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Home My WebLink AboutLakeshore Advance, 2012-03-07, Page 9Lakeshore „ C�tftlty councillors review complex plan Cheryl Heath QM' Agency A review of the draft design for a new 31 -unit Iluron East Seniors Complex near I luron- .'ew reveals not everyone is )ppy with the end result wring Huron County's Feb. 23 committee -of -the -whole session, In presenting the plans, architect Al Avis and associ- ate architect Jason Morgan report construction on the approximate $5 million project, set to begin in March, will take place at the south end of the county property south of Clinton, and will include a new access road to the main entrance. Morgan notes highlights of the structure's exterior include a metal roof, an estate stone veneer and cedar -shake siding on the gables. Further, he reports, the building will feature gas-fired heating boilers and a solar heat water preheating system for domestic hot water only. Each of the 19 one -bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units will have their own balconies and patios, and the common areas include a substantial covered access at the front, public washrooms on each floor, a main laundry area on the second floor, and lounges on the second and third floors so residents can enjoy socializing. Hallmarks of each unit, reports Morgan, include grab bars in the washrooms, scooter storage, and wall mount units for a specific design of air-conditioning units. During a question -and - answer period, Coun, Hili Sie- mon (Huron East), a member of the original building - design committee, ques- tioned why the present-day design has strayed from the original plan for a copper roof and a gradient -source geo- thermal heating system. While Morgan says keeping costs down proved to be the driving factor in design changes, Siemon argues a copper roof makes more sense given its lifespan of 100 years in comparison to the ietal roof's projected 50 -year 1:01,e cycle, As for the heating system, the head architect reports the province's required number of wells for a geothermal sys- tem necessitated a change to radiant heating. And, says Avis, it would take up to 20 years for a payback on a geo- thermal system to start kick- ing in and, as far as aircondi- tiotting is concerned, residents prefer to have indi- vidual rather than centralized control. Though the proposed air- conditioning system, priced at $36,000, proved to be a amain topic of debate, Coun. George Robertson (South Huron) says he knows from personal experience that air- conditioning is not a burning issue. County Housing Manager Barb Hall adds the $500,000 projected cost for geothermal heating was denied by the ministry for funding. Coun. Hill Siemon suggests such a denial seems odd given the province's penchant for promoting energy effi- ciency. Ile went on to note that while the building's esti- mated construction costs have gone down, the bill for engineering services has risen by about $7,000. Social Services Administra- tor Dave ()verhoe suggests the county is fortunate that a local engineering firm was chosen for the job given that up to five sites were eventu- ally bandied about for the complex. Coun. Deb Shewfelt (Goderich) says now is not the time to sweat the small stuff. "1 get a feeling we're trying to build a Sheraton on the Falls," says Shewfelt, noting Goderich has ground -source heating at its new town hall and the utility bills have dou- ble since so many pumps are running. Shewfelt adds that given the proposed rent costs for the site are to range from $600 to $700, it is time to move for- ward and keep the costs in check. Meanwhile, Coun. James Ginn's suggestion to install electrical car plug -ins for later years proved to be something the architects pledged to fol- low up on. While Siemon's request to form an ad hoc committee to review the draft drawing failed to draw a supporter, councillors ultitnately agreed to further review proposed air-conditioning plans at the site. (:lock Out A proposal to hire a local engineering firm to design the specifications and bid documents for the broken down county clock to the tune of $5,000 drew few hands at the council table. In presenting his report, facilities manager Dave Breznik says hiring a local engineering firm seemed to be the soundest move given the vast number of parties that stepped up to offer their clock repair services in the past year. Breznik says the goal is to ensure the RFP is spot on so that there will be no after- shocks from the ultimate choice for clock repairperson. Coun. Bernie MacLellan (1luron East) was the first to oppose the proposal by not- ing he wits a "little surprised" by the $5,000 cost associated to what amounts to paperwork. In noting the cost seems "u little outrageous;' MacLellan argues county staff likely already have the technical expertise to craft the RFP given the work is projected to cost $25,0(X). "I'm in the writing business if that's what people get paid to do paperwork," adds Maclellan. Several councillors then stepped up to share anec- dotes on how their respective communities' clocks were repaired, including Coun. Dave Frayne (South 1luron) who says Exeter's town clock was repaired without the need for a RFP While Breznik shared sto- ries of the various clock repair people that stepped forward last year, including one farmer who pledged to do it for free after planting season, Coun. Brian Harnitn (Central fiuron) joined the chorus of those questioning the need to shell out $5,000 for the word- ing of an RFI'. "1 bet you 1 could do this and I won't charge you $5,0007 says Harnitn. Coun. Hill Dowson (Blue - water) suggests the clock repair work has been left wanting for too long, but Coon. Joe Steffler (Huron East) chimed in to note Huron East recently had its post office clock computer- ized without the need for u HEP. Ultimately, the facilities manager's proposal to hire an engineering firm to craft the RFP failed, and a later sugges- tion by Coun. Paul Klopp (Hluewater) to form an ad hoc committee to address the issue was approved. Mapped Out After some debate, council- lors are moving forward with a plan that will see new maps created for Huron County, at a retail cost of $10 apiece. In a report to councillors, EMS manager Dave Lew reports the printing cost for the new map will be $11,425, and $10 should he charged for the map, with the remain- der of the cost tacked on to the levy. AITIp RETIRE AT �''�OME NEI %'1('VY Customized Home Care Services for Your Needs! Call Landa for a FREE in-home consultation on all your options. 519-294-8855 www.RotireAtliossoRPIteam Youu'Heaith. YourHome. Youi'Choice. Cowl. Paul Klopp (Blue - water) questioned the necessity of printing maps in "this day and age." Ile sug- gests the county should instead cover only the cost of creating the electronic edition. In suggesting the newest edition was "long overdue," Coun. Ben Van 1)iepenbeek (ACW) put forth a motion to charge $10 charge per map, which is an idea fellow councillors endorsed, Branching Out Learning the province is prepared to ante up with $350,000 of a projected $700,000 shortfall for a Goderich-based housing project proved to be enough reason for councillors to compromise. 'Through a report, council- lors learned the province is willing to pledge $350,000 more to the Maple Tree housing development as long as a number of conditions are met, including that the county pay the other $350,000, as well as effectively take over the management of the site. Coun. Rill Menton (E luron East) says the province's offer is "good news" since the county was bound to end up with the project anyway. Social Services Adminis- trator 1)ave Overboe says the change will mean the county will officially have a govern- ance nodal similar to what is in place with the library hoard. Full Day Cultural Services Director Meth Ross reports more than 900 people came out to enjoy the Family Day festivi- ties hosted at the Huron County Museum in Goderich on Feb, 21. Coun. John Grace (Goderich) says the turnout speaks to the growing popu- larity of culture -related events and activities. Need Mortgage Money? Farm S, Residential 1 & 2 Mortgage S 3.25 Inter est or Less • No upfront tees • Personal loans/mortgages • Consolidate your debts • Problem mortgage specialist Nead Office Ph; 5t9-744-6251 Uc.010163 If you quality, Amt. Approx. ' 5,000 '10,000 '50,000 '100,000 payments: Mo. 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