BARRY’S BAY – The New Year got off to a fresh start in Madawaska Valley Township.
On the morning of January 8, council met for its first in-committee meeting.
The committee meeting structure looks a bit different than it did in the past, which formerly included volunteer members. Now, the committee is comprised of council members only, and all departments were discussed in one meeting.
It took the better part of the day for council to get through the packed agenda, with topics arising in roads and waste management to fire, protection and emergency management.
A delegation by Dr. Suzanne McKay kicked off the meeting. She was concerned about the lack of street lighting along Casey Street. She argued that although some of her neighbours have protested against the addition of street lights, the lack of lighting poses a safety hazard along the road.
In roads and waste management, council discussed the private roads grant, the operations radio system, and the five-year capital roads plan. Council also spent time discussing the speed limit on Old Barry’s Bay Road.
There was discussion on the water and wastewater plant, with council reviewing a number of reports from its operator, the Ontario Clean Water Agency.
In fire protection and emergency management, council reviewed a number of reports and discussed purchasing a rescue truck at the south hall. Fire Chief Corwin Quade presented a report of fire calls in 2018, which outlined that the fire department responded to incidents 136 times.
A report was submitted by the recreation and community development coordinator. It contained an update on the department, including programming and grant opportunities.
After dealing with a number of correspondence items, council dealt with a number of bylaws, ranging from council remuneration to subdivision agreements with Little Bark Bay Properties.
Before adjourning the meeting, council went in-camera to discuss the Madawaska Valley Public Library board trustee position applicants, new fire fighters and a promotion to captain in the fire department.
Pick up the January 16, 2019 Valley Gazette for an in-depth report on this meeting.