Dundas Parkside Cemetery archway relocations to be re-tendered
Relocating four already constructed concrete columns at Parkside Cemetery could put the project more than $7,000 over budget.
Total additional expenses won't be known until the City of Hamilton issues a second project tender for a contractor to remove the existing pillars and rebuild them further back - in compliance with minimum separation requirements from overhead electricity infrastructure - and install two overhead archway signs.
How much money is the city prepared to pay for these worthless signs," said neighbour Paula Crockett. How does this happen?"
A possible entrance gateway arch was mentioned at a February 2019 community meeting, but the original concept plan posted on the city's website did not show any entrance or exit archways. It did indicate two sets of columns.
The project tender included one set of columns with an archway sign, and possible addition of a second set of columns - without an archway - as a provisional item. Drawings in the tender showed a second set of stone clad columns without overhead sign" on Parkside Avenue.
By July 2021, city staff decided to proceed with two sets of columns, each with an overhead archway sign. The columns were formed in place, but reportedly did not meet Alectra Utilities' minimum separation requirements from overhead infrastructure, and now have to be moved back approximately three metres.
Several Parkside Avenue residents say they were not consulted about the archway signs, which they point out face their homes and not oncoming traffic approaching the cemetery.
City of Hamilton spokesperson Emily Trotta said the city will have a better idea on further costs once a request for quotes is put out to contractors, bids are received and the additional project awarded to a contractor.
The city hasn't determined whether it will obtain a new contractor or award the same one as previous to complete this work," Trotta said.
According to the June 30 Capital Projects Status Report, Parkside Cemetery had a total budget of $477,700; actual expenditures of $144,933 and purchase order commitments of $309,622.
As of June 30, there was a total budget balance of $23,145.
While budget spending and commitments as of June 30 might have included the four columns and two archways at a total cost of $52,500, it would not have included the minimum $30,500 cost of removing and relocating the four pillars.
This puts the project at least $7,300 over budget, not including any other additional expenses that may have been incurred since June 30.
The funds required to complete the work will be evaluated once the (request for quotations) has closed and low bid prices are known," Trotta said.
City staff removed a large Crimson King Norway Maple tree from the property on Tuesday, Oct. 5 to accommodate relocation of the columns.
Trotta said the work was completed using staff resources and existing equipment" and there is no additional project cost for the tree removal.
The tree would have been impacted by the cemetery development," Trotta said. As part of the project, (it) was inspected by forestry staff and it was found to have structural deficiencies due to previous storm damage. Any impacts to the roots would have increased the rate of decline and increased the potential hazard to the public."
She said because the tree was not native to the area, was considered invasive and in declining health, forestry staff approved removal subject to a significant number" of replacement trees being planted.
City staff did not respond to requests for copies of any forestry staff reports, memos or other documentation of the tree's inspection and condition.
STORY BEHIND THE STORY: We wanted to learn how the Parkside Cemetery construction budget might be impacted by the need to relocate four already formed concrete columns, and archway signs.