When the cost of the proposed Puslinch Township library soared from $1.5-million in January to $2.5-million this month, county council said no thanks.
Councillors have asked the library board and staff to find ways to bring the project in more cheaply after a lengthy discussion at county council on June. 24.
Puslinch Mayor and information, heritage and seniors committee chairman Brad Whitcombe said he was a little disappointed at the delay, but added he takes heart because council was balking only at the sudden added costs, and not opposing the project itself.
County officials learned of the increased cost when the lowest tender, by TRP Construction General Contractors, of Burlington, bid $1.88-million. There were eight bidders, with Nith Valley Construction, of New Hamburg, coming it at the highest at $2.15-million.
The project includes the demolition of the existing library and building a new, 7,600 square foot building including a basement level that will house the library as well as provide space for the Puslinch Historical Society. During construction, residents will be served out of a school portable on the site, with limited services.
Manager of purchasing and risk management services Mark Bolzon stated the costs suddenly leapt because:
– it was unknown that the site contains old building foundations and garbage burn pits that will require complete removal, proper disposal and replacement with engineered fill;
– poured in place concrete costs are higher than estimated;
– contractors and subcontractors are extremely busy these days as a result of all the infrastructure expenditures across the country, plus, plus masonry costs were 25% over the estimated budget because contractors were having difficulty obtaining prices; and
– the discovery of a high water table, the below grade waterproofing systems and dewatering systems had to be upgraded significantly.
In addition to the construction costs, the architect fees are $217,800, furniture, furnishings and equipment are another $100,000, and there is $158,100 in contingencies.
When council considered the library, councillor Carl Hall said three years ago when the county purchased land for the Arthur library, it later learned there was contamination on the site because of a neighbouring operation. Hall said Wellington North help defray those costs, and wondered about Puslinch now.
“Should we be looking for help?” he asked, referring to Puslinch Township, which is selling the land to the county. “It’s not a precedent now.”
Whitcombe said the sale price is the nominal dollar, and, “basically, it’s an exchange of land.”
Bolzon told the council he would rather learn about the problem now than once construction is underway. He added there was an increase in the tender excavation costs because the county had included removal of the fill in its specifications.
“We saw it as an issue,” he said. “My sense is it’s not a overwhelming amount.”
Councillor Gord Tosh asked about the high water table, and asked if that will cause future problems.
Architect Lloyd Grinham, of Guelph, said he took that into account when he designed the building, and that, too, was a reason the tenders came in high.
Councillor Rod Finnie said council was told one reason for a new library was the mold in the old one. He said a damp building will create mold.
“It’s better to put it in a place where it won’t have problems,” said Finnie, who cited the increase from $1.5- to $2.5-million as a problem.
“I’m not happy,” he concluded.
Whitcombe said the mold at the current library probably occurred due to a leaky roof.
Councillor Lou Maieron wondered if the building could be redesigned to not go below grade. “Can we build more horizontal, or upward?” he asked.
Whitcombe said the committee looked at those issues. There are site constraints because the township is also building a multi-purpose recreational facility and has a garden on the site.
Councillor Mike Broomhead said the total clean-up for Arthur was about $400,000, and his township had paid $40,000 of that, even though it did not have to legally do so. He noted the site is still being monitored.
Councillor Jean Innes is on the library committee and wondered if the building could get a reduced price without the water re-use system. But Whitcombe said that is part of the functioning of the building, and it would be difficult.
Council voted against the high tender.
Finnie concluded, “I’m not saying the support for the building is not there. Approval for this expense is not there.”
The committee will now consider ways to reduce the costs and re-tender the project.
