By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON November 28, 2012 Do you remember that bit we did a while ago about those unintended consequences; that mess up that occurred when the city gave a contract to a new security services company because they believed they were able to get the same level of service for less money?
This came about due to a change in policy that allowed the purchasing department to spend up to $100,000 without having to get the purchase approved by city council. If transit wants to buy a new bus – that has to come to council. Paperclips and printing paper – the folks over at purchasing don’t have to get an OK – they just look for the best price and do a quality check – we suppose.
Midnight Security had the contract to provide security services but they got a little sloppy with the paper work and didn’t get their bid in on time last year and so the contract went to Star Security who were expected to keep the existing security staff on their payroll.
Bob Kerr is back at city hall doing the afternoon-evening security shift. New shoulder patches on his shirt and a smile on his face.
Well Star Security did that but they didn’t want to pay the staff what they were getting from Midnight which created some tension. The level of security was on the sloppy side according to a number of reports from people who know these things. When senior city hall staff became fully aware of the mess it became evident that changes had to be made.
But there was a contract and it had to be met. Then Star fired Bob Kerr; that put the fat in the fire. Kerr had been on the job for more than five years and knew the building inside out and every staff member by their first name. He knew every nook and cranny in the building as well.
Wheels were put in motion and the city apparently found a way to end the contract with Star Security and brought Midnight back in. Midnight gave Bob Kerr a call and he was ironing his new shirt to be on duty the next day.
The purchasing department made the mistake of going for the lowest price forgetting that the savings they achieved had to come out of Bob Kerr`s pocket.
But Bob`s back; says he has had hugs from more than 14 women – so he`s a happy camper and security at city hall is where is was supposed to be. ALL the doors get locked at night.
Someone at purchasing owes Bob a case of beer.
Bob Kerr for Mayor!
Bob is an asset to City Hall, you are correct he not only knows City staff by their first name but also many of us who frequent City Hall.
A good PR man at the front desk is an asset in any corporation.
Welcome back Bob.