Councillors spar over City Hall window

Georgetown city councillors on Monday at their statutory meeting focused on the rehabilitation of  City Hall – particularly the purchase of a window – and it was pointed out that the procurement of materials must be done through a tender process.

“Regardless if the Engineer Department wants to do the job, they still have to do a tender like anyone else,” Councillor Patricia Chase-Green stated.

She noted that just recently two officers were sent home after an inquiry into one of the departments was done and so she questioned why the City Engineer’s Department was now proceeding in a similar direction.

Patricia Chase-Green

Chairing the meeting was Deputy Mayor Robert Williams who announced that a tender process was not required.

“The purchase of the window had to be done through a tender process because the estimate exceeds $1M. As the Chairman of the Finance Committee you ought to know that and don’t tell me you get a lapse in memory,” Chase-Green stated.

Councillor Junior Garett then requested to see the quotation but  Town Treasurer Andrew Meredith said  that he did not have it but would have it brought over shortly, and he did.

Garett then inquired why National Hardware was chosen to supply materials. “Why National Hardware again? … while Chase-Green chimed in “Robert…Robert.”

“National Hardware are not manufacturers of windows,” Garett further stated.

Williams then indicated that windows had been bought and installed but were found to be inappropriate. Then Councillor Gwendolyn McGowan remarked,  “What do you want? Metal window?”

Reading the quotations, Garett stated: “Gafoors $2.5M, New Glass Company $2.2M… Kishen’s Windows and Door $2.7M, Bobby Hussain $6.8M and National Hardware $3.1M.” He then asked why an evaluation was not done  as it relates to the quality and again sought to find out why National Hardware was selected.

Garett asked for a commitment to have these arrangements stalled until a proper analysis is done.

City Engineer Gregory Erskine in response said that the prices were all reviewed and based on the analysis by the Engineer’s Department, National Hardware was chosen.

Meanwhile, when Garett asked a question on the council’s present financial situation, Meredith was out of sight and this stirred some annoyance among councillors.

After about five minutes, the treasurer returned and when asked to explain why he had left during such a discussion, Meredith responded, “I’m perplexed as to the uproar… I only a few minutes ago spoke to the deputy mayor for him to sign a voucher. None of the pumps have fuel and I asked him to sign the voucher so that we can get fuel to the pump. I’m honestly blown away. I don’t think that two minutes away from this meeting can constitute a problem,” he stated, adding “I humbly apologize”.

Directing his remark to Williams, Garett said, “You know de man gone and pay for fuel… all you had to say is I think or perhaps or maybe but you sat there and said nothing. Is that fair to the officer? No”.

Meredith indicated that the council is cautious where salaries are concerned and declared that the “most possible date is November 19”. He noted that the council wants to ensure that employees are paid and that their staff is happy. “We are 70% certain that we are bringing salaries on the 19th,” he said.