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Street sweeper stays despite problems

Despite complaints from several city councillors and the public, the contractor hired to sweep the city's streets will keep their contract. During the June 15 city council meeting, Ward 2 Coun.
Despite complaints from several city councillors and the public, the contractor hired to sweep the city's streets will keep their contract.

During the June 15 city council meeting, Ward 2 Coun. Jacques Barbeau requested a “full report to determine what happened with the street sweeping contract this year.”

The request came after Barbeau, Ward 1 Coun. Joe Cimino and Ward 8 Coun. Fabio Belli all expressed concerns about the quality of work done by the contractor.

Numerous complaints had been received about dust storms created during cleaning, the “poor quality” of the sweeping and the length of time it took to complete the contract.

According to the report, the city usually awards a “three-year street sweeping contract” with an option for two one year extensions. The current contract for 2011 to 2013 was awarded to DeAngelo Brothers Corporation, based out of their Orangeville office.

DeAngelo was the lowest bid and met “all conditions of the contract.”

The contract “requires” that 616 kilometres of the city's streets are to be cleaned within 15 working days, or three weeks, and the work be completed by the May 24 weekend.

However, the report states that although DeAngelo was scheduled to start street sweeping on April 18, the starting date was delayed by nine days due to a “large spring snowfall that hit the city.”

Staff also say they believe that the contractor “arrived in the city with insufficient equipment to complete the contract within the designated timeline.” This required the city to step in and assist the contractor to complete the work.

A meeting was held between the contractor and the city, and the report states the contractor “agreed fully with staff's concerns and has agreed to accommodate all (their) requirements next year.”

DeAngelo also has agreed to “pay all city costs and related contract penalties.”

According to the report, the city owes the contractor $186,380 after cleaning 602 kilometres of the 616 tendered kilometres to be swept.

However, the net owing to the contract is $162,350 after a total of $24,030 was deducted from the contract due to the city's cost for work as well, as “liquidated damages” and “dust related penalties.”

City council will review the report during the Aug. 10 meeting.

- Posted by Martha Dillman

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