At the regularly scheduled August meeting of North Dundas Council on August 15, various motions were passed with the aim of furthering community improvement and safety initiatives. Councillor Matthew Uhrig was absent from the meeting.
Council authorized a temporary exemption to the Township’s public nuisance bylaw as part of the construction process for the new Dundas Manor. The temporary exemption permit is valid for a maximum of 12 nights between August 15 and November 30. Councillor John Lennox noted that: “Everyone in this Township, or the vast majority, wants to see this Manor built. Individuals in this rooms, as well as the Township have contributed funds to fund the building… I’m for it.” Councillor Gary Annable noted that he lives very near to the building site and has found the crews to be respectful of the existing bylaws, so he has no issue with a temporary exemption. Deputy Mayor Theresa Bergeron and Mayor Tony Fraser expressed support as well.
Council then heard a brief presentation about rural internet infrastructure, as well as a financial update from John Gareau, the Township’s treasurer. Next, Jamie Cheney, the Township’s Director of Transportation/Drainage Superintendent, came forward with a routine request to abandon a municipal drain. The request was quickly passed.
As discussed in the last issue of the Times, Council considered the roof repair needs of the Joel Steel Community Centre / Sam Ault Arena at the meeting in detail. Council members discussed the mounting maintenance concerns of Township recreational facilities with Meaghan Meerburg, the Township’s Director of Recreation and Culture.
Council granted a Façade Improvement Grant for 5 King Street in Chesterville, with Council optimistic that a new tenant is moving in after the space has been vacant for years.
In a discussion of one possible way to address mounting fire fighting costs in North Dundas, Fire Chief Kreg Raistrick educated Council on a business – Fire Marque – that works with insurance companies to recover eligible costs that fire departments incur while attending property call outs. Councillor Lennox expressed support for entering into a relationship with Fire Marque, as did Mayor Fraser, since it would help offset costs without adding burden to taxpayers. Council committed to address the issue further in the next meeting, after a bylaw could be prepared.
Council is considering reducing the speed limit in designated residential areas within the Township to 40km/h. The Township must first consult with County Council, since the signage will be posted on County Roads, but the intent is to establish “area” speed limits with signs located at perimeter checkpoints. Similar to residential areas in North Grenville, this would likely cover all streets within Winchester and Chesterville town limits, and perhaps other villages as well. It is more cost effective to establish an “area” speed limit because otherwise, speed limit signs would have to be posted on individual streets. Since 50 km/h is the assumed speed for residential streets, signs do not currently have to be posted on side streets within town.
Council next heard that information is expected to be shared by the United Counties of SD&G in the near future regarding the upcoming Blue Box Program transition. The anticipated transition is raising many questions for both residents and municipal officials, so any information that is disseminated on the topic is eagerly awaited by many. Council then took turns discussing updates on the various committees that they sit on, largely dealing with community events.
The meeting lasted for just under 2 hours. Another regularly scheduled Council meeting took place on the print date of this newspaper which could understandably not be covered by deadline. That meeting will be covered in the next issue of the Times.
