High tenders trim airport work

Planned work at the Yorkton Municipal Airport has been pared back after tenders for the planned work exceeded budget.

"City Council approved the budget for airport improvements in partnership with the Federal Governments under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) for a total amount of $500,000," explained Josh Mickleborough with the city's Department of Planning & Engineering at the regular meeting of Yorkton Council Monday.

The preliminary budget figures for this work where as follows:

Runway line painting $48,000

Approach lighting $125,000

Apron Expansion $327,000

In terms of the apron expansion, tenders were significantly above estimates.

"Three bids were received during the tender period. All Season Rental & Sales was the low bidder with a bid of $435,197.91," said Mickleborough.

As for the work involved Mickleborough explained, "The apron expansion adds about 3000 m2 of apron completing the planned apron expansion for the airport. The apron will accommodate the design aircraft for the airport and allow for proper aircraft manoeuvring and parking near the terminal."

While over budget Mickleborough said he still believed this price is a reasonable value for the work, adding "Engineering Services believes that the project should proceed."

The tenders for approach lighting also exceeded budget.

Two bids were received during the tender period. J. Schetter Electric ($206,251) and Highline Electric ($317,302.24), Mickleborough explained to Council.

"This project included installation of Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lighting, illuminated airfield signage, and the relocation of the taxiway lighting," he added.

It was recommended that the lighting scope be reduced to the illuminated airfield signage and relocation of the taxiway lighting removing the PAPI installation, detailed a report circulated to Council.

"A memo has been drafted to both contractors that have submitted bids requesting that they resubmit pricing based on the reduced scope of work. This scope should allow the project to proceed within funding allocation," said Mickleborough.

"Administration believes that the reduced scope should result in the project that is completable on budget."

Council was unanimous in accepting the lowest apron expansion tender, as well as the approach lighting project at a reduced scope of work.