Duane Hicks
The Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre took another step closer to becoming a reality last night after town council received a final report outlining the building’s size and estimated costs and then supported the library board’s position to proceed with the request for proposal (RFP) process.
The report included an up-to-date budget for the revised library project, showing a projected building cost of $3,941,871, with an extra $383,371 included both to cover an estimated 12 percent inflation in building and material costs due to the delay, as well as redesign fees in the amount of $25,000.
This makes for a total budget of $4,325,242.
The report also noted the “footprint” of the structure has been reduced from 13,770 sq. ft. to 13,650. Its original footprint was 17,000 sq. ft.
It also outlines areas where costs possibly can be reduced, including replacing the metal roof with a 20-year shingle roof; modifications to interior light fixtures, acoustic ceiling tiles, the low slope roof, and parking lot; and reductions in the use of decorative faux stone, landscaping, and new furniture purchases (desks, tables, chairs, and cabinets from the old library will be used).
The library board hopes to initiate the RFP process in January, and begin construction in the spring.
But several councillors pointed out last night that prior to getting any dollar figures back from contractors, it’s not clear whether the town will be able to afford to finance its share of the project.
In other news, council last night voted unanimously in favour of a bylaw to prohibit smoking nine metres from the front overhang and west entrance to the Memorial Sports Centre, and that the “no smoking” zone be clearly marked.
Violating the bylaw will result in a fine of up to $1,000.
As reported earlier this month, the recommendation to do so was made by the Community Services executive committee, with input from the Planning and Development executive committee, after council received a letter from Dr. Lorena Jenks.
In her letter, Dr. Jenks noted current provincial law dictates there is to be no smoking nine metres from the entrance to a public facility, such as hospital and schools, and suggested the town be proactive by also including the arena in the ban since smoking sets a bad example for the hundreds of children who enter the arena complex each day, and forces non-smokers to walk through second-hand smoke with all its attendant health risks.
Also at last night’s meeting, council:
•heard a presentation from Grace Silander, patient safety/risk management co-ordinator for Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc., regarding the “Medication Recorder Challenge”;
•approved a break-open ticket licence application from La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary at the Bonnie Blue from Nov. 26, 2008-May 26, 2009;
•referred a financial request from B. Pryde re: the 2009 Meals on Wheels program to the 2009 budget process;
•referred a request from Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts re: the annual “Chefs’ Charitable Dinner and Auction” on Jan. 25, 2009 to the Administration and Finance executive committee for its recommendation;
•referred a municipal planner’s memorandum re: the appeal of zoning amendment 8/98-II (1345 Emo Rd.) to the Planning and Development executive committee for it recommendation (resident Larry Buttner has filed an appeal of council’s rezoning at that property from institutional to multi-residential);
•passed a bylaw to authorize entering into of a lease agreement at the Fort Frances Municipal Airport with K. Seguin;
•passed a bylaw to approve a contract awarded to Pryde, Schropp, McComb Inc. for the development and implementation of safety management systems at the municipal airport (Tender No. 08-OF-11);
•received a request for executive and committee nominations from the Rainy River District Municipal Association, and nominated Coun. Sharon Tibbs for RRDMA president; and
•received a notice from the Ministry of Finance regarding a pre-budget consultation on Dec. 1.
