Trenton, N.J. – After learning of the irregular vendor payments that were made to E&E Outdoor Maintenance Services (E&E), the City immediately launched an internal review of the vendor payments made on the Stacy Park project. Upon learning that procurement processes were not followed, we advised the NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) of the oversight and sought DCA’s guidance as to what corrective action to take. Following DCA’s advice, we introduced a resolution to validate E&E’s services and the payments made to them for those services – which City Council passed. However, we are not simply brushing this matter under the rug.
All department directors have been required to complete mandatory procurement training. The chief of staff has been added as a required approver for any purchases below the bid threshold that are not going to be bid. At DCA’s urging, we are hiring a forensic accountant to examine how the E&E matter occurred as well as other potential purchasing irregularities, and to offer suggestions that can be taken to prevent future occurrences.
The City recognizes that public trust and integrity are fundamental in all aspects of our work; it is vital that we maintain the highest levels of transparency and accountability in our operations and ensure that all contracts—regardless of size—are handled in full compliance with State procurement laws and best practices.