Council has approved a tender for over $176,000 worth of sidewalk and curb upgrades throughout the township, but officials say actual costs for the work should be closer to $151,000.
Public works director Larry Lynch told council two tenders were received for the work, but the lowest tender – from D.T. Contracting in Arthur for $126,967 – did not include a required 10% “performance bond” and was therefore disqualified.
Lynch recommended council accept the only other tender received, which came from G.J.R. Construction Ltd. in Kitchener for $149,785. He said that bid contained no errors and also included a certified cheque for $15,000.
The tender does not include $26,292 in concrete work around the Drayton Festival Theatre, which was priced out separately.
Councillor Mike Downey asked if there was any way to rectify the D.T. Contracting tender error, considering the difference between the two tenders is about $23,000.
Finance director Mike Givens said the firm’s failure to submit a performance bond was not just an oversight – it was simply “not in the position” to provide the money.
The G.J.R. tender, which is almost $25,000 higher than the township’s budget of $125,000 for 2010 sidewalk and curb upgrades, prompted at least one councillor to wonder how the municipality will make up the shortfall.
Givens replied the resolution before council specifies the township accepts the tender at reduced quantities, so as to fit within the budget.
That means the tender for general work is reduced to $125,000 which, when combined with the Drayton theatre work – covered separately by economic development funds – totals $151,292. Council unanimously approved the tender in that amount.
Lynch explained the tender work will take place in the following sequence:
– all concrete and streetscape enhancement work around the Drayton theatre (to coincide with the 2010 season);
– miscellaneous replacement of sidewalk and corner ramp upgrades along both sides of Elora Street in Alma, from Peel Street to Simpson Street;
– new sidewalk on the west side of Simpson Street, from Elora Street to Alma Public School, and on the north side of Elora street, from the Optimist Hall to Simpson Street; and
– random repairs throughout Drayton.
Grass cutting
Council also approved last week a tender for roadside grass cutting.
At a cost of $58.99 per hour (plus GST), S. Driscoll and Sons Custom Farming, of Moorefield, was the lowest of four tenders. The others ranged in price, with the highest being $88/hour.
The quotes include the supply of a tractor unit with a nine-foot cut, fuel and an operator for cutting in both spring and fall.
Lynch explained the time to complete both cuts is based on 150 hours, an average from previous years, which brings the estimated cost of the Driscoll tender to about $9,290 (allowing for a 5% increase over the 150 hours).
Given the township’s budget for roadside cutting this year is $15,000 and that S. Driscoll and Sons has “proven ability” to perform the work, Lynch suggested council approve the tender.
Council unanimously agreed.
