LoW council displeased with winter highway plowing

Ruth Brett
Contributor

Lake of the Woods Township Council held their regular meeting on Dec. 6 at Bergland with Mayor Pizey, Councillors B. Lundgren, J. Moen, T. Sepers, Clerk-Treasurer P. Giles, Road Supt. E. Pearson, Fire Chief C. Pollard and J. Eastman present.
C. Pollard updated Council on the Fire Dept.training and equipment and presented information on a 2001 pumper truck which is available. Council has decided that if the 2001 pumper is purchased it would replace the Bergland truck and the first response vehicle (which purchase is not finalized) would replace the Morson pumper.
E. Pearson reported on his activities for the month and gave an update on the roads. He is to check with the electrician regarding some of the lights at the Morson Hall which are not working.
J. Cawston, planning to give Council a presentation on the “Best Start” program, was unable to attend due to the condition of the roads. After a discussion, it was decided that Council will ask for specific information on the program and a public meeting on “Best Start” to be held in LoW Township.
Bills for the month of November in the amount of $126,876.50 were approved for payment.
Council has asked Clerk Giles to write to L. Lambert of MTO to complain that Hwy 621 was closed for 4 days after an ice storm. He is also to express Mayor and Council’s complete displeasure with the quality of maintenance on that highway.
Clerk Giles will update home occupations with MPAC. Council reviewed a budget update showing that the Twp. is in a surplus position. OMP Funding update was received: social services costs are up significantly, but there will be no more funding to cover the increased costs. At present, Council is not appointing anyone to represent LoW Twp. to the RRFDC. The Clerk advised Council that the NWHU has sent out a survey requesting which (essential staff) people should have vaccine first should there be an influenza pandemic. Clerk Giles advised Council that CMHC requests monthly building permit information from the Township on new home construction; this does not include seasonal / cottages. Council is proposing a meeting with all community groups to discuss hall use.
In a recorded vote, Council has authorized the purchase of a used 2001 pumper truck from Stratton Equipment. The purchase money will come from the provincial grant, surplus and/or reserves.
Council authorized tax write-offs in the amount of $672.62 in General taxes and $395.83 in Education taxes.
Council will support the following reolutions: 1) the Township of Tecumseh requesting that passports be good for 10 years instead of 5 years. and 2) Cornwall regarding statutory amendments - to more specifically direct interest arbitrators to take into account a) ability to pay and b) local economy, when making awards.
Lake of the Woods Township will participate in the fire dispatch service for the area, which is to be operated by Dryden Police Services.
Next regular council meeting will be on Jan. 3, 2006 in Bergland.