Cramahe Now reader wonders about office reno

                                    Township receptionist/ tax clerk Tracey Deveaux
                                    stands in the newly renovated reception area last
                                    October.

Cramahe Now reader Lorraine Chapman-Arthur has some concerns about the $34 thousand renovation done to the Cramahe Township office reception area last fall.

She makes her point below:

"I am really concerned about the priorities in the Cramahe Township office. Is anyone overseeing the daily activities? Why did the township hire someone who had to drive all the way from Kingston to renovate the offices when there are local contractors available? A basic contract like this should go to someone local.

Was it contracted or tendered? If someone local did the work, the township would see a return when property taxes were paid by the contractor.

This is very frustrating."

We asked Cramahe Township Chief Administrative Officer, Christie Alexander, "Who did the renovations/painting in the office last fall, where the company was from, how much it cost, and the process used to determine the contractor(s)?"

She forwarded the Chief Building Official's report passed by Cramahe Township Council on August 11, 2009.

Natalie Moroz-Cornell states in her report: Tenders closed July 30, 2009 to refurbish the Municipal Office reception area including the supply and installation of an accessible customer service counter.

Two compliant bids were received as follows.

K. Knudsen Construction Limited $36,155. plus GST

Rockwood Design $34,650. plus GST

This contract is for a general contractor to supply all equipment and supplies to dismantle, and remove the existing office reception counter and two work stations in the reception area.

The contractor is to build/supply a new counter with wheelchair access as per design provided. New work stations are to be installed as part of this counter space as per the furniture specifications.

An office separation is to be installed in the hallway area. The scope of work also includes replacing the existing carpet flooring in all offices and hall way with new carpet tiles, and painting the main office area.

The contract was paid with $25,000 from the Colborne Town Hall capital budget account, and $12,000 for new carpet under building maintenance.