For many years the names DCL Siemens and Town of Barrhead have been almost inseparable.
Now the relationship has cooled. So much so the Town has turned to another engineering company – Opus Stewart Weir.
The estrangement has left Edmonton-based DCL Siemens Engineering Ltd. bothered and bewildered.
At the Monday, April 28 Town council meeting, DCL Siemens’ general manager Ted Duffy sought a reconciliation.
“I will consider this as a separation,” he said.
Barrhead Mayor Gerry St. Pierre thanked Duffy for DCL Siemens’ years of service for the town.
He added that change is sometimes healthy, even after a long relationship.
Among the many projects DCL Siemens has undertaken in Barrhead are: $12.9 million upgrade to Barrhead water treatment plant, 2012-2013; flooding investigation, 2013; infrastructure improvements, 2010; and street rehabilitation, 2008.
Duffy said he had been taken aback by the Town’s decision to break from DCL Siemens.
“I was away on holidays and I came back and discovered the Town was not happy with DCL Siemens’ services any more,” he said. “I was shocked.”
Duffy said he had worked with the Town of Barrhead since 1999.
“I thought we’ve always done a fairly good job here,” he said.
“The Town of Barrhead from our side is a major client,” he added. “This is certainly a major blow to us.”
Duffy said that discussions with Town Manager Martin Taylor had not brought to light any unsolvable issues.
If the Town disliked certain DCL Siemens’ personnel, the problem could be addressed, said Duffy.
“If it was me – I heard rumours that maybe that was it – I could be changed too. I’m the general manager and I have that power.”
Duffy said he had come to know a lot of contractors during his company’s long relationship with the Town.
He added he always tried to ensure his workers were cost-conscious and imagined that money spent on a project was coming out of their own pockets.
“We have done many projects very successfully with the Town,” he said. “We have a good working relationship with the Public Works Department, and we were hoping to keep that and continue it on.
“So on behalf of the company and myself I have to express a great deal of gratitude. Thank you for the years of support that you have shown to DCL Siemens.
“Should you wish to change your mind and rekindle our services with the Town we would be willing to entertain that and take that on again.”
Duffy urged those with concerns about DCL Siemens to raise them with him.
“I would wish we could have put our big boy pants on and hammer it all out instead of having a decision made without any input from us,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of council, St. Pierre thanked DCL Siemens for its long association with the Town.
He said the company for the most part had provided excellent service.
“Sometimes change is healthy,” he said.
As for the future, St. Pierre said nothing was etched in stone.
Coun. Roy Ulmer said he appreciated the hard work put in by DCL Siemens over many years.
“You always impressed us and we certainly appreciate your efforts,” he said.
He urged Duffy to keep in touch with the Town.
Duffy replied that he was always in Barrhead for the Wildrose Rodeo.
