Collins outlined three policies regarding ditch and culvert and gravel road and roadside brushing policies, in regards to maintenance.
She exemplified the importance for maintenance reasons, and that vegetation put in the region by residents may be cut and they are not permitted to plant trees there. .
She said that the municipal crews may use any means necessary to remove vegetation, mechanical or chemical, and noted the “area of brushing” along the road.
The brushing will occur on a 3-5 year schedule depending on factors like crews or time.
It pointed out that the manager of public works was responsible for receiving complaints.
Councillor Jackson called it an “awesome policy”, but questioned the inclusion of the superintendent as the complaint contact info.
Collins said it would be changed.
Councillor Nicholson praised the new machine for clearing brush. He asked if the roadside mowing was covered in the plan, and Collins confirmed. He asked if it would be once year.
Collins clarified that it was not, and said they would discuss if something needed to be included.
Mayor Moore asked what constitutes a ‘qualified staff’ for large tree removal.
Collins said that was not included in the policy and that it would be assessed one a case or case basis, such as if an arbourist is needed or other qualified profession as the situation warrants.
Collins them moved to Drainage Ditch and Culvert policy, noting a name change and that the policy pertained to drainage lanes and culvert walls.
She clarified that culverts installed in the driveways of private homes are the responsibility of the installer to maintain, despite them being on Township property.
Collins said that that “it was fairly easy to recognize which culverts are ours” for determining whether or not it was the Township’s responsibility to maintain them.
She said that if the residents build a fence on township property, it was the resident’s responsibility; it is typically not allowed.
Councillor Jackson asked why the township wouldn’t want to dig a ditch deeper if excessive water was affecting private property.
Collins said that it would be far better to build a ditch on the township side of the road rather than maintain the private property line, but they would likely dig the ditch deeper if it was a problem regardless.
Collins then moved onto the final policy, for gravel roads, recommending it ‘above and beyond’ the current policy.
“We need to assess the roads as part of our asset management.” Collins said,
She outlined a maintenance schedule for gravel roads.
She emphasized grading as a primary source of complaints. She said it was weather dependent, and the report contained an outline for best practices for grading.
Councillor Jackson said that grading wasn’t considered a ‘capital project’ and was covered under maintenance.
Councillor Nicholson asked how many hardened surface roads didn’t have hardened AADTs, which Collins said they were in the process of determining. She also said it should likely say “hardened surfaces.”
Nicholson also asked for a list of exceptions and for areas that would be a major challenge due to their location. “There are roads that the public needs to accept that we would be able to improve without wasting money.”
Councillor McLaughlin asked if there was more information on gravel shoulders. Collins said that a clause could be added to direct regarding material buildup on gravel road shoulders.
