New Haven Independent

In a letter communicated to the Board of Aldermen at its full meeting Monday night, Aldermen Carl Goldfield, Sergio Rodriguez and Jorge Perez called for a hearing on food and facilities maintenance in city schools.

The public hearing would come at a time when the school board is opening the bidding process to other companies for its food and facilities contracts, which Aramark has held since 1994.

Perez and Rodriguez, of the Hill and Westville respectively, said they’ve heard numerous complaints from constituents (including a daughter at Career High School) on the quality of food and working conditions under Aramark’s watch.

Perez said he’d like to probe allegations of a deficit as well as of food, working and building conditions. If the allegations are true, does Aramark have plans to address the issues? Perez wanted to know.

The hearing would be a chance for both sides to testify on Aramark, as well as on “broader standards” in reviewing the bids that come in on the two contracts. All multi-year contracts need final approval from aldermen, Perez said.

A hearing would likely fall at the end of the month, said Goldfield. A date had not been set as of Monday night.