City council approved millions of dollars worth of contracts Monday night, but not without some concerns.
The six contracts came in just under $13 million, overall more than $696,000 under budget, for street and sidewalk repairs, water main replacements and the Valley Street project.
McIntyre Coun. Trevor Giertuga wanted to know if there was any way the city could increase the thickness of asphalt on the roads. Meanwhile, Coun. Andrew Foulds wanted to know if there's any warranty on road work done.
Both councillors told city hall that they’ve received complaints shortly after a project is complete.
"It just seems roads done a few years back are in horrible shape," Giertuga said.
Engineering manager Pat Mauro said there are standards for how thick asphalt is on a road. As for warranties, it's typically a year.
Answers led to more questions from councillors, with Coun. Linda Rydholm asking if there were penalities associated with a project being overdue.
Mauro confirmed that there are. Those penalties are technically known as liquidated damages, and are about $1,000 for every day a project is late.
Coun. Larry Hebert wanted the city to look into raising that rate. Mauro said administration could do that but would then also have to reward bonuses for early completions.
Council also heard that the Boulevard Lake dam rehabilitation project would be put on hold for another year. Originally expected last year, the original $3.3 million estimate was too low once tenders came in, delaying the project.
With an estimate of $3.6 million bids were again too high for this year, the lowest tender coming in at more than $5 million. Foulds, who represents Current River, said the project is important for his ward and the entire city. It's frustrating that once again repairs won't be done he said.
The contracts include:
- $3.7 million to Taranis Contracting Group for asphalt rehabilitation
- $1.3 million to Prime Terra Group for sidewalks, street lighting and traffic signals
- $1.8 million to Menei Bros. Contracting for sewer and watermain replacements
- $1.5 million for Main Rehabilitation Incorporated for mortar lining of cast iron watermains
- $2.1 million to Makkinga Contracting and Equipment Rentals for other sewer and watermain replacements
- $2.4 million to Pioneer Construction for Valley Street widening and reconstruction
