
Thursday. Mr. Gebhardt also stated
that the board regretted the incl
dent, especially as it had followed
the course of awarding all contracts
to the lowest bidder whenever legal.
The director said the freeholders
were more than anxious to have this
road improved, as it is in bad condi-
ton and an important thoroughfare.
County Solicitor Burton was not
at the meeting, although it is known
the question of Interpretation of the
specifications has been discussed by
the board and Mr. Burton several
times since the bid of the Utility
Construction Company was present
ed two weeks ago. The Utility Con-
struction Company is composed of
Schneider & Stelle, well known local
engineers.
Bids on Bridge.
Bids for the construction of a
bridge over the Milestone road on
the Kingston road were received as
follows: Chandler and Hoth, ST.
035; Abraham Jelin, $2,347; James
H. Sheehan, $2,450.59; ]. c. Cheat
ham, $2,170; No award was made
Of the contract.
A resolution of Freeholder Casey,
authorizing the county engineer to
prepare plans for the extending of
the culvert on Woodbine avenue in
Woodbridge Township was adopted.