COBDEN — Work will soon begin on the expansion and renovations of Foresters Falls Public Library now that a construction company has been awarded the tender.
Harris Construction was awarded the contract with the lowest bid of four tenders. Its bid of $75,504 defeated three others, namely Horizonline Properties bid of $79,698, Wade General Contracting’s bid of $91,500 and Trademark Building Solutions Inc. bid of $126,643.
Chief building official Doug Schultz advised council at its Feb. 18 council meeting that chief librarian Marilyn Labow was told the bid was $2,500 over the Trillium grant of $73,000, and she was okay with that.
Councillor Chris Olmstead questioned if Mr. Schultz was familiar with the company. Mr. Schultz said while he worked for the Township of McNab Braeside, Harris Construction did work for the township and he was satisfied with it.
Mr. Schultz said the architect firm of Morris Thuemen, Architects, Inc. also recommended this company. In a letter to Mr. Schultz, architect Gerry Morris said he spoke to Al Harris about his experience and was satisfied he is qualified for the job.
In the letter, Mr. Morris wrote: The lowest two bids were within 6% of each other, which indicates that they had a good understanding of the scope.
The library will relocate to the Foresters Falls Rink building while the construction and renovations are happening.
Chief administrative officer Christine FitzSimons advised the township’s insurer has approved the temporary relocation.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin questioned who will be moving the books to the rink.
“The library board has that in hand,” CAO FitzSimons said, adding, “But I will call Marilyn and ask.”
Councillor Cathy Regier, who is council’s representative on the library board, said she will check at the next library board meeting, which is tonight (Feb. 25.).
CAO FitzSimons said that was fine and Coun. Regier could make a report back to council.
