$151,000 tender to finish parking lot not approved

Free parking lot on King Street, Picton. – Sue Capon photo

UPDATE SEPT 1: Council was split in its decision to finish the King Street parking lot, or put the funds toward other projects. A tie vote at council Tuesday night made the motion to approve the tender fail.

Several agreed with councillor Brad Nieman that the lot has been in use for the past two years, is full much of the time and funds could be used toward more pressing projects. Councillor Jamie Forrester spoke to large pot holes in his ward, and throughout the County. Councillor Janice Maynard noted the “poorest” parking lots are the most environmentally-friendly.

Others expressed desire to see the project finished after several delays and work by municipal staff to negotiate high bids to within approved budgeted amounts.

It will cost $151,000 to finish up a parking lot

AUG 19 – Council will consider approving a $151,093 tender to finish construction of the parking lot at 55 King St., in Picton.

The tender, from Cooney Excavating, was re-designed to essential components to fit within the budget set, as tenders received in 2017 and 2020 were both in excess.

The municipality purchased the lot to create additional parking spaces in Picton. Environmental assessments in 2015 determined there were no contaminants on the property which was a former used car dealership and fuel depot. In the fall of 2016, the County received a $75,000 grant to install an electric vehicle charging station.

The 2017 tender included patterned concrete, benches and decorative light standards – elements recently installed in Benson Park with the plan to incorporate aesthetic elements from Main Street through to King Street. However, that tender came in at $273,767.

The 2020 revised tender includes basic components including illumination, storm serwers, concrete curb, hotmix asphalt paving, lines and signage. Five bids were received, ranging from $177,320 to $340,068. The lowest bid, from Cooney’s, was further lowered by reducing the thickness of the asphalt, and the quantity of concrete curb by removing a barrier which was planned around the perimeter of the paved area.

Total capital budget for the parking lot was set at $307,813 with expenditures to date at $144,677 (environmental assessment, electric vehicle charging station and the lot design and site plan). The remaining budget of $163,135 will be used for construction, tax and contingency funds.

Council meets for Committee of the Whole Thursday, beginning at 1 p.m.