I’ve been doing some digging into the cause of delays with Burlington’s pier – and possible solutions. There is a way forward, but it likely won’t come quickly and may cost taxpayers more. I will continue to follow this story, and provide updates, including a report below that sets the record straight on some rumours I’ve heard.
Pier dispute may not be covered by bond
Update to Community Services Committee, July 14, 6:30 pm, City Hall
When negotiations to complete Burlington’s pier fell apart between the city and the contractor over a design dispute, the city called the contractor’s performance bond last January. In early July, lawyers for the city, the contractor, the bonding company, and the design engineer met to discuss the bonding company’s investigation into the dispute. One of the key points of discussion: whether a design dispute is covered under the terms of the bond. If the bond can’t be used, what are the costs and options to finish the pier?
To get to the heart of the dispute and possible solutions, I sat down for separate on-the-record interviews with Scott Stewart, the city’s general manager of community services; Tom Eichenbaum, the city’s director of engineering; Henry Schilthuis, president of Harm Schilthuis & Sons (pier contractor); and Doug Corby of Masters Insurance (an agent of Zurich, the contractor’s bonding company).
My report is below. It covers:
- What went wrong: a design dispute
- Tear it down, and other options to finish the pier
- Offer to redesign & build by next year
- Doubts raised whether bond covers design dispute
- Seeking costs from AECOM: risky, lengthy
- Pier costs increase $1 million for “contingencies”
- Decision unlikely before next January
- What you can do
It’s time for transparency for taxpayers. I will be presenting a 150-name petition seeking transparency on the costs and options to complete the pier at the Community Services Committee Wed. July 14. You can still add your name at mariannemeedward@bell.net.
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