Pontiac council report
Majority of firefighters don’t want union
Mo Laidlaw
Nineteen members of the public attended the regular meeting of 10 August 2004.
Firefighter David Scully reminded council that “a majority of firefighters do not want to be union members, and have individually written to council (about this). We want one fire service in the municipality, and support Fire Chief Tom Howard.” On behalf of the majority of firefighters, Scully asked council to “reprimand individuals (who turn off their radios), to support the majority, and cancel the union. We’re paying union dues, but have no union cards and receive no information,” he added. Councillor Jim Coyle said, “We have a tremendous investment, not only in equipment, but in experience, manpower and training. Are we prepared to stand behind the majority of firefighters?”
Council unanimously passed a motion to inform the union (SPQ) and Labour board (Commission du travail) that the municipality does not recognize the union, and to mandate the municipal lawyer to take appropriate action. Dues will no longer be deducted from salaries. A resolution to suspend three firefighters who do not accept the new department structure, with possible effects on loss of property, life or injury, was also passed unanimously.
[These three firefighters are the executive officers of the union. Mayor Campbell later vetoed the two resolutions, which triggered a special council meeting on August 16, at which council overrode the mayor’s veto. It appears that the union will begin legal action against the municipality, claiming the council’s actions violate labour law.] (From later reports by Kate Aley and Fred Ryan.)
Quyon sewage works
Jean-Claude Carisse asked for an update on the sewage plant. To date it is two-thirds complete and within budget. The pipe to the river was installed using a horizontal drilling machine, to avoid using heavy machinery near the shoreline or in the riverbed. Bills totalling over $1 million have now been paid to Marchand et fils, and J.A. Lecompte, so the first request for 85% refund will be sent to Municipal Affairs.
Road grading
Giselle St-Laurent and Richard Larose had complaints about the condition of their private roads. Mayor Bruce Campbell explained that “the municipality is having a problem grading its own roads, let alone private roads. The inspector will look at River road in Quyon,” where flooding occurred after a culvert was damaged. A similar problem occurred on ch Bélisle back in May, said another ratepayer.
The Plage Bélisle association has asked for various work including cutting the verges of Pères-Dominicains - the high grass reduces visibility at the road junction.
Secretary-treasurer Sylvain Bertrand told beach associations to go ahead with their summer projects, as the grants will soon be available. Mr Coyle said the committee would meet this week.
Other business
Marc Papillon and other residents of Du Cartel, a quiet residential area near Luskville village, asked how to have their zoning amended to exclude commercial uses and parking of heavy equipment. Council gave notice of a motion to change the zoning in zone 19 (Cartel).
Council passed a resolution not to spend any more taxpayers’ money responding to Mme Carpentier’s requests for engineer’s plans for drainage near ch de l’Hôtel-de-ville. She should take legal action if she feels it is necessary.
The Commission municipale du Québec has ruled that Maison Luskville House is exempt from taxes, as it provides social housing and support. Taxes paid in 2003 must be returned.
The next regular council meeting will be September 14, 2004 at 8 pm.