Issue - meetings

(To receive a report from Sam Edwards, Head of Highways Infrastructure, which invites the Committee to consider a paper seeking approval to enter into a contract for the purpose of delivering the Red Lion Square, Stamford paving project, which is the subject of a decision by the Executive Councillor for Resources, Communications and Commissioning and the Executive Councillor for Highways, Transport and IT being taken between 2 to 11 November 2021)

Consideration was given to a report from the Head of Highways Infrastructure on the proposed improvement scheme at Red Lion Square, Stamford. The scheme was originally completed in 2007 with a number of other improvement schemes in Stamford. This area had installed paving stone setts, however thinner setts, stand bed and joints were used due to funding limitations. Through increased vehicle movements, setts had moved and been damaged. Increased maintenance fees and safety concerns were noted. Following requests from local members and the Executive Councillor, options were explored to improve the area. A number of options were considered but ultimately, following consultation with Heritage England, the option to replace the existing 100mm thick York stone setts with 150mm thick York stone setts with a new concrete foundation, new mortar bed and new mortar joints. This was originally desired in 2007. This scheme would reduce the maintenance liability for the County Council and maintain the aesthetics. The existing setts would be stored for reuse elsewhere in the county. The original material used, Cromwell Stone, was no longer in use, however an alternative had been identified. Formal approval would be sought from Heritage England. The scheme only sought to change the carriageway, the original footway would be untouched. Within the £1.49 million budget, £435,000 of risk was identified. However, this was expected to reduce as the scheme progressed. If approved by the Executive, a formal contract would be entered into with EUROVIA, who had completed a number of public realm schemes previously with the Council.

The Committee considered the report, and during the discussion the following comments were noted:-

·       Members requested clarity in relation to the risk figure (predominantly construction risk) of £453,000 described in the report. Officers explained that a quality risk assessment produced this value; key elements included in this were the potential for utility diversions. There currently was a quotation which was a process with utility companies. Initial discussions with these did not indicate the need for diversions. Confirmation of this was anticipated in the coming three to four weeks and would see figures dropping significantly. Additional elements accounted for in that same risk figure were weather conditions; material price increases, which were being mitigated in advance by entering a contract with EUROVIA and placing orders early for costs to be fixed; and also, availability of contractors and professional staff, which was looked at being mitigated in similar ways by entering contracts with contractors early.

• Members requested clarity in relation to the £260,000 cost estimate on fees. Officers summarised that the figure included designer fees (including designing and supervising consultancy), project management fees, supervision fees, as well as lower figures relating to engaging with planners and obtaining legal advice.
• Assurance was sought in relation to the works being completed in a timely manner, within the presented cost estimates and with guaranteed workmanship. Officers stated that designing and supervising consultancy served as a testing regime that also ensured the quality of workmanship. Certainty of time could not be guaranteed due  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33