Bondfield library build delayed

The library construction project in Stayner is about seven weeks behind schedule due to the financial woes of contractor Bondfield Construction Company. 

Bondfield Construction Company was in the news recently for construction delays on several big projects, including Union Station, cost overruns and delays in paying sub-contractors. Some projects have been terminated. 

The new branch of the Clearview Public Library, being built as an addition to the Stayner arena, is about seven weeks behind schedule, said Clearview Township CAO Steve Sage. 

He said he met with Bondfield officials and contractors have been returning to the site.

“As far as they’re concerned the project is a go, the company is not bankrupt, they are not in receivership however they are working on some cashflow issues, as the paper reported,” said Sage. 

At this point, there is no known increase in cost to Clearview. 

“I was very forceful with Bondfield, I am concerned that the delay in the project will be affected by winter operations,” said Sage. “That’s my biggest concern, what is a seven or eight week delay going to have on the working conditions this winter. Those are answers they don’t have yet.”

Sage said he is expecting a new construction schedule next week but he said he is skeptical that they will be able to meet the July 1 target date.

Sage said the project is bonded and the insurer has guaranteed payment to all subcontractors, which is important because if the sub-contractors were owed money, they could come back to the municipality, as the owner of the facility.  

“To our knowledge there are no sub-contractors looking for payment,” said Sage.

In March, Clearview council  approved a tender for the construction of the new 7,000 square foot Stayner branch of the library, at a cost of $3,807,892.