MINGO JUNCTION - Village Council on Tuesday expressed displeasure with the charges from the village's engineering firm for work on the splash pad at Aracoma Park.
CT Consultants is being paid an hourly fee for work in designing the project that has totaled $48,000. The firm now wants an additional $11,000 to oversee construction and finish the project.
The splash pad originally was expected to cost about $220,000, with engineering fees included, but the cost has increased to $285,000.
"Their fees are excessive," said Councilman John Bracone, who added the time has come for the village to look for another engineering consultant.
Village Administrator Frank Fuscardo said the equipment for the splash pad and engineering fees total $170,000. The village entered into a contract with Cattrell Cos. of Toronto for $115,000 to install the equipment. Fuscardo said he has to talk to Cattrell about including electrical work and fence installation in the contract. Fuscardo explored the idea of returning the equipment but the village would lose too much money.
"Our backs are against the wall," said Councilman James Morrocco.
"We are at a point of no return," said Councilman John Fabian. "We already spent $170,000."
Morrocco voted in favor of the extra engineering fees but said he was not in favor of the splash pad because "it is a waste of village money."
Fuscardo said he was surprised nobody had questioned CT Consultants' fees prior to this point.
Mayor Ronald DiCarlo said he will request a meeting with CT Consultants and council to discuss the engineering fees.
Council also approved an ordinance to advertise for bids for street paving work.
Council wants to pave the lower section of McLister Avenue at a cost of $175,000. CT Consultants is asking for $5,200 to help the village during the bidding process and $14,000 for inspecting the paving work.
Council asked Fuscardo to patch various streets, including the lower section of McLister Avenue.
Fuscardo also announced village crews will turn off water service on delinquent accounts unless payment arrangements are made. He said village officials are having problems with renters and payment of water bills. Council's water and ordinance committees will meet at 4 p.m. on May 10 to discuss the matter.
Fire Chief John Wright said the fire department will paint yellow no parking lines on various streets. He said the old paint has worn off, resulting in difficulties in getting fire trucks down narrow streets because of parking issues.
Council also approved a resolution commending Michael Paprocki of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission for his help in obtaining funding to repair the Commercial Street bridge in the south end of the village.
Council's safety committee has scheduled a meeting for 10 a.m. Monday.
