[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of West Deptford as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted
where applicable.]
[Adopted 5-1-2003 by Ord.
No. 2003-8]
A.Â
The Township of West Deptford ("Township") undertakes public works
projects for the good and betterment of the citizens of the Township
of West Deptford.
B.Â
The Township regularly awards contracts under the local public contracts
law to contractors charged with performing the work on these projects.
C.Â
The Township seeks to establish procedures which will insure that
the workmanship on each public works project will meet the highest
standards of quality.
D.Â
For the purpose of assuring such quality on significant public works
projects, the Township, as a matter of public policy, desires that
each successful bidder employ a workforce consisting of individuals
who each possess the highest degree of skill available for a particular
job, and who each receive fair compensation for his or her work.
E.Â
The Township further desires that with respect to significant public
works projects, the Township may be objectively assured that it will
receive the highest quality workmanship only when a contractor assigns,
to each particular job on the project, employees who have been trained
in the trade related to that job, under an apprenticeship program
established in compliance with N.J.S.A. 34:1A-32.
F.Â
The payment of fair compensation, to the extent that it includes
not only hourly compensation in compliance with our state's wage and
hour laws and the Prevailing Wage Act (N.J.S.A. 34:11-56.25 et seq.)
but also the provision of health and hospital insurance benefits and
participation in the defined benefit pension plan, provides workers
assigned to significant public works projects with a level of confidence
about their future which permits them to focus their full attention
on the quality of their work.
G.Â
Such fair compensation also attracts the highest quality workers
available.
H.Â
It is desirable public policy that all workers employed in the construction
of significant public works projects undertaken by West Deptford Township
receive health insurance coverage for themselves and their families
and that they have the ability to plan for their future retirement
through a pension.
I.Â
It is necessary and proper for the Township of West Deptford to ensure
that contracts for significant public works projects are awarded to
the lowest responsible bidder in an open and competitive manner pursuant
to specifications that are reasonably related to the work.
J.Â
For the foregoing reasons, bid specifications for significant Township
public works projects, as defined below, shall include the following
material specifications designed to insure quality workmanship.
As used in this article, the following term shall have the meaning
indicated:
Construction, reconstruction, demolition, alteration, or
repair work, or maintenance work, including painting and decorating,
done under contract and paid for in whole or in part out of Township
funds which equal or exceed the sum of $100,000 which sum shall be
adjusted in accordance with the bid threshold provision of N.J.S.A.
40A:11-3, as amended from time to time.
A.Â
Any workers employed on a significant project shall be covered by
a health and hospital insurance plan issued by an insurer licensed
by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, a defined benefit
pension plan, and an apprentice training program pursuant to the standards
established under the Department of Labor and Industry Act of 1948
(N.J.S.A. 34:1A-34, et seq.).
B.Â
A detailed statement describing the health insurance and pension
plans and apprenticeship programs as required herein shall be completed
and submitted as a material requirement of the bid in order for the
bid to be accepted.
The Township of West Deptford may refuse to award a contract
to a person or entity submitting a bid or proposal if that person
or entity has filed or submitted false information, or failed to file
or submit the information required by this article. Upon the award
of a contract on a bid or proposal, the Township may require further
proof of compliance with the standards set forth above. Upon request,
the contractor shall make all relevant records available to the Township
or its designee.