Mapleton council has given the go-ahead to proceed with $219,000 worth of work on the second phase of the Maryborough Community Centre renovation project.
Council has also asked staff to provide options for possibly maintaining a built-in stage in the facility.
At the Feb. 13 meeting, a staff report from public works director Sam Mattina noted the initial tender, which closed on July 25, resulted in prices “far exceeding” project estimates.
On Aug. 22 council authorized staff to re-tender the project, following a re-definition of the project scope. On Sept. 26 the tender for the re-defined project was awarded to Sax Construction, while a number of elements were deferred to a discretionary second phase.
“The phase one renovation work being completed by Sax Construction appears to be progressing within proposed budget,” the report stated. “Council must now decide whether they are willing to carry out the previously-deferred renovations.”
The deferred elements include:
– removing the existing stage and related stairs, and putting up a new wall and double door to create storage, at a cost of $17,000;
– two new windows along the front wall, $17,000;
– refinish and refurbish metal sloped roof and soffit at existing mansard roof, $20,000;
– refurbish and refinish existing sloped metal gable roof, $26,000;
– replace flat roof, $100,000;
– replace kitchen exhaust, renovate exhaust hood, ducts and controls, $14,000;
– mop sink and associated plumbing, drainage and exhaust system, $14,000; and
– servery upgrades, including new counter tops and cupboard door fronts and painting walls.
The report explains $684,624 of the budgeted $832,624 has been expended, leaving a balance of $148,000.
Completion of all phase two items at a projected cost of $219,500 would result in a shortfall of $71,500.
“To compensate for the $71,500 shortfall, staff will review the 2018 capital budget and utilize any positive variances resultant from other 2018 approved capital expenditures, or perhaps defer an existing approved capital expenditure in order to accommodate,” Mattina suggested, adding council also has the option of removing some of the phase two items from the list to reduce the shortfall.
“The result will be a net zero impact to the budget,” the report states.
Council opted to proceed with the full $219,500 worth of phase two projects. However, some councillors were reluctant to see the existing stage removed.
Councillor Marlene Ottens said it is her understanding “most people don’t want the stage removed.”
While conceding leaving the stage in place would create storage issues, Ottens said, “I know, just based on some commentary, speaking in the community and asking on social media, the feeling was very strong that the stage was not only wanted, but used quite a bit and [taking it away] would create a lot of hard feelings and maybe negativity around the whole project.”
Councillor Dennis Craven said, “I agree with exactly what you said.”
Councillor Michael Martin said, “Storage is an issue there with the chairs and tables just sitting on that floor.” He added that creating storage under the stage “doesn’t sound like a real practical option.”
Martin wondered if there was any way the stage could be redesigned to allow for storage for tables and chairs when they’re not needed.
“The stage would have to be completely removed if you’re going to build storage space,” said Mattina, noting a portable stage would be another option.
Mayor Neil Driscoll pointed out a similar discussion was held regarding use of a portable stage at the PMD arena in Drayton.
“Everyone thought we had to have that stage,” he said. “Well, then the stage disappears and now you can relocate the stage to wherever you want to.”
Craven said the residents he spoke to are “quite happy to leave the stage there.” However, he said they were also “quite happy if the tables and chairs that weren’t being used … were piled along the wall or in the corner.”
Driscoll asked, “What happens if you rent the facilities and you wish to go to round tables? What do you do with the … tables that are there?”
“I would suggest you leave them there,” replied Craven.
Driscoll stated, “I wouldn’t want to rent your facility and bring in nice round tables and decorations and have tables and chairs sitting in the open facing the rest of your event.”
“My personal thing would be to see a built-in stage, similar to what’s there now, but not that. I just think it’s a waste of space,” said Martin.
“I also think it’s a terrible look to have chairs and tables sitting off to the side,” Martin added. “You’ve got a perfectly renovated hall. It looks great. It’s a wonderful space. And now you’ve got clutter … it looks tacky.”
Councillor Lori Woodham agreed with redesigning the space to accommodate both stage and storage.
“If you’re renting that hall for your wedding and you want nice round tables and you’ve got tables sitting at the end, in the corner … No thank you,” said Woodham.
Driscoll suggested an outdoor shed or storage container located on the property “could be a temporary solution given our budgetary constraints.”
Ottens stressed the residents she’s heard from want the original stage preserved.
“I think the people that spoke on social media, it’s not that they wanted a stage; they were very specific that they wanted that stage and they were very vocal about the memories and everything tied to that stage.”
Martin said, “I don’t know how to word this to be politically correct, but just because you type in (a comment) on Facebook, that doesn’t make you the majority of the community … It’s nice for the hall to have an elevated position for speakers or bands or DJs or whatever … but one particular stage for nostalgic purpose? Well, we’re renovating that entire hall. Your nostalgia’s gone.”
Driscoll suggested council ask staff to report on “some reasonable ideas or solutions.”
Council passed a resolution approving the additional expenditure of $219,500 to complete the project, but directed that the stage removal be deferred pending a report on alternatives from the public works department.
Craven noted he’s been asked by residents when the project will be completed.
“First council has to make a decision,” Driscoll pointed out. “How are we going to be finishing it? And then we can go out and tender this project and find how many dollars we’re going to spend and when are they going to get it done.”
The staff report projected the phase one base project renovations would be completed by March 16 with May 31 the target for completion of the additional work.
