COBDEN — The decision as to whether Whitewater Region public works employees can park their personal vehicles in the municipal garages while working during inclement weather still hasn’t been resolved.
Public Works manager Bill Misener brought three options to the table for the Public Works committee to discuss. The options were that employees could park in the garages and work on their vehicles with permission from him; they could park in the garages during inclement weather while they were out snowplowing/sanding but could not work on personal vehicles; or no parking in the garages at all.
Mr. Misener said his preference is to allow parking personal vehicles in the garage only.
Councillor Charlene Jackson wanted no parking of personal vehicles in township garages, as per the recommendation from the township’s insurance policy.
“It’s nice to park there, however, not all staff have that ability,” she said. “It’s important we follow the recommendation of the insurance company. There could very well be repercussions, such as an increase of insurance costs if they know employees are parking in the garage.”
Councillor Chris Olmstead disagreed, saying it’s a perk, and that he’d like to see the township “become a desired place for employees to work.”
He also doesn’t like the scare tactics of the insurance company.
Mayor Hal Johnson said there’s no reason for scare tactics, because the insurance company has to follow the decision of what council wants.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin suggested advising the insurance company the personal vehicles will be parked in the municipal garage and see what they say.
“If there’s no extra cost or responsibility on the municipality, I’d be fine with allowing them to park there,” he said.
The question is whose insurance will cover the garage if something were to happen, questioned Mr. Misener.
Councillor Cathy Regier said if employees are allowed to park personal vehicles in the municipal garages, they should sign a waiver, so the township is not responsible if something were to happen to their vehicle.
Coun. Jackson said it’s not unusual for a vehicle to catch fire and she doesn’t believe the ratepayers should have to foot the bill for a new garage. She suggested employees have extra liability if they want to park indoors.
Coun. McLaughlin said there are still questions to be answered, and suggested the discussion be tabled until more information is forthcoming from the insurance company.
Knowing a decision doesn’t have to be made for a few more months, council agreed to wait for more information.
