Council Approves 2024 Tar and Chip Project Amid Budget Considerations
STRATHROY-CARADOC- Municipal council has awarded the 2024 Tar and Chip maintenance contract to Cornell Construction Limited, following a council meeting held on June 17. The decision involved discussions on financial strategy and comparisons with previous fiscal practices.
The tender, which concluded on May 28, received proposals from two firms, with Cornell Construction offering the lowest at $604,795 plus HST. This bid falls within the $700,000 earmarked for this maintenance work. Nonetheless, an additional $28,945 will be sourced from the surplus of the 2024 Asphalt Resurfacing budget to cover the total costs.
During the session, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Trisha McKibbin explained the segmentation of the maintenance into three parts—tar and chip application, pulverizing, and stone supply—to secure competitive prices and enhance cost efficiency. This division led to engaging different providers for each segment, aimed at optimizing municipal expenditures.
Councillor Greg Willsie voiced concerns regarding the non-renewal of collaborative cost-reduction alliances with neighbouring municipalities, a tactic leveraged in the previous year. In response, the CAO acknowledged the oversight and committed to providing detailed follow-up information.
Councillor Frank Kennes sought clarification on the segmented bidding process, querying how it differed from traditional single-contract methods. The CAO reassured council that this method was designed to reduce the overall financial outlay.
Council unanimously supported the motion to proceed with Cornell Construction Limited, emphasizing the importance of maintaining robust and economically sustainable infrastructure.
The approved maintenance will focus on critical roadways within the municipality, including Amiens Road from Hickory Drive to Lamont Drive, Parkhouse Drive from Christina Road to Rougham Road, and Walkers Drive from Sutherland Road to McEvoy Road, crucial for local connectivity and safety.
David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Middlesex Banner
