The City of North Battleford has awarded a contract to a Saskatchewan firm to provide vending machines in certain facilities. (Supplied photo/City of North Battleford)

By Angela Brown

In the chambers

New vending machines coming to CUplex

Jun 10, 2020 | 6:09 PM

The City of North Battleford has awarded the contract for new food and beverage vending machines for the Aquatic Centre and the NationsWEST Field House in the Credit Union CUplex.

Council approved the proposal from the firm GHL Central Vending for a three-year contract to provide the machines.

City administration’s report indicated the company offered a competitive revenue-sharing plan in its proposal.

At one time a concession/restaurant operated in the space at the entrance to the Aquatic Centre facility but that has since closed.

The city did not receive any proposals for a new restaurant for the location.

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

2h ago

Helping hand

Big red sleigh brings holiday spirit to kick off Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund

Nov 16, 2024

Battlefords North Stars

Big performance from Maric ends Red Wings win streak

Nov 16, 2024

“The only proposals were for vending machines,” Mayor Ryan Bater said. “We had actually asked for proposals on a restaurant but we didn’t receive any bids. So a vending machine was the only option to consider. It was just a matter of looking at which company [to award the contract].”

The mayor mentioned it is a difficult time for an entrepreneur during the COVID-19 situation to consider opening a business in the Aquatic Centre in particular, so he believes providing vending machines is a “reasonable option in the short term.”

The contract also provided an option that if at any time within the three-year period, if both parties mutually agreed that the contract is viable, an additional five-year extension can be added to the contract, which would provide the city with a higher percentage of revenue-sharing from the vending-machine sales.

Administration said it expects a “slow return to normal usage, and agrees there will be no monthly minimum – only the revenue-sharing percentage as agreed upon, until usage returns to relatively post-COVID-19 numbers.”

The Field House and Aquatic Centre facilities are currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The city is anticipating the Field House may be able to reopen on a limited basis under phase 4 of the province’s Re-open Saskatchewan plan with a date still to be determined.

Administration’s report indicated the firm would ensure COVID-19 safety measures are followed when providing the service.

The company’s policy indicated hand sanitizer would be used prior to selecting specific product for locations. It also stated the business’s warehouse shelves are thoroughly cleaned with commercial sanitizer. The operator will wear gloves and a mask while on site, and wipe down the machines with an antibacterial solution. As well, alcohol disinfectant wipes will be available to dispense for customers to use as needed.

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow