Director of Community Services, S. Jackson gave a high-level overview of Report 'Community Services-2022-34'.
President, New Hamburg Firebirds, G. Mills, expressed concerns with the proposed ice pad and suggested further public consultation and analysis be undertaken.
Council asked and received answers from President G. Mills regarding whether there would be a benefit to having a large screen to display all aspects of the ice to mitigate the sightline issues/concerns.
Council asked and received answers from Staff on the following topics:
- why the third ice pad is being considered at this point of time
- whether the Township can still utilize Development Charges discussed in the report, and whether those figures are still accurate based on the changes with Bill 23
- possible solutions to address sightline concerns
- whether consideration was given to potentially building two ice pads as opposed to just one to accommodate future needs
- costs and work associated with potentially refurbishing the New Hamburg Community Centre to once again accommodate ice
- whether fees would be charged to the Township if all bids were rejected
- whether, if the RFP were awarded for the design, the project would then be 'shovel ready' when council is ready to go ahead with the build
- length of design process, including public consultation
- whether the scope of the design change even after the RFP is awarded
Council noted that the report mentions that a number of community members requested a design consideration for a bowl-style arena, and later specifies that that style was not considered in the Monteith-Brown Site Plans.
Director of Community Services, S. Jackson clarified that this RFP award is about getting design underway and not for the purpose of approving construction costs.
Council sought and received clarification regarding the grant application process for this project.
Councillor H. Sidhu discussed an amending motion to provide more time for public consultation; however, they did not move forward with this motion.
CAO, S. Chambers, asked and received clarification from Director of Community Services, S. Jackson, that if the RFP is awarded to Walter Fedy Inc., that Council has the option to negotiate with the successful bidder on changing the scope of that, including further public consultation.
Council asked and staff provided answers regarding whether it is most appropriate to request scope changes before or after the RFP has been awarded.
Council asked received answers regarding whether grants can be received if the Township does not have a 'shovel-ready' design.
After original motion was not carried, CAO, S. Chambers, sought and received clarification and Council confirmed that Council is rejecting all bids.
Mayor N. Salonen called for a recess at 7:55 p.m.
Council reconvened at 7:59 p.m.
CAO, S. Chambers, confirmed that the result of this motion not passing cancels the RFP and staff will notify the bidders and await further instruction from Council.