Council President Kevin Meara said his "confidence is shaken in this company."
Philip Angarone Jr., 40, of Hamilton, admitted to violating state pay-to-play laws while working for Birdsall Services Group, a Monmouth County-based engineering firm. He is shown here in a 2005 file photo.
HAMILTON — A guilty plea by a former Birdsall Services Group executive has cost the Monmouth County engineering firm a contract with the township.
The council last night rejected an $8,200 contract with the firm to inspect and analyze structural damage at the water pollution control department’s wastewater treatment plant.
Last week, former Mercer County Republican chairman Phil Angarone, Jr., Birdsall’s former marketing director, pleaded guilty in Superior Court to tampering with public records and making prohibited campaign donations.
Angarone, a Hamilton resident, admitted that he made more than $25,000 in personal political contributions in amounts less than $300, which do not have to be reported, and was reimbursed by the company. Sentencing is scheduled for April 26.
Council President Kevin Meara and Councilman Ed Gore voted against the contract while Councilmen Dave Kenny and Dennis Pone voted in favor. Without a fifth council member — former council vice president Kelly Yaede vacated the position when she was appointed mayor last week — there was no majority and the resolution was rejected.
“I would be kidding myself if I didn’t say my confidence is shaken in this company,” Meara said. “For me to feel comfortable when I pass a contract, I want to have confidence in the company.”
Acting business administrator John Barrett recommended the contract for approval because Birdsall has experience working at the plant and repairing the damage was almost a necessity, he said.
“Besides the fact that they have previous knowledge of this plant, it’s a no-brainer because they were $10,000 cheaper,” Barrett said. “To throw the baby out with the bath water, to blame every contact we’ve ever had with the company, I think is the wrong reasoning.”
Barrett said that Rich Watson, water pollution control director, would likely file for an emergency contact today.
Contact Mike Davis at (609) 989-5708 or mdavis@njtimes.com.