Trial Set For Curbside Collection Contract Dispute

The motion to dismiss a complaint accusing the Town of Ledyard, Mayor Fred B. Allyn, Jr. and Sterling Superior Services of "favoritism, fraud and/or corruption," was denied Thursday by Judge Seymour Hendel at New London's Superior Court. 

Attorneys representing F.E. Crandall Disposal, Inc., said Thursday that they will prove a "pattern of favoritism" and a corrupted bidding process that ultimately rejected Crandall's 2011 bid to provide curbside collection services in Ledyard. 

Court documents state that in 2011, Crandall's bid was the lowest of five and that Sterling's was the second highest bid.

Crandall's attorneys also said that, among other advantages, Sterling was not properly bonded when it submitted its bid 2007 but was still awarded the contract, which put residents at risk.

"They were bonded," said Ralph Fargo, owner of Sterling Superior Services. "When he said that, I almost jumped out of my skin." 

Court documents signed by Ledyard's attorney Meredith Diette say the ad hoc committee charged with awarding the contract had "strong doubts about (Crandall's) ability to responsibly and efficiently complete curbside collection for Ledyard"  and that Crandall's low bid "would be offset and perhaps exceeded by increased tipping fees."

The trial is scheduled for Tuesday, August 9.