After ignoring the actions taken by the town council last week, the Gazette decided to report it this week. In the past this publication never missed an opportunity to slam other entities for these same actions but they almost let this one slip by.
They took the same stance this time as they have in the past. They attacked the council for retroactively approving change orders for the Hammonton Lake Park project. So, obviously, they are taking the stance that everyone else is wrong and they are right!
As projects progress the owners of the project, in this case the town of Hammonton represented by council, hire competent individuals to oversee the project utilizing their knowledge, expertise, and judgment to bring the project to its end on time and within budget. It is the councils responsibility to insure up front that they select the right person or firm to do this job. In all projects, situations arise that may require a change from the original plans. Sometimes a new way to do something or a new product may be available that will bring costs down. In other instances a better way to do something or a better product that will produce better results is available and may raise the cost. These types of changes do not create any substantial changes to the project, only technical changes to produce the same final project.
Most of the Council understands how this process works and the need to conduct business this way. Mayor and Council were made aware of these changes while they were occurring. According to Mayor Steve DiDonato, "Mayor and Council I am sure were made aware of it when it was going on. In an effort to bring the completion of the Canoe Club in a timely fashion, these change orders occurred."
If we do not trust the construction managers we hire to make these kinds of decisions, while keeping us informed, then we have hired the wrong people. If we do not trust these people, then the project will come to a screeching halt and no work can continue until Mayor and council hold their next meeting and vote to approve the change orders. Can you imagine a project that would have to stop each time a decision has to be made and each stoppage could last up to a month? The cost overruns associated with these types of work stoppages would be astronomical. The contractors would have to pull off the job until approval is granted and then move everything back to the job site when work was allowed to continue. That is not something a contractor would do for free.
The Gazette didn't understand this process the last time it happened in Hammonton and obviously still does not understand the process today. Apparently, two of our council representatives don't understand the process either.
While we may have differences with Mayor and council over the merit of the project, we do support them in the way they got the project done and the process they followed. This same procedure is followed in countless municipalities every day and, as the Gazette has admitted, it is perfectly legal. We say it is not only legal, but the smart way to do business. It save the taxpayers money and , of course, that is what we all want.
-- Edited by Admin on Wednesday 3rd of March 2010 02:22:34 PM
While we may have differences with Mayor and council over the merit of the project, we do support them in the way they got the project done and the process they followed. This same procedure is followed in countless municipalities every day and as the Gazette has admitted, it is perfectly legal. We say it is not only legal, but the smart way to do business. It save the taxpayers money and , of course, that is what we all want.
Yes change orders are a way of life in construction but don't be so quick to support them carteblanc! In Hammonton they are abused as a way to award contracts to friends and foil a legitimate bidding process.
ARH could have gone to Mayor and Council throughout the course of the project for approvals but then they would not have had the Canoe Club open for the election. Plus, those change orders were discussed at committee meetings as early as October but were not brought to council until now.
ARH could have gone to Mayor and Council throughout the course of the project for approvals but then they would not have had the Canoe Club open for the election. Plus, those change orders were discussed at committee meetings as early as October but were not brought to council until now.
I think it's obvious what HF did here. They wanted the building done before the election and they didn't want the costs to come out till after the election. Just like town hall hurry up and get it done no matter what the cost or the quality. I would rather see them take their time and do it right - what's the rush? I can see a few change orders here and there but this happens with every one of their half assed projects that over the years will keep costing us money! How does this help the struggling taxpayers???
