City council has approved the detailed design contract for a new public works building to William A. Scott Architect for the amount of $110,940 plus HST.
The city purchased an industrial building at 6075 King Street in Porcupine for $1.1 million dollars earlier this year, and took ownership in March.
The existing structure is in good condition, and will be expanded to include the following:
- Lunch room to accommodate 50 employees
- Kitchenette area with fridges, vending machines, microwaves, and sinks
- Male washroom for 32 employees
- Female washroom for 10 employees
- Dry area for Public Utilities (8 employees)
- I.T. and media room
- Pre-engineered building extension of 50 by 80 feet to house equipment, handyman area, wash bay, and steel cage storage
The new facility will be replacing the current shop located at 59 Evans Street in South Porcupine, which the city calls an 'end of life asset'.
At the most recent council meeting, Councillor Rick Dubeau said he 'thought we'd be in this building by now'. He also inquired to Director of Public Works and Engineering Luc Duval about what kind of inspections have taken place at the property.
"Give us a timeline, when you expect this to be done, and when we expect to move in to the new facility," said Dubeau.
"All the environmental assessments have been completed, and that took some time," replied Duval.
Duval said that when the city took ownership of the building in March, they hit a snag.
"There was a tenant at the time, that asked for an extension until the end of May. So physically, we were only able to show up on the property in June to start measuring and making the necessary inspections," he said.
The work will be primarily expanding the back of the building. Duval said council knew the expansion was required. He also said he didn't expect the construction to be completed by winter's end.
"For the entire crew to be moved in, we're going to target next year, in the summer."
In the detailed design process, expansions to the front of the existing building such as lunchrooms, restrooms, and a dry area will be included. Duval said he hoped to see that portion of construction initiated this year.
Director of Public Works and Engineering Luc Duval. Andrew Autio for TimminsToday Duval said he expects there will be city employees at the site sometime in the next few months.
"It won't be the crew. The crew will be staying at the Tisdale yard on Evans Street for the time being, with a projection of being fully moved in and mobilized next summer."
Voting in favour of the contract were Councillors Dubeau, Mike Doody, Joe Campbell, Pat Bamford, Andre Grzela, Noella Rinaldo, and Andrew Marks. Councillor Walter Wawrzaszek, a former public works employee, was opposed.
The city received only two submissions for the RFP, and both were from local companies. The range of submitted fees was the aforementioned $110,940 and an eye-catching $334,600.
According to city documents, the expected service time of the new facility will be 50 years.
