Council reconsiders tech services contract

Vernon — Just as Vernon’s council members were about to contract with Wired Up, LLC, to provide computer technical services for $10,000, a resident in the audience spoke up to let the council know he felt the cost was too high. “The amount is twice what other towns pay,” said Matt Keller, who runs Crosslight Engineering. He told the council they were wasting money. After some discussion, the council decided to table the vote at their meeting Thursday, March 25. Since this contract falls under the dollar limit that municipalities must call for competitive bids, the council could choose to award it based on a procedure called a Request For Qualification. According to Robin Kline, the township’s Acting Manager and Clerk, three firms put in for the contract. She recommended staying with Wired Up, which already provides Vernon technical support. Keller had also submitted a Request for Qualification, but had stated his fee in terms of an hourly rate. At the meeting, in an effort to bolster his attempt to win the contract, Keller told the council that since he lived in town he could be there every day. Brian Palaia, Vernon’s deputy clerk, said in a recent conversation that the services provided by Wired Up go beyond what is done in the township offices. Most work is done remotely, he said. About once a week other problems are taken care of at the offices in the municipal building. The firm also provides reports Council is reviewing the matter.