City purchasing topped $39M last quarter with $744k on locksmith services

The City of Brampton in its final quarter of 2019 purchased over $39M in new contracts, extensions and renewals. Contracts over $100,000 are itemized below (sortable and searchable). At City Council today (Feb 19, 2020) Councillors asked city staff to clarify the spending in a number of areas.

$499,835 spending on consulting for the city’s Vision 2040 plan was questioned. Councillor Bowman asked staff to itemize the spending for the recent Vision 2040 Speaker Series which he indicated received “dismal” attendance. Councillor Bowman also questioned $271,620 in spending to replace the stone facade at the Daily Time Square entrance to City Hall which was completed only recently. Staff indicated the falling stonework was a public safety issue and they are “seeking reimbursement from the various parties and looking to do our very best to recoup those costs from the builder and or the landlord.”

Mayor Brown and Councillor Vicente asked about $117,766 spending on a Santa Claus float. Staff indicated that the float is expected to have a multi-year lifespan.

Mayor Brown also asked for more information about $120,965 for a “Paid Parking Solution” from Bell Mobility at city hall. City staff responded that they are piloting a gate-less parking system in the West Tower to which the Mayor questioned if the West Tower parking lot even generates that much revenue. (The West Tower parking has been free for months until recently when the paid gate solution was enabled). The Mayor also requested a briefing note on how many locks were affected by spending of $743,825 (over 3 years) on locksmith services.

Councillor Palleschi questioned spending of $1,864,533 on short-term rental of pickup trucks and compact cars. Staff is expected to report back with additional details.

City staff also explained that the $2.2M spent on Transit Body Repairs does not include 85% cost recovery from insurers.