The following are brief reports of items discussed during a June 16 Algonquin Highlands council meeting.
The township’s septic tank re-inspection program will likely require the hiring of a contract employee for 2017.
Townships inherited the responsibility of septic tank inspections from local health units in 2014. An engineering report identified 228 properties in Algonquin Highlands with sub-standard septic systems and letters were sent to affected property owners asking them to contact the township within 30 days of receipt. One-hundred sixteen responses have been received with about 40 per cent of those cases being resolved so far.
Another 112 property owners have not responded to the township and will be receiving follow-up letters.
Many of the subject properties can be accessed only by water.
“Given the large number of lakes access challenges and additional time required both out in the field and in the office during the busiest time of year for the building department it is reasonable to assume that staff cannot complete this project successfully along with their regular workload and duties” read a report from chief building official and bylaw officer Dave Rogers.
It is anticipated the position will cost $40000 to $50000 for the year plus benefits.
Mould remediation sole-sourced
The township’s will sole-source remediation work for the removal of mould and asbestos from the basement of the Stanhope Firefighters’ Community Hall to Service Master of Muskoka.
The price tag for the job is $56000 plus HST and with contingency funding for a “worst case scenario” $62000 plus HST.
Councillor Brian Lynch said he thought the job should be put to tender.
Chief administrative officer Angie Bird said the sole-sourcing was acceptable under the emergency procurement clause of the township’s purchasing policy since the situation was a health and safety issue.
“Going on six months it’s been a health and safety issue” said Lynch.
The mould was discovered following an inspection in late 2015.
However the rest of council was fine with the sole-sourcing of the work.
Councillor Lisa Barry said the company was reputable.
“I’m OK with the sole-source on it” said Councillor Marlene Kyle. “I’ve heard that it’s a very good company as well.”
Ball diamond upgrade
Lions International celebrates its centennial anniversary and Lions Clubs throughout the world have been asked to embark on a project to celebrate the occasion.
In Dorset the local Lions are planning improvements at the baseball diamond which will include landscaping with the addition of trees perennials and shrubbery as well as the addition of a walking path. The club is planning to phase in the project valued at $25000 over three years.
While it’s not looking for a financial contribution from the township members did come seeking permission as well as in-kind assistance.
“That property is unique in that it is jointly owned by both municipalities” said Reeve Carol Moffatt indicating Algonquin Highlands would require a joint services agreement with Lake of Bays township in which half of Dorset sits.
New website
The township’s revamped website is now up and running. Featuring more graphics and a cleaner more modern layout the new site is designed to be more easily navigable for users. Go to www.algonquinhighlands.ca.
