Village chooses local surveyor for sidewalk project

Warwick — The Village Board will hire Robert Schmick, a local land surveyor, to perform surveying work on its latest sidewalk improvement project on South and First Streets. Schmick was the lowest bidder. However, the village’s engineering firm, HDR/LMS, had recommended the village use Baker Technical Land Services of Goshen, whose proposal was very detailed but whose bid was $500 over the $3,200 lowest bid. “I think we have to take into account the experience Baker has,” said Trustee Eileen Patterson. “I like the thoroughness of the proposal and HDR/LMS recommended them. We pay them (HDR/LMS) to do this, make recommendations.” “We asked for a proposal, not that detailed,” said fellow Trustee Bill Iurato. “We didn’t ask for all that detail. I’m sure the low bidder did lots of work in the village before.” Both Schmick and Baker have worked on surveying for previous sidewalk projects in the village. The village engineer has worked more in the past with Baker, according to Mayor Michael Newhard, but that doesn’t preempt the bidding process. The board voted 3-1 in favor of hiring Schmick for the job, which begins immediately. According to Schmick’s proposal, it will be completed within four weeks. This is part of the village’s sidewalk rebuilding program and is funded through the county’s Community Development Program.