Decision details

The interim Asset Manager explained that this extraordinary meeting had been called as the works required to be undertaken could not wait for approval until the next scheduled meeting of the Committee due to be held on 30 September 2021. He then provided members with an overview of his reported advising that the communal heating system at Bersted Green Court that provides heating and hot water for 75 older residents required replacement. The Committee were being asked to provide approval to appoint the recommended contractor to replace the communal boiler and plant as they have extensive knowledge of Bersted Green Court, the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out the work and the price quoted represented value for money. In summing up he explained that replacement of the system prior to winter of 2021 was required to reduce the risk of the current heating system failing. The situation had been further compounded by the need to remove asbestos from the plant room before any works could start and removal of this is required to take place during the summer.

          The Chair then invited debate where the following points were raised, as the funds for this work were proposed to be taken from the Kitchen and Bathroom Programme Budget what was the status of this fund and would there be any impact on its required start date, it was explained that the Kitchen ad Bathroom Programme Budget fund would be fully funded by the time the work was required to start. Further discussion was had on the life span of a commercial boiler, what other additional works were required for Bersted Green Court and the size of each unit within the building, would there be any disruption to the residents whilst the work to replace the heating system was carried out and if so what and how would this be communicated to the residents. All points raised were answered in full by the Director of Services and the Interim Asset Manager. The Chair also reminded the Committee that she had requested a full review be undertaken of Arun’s sheltered housing schemes.

The recommendation was then proposed and seconded and,

          The Committee

                     RESOLVED

That the waiver of standing orders to award a contract to replace the communal heating system at Bersted Green Court be approved and that the virement of £150,000 from the Kitchen and Bathroom Programme Budget to the Boiler Budget Programme Commercial Budget to fund the project also be approved.