COBDEN — The $13,000 expenditure for the website upgrade contract was agreed to by Whitewater Region council, even though Councillor Charlene Jackson remains opposed to it.
It was noted at earlier meetings, that Chief Administrative Officer Christine FitzSimons approved an expenditure for $3,000 more than she should have for upgrades to the municipal website. Councillor Charlene Jackson felt the upgrade to the website should have been tendered out and that the website upgrades should not have started until after approval had been given by council.
CAO FitzSimons was asked to have Brian Cook of Mediaworx provide a list of services he was providing in the upgrades.
During the Corporate Services Committee meeting last week, Coun. Jackson stated that the figure provided by Mr. Cook is “double the price it would normally cost,” and added that 100 hours to do a complete revamp is also high.
Mayor Hal Johnson noted he spoke with Mr. Cook and the project is half-way completed, so he should finish. While there were concerns staff would not be able to provide updates to the site, he said that isn’t the case. Staff will be able to upload to the site, however, Mr. Cook will continue to provide the weekly services staff are too busy to do, the mayor added.
“If we change that, that money will come off the bill,” the mayor said.
However, due to a staff shortage at the municipal hall, Mayor Johnson said what he is providing is of great value right now.
He also noted that whatever Mr. Cook does to the site, will not have to be redone if a new website provider is hired.
Mayor Johnson said he has dealt with many contractors over the years, and some will say they can do it cheaper. But, until the bill comes in, the price will not be known.
“I’m in favour of letting him (Mr. Cook) finish,” Mayor Johnson said.
CAO FitzSimons agreed with the mayor regarding being short-handed in the office and noted there have been no complaints regarding the upgrades to the website, with agreement coming from Mayor Johnson.
However, Coun. Jackson disagreed with her statement.
“I’ve heard lots of complaints,” she said, noting it’s difficult to find the video link to the meetings and that it’s difficult to maneuver through the site.
She again reiterated, “It’s extremely over-priced compared to what others pay for revamping and training.”
Mayor Johnson said he feared if the project were to be stopped now and put out to tender, all work on the website would stop, with disagreement coming from Coun. Jackson.
“People do not stop providing services because something has gone out to tender,” she said, with the Mayor quipping back, “He’s not going to do it for free.”
Councillor Chris Olmstead said the total cost of the project, as well as the hours Mr. Cook is expecting to bill for, is not just for the upgrade. He noted it’s also the fee and hours for updating the site each week.
Councillor Cathy Regier said the project should continue with Mr. Cook and if council wishes, it can put the website provider up for tender next year.
“If we start over now, it will cost us more money,” she said. “This individual is familiar with the website.”
Reeve Terry Moore said while it’s unfortunate CAO FitzSimons did go over her approved spending limit, it’s happened and it’s time to move on.
“We will ask staff to stay within the guidelines of our policies from now on,” he said.
Council agreed to pass the motion of allowing this $13,000 expenditure to go through. However, the website provider is to come back for discussion in October so the tendering process can begin.
