Councillors in Prince Edward County approved a $559,000 contract at their Committee of the Whole meeting Thursday for upgrades to the Bloomfield and Consecon water towers.
The cost of this project was approved during the 2019 budget discussions but not all of the components of the work could be completed under the budgeted amount.
County staff set three high priority items to be completed and awarded the work to low bidder Jacques Daoust Coatings Management Inc.
The two projects had separate budgets and after a revision of the upgrades, the Bloomfield project came in with a surplus and the Consecon tower project had a deficit. Staff are recommending council reallocate the Bloomfield surplus to the Consecon project to reduce the overall deficit.
The work to be completed includes elevated tank exterior overcoat, elevated tank interior liner repairs or replacement, and safety/metal upgrades on both water towers.
Staff will bring forward the remaining four lower priority items during the 2021 budget discussions.
Councillor Janice Maynard was concerned about the delay in completing the remaining four items, asking staff what the risk would be if something goes wrong between now and when the other items are completed.
Director of Development Services Peter Moyer said he would need to follow up with the Director of Water and Wastewater Services Don Caza.
Councillor Ernie Margetson wondered if there could be a local contractor who would do the required metal work at a cheaper rate than a larger company.
Councillor Phil St-Jean said he would support the motion as is, because they are the ones that set the budget for the project, and staff are working within those parameters and they are analyzing every little detail.
The remaining work includes supply and installation of standby power units, upgrades to the interior and exterior lighting, repairs and improvements to the internal mixing system and replacement of the chlorine pumps, pipework and chlorine analyzer.
Bids on the projects ranged from $559,000 to $1.12 million.
