Although NMG Associates was the lowest of four bidders for a maximum $25,000 contract to monitor the Jersey City Improvement Authority, the City Council voted against approving a contract, 4-5.

The contract would have authorized an agreement for solid waste and recycling consulting services with the company, whose principal is Norman Guerra, Hudson County Improvement Authority executive director.

Ward E Councilman Steven Fulop wanted to delay the vote, questioning if demolition removal monitoring and consulting is mandated by the state.

“What’s mandated? To monitor where demolitions go?” Fulop asked. “I’d like to know how the money is being spent. Can’t we hire anyone in-house?”

Business Administrator Brian O’Reilly answered that the JCIA could not provide the service. “Since they do demolitions on their own, they can’t police themselves,” O’Reilly explained. “An outside company monitors that demolitions are done correctly.”

Fulop, Councilwomen Viola Richardson and Nidia Lopez, and Councilmen David Donnelly and Mariano Vega voted against the contract. Councilmen Bill Gaughan, Michael Sottolano and Peter Brennan, and Councilwoman Willie Flood voted for the contract.

Donnelly said he had heard of complaints regarding demolitions.

“I’ve gotten complaints that they’re not told how to dispose of demolition,” Donnelly said.