Pontiac council report - still planning to treat septic sludge
Mo Laidlaw
The council meeting of 9 February 2010 was attended by over 20 residents.
Public input
Nancy Maxsom is concerned about full time employees being given $30 at Christmas: “This is not a proper use of public funds,” (confirmed by Municipal Affairs). Mayor Eddie McCann seemed surprised and explained that “it’s been done for 30 years.”
Ms Maxsom also wanted information on how many business permits were sold last year, how many fines were levied for those without permits, as provided for in the bylaw, and when the promised promotional booklet will be available. “In December 2008 we received a pamphlet with many wrong telephone numbers, but nothing was received in 2009.” Mr McCann said information is available in the office.
Jean-Claude Carisse inquired about the status of the project to expand the Quyon sewage plant to process sludge from septic tanks, now that Gatineau won’t take Pontiac sludge after 31 December 2010. Mr McCann said “We still plan to expand the Quyon plant” and suggested that it might be possible to take other municipalities’ septic sludge.
Director Sylvain Bertrand said “It would be very advantageous for Pontiac to treat its own sludge; the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre in Ottawa (formerly known as Green’s Creek) is the only alternative.” (Val-des-Monts’ website gives the cost of dumping sludge in Gatineau as $27/m3, and $9/m3 in Ottawa, but these costs may be out-of-date).
Horse problem
The complicated saga of the confiscated horse continued. Tyler Lamont attempted to pick up his horse on foot, one evening (after dark). Arguments ensued and the upshot is that the horse will be delivered after payment has been received for a vet’s bill. Mr Lamont must be at home to receive the horse at a time of his choosing “in the next couple of days.” Council passed a motion to advertise an auction for the horse if this matter is not resolved within four days.
Guard rails, diversion, mail boxes
Council passed a motion to tell the City of Gatineau that it approves the installation of guard rails on Terry-Fox near the junction with highway 148, where there is now a deep ditch following work on the highway.
During the bridge work on Egan in Quyon, the diversion signs on route 148 need to be properly placed and improved to help those unfamiliar with the area. Councillor Jim Coyle will look into this.
Canada Post will be asked to upgrade community mail boxes as soon as possible.
Planning and zoning
Council approved the appointment of David Birt and Pierre Lafrance as new members of the planning committee (CCU).
Lise Massé’s request to subdivide the lot at 1558 route 148 into two lots was not approved, as the plans submitted do not conform to the bylaws. Any shared driveway has to satisfy requirements for a municipal road and be approved by the ministry of Transport.
Dilapidated buildings at 190 ch Cedarvale must be renovated or demolished as they infringe the nuisance bylaw.
Money matters
Bills for $82,029 and fixed expenses of $197,897 for January were approved.
A 4 WD Ford F150 will be bought for $28,518 from Shawville Ford, the best of two quotes.
$7,275 is given to pay 10% of the deficit for OMH (social housing).
$4,674 is approved as Pontiac’s contribution to the arena in Shawville for this year.
Pontiac will contribute $6,467 to C Kidz Kan and $5,600 to Groupe Action Jeunesse.
$200 is provided to côte McKay to sand the hill before the fly-in to the Ottawa River on 27 February.