Tender for major bridge construction near Redland

Times Contributor 

 

There were eight qualifying contender’s for the project, coming in with the following quotes:

• Volker Stevin $1,590,000 

• Gross Ventures $1,645,500 – an amendment of $53,945 = $1,591,555

• BYZ Enterprises $1,746,000, 

• Carmax $1,264,150 with amendment of + $70,300 = $1,340,350

• Horseshoe Hill Construction $1,461,880 

• Graham Construction $1,498,910 

• Formula Contractors with amendment $1,472,950 – $250,00 = $1,222,950,

• Trevcon Enterprises.$1,390,400 

Bids were reviewed by panel – Minty’s Moving Ltd was removed from the bid.

“This is one of the projects we are sharing with Alta Transportation. It comes in close to our set 2012 budget,” said Dave Churchill, Manager of Transportation and Infrastructure.

Churchill recommended awarding contract to Formula Contractors with a final bid of $1,222,950, but possibly some of the items removed that aren’t integral to the bridge. The items had to do with modifications on the side slopes. Roadwork would be scheduled later. He said premium prices were charged for the side slope work in the bids and Churchill said the county could do the work in a more cost effective way. 

Council accepted the Formula Contractor bid with the suggested revisions.

 

Seed Plant money

Mr. Keith Wheeler presented council with financial statements outlining a $2 million net shortfall needed to start building the new Seed Plant. The money is needed until provincial funding is delivered December 15. The Credit Union has arranged to provide a $700,000 line of credit at 3.5 per cent interest, on advance against the sale of the old facility, if necessary.

“Assuming we get the money from the county, we are ready to go,” said plant representatives.

There was hope to get started on the facility in August and finish in March. Representatives said that just the equipment is $1 million and bins are an extra $1 million. There are also ordering delays of four to five months for equipment and bins as they are ordered from out of the country. They also said funds were needed secure work crews, so they don’t take other contracts in place of the Seed Plant contract. The money is important to realize the building finish dates.

“I am assuming that you would be taking a first charge over the property as stated in the agreement,” said the plant representative.

The bylaw concerning the total loan is currently advertised. There is 6o day wait for ratepayer approval. 

Approval of the Strathmore Seed Cleaning Plant  loan agreement conditional to the results of a public hearing and the passing of the bylaw, and a short term loan of $ 2 million over a one year period, with money paid out on an as need basis was passed by council.

 

Surplus items tender

Tenders for Surplus items were all accepted. The amounts ran between $5 – $220. There were some items with no tender offered. Council directed staff to distribute those items at their discretion and keep in mind charity organizations that could make use of the items.

 

Fire hall inspections

Gerald Skibinsky, Manager of Protective Services/Fire/Safety Coordinator said emails were sent to all Fire department chiefs concerning the times for building safety checks on fire halls. Appointment times would be at the convenience of the various halls. The checks are set to occur before the end of July.

“It’s a quick look around and it takes about 30 minutes,” said Skibinsky.

He also said notification had been given about observation tours, which will be scheduled in September or October. He intends to supply the halls with observation expectations prior to the start of the tours.

 

Dalum fire expansion proposal

A letter from Dalum Fire Service asked council if they would consider adding a fire hall expansion to upgrades done to the County grader storage shop.

Skibinsky met with the County planners, who indicated that the County is not looking to expand grader shop anytime soon. 

Councillors indicated that there was another County property available, should the Dalum Fire Association decide that they would like to build an additional storage building. A letter would be sent to outline the County reply.

 

Sweets for Children

Council voted in favour of providing Parade candy to the children attending the Rockyford, Gleichen and Strathmore Parades.

There was a Parade policy in the past that provided candy, however the policy was rescinded in favour of towns and hamlets requesting specific help from community organizers.