By Mark Squibb / July 7, 2023
Change orders almost always mean increased project costs, but Mount Pearl council this week had the rare opportunity to approve a change order that will actually save taxpayers some money.
Back in March, council awarded a contract valued at $254,641, HST included, to JMJ Holdings to convert the Parks Shed at the H. Neil Windsor Building to electric heat, a move initiated to help the City reach its climate change goals.
Council this week found out the job will cost a little less than initially anticipated.
“Due to the change in the easement, and as was advised by Newfoundland Power, the Main Electrical Service entrance to the Parks Shed was relocated to the opposite end of the facility, which was directly outside of the proposed electrical room,” explained councillor Mark Rice. “And so, the general contractor, JMJ Holdings, has advised that the City will receive a credit change order in the amount of $9,200, HST Included, for the relocation of the electrical service entrance due to the savings in material and labour.”
The motion to approve the change order passed unanimously with little discussion, although Mayor Dave Aker noted that credit is always good news, while councillor Isabell Fry admitted it’s not often council has the opportunity to approve credit change orders.
