Wellington County council has awarded a $1.29-million tender for renovations to the Aboyne library building, despite concerns from some councillors that only one qualified bid was received for the project.
Council awarded the construction portion of the project to Collaborative Structures Ltd, of Cambridge for $1,288,000 exclusive of HST on Sept. 22.
A report from purchasing manager Mark Bolzon notes one other bid was received, but it was disqualified due to an incomplete submission.
Councillor Gregg Davidson expressed concern the county had only one bid to consider, from a potential field of six pre-qualified contractors.
Paul Sapounzi of VG Architects told council he felt that despite the lack of competition, the bid was a good one.
“I think you’re not only getting a good price, you’re getting a very good contractor,” said Sapounzi.
“This is a 10,000-square-foot building and you’re looking at touching every square inch of it in foundational and structural ways.”
Councillor Rob Black, chair of the information heritage and seniors committee that includes the library board, pointed out the original renovation plan involved just library space but changes were required to accommodate plans to incorporate child care spaces in the renovated facility.
Councillor Lynda White explained the system of accepting bids from only pre-qualified contractors was initiated some time ago, after the county engaged a contractor who was unable to complete a bridge in Mapleton and had to be replaced halfway through the project.
“After that we decided to move to pre-qualifying contractors,” White explained.
Councillor Kelly Linton said he was under the impression council could elect to re-tender if only one bid was received on a project.
However, Sapounzi pointed out the qualified bidder’s tender has been made public, which would result in “significant risks in terms of litigation,” should council elect to “shop around for a better price.”
Council approved a staff recommendation to award the tender to Collaborative Structures Ltd., with only Linton opposed.
Planned renovations include:
– replacing external stucco and corrugated metal siding with new metal siding and stone masonry;
– relocating existing main entrance to meet current accessibility requirements and adding new windows;
– replacing finishes on existing interior walls and new floor finishes;
– renovating two existing washrooms and adding an accessible washroom;
– relocating and upgrading existing circulation desk;
– adding offices to accommodate Child Care Services;
– new accessible library shelving; and
– the addition of a gas fireplace.
