Mount Pearl approves contractor for traffic control services

By Mark Squibb/November 4, 2022

The City of Mount Pearl has locked in traffic control services for quite some time to come.

At a meeting last month, council, pending the bidder’s provision of the additional required $1,812 in security, agreed to award the contract for traffic control services to the lowest qualified bidder, Black & McDonald Limited, in the amount of $138,971 annually, HST included. The cost is within the current year’s operating budget and will be budgeted for in the coming years operating budgets.

That motion was moved by Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley and seconded by councillor Jeff Locke.

In a follow up e-mail, City staff explained the amount payable on a year-to-year basis will vary slightly because, while there are several fixed-services outlined within the scope of work, there are some variable services that will be utilized on an as required basis depending on specific requirements that may be presented at any time.

Fixed services, as per the contract, include 24-hour, 7-day-a-week, 365-day per year guaranteed response for the repair of traffic signals or other roadway electrical malfunctions including a maximum 1-hour response to arrive on site for emergency calls, modifications and additions to existing roadway electrical installations, detector loop installations, including coordination with other construction contractors, crosswalk lighting maintenance, installation, repair and maintenance of uninterruptable power systems for traffic signals, and more.

The contract was awarded for a three-year period, with option to extend by one year.

City to install new catch basin on Jacqueline Road

The City of Mount Pearl has given the go-ahead for construction of a new catch basin along Jacqueline Road.

“As part of the current 2022 Asphalt and Concrete contract, the City requested a quote from the contractor on this project, Modern Paving, to install a new catch basin and associated material on Jacqueline Road,” explained councillor Mark Rice during this week’s public meeting.

The Planning, Engineering and Development Committee recommended that council approve proceeding with the work, which comes at a cost of $17,710, HST included.

“Please note that this amount can be accounted for under the previously approved Change Order #1, which provided an additional $50,000 allowance for the project,” added Rice.

That change order, which was to allow for slight modifications to contract quantities throughout the operation of the contract, was approved during an October 4 public meeting.

The original contract, valued at $270,129, HST Included, was awarded during a public meeting on July 26.

Mount Pearl finds work around for parts delay

By Mark Squibb/October 28, 2022

Mount Pearl council has approved a change order to ensure the chamber’s audio and video equipment is upgraded in a timely manner.

Council had initially awarded the contract for the improvements to Tucker Electronics in the amount of $75,118, HST included, back in July.

At last week’s meeting, council approved a change order to switch out three of the components with parts from another manufacturer due to delivery issues. The change order came at a cost of $5,707, plus HST.

“This project is an effort to really reduce limitations of our existing technology,” said Deputy Mayor Nicole Kieley. “We’re really looking forward to this, and to ensuring that we have operating software and equipment that allows seamless in-person and digital delivery of our council meetings. I would also endeavour to point out that this is important when we think about inclusion and access to as many as we can, and engagement, as we move into the digital era.”

She noted council issued a request for proposals in the spring to upgrade the aging audio and visual equipment in the chambers but was later advised that a delay in parts would extend the completion into July of 2023.

The motion to switch out the parts passed unanimously.

The upgrades are expected to be completed in January.

Remembrance Day run being organized by neighbouring clubs

Paradise and Mount Pearl runners will be hitting the trail come Remembrance Day in honour of veterans.

On November 11, the Paradise Running Club and Stride Running NL will host the Run to Remember to honour and mark the sacrifice of those who have fallen in service of their country; and to acknowledge the courage of those who still serve.

The 11km trail run will begin with a few words from the Royal Canadian Legion, a three-person flag party from 807 Mount Pearl Air Cadet Squadron, and a moment of silence.

“This event is the running community’s way to pay tribute to the men and women serving in Canada’s armed forces who sacrifice so much on our behalf,” said Carrie Hyde, president of the Paradise Running Club. “It’s because of their selfless service that we’re free to run in our communities and enjoy peaceful lives.

The run will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the west side of the trailway access at Commonwealth Avenue. For more information, visit paradiserunningclub.com or striderunningnl.ca.

Locke reminds parents of little known program that can help with sports costs

By Mark Squibb/October 28, 2022

With the price of everything soaring, some families may find themselves tightening the purse strings, and costly sports programs may become a luxury that some simply cannot afford.

Councillor Jim Locke took a few minutes during last week’s council meeting to remind folks of the Participation for Everyone in Active Recreation and Leisure, or P.E.A.R.L. Program, which may help alleviate the costs of sports programs for some families.

“A couple of our residents have reached out to me now, asking if there are programs in place for their children to participate,” said Locke. “It’s costly on some families, and we know that, especially in light of inflation and the like, and sometimes families can’t afford the registration or the gear or what have you for sporting programs. But we do have the P.E.A.R.L. Program here in Mount Pearl, and I don’t know that it’s widely known to our residents.”

Turning to the City’s website, Locke then described the program — and who can benefit.

“The City of Mount Pearl believes that everyone should be able to participate in our recreation programs, regardless of financial resources,” said Locke, reading from the site. “So, the P.E.A.R.L. Program may be your access to participation in many of our community programs. If your financial circumstances make it difficult for you to pay the full fee for programs, you may qualify for a subsidy.”

The program is designed specifically for Mount Pearl residents. A reference from a community leader, such as a social worker, teacher, clergy, or coach, must be delivered to the City (the reference cannot come from a family member) and the subsidy is available for one activity per person per season.

“I spoke with Director Jason Collins on this about the uptake, and his response was, ‘No child has ever been turned down. We will never in this city see a child not participate in sports because of financial circumstances.’ So, I just wanted to throw that out there, because I don’t think it’s well known.”

Those interested in applying can reach Sean McKenna at 748-1046 or smckenna@mountpearl.ca

“If you’re in need, please, reach out, because that’s what it’s there for,” said Locke. “There’s no stigma. We just want every child in our community to avail of the wonderful recreation facilities and programs that we have here.”

Mayor Dave Aker added the spirt of Albert Clarke, Mount Pearl’s “Million Dollar Man,” who raised millions for sports in Mount Pearl and passed away in 2020, lives on in programs like the P.E.A.R.L. Program.

There were heroes, heroines, comical, cartoonish, scary and many other types of characters of all ages enjoying a tasty breakfast at the Reid Community Centre on Sunday. The Faboolous Costume Breakfast was a special feature of Mount Pearl City Days, which was held this past weekend in place of the usual summer version, which was postponed because of a labour dispute. Among the characters on hand, were, starting in the front row, from left: Captain America Jarod Farrell, Spiderman Machel Rayner; and in the back row, from left: Mad Hatter Connie O’Leary, The Nightmare before Christmas’s ‘Sally’ Kirsten O’Leary, Frozen’s ‘Anna’ Jayla Jacobs, and Belle from Beauty & the Beast Darcie Kelly. Craig Westcott photo

Mount Pearl boy sets a good example

By Mark Squibb/October 21, 2022

It’s not all bad news, as was the case in Mount Pearl council chambers this week.

Council took a few moments to recognize a local boy who had taken it upon himself to do a good deed.

“From time to time, unfortunately, there’s a little bit of litter that gets built up in the city,” said Mayor Dave Aker. “But we were heart warmed and overwhelmed to hear that one of our, I’ll say in the zero to 10 demographic, took charge.”

That little boy was Michael Bradbury, who was invited to this week’s council meeting to receive a special certificate from the City.

Councillor Isabell Fry commended Michael for spending two hours of his own time picking up garbage in and around O’Donel High School last weekend.

“I couldn’t believe what I saw,” said Fry, who then asked Michael why we took it upon himself to do what he did.

“I did this because the last time I went to O’Donel, I saw a tonne of garbage, and it was so messy, “Michael told council. “So, since there was no school, I went over there to actually clean up this garbage. Two bags up garbage!”— said Michael, holding up his two fingers— “It was a lot of garbage.”

He was sure to tell council that the principal of O’Donel, Sheldon Marsh, came to visit him at St. Peter’s to give him some cool gifts for cleaning up the school grounds.

Bradbury was happy to come visit council chambers, and was particularly wowed that the meeting was being livestreamed.

“I cannot believe I’m on YouTube right now,” he said with a laugh. With a final ‘Bravo! Bravo!’ he exited the stage, but not before a few final commendations.

“What you did was a really big thing and when I saw what you did, it made me really happy to see that someone like you was brave enough and strong enough to go and pick up all that garbage,” said Fry. “I think what you did was really, really special.”

Along with his certificate, Bradbury received a round of applause from council.