MHPM Project Managers Inc. is the management company that will likely oversee the building of Sechelt's new biosolids facility, but not before the company has its references checked out, at the request of council.
Councillors at Sechelt's July 13 committee of the whole meeting endorsed the recommendation by staff to award the contract to MHPM, but they were uneasy with the decision.
Concerns were raised over the cost of the proposal, the lack of thorough references for the company and the apparent connection between MHPM and members of District staff.
The MHPM proposal came with a fixed fee of $180,000 for their management services, while a proposal from R.F. Binnie & Associates Ltd. came in at $167,001. A third proposal from Denmar Cost Consultants did not meet the project requirements.
When asked why the lowest cost proposal wasn't selected, staff noted the MHPM proposal is "based on the best methodology," and would save time and money for the District in the future.
"It's different than a tender. In a tender, specific work needs to be done, then you base it on the best price, as long as they conform with the specification. A proposal is more open for what they will propose to us and offer for the job," said Ken Tang, director of engineering.
Staff also noted MHPM have a lot of experience with project management, overseeing projects like the Brockville wastewater treatment plant, the Richmond Olympic Oval and Sechelt's justice services building.
But the company's reputation on the Sechelt build was questioned.
"This is the company that, quote 'oversaw the project development of the award winning Sechelt justice building and the RCMP detachment provincial court house,' which, in my opinion, has been more or less a fiasco since its construction," said Coun. Keith Thirkell.
Council asked Tang to contact municipalities that have used MHPM's services to get references on the company, although a few references were included in the MHPM report.
Director of corporate services Jo-Anne Frank said the references may not be necessary as manager of sustainability, parks and special projects Emanuel Machado and chief administrative officer Rob Bremner have had "first hand experience," with the company.
But that first hand experience was called into question by Thirkell.
"When I hear about the comfort of two members of staff who have dealt with this company in Dawson Creek, that also raises concerns for me. To me it implies a slight bias," he said.
Coun. Fred Taylor said he would be voting against the motion to award the contract to MHPM because the information presented to council was lacking.
"When we did the tourist information centre, we had far better information for that small, little contract than we have for this major contract, when the District knows that this is probably one of the most contentious projects we are going to undertake," he said.
In the end councillors Warren Allan, Alice Janisch, Alice Lutes, Anne Kershaw and Mayor Darren Inkster voted in favour of the recommendation to award the contract, with Taylor and Thirkell voting against. The recommendation will come to the next council meeting for formal adoption.
