Schouten Excavating Inc. was awarded a $3.3 million contract during Monday's council meeting for the reconstruction of George Street.
The project, between Mackenzie Street and Russell Street, will include new underground infrastructure, road, and sidewalk.
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The County of Lambton will receive a noise by-law exemption to carry out overnight asphalt resurfacing work on Indian Road from Kathleen Avenue to Exmouth Road, and London Road from Superior Street to Montcalm Avenue.
The exemption allows for an eight-week window between July 6 and October 30. However, the work is only expected to take 30 days, weather permitting.
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A $5.4 million contract was awarded to K&L Construction Ltd. for the renovation and expansion of Bright’s Grove Library.
Council also approved $280,000 as part of a contingency allowance and $131,066 for project management services from Winmar.
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City funds will be released to Sarnia BACE as it plans to build a multi-use sport and community centre behind the Goodwill on Michigan Avenue.
City council directed staff to release $700,000 to the group for site work to begin (subject to Ministry of Environment approval), and to reallocate $2.4 million in committed funding to cover development and permitting costs.
Councillor Terry Burrell and Mayor Mike Bradley spoke out about the city's spending.
"You're facing a 17 per cent budget increase, locked in, this fall," Bradley said to council. "I'm not here to lecture you, but it concerns me greatly that this will add another per cent to the tax increase this year."
Site samples from the proposed development area (part of which was a former landfill) have been collected as part of the report going to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
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City/County Councillor Brian White's motion to have staff explore options for 24/7 accessible on-call transportation services passed.
With current public transit, White said there are gaps in coverage during overnight and early morning hours, which can create barriers for employment, health care, emergency services, and social participation.
A report with possible options, projected costs, and proposed timelines is expected to go to council in six months.
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City staff will start the recruitment process to form the board of directors for the Municipal Services Corporation (MSC), which will oversee the future operations of Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport.
The board will consist of four to six public members, one city council representative, and one representative from the City of Sarnia's economic development department.
Council also approved the business case and decided the MSC will be a not-for-profit entity.
Councillors Terry Burrell and Bill Dennis were opposed.
