Grandstand Spending Spree
Over at the Langley Free Press, my Council colleague Kim Richter is railing against the McLeod Athletic Park Grandstand, which has gone well over budget. Anyway, she has a few suggestions, three of which can be crafted into a much-needed update to the Township's Procurement Policy:
Specifically, I'd be happy to second a Richter notice of motion to:
- secure firm fixed prices under all circumstances in future and not be coerced into entering design-build contracts, especially in very active and inflationary construction times, and never on large and unique projects.
- Contracts with co-sponsors should clearly state that all parties share all costs and cost overruns.
- add an independent cost surveyor reporting to the Council and employed on large and unique projects.
Just bring it to the table, Kim.
As for her other points, two aren't really actionable as far as a motion goes (being 'seduced' and a new budget culture); one would put the Township's infrastructure at risk (not building anything until 2011); and one (the task force) just creates another level of bureaucracy, which I am philosophically opposed to.
The key for Kim now is to bring these recommendations to the table and see if we can convince the rest of Council to support them.
Specifically, I'd be happy to second a Richter notice of motion to:
- secure firm fixed prices under all circumstances in future and not be coerced into entering design-build contracts, especially in very active and inflationary construction times, and never on large and unique projects.
- Contracts with co-sponsors should clearly state that all parties share all costs and cost overruns.
- add an independent cost surveyor reporting to the Council and employed on large and unique projects.
Just bring it to the table, Kim.
As for her other points, two aren't really actionable as far as a motion goes (being 'seduced' and a new budget culture); one would put the Township's infrastructure at risk (not building anything until 2011); and one (the task force) just creates another level of bureaucracy, which I am philosophically opposed to.
The key for Kim now is to bring these recommendations to the table and see if we can convince the rest of Council to support them.