RESERVES
Sean Crozier detailed the project that would draw from the municipal reserves.
These include $20550 For Fire Forestry Equipment, and $30,000 to replace fire pumps that “Are no longer reliable.”
“These are here to replace very existing equipment.”
Building vehicle to be funded from the Protection to Property Reserve to replace truck with a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
Of note, a project to build and Internet and Cell Tower of $65,000 for cell phone and internet infrastructure.
He said the Museum Gazebo was to receive $7500 to be funded from the Working Capital Reserve, which was already approved during 2020 budget deliberations.
There was also $40000 to fund a recreational vehicle for transportation of 3 summer students
Veterans Memorial Park Upgrades of 12,000 from Working Capital Reserve to upgrade fencing for the band shell capping waterworks.
Westmeath Cenotaph of 5,000 from Westmeath park fund to clean the site.
Wide Format printer: 9500
Mobile column lifts of 60,000 from Capital Reinvestment Reserve, to lift fleet and equipment for easier access for mechanic.
Asphalt Hotbox Trailer from Capital Rein of 55,000 to transport hot mix.
Signalized pedestrian crossings of 54,000 for crossings at Cameron street for Beachburg Public School, Cobden Main street at Crawford Street at Cobden Public School.
Westmeath Road at Grace Street (Our Lady of Grace Catholic Schools
Rapid Roads Raising for flood mitigation of 50,000 from Capital Reinvestment. Raising the roads for one meter to protect it in event of a flood.
Preparing Ceder lane road to Zion Line for double paving.
Councillor Jackson asked if previous work on River Road was to be ripped up.
Crozier said they would review and see.
Councillor Jackson asked if the Township would collaborate with Rogers or Bell on the cell phone and Internet infrastructure.
Ivan Burton said that “the primary purpose is to provide new communications equipment for the fire department.”
“We are going to build the tower in conjunction with local providers in order to provide functional equipment.”
He said the tentative location was the old landfill site on Kohlsmith Road as a tentative location.
“If we can better relocate the tower to service the area, we may relocate it near Westmeath or Haley’s Station.”
Councillor McLaughlin said the internet around the Kohlsmith Road region was “terrible” and “Anything they had would be better.”
Burton said that the tower would primarily serve the fire department but could be rented out to independent.
Councillor Nicholson said that this would service “the overlap between providing fire service and internet service.”
Councillor Jackson said that it is important to clarify, as the public might get ‘very excited’ at the prospect of better service.
“If this works, then we can use it elsewhere.” CAO Trembley said. “We’re hoping this works and that we can replicate it. It’s working in other municipalities.”
Councillor Dave Mackay asked if the cost for fuel tanks at the airport was the Township’s share or the whole amount.
Crozier said that he’d put in a request for clarification, but “he had not heard back.”
Councillor McLaughlin said that some fo the other partners “already had some of their fund allocated.” saying that Pembroke and Laurentian Valley had already had their portion ‘looked at’.
He said he could get the breakdown.
Councillor Olmstead said he’d like to look at this as “more of a longterm solution.”
“This isn’t to suggest that we’re going to solve any problems with this 60,000 dollar investment.” Burton said.
Reeve Regier asked if the hot mix would replace the cold mix used on roads.
Lane Clereux said that they would be used in conjunction.
“This would be used to provide hot mix, which will last longer, and will compact.”
Councillor McLaughlin asked about the trucks, asking if they’d bought two.
CAO Trembley said one was a forestry truck in Westmeath, and the other was the Chief’s truck.
He said a vehicle was required to transport summer students to maintain boat launches and other facilities.
Councillor McLaughlin asked if they could not use another truck to avoid adding a new truck.
Councillor Jackson said that the prices would only get more expensive.
“You can only use old trucks so much.” CAO Trembley said, saying that none of their old trucks were in good enough quality to replace any in the long term.
“I’ve heard this story before.” Councillor McLaughlin said. “As soon as we replace the truck, the other two will still be on the road. New trucks have lest cost, but there’s a high cost at the start. I feel that there must be some reusable trucks.”
Councillor Jackson asked if the old trucks would be surplussed.
CAO Trembley said they would be surplussed, but they required special maintenance jobs that required the vehicles.
Councillor Jackson said that if old vehicles were being used, Council should be made aware.
CAO Trembley said that there is an asset management plan on an annual basis that says what tasks haven’t been done.
Councillor Nicholson commented that he was “glad to see that he can go through the specific practices and can tick off what we see at priorities.”
RESERVES
Olmstead-Jeffrey Road is to receive 2,700,000 for double service treatment, road realignment and safety improvements. Expected construction was to begin in 2021 and would be a ‘debt-financed property.
Grace Street was to be upgraded as part of the crosswalk program mentioned earlier.
Replaced or added equipment included a Grader/Brush Head for 450,000, a Tandem Plow Truck for 300,000, and a drum roller for 175,000.
He said the drum roller is usually rented for 50,000 each year, and that this would save costs past the first three years.
Councillor Olmstead asked if the three-year construction period for Olmstead-Jeffrey Road would prevent them from working on other roads.
Councillor Jackson said that people “Were aware they’re building on dirt roads” when they move to area, and the Township doesn’t have the money to pave and maintain every road.
“It doesn’t pay for itself.” She said. “I think it’s important for people to realize it doesn’t pay for itself.”
Councilor Jackson motioned to extend the meeting beyond the 3 hour time limit at 7:45pm.
She also said that the road was originally cottages, but were made into permanent homes, which has contributed to the road’s disrepair.
Councillor Mackay said that homeowners pay less for being on a dirt road than a gravel road, and asked if the drum roller would be used every year, which Lane Cleroux confirmed.
Councillor Nicholson pointed out that a lot next to the school was purchased by the school and was now building on the lot.
TAXATION
Sean Crozier outlined an overhaul of Landfill John Deer Crawler Loader, a feasibility study for Ross Landfill, and Traffic Assessment Equipment for $8000.
He also outlined $8000 for Flag Poles, $32,000 for a Rapid Intervention Team Kit and SCBA for firefighters,
He said $10,000 for the Annual computer replacement, $7000 for replacing a 9year old photocopier that is showing “major signs of fatigue”.
There was also a Job Evaluation Joint Project of $15,000, and an Active Transportation plan.
He also pointed out upcoming engineering projects such as Jason street and the Crawford Street watermain.
Councillor McLaughlin commented that “I don’t know how much more engineering we can do on Crawford Street. We’ve engineered it for four years now. The road is atrocious. I understand there’s no use doing a road without infrastructure, but this has just been going on and on and on.”
Councillor Nicholson asked about the Ross Landfill Evaluation’s purpose.
CAO Trembley said the study was to evaluate how cost-effective usage of the site is and whether to join Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery.
Future Roads
Crozier outlined Grant Settlement Roads, Kohlsmith Road, Forester’s Falls Hamlet Roads and Sidewalks in conjunction with the County of Renfrew, Pappin Road,
Cao Trembley also said the rafting road took priority due to its condition.
Councillor Charlene Jackson suggested the 2.5 levy be increased to 3 percent.
Councillor Nicholson and Reeve Regier expressed their approval for 2.5 percent, which was echoed by the rest of them.
The meeting was then adjourned at 8:37pm.
