Any Richmond capital projects whose budget is $50 million or higher will be overseen by an external oversight committee.
This was a motion originally brought forward by Coun. Kash Heed, asking for a “blue-ribbon panel” with “diverse expertise in major infrastructure projects” to oversee large projects that the city is undertaking.
On Monday (Jan. 20), this was supported by all of city council along with terms of reference for this new committee.
The first project that will be overseen by the committee is the Lynas Lane works yard reconstruction project.
This is in its first phase, with an initial budget of $100 million, and is expected to be rebuilt over the next seven to 10 years.
A public call will go out for committee members, but city staff noted their qualifications will be specified as having “executive level of experience” in areas such as architecture, engineering or quantitative surveying.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie asked city staff to ensure committee members sign a non-disclosure agreement about the discussions.
A city council liaison will also be appointed, however, Coun. Bill McNulty questioned how council will get updates if a non-disclosure agreement is signed.
“It’ll be like we have at the Oval – we never know what the hell is going on,” he said, adding “the buck stops here, not with the oversight committee.”
John Irving, the city’s deputy CAO, said any “decision points,” such as contracts, will be brought to city council for approval. Furthermore, updates will be given regularly to council.
📣 Got an opinion on this story or any others in Richmond? Send us a letter or email your thoughts or story tips to [email protected].
📲 To stay updated on Richmond news, sign up for our daily headline newsletter.
💬 Words missing in article? Your adblocker might be preventing hyperlinked text from appearing.
