The Bayonne City Council opted to put animal control services back out to bid via a resolution that was added on the spot at last night’s meeting.
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The resolution specifically called for “the advertisement of the request for qualifications/proposals for professional animal control and sheltering services.â€
The city has been using Geoff Santini’s New Jersey Animal Control and Rescue, who received an $87,500 contract at the council’s November 10, 2015 meeting.
This led to a protest in front of City Hall and several angry residents speaking out against having NJACR replace Jersey City’s Liberty Humane Society at the next council meeting in December.
The measure passed by a vote of 4-1, with 1st Ward Councilman Tom Cotter voting no.
No one from the governing body or the audience spoke on the resolution, though there was some brief applause in the crowd after the matter was approved.
After the meeting, Cotter declined to go on camera, but agreed to go on the record to explain why he voted no – stating he’s received zero resident complaints regarding animal control since Santini’s company received the contract.
Santini, who sat through the meeting but did not address the council, told Hudson County View that his contract was for two years and he will weigh his options after speaking to his family about the matter.
LHS Executive Director Irene Borngraeber did not immediately return a call seeking comment this morning.