Pontiac council report
Mo Laidlaw
Over ten members of the public attended the regular meeting of 9 November 2004.
Highway 148
Mary-Theresa Murdock asked what the ministry of Transport are doing about the Egan/Wolf Lake road junction with highway 148. According to MTQ there have not been enough accidents to warrant a flashing light. Council will pursue the idea of lowering the speed limit. She also asked about a load-limit sign for the bridge on 5th Concession, and flooding caused by beavers on this road. These are being dealt with.
MTQ are planning to improve the curve on highway 148 at Breckenridge Creek, and rebuild the bridge. This work will require purchase of properties along the 680 metre length of construction. Because the east side of the highway is in the agricultural zone, CPTAQ authorization is required.
Other road work
Expenses of $6,900 were pre-authorized by council for drainage work on Clarendon Street across from Jean-Guy Marcotte.
Six associations have special projects for tolerance roads approved, with contributions from the municipality: Côte McKay, $544; Pointe aux Roches, $2,882; Taber Beach, $750; Albert Tremblay Beach, $900; Plage Bélisle, $1,500; and Héron Bleu (ponceau Albert), $1,374. Each association pays 25% of the total cost.
Councillor Jim Coyle has some concerns about overspending in the roads and garbage pickup departments, to the tune of $50,000 and $60,000 respectively, which will affect programs such as paving. He tabled a resolution to have the secretary -treasurer audit these costs, but it was rejected by 4:2.
The Quyon sewage plant is not yet operating. Council discussed a plaque for the entrance to the service building. Councillor Bill Twolan suggested it should have the names of councillors, in addition to the mayor and secretary-treasurer.
Dogs
Council agreed to renew the SPCA service agreement for animal control for 2005.
There were 17 complaints about dogs in October.
Council turned down the request for a special permit for sled dogs by two Elm road residents, as it is against the bylaw which states that kennels must be sited 1500 metres away from other residences.
Shoreline construction
Bylaw 08-04 was passed at a meeting on October 26, setting a minimum distance of 10 or 15 metres from high water mark for construction (depending on the slope), to comply with provincial policy.
Bylaw 09-04 was passed. This defines the 100 and 20 year flood zones (high water mark) along rivers, including the Ottawa River, to ensure that provincial standards to protect banks and shores can be maintained.
Fire department
Council adopted fire chief Tom Howard’s fire risk protection plan. This will be submitted to the Ministry of Public Safety for approval.
Council and firefighters continue to have discussions. There was disagreement about who agreed to join the union. Two dismissed firefighters were reinstated subject to conditions, at the October 26 meeting.
The 1964 Dodge fire truck is sold to Edward Spinks for $500, on condition that he removes the entire vehicle, not just parts.