WELLINGTON NORTH – Council here has waived the competitive procurement process for the purchase of a new Olympia ice resurfacing machine, replacing an older 2009 machine.
Staff recommended continuing a long-standing business relationship with Elmira-based Resurfice Corp., from which the township previously purchased resurfacing machines in 2009 and 2012.
A report from township operations director Matt Aston and recreation services manager Tom Bowden noted Resurfice Corp.’s location, a current township stock of around $6,000 worth of spare parts, a free paint job, and a two-year warranty on parts, labour and mileage as benefits of foregoing the competitive process.
In a March Recreation, Parks and Leisure committee meeting, Mayor Andy Lennox wanted to ensure the proposal was supported by evidence and asked if inquires had been made about other options to ensure competitive market pricing.
Bowden said Zamboni, located farther away in Brampton, was the only other option, offering a different style of machine at a similar price.
On April 11, council approved the purchase of a new machine at a cost of $92,700 which doesn’t include tax, but accounts for the salvage value of the 2009 machine, and comes in $7,300 under the $100,000 budgeted for the purchase.
The new resurfacer will be destined for the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex, but can be used at the Arthur and Area Community Centre as well.
