WEYBURN - Weyburn city council approved a request from Coun. Larry Heggs for an investigation into the city’s tendering process, after the City needed to replace the company doing the 16th Street storm main replacement project.
He noted that from the start, there were questions about the wide variance in bids made on the project, with the winning contractor, Folspire, based in Ontario but was able to meet the requirements of the project in their bid.
“Throughout the project, I personally asked in July, August and again in September whether the contractor was meeting the contract’s requirements. I was repeatedly assured that the project was progressing as planned,” said Coun. Heggs.
“However, on Sept. 12, the contractor, Folspire, was released from the contract with the City of Weyburn,” he added, with A&B Concrete of Weyburn then engaged to complete the project.
“I believe it is imperative that we review this contract and the bid process to ensure such issues do not arise in future projects,” said Coun. Heggs in making the motion that city administration conduct “a thorough investigation and post-mortem review of the bid process for the 16th Street Storm Main Water Replacement project.”
Mayor Marcel Roy wanted it clear that there would be no finger-pointing or blaming about what happened with this project.
Coun. Heggs said from what he understands, everything was handled properly, so the review would be to look at if there are improvements that could be made.
Coun. Mel Van Betuw commended the city for acting quickly and making the decision to finish the project, and not have it sit unfinished over the fall and winter.
Coun. Heggs said this review would not happen until after the municipal election, set for Nov. 13, and would likely get underway in January with the new council.
