Question Group 1: Status of Shelter Purchase
1) What is the status of the shelter purchase via Microshelters Inc.:
a) Now, knowing that Foldom is not involved with Microshelters Inc., is the City certain it is receiving tiny shelters that meet (or exceed) the requirements and are equal to (or better) than the Foldom product?
b) What is the shipping status: does the City have definitive documentation showing what is being shipped, how it is being shipped, and where the shipment is at present?
City Answer:
The City confirmed our order is being honoured and are continuing to work with MicroShelters Inc., manufactured by Global Axxis, LLC. MicroShelters Inc. confirmed the units are built and shipped from overseas.
Question Group 2: Due Diligence
2) What diligence did the City of Hamilton conduct regarding Microshelters Inc.:
a) With it being a newly incorporated company, what documentation was provided to show it could deliver the project?
b) How was this documentation verified?
c) Microshelters Inc. posted the Foldom projects in Utah and Oregon on its website. Did the City rely on those claims in its decision-making?
d) Did the City verify any projects with which Microshelters Inc. claimed involvement?
City Answer:
Through the Mayor’s Directive and the Council decision in September, to provide humane housing options for those living in encampments, required an expedited process to bring this unique housing development to the residents in need as soon as possible. City staff reviewed known businesses which could provide the various types of cabins for the proposed outdoor shelter use.
Based on the review done at that time, the City selected Microshelters Inc. as they were able to meet the following key requirements:
· Appropriate size and configuration of the microshelter model
· Model is reusable for future purposes as needed, along with providing ease of storage
· Speed of delivery dates
· CostWhile the use of these temporary cabins is relatively new in Canada, and the City of Hamilton’s proposal is further unique as we will also be providing 24/7 support services and it will operate as an outdoor shelter, the City is confident with its decision to contract with Microshelters to provide the cabins and common building. The City is aware that Microshelters Inc. partners with Global Axxis LLC who manufactures the shelters. Global Axxis LLC has manufactured similar cabins that have been utilized in the USA.
As always, the City is taking steps to expedite the opening of the temporary outdoor shelter to meet our goal of providing much needed support to some of the most vulnerable individuals across our community.
Staff are, and will continue to, ensuring the health, safety, and required due diligence are being met, as part of the larger effort to increase shelter capacity in Hamilton. Health and safety remain a top priority and require careful due diligence, which staff are doing and will continue to do so which includes a fire-rating and load requirements.
Question Group 3: Finances Payments and Payment Schedules:
a) How much is the total value of the City’s contract/purchase with Microshelters Inc.?
b) What is the contract payment schedule?
c) How much has the City paid to Microshelters Inc. thus far?
d) Is the payment schedule and contract the standard the City uses for all contracts of this nature?
City Answer:
The cost for a double cabin is approximately $35,000, or $17,500 per resident, plus taxes, shipping and duties for the 40-unit micro-shelter project for as many as 80 people.
Question Group 4: Microshelters as an Indigenous company:
a) The City of Hamilton has repeatedly emphasized that Microshelters Inc. is an Indigenous company. Can you elaborate on the reason this is emphasized?
City Answer:
The City has contracted with Microshelters Inc. to provide the cabins and the City identifies them as they identify themselves to City and on their website
Production Details
v. 1.0.0
Published: December 24, 2024
Last edited: December 24, 2024
Author: Joey Coleman
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v. 1.0.0 original version
Keep up the great work joey. Merry Christmas😊😊
The City Manager Marnie Cluckie didnt complete a single answer to any of the questions.
This wreaks of all the things the NDP and Mayor Horvath supposedly fight against. Foreign products, unaccounted public spending, and government stonewalling in the face of unexplained delays, setbacks, and a lack of due diligence with a company with no track record. We are fools if we think the units will be installed mid-January and hassle-free. This is the start of an on-going saga. City council and staff has demonstrated a lack of ability to manage business. No business would stay afloat with this type of operation, and no business would keep these people on the payroll.