POLICY BACKGROUNDER
'PERFORMANCE GUARANTEES'
Like a lot of smaller townships, Central Frontenac often has to rely on outside contractors to support the delivery of services, from seasonal maintenance on some of our roads, to maintaining the upkeep on municipal facilities.
As a rule, these services are delivered in a timely and professional manner, and at a cost that benefits ratepayers. But, from time to time, issues arise.
A Hall being rented may not be adequately cleaned, or grass may have gone too long between cuttings. In the winter, people on some routes may have difficulty getting out to work, and school buses may have trouble getting down certain roads.
When contracts are negotiated, those who win them are required to demonstrate that they have sufficient staff and equipment to do the job. The expectation of you, your neighbours and your Township is that the work will get done.
But what if grass goes too long between cuts, or halls aren't cleaned before and after use? What if it takes longer to get plowed out that it has in past years?
My belief is that the best way for us to get quality service from contracts, and ensure that contractors are aware of what their responsibilities are is to ‘put it in writing.’
Instead of using terms like ‘as needed’, we need to be explicit. We need to state how high grass or snow can go before immediate action is needed. Different people can disagree as to whether a lawn needs a cut, but if a contract explicitly says it cannot exceed 3 or 4 inches in height, it’s no longer a difference of opinion. We need to put that level of detail into our contracts. We must also make clear that if Township staff and resources get called in to do the work, then the cost to the Township would be deducted from what the contractor is paid.
Reasonable people understand that equipment breakdowns or staff illnesses can delay work, but if that is not a factor, then the Township needs to ensure you are getting the service you pay for.
If it’s in writing, and it is agreed to from the start, there is no confusion – and no excuse either.