Michelle Lynch: Standards proposed for contractors bidding on work for Reading

Jan. 20—Contractors working on city projects may need to meet certain standards if Reading adopts a proposal aimed at ensuring quality work and the fair treatment of workers.

The idea for an ordinance that would require contractors to meet standards before bidding on city contracts was introduced Tuesday at a City Council committee-of-the-whole meeting.

"Over the next two years, the city is looking at the possibility of spending tens of millions of dollars on public works, infrastructure and other projects," Frank Denbowski, chief of staff to Mayor Eddie Moran, said.

Most of those projects will be contracted and paid for with American Rescue Plan funds.

Reading is slated to receive more than $61 million from the legislation passed by Congress last year and will have until 2026 to spend the funds.

The city has received about half of its allotment and expects the rest of the funds by March.

Requiring all contractors and subcontractors to comply with key performance criteria will help to ensure they are reputable qualified firms with the capabilities and resources to successfully complete ARP and other city projects, Denbowski said.

The concept, still in the early phases of development, would be modeled after a similar ordinance under consideration in Bethlehem and those passed by other municipalities in the region, he said.

The particulars

Standards might require contractors to show, among other things, that they have the technical ability and resources, including equipment, personnel and financial resources to fulfill the contract.

Subcontractors would be held to the same standards.

Several of the requirements would benefit workers by ensuring contractors working on city projects pay prevailing wages and provide benefits including health insurance, social security, workers' compensation and unemployment insurance.

Contractors might also be required to participate in a certified apprenticeship program verified by the U.S. Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency.

Apprentices would be paid to work while they learn skills in a classroom setting and on the job under the mentorship of skilled laborers.

"Many times, we talk about the flight when people graduate from high school: Off they go," Denbowski said.

Apprenticeships might help keep trained and skilled workers in the Reading area, he said.

Council comments

After Denbowski's presentation, Council President Jeffrey S. Waltman Sr. asked council members for comments and questions.

"Who is responsible to qualify contractors based on these requirements?" Councilwoman Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz asked.

Denbowski said contractors would go through a certification process before they would be eligible to bid on city projects.

It is not yet clear who would be responsible for certifying the contractors.

Since there are only two full-time employees in the city's purchasing office, he said, the city would also look at its capacity to manage any requirements.

Councilwoman Marcia Goodman-Hinnershitz thanked Denbowski for his effort.

"This is something that has been much needed," she said. "It is the responsible way of handling any type of public contracting."

More research will be undertaken before council takes any action on the proposal.