Glendower Hall stair prices too high, to be re-tendered in February

Craig Bakay | Dec 20, 2017

With tender prices of $74,427, $103,320 and $122,940, South Frontenac Council said no thanks to the contractors bidding on repairs to the steps into Glendower Hall at its regular meeting Tuesday night in Sydenham.

The rejection came on the advice of Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth, who said he believed they could get a much better price if the job were re-tendered in February.

“Our budget for this was $40,000 (in the 2016 Capital budget) and we’re of the opinion that the much higher price reflects the fact that the concrete would most likely have to be heated if the repairs were done in the winter,” Segsworth said. “Prices should be lower in the spring.”

“I had that dream with a fire hall,” said Mayor Ron Vandewal.

However, Segsworth said he didn’t see them getting away with the original price.

“Engineering costs of $1,882.56 have since been spent, leaving a remaining budget of $38,117.44,” he said. “An estimated $20,000 extra will be required to complete this project in the spring of 2018.

“After consulting with the Treasurer, the Parkland Reserve Fund holds sufficient funds to complete this project.”

The project includes a new accessible entrance and upgrades to the steps at the hall.

Segsworth said he didn’t see the steps as a safety issue.

“It’s not much of a safety issue,” he said. “It’s more frustration from the users.

“But they definitely need some work.”

“I’d like to see it in writing that it will be re-tendered in February,” said Coun. Pat Barr. “Because we’ve been waiting for two years now. It could have been done earlier for cheaper.”

“Yes it could have,” said Segsworth. “And I apologize.”

60 km/hr zones in Harrowsmith, Sydenham.
Council voted to reduce speed limits to 60 kph on Township Road 5 (Peter Street) in Harrowsmith between 400 and 700 metre east of the limits of Road 38. A 60 km/hr zone will also be set up from 150 metres east of the Sydenham High School Property in Sydenham (Rutledge Road) to 300 metres east of Township road 9.

During discussion of the bylaw Coun. Mark Schjerning moved the bylaw for the Sydenham section be amended to go from Wheatley Street west to Boundary Road, arguing that the entrance to the medical centre should be included. The amendment was defeated on a tie (4-4) vote.

“It seems to me there was a councilor who didn’t want to see things come to Council until they’d gone through the Public Works Committee and Committee of the Whole,” said Mayor Ron Vandewal. “I think it’s a pretty ‘easy’ way to get things to Council by creating a Facebook page. Although it seemed there were just as many against extending the speed zone as for it.”

MNRF invited to Council
Council passed a motion to invite a representative from the MNRF to Council in order to explain the benefit permit process as it relates to the Johnston Point development.

Year in review
Once again CAO Wayne Orr presented his Year in Review to Council that recognizes the volume of issues that have come before Council in the year as well as celebrating the successes and looking forward to the upcoming year.

In 2017, there were 23 Council meetings, 17 Committee of the Whole meetings, totaling 67 hours.

There were 23 Notices of Motion, 38 public delegations, 23 public meetings, 82 planning reports, 30 procurement reports and Coun. Brad Barbeau was sworn in to replace the late Bill Robinson (for whom a road was named in Harrowsmith).

This was also the first year the Township experienced no property sales for back taxes.