The walls won’t be tumbling down; they’ll be rebuilt at a cost of $122,560
On Monday night, Wellington North councillors reviewed a report by Manager of Public Works Gary Williamson about the retaining wall in front of Arthur Legion.
Quotes were handed in for the replacement of the wall.
Williamson’s report stated “This is a very specialized job due to the type of wall and the wall’s proximity to the Legion wall and the front porch of the house at the comer of George Street and Eliza Street. The project also includes replacing the steps that provide access onto George Street. The estimated cost for completing this work is $94,360, plus applicable taxes and plus the engineering that had to be done at a cost of approximately $2,000.”
He added the project requires the sidewalk that runs in front of the existing wall be removed. At that time, repairs will be done to the existing curb by Hillis Construction, which is doing other curb work for the township in Arthur.
“Hillis’s estimate is approximately $24,000 to complete the sidewalk and curbing.”
That cost depends on how much damage occurs to the curb during the removal of the existing wall and sidewalk.
“We have already completed a survey of the property lines along the wall at a cost of $2,200,” he noted.
“Based on above the estimate cost to complete the project is $122,560. There is a $125,000 included in this year’s budget to complete this project,” Williamson said.
Councillor Dan Yake said everyone is aware $125,000 was set aside in the budget.
Yake said the municipality had talks with a supplier and contractor over the past number of months.
“They’ve been on site several times taking pictures and surveys. They’re pretty much ready to move forward.”
“Based on the cost of the wall, construction and engineering, the sidewalk replacement, we’re looking at just over $122,000, which is within the budget. That’s good.”
Yake anticipated work will begin in mid-August and it is roughly a 16-day project.
He said one of the reasons to have the same contractor is there can be liability with a number of contractors working on site.
That is even more important since the work fronts onto a provincial highway (connecting link).
As for Hillis Construction doing the curbwork, Williamson said it made sense to have a local contractor involved.
He said the work includes the extra blocking in front of the Legion and the railing … a safety feature which now must be installed.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said council had not anticipated the cost of the railing. “It’s good that it can be done within that price.”
Council accepted a bid of Black Robin for $94,360 for the primary work and Hillis Construction to complete repairs to the sidewalk and curb at the cost of $24,000.
