Pontiac council report - extension to town hall
Mo Laidlaw
The council meeting held on 9 June 2009.
Residents’ concerns
Robert Ballentyne and Ernest Pellerin asked about the directory of business owners, which was supposed to be funded by business permit fees. There are still businesses operating without permits. Mayor McCann admitted that his big push is to clean up properties, so pursuing businesses without permits is a lower priority.
Serge Laurin asked about drainage ditches on chemin Cedarvale. Councillor Amyotte explained that work has already started. William Spekkens is concerned that the grader has removed the survey pegs and municipal stakes.
Jacques Lizotte wants to make sure that chemin du Lac-La-Pêche remains a municipal road, although it is in Gatineau Park. He also feels that the bicycle path should be paid for by bicycle owners, from a plate fee.
Extending town hall
Mayor McCann explained the project to extend the town hall, maintaining the original building for administration, and providing 5000 square feet of new space for members of the public to deal with the tax department or building inspector for example, in a more private setting than possible today, at an estimated cost of $550,000. The plans were not available at the meeting. The increased space should be enough for the next 15 years according to MRC growth studies.
Councillor Middlemiss thought there was insufficient parking space - already fire trucks are sometimes blocked by parked cars. Councillor Tracey asked if there was input from taxpayers. Director-general Sylvain Bertrand said he would expect reaction after the public notice (which was sent to ratepayers on June 18).
In response to a question about the timing -close to the election in November, Mayor McCann replied that planning for the extension has been going on for some years. Many alternatives had been investigated and discussed.
A borrowing bylaw for $350,000 was passed by 4:3, with Councillors Dagenais, Middlemiss and McKenny voting against. The remaining funds will come from the surplus.
Other business
To obtain an infrastructure grant for building a new tank to treat septic tank sludge at the plant in Quyon, a further resolution was passed - a grant of about 92% of the cost is available.
Surveys of residents on several unpaved roads will be carried out to see whether they are prepared to pay a share of the cost of paving, and how much.
Money matters
Bills for $66,048 and fixed expenses of $225,595 for May were approved.
Other amounts approved:
$2,842 for François-Tremblay beach.
$999 for chemin Royal.
$500 for the 150th anniversary of the United Church, for a social function.
$190 for ads in 4 issues of Ornitaouais magazine.
$159 for C Kidz Kan for liability insurance.
Next regular meeting: 14 July 2009 at 8 pm.
Previous reports are archived at: http://www.heritagepontiac.ca