Kinsmen Park paving price increases

Times Reporter     

 

The pathway around Kinsmen Park is on the schedule to be paved in time for the Canada Day celebrations. Originally, as part of the 2012 Town’s Pathway Development Plan, a capital budget was approved for $140,000. 

The original company who had the lowest bid from the tender process, which was under the $140,000 mark, withdrew their name from consideration prior to the May 15 regular town council meeting. G&V Paving and Contracting Ltd. put in the second lowest bid at $154,800. 

“We did see an increase in the tender this year based on our tendering from last year,” said Jesse Parker, director of engineering and operations for the town. “(We’ll be) building the pathway to the same quality as our tender along the Thomas Drive pathway, but we’ve seen our cost go up fairly considerably I’d say, about 30% over our cost from last year. So as a result it didn’t come in as…anticipated through the budget process.” 

The Town doesn’t have previous experience with G&V Paving and Contracting Ltd. but Parker feels they have a good understanding of the project, and the references he has contacted have also come back positive. 

The entire pathway will have a horizontal root barrier, which is the same as the Thomas Drive pathway. In the areas within close proximity to the trees there will also be a vertical root barrier to help prevent any cracks in the pavement with weeds or roots pushing through. 

Parker requested a change in the budget for the project. The request for $170,000 will add a 10% contingency in case any unforeseen circumstances come up.  

Council approved the new funding amount, which is not to exceed $170,000.

 

Stormwater initiative 

Since last year, the town has been a part of the Regional Stormwater Initiative with the Western Irrigation District (WID) and other regional municipalities. Parker said the main focus for the town is on a south drainage plan to Eagle Lake and then future north drainage as well. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was brought forward which summarizes the commitment of the partners working collaboratively on a regional stormwater solution. The request was for the town to sign it, and also to approve funding in the amount of $50,000 for a technical Request For Proposal (RFP) to help determine the feasibility of a future solution and the preliminary design of a stormwater solution for the entire town. The funds come from the WID/Town of Strathmore Joint Stormwater Fund, which requires the approval of both parties to access and will not affect taxpayers. Council approved the requests.