Issue - meetings

This report asks Council to approve an addition to the existing Capital Programme for the Improvements to Medway Crematorium Stage 2 Project.

Discussion:

This report provided details of an addition to the existing Capital Programme for the Improvements to Medway Crematorium Stage 2 Project for the provision of new cremators, mercury abatement equipment together with better car parking arrangements and the enlargement of two chapels, both of which are intended to improve the facilities for visitors.

The Cabinet agreed the Gateway 3 Procurement Tender Process Review and Contract Award on 17 April 2012 as set out in the report.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Rodney Chambers, proposed the recommendation in the report.

Decision:

The Council approved the addition to the existing Capital Programme for the Improvements to Medway Crematorium Stage 2 project as detailed in paragraph 2.4 of the report.

Background:

This report provided details of the proposed contract for the provision of new cremators, mercury abatement equipment, better car parking facilities and the enlargement of two chapels at the Medway Crematorium, Bluebell Hill Village.

It was noted that the Strategic Procurement Board had considered this report on 14 March 2012 and supported the recommendations set out in the report.

An exempt appendix provided key information in respect of finance and whole-life costings and detailed procurement process tender evaluation information.

Reasons:

The provision of abatement equipment is required through legislation. The current cremators are coming to the end of their economic life and the chapel accommodation is too small for service users. There is also insufficient car parking space for current demand and additional car parking would be required as a condition of enlarging the chapels.

The recommendations had been provided on the basis that the contractor satisfied the compliance checks and its proposal indicated that the scheme would be within budget. The criteria as set out in the ITT were met and the Public Contracts Regulations 2006 (as amended) require the decision to award the contract be on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender.