The issue of county council pay raises were addressed at the most recent meeting of Amherstburg town council.
Mayor Michael Prue said he felt compelled to address the issue. He said he thought the motion that was before county council to raise wages was “excessive,” noting it was 136 per cent and was retroactive to Jan. 1 with money coming from reserves.
“I spoke against it. I have to, by law, take the money but I have already made a statement that I will be donating the bulk of it to charitable organizations in Amherstburg,” said Prue. “I don’t think that was right at all.”
Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said he also voted against the motion. He said he “couldn’t get past” taking it all at once. He said he wasn’t going to say what he was going to do with the money “but there’s probably going to be some happy charities.”
“I just want to applaud both of you for not voting in favour of it,” added Councillor Linden Crain. “It’s unfortunate the way it went. It leaves a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths. We looked at increasing council wages slightly but it was for the next term. It wasn’t for this current term of council. Good on both of you for making the right decision.”
Phragmites program
Councillor Diane Pouget wanted an update on when town council could hear about a program the town has to deal with phragmites. She said local resident Greg Nemeth has been eager to speak on the issue. Administration said it will come forth at the June 24 meeting.
Hard court surfaces
Councillor Molly Allaire asked about the hard court surfaces, to be designated as eight pickleball courts, at the Libro Centre and the progress of that project. Director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon said a tender is being prepared and she said she is waiting for engineering reports on windscreens for fencing.
“I need footing details for that,” she said. “It will be sent out for tender after that. It will come back to council with the pricing and it will come back to council with pricing with a full report.”
Ranta boat ramp
Councillor Molly Allaire stated she has heard from members of the public about the boat ramp proposed for Walter Ranta Park. She said there are people waiting for the public consultation process.
“We’re looking at wrapping this into our parks summit meeting,” said director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon. “We are going to do a parks master plan update this year and we are planning on having community-wide engagement. There will be a mail-out to every member of the community.”
The estimated date for that meeting will be “in and around July 29” at the Libro Centre. Booths will be set up at that meeting where public input can be provided.
Red light cameras
Councillor Diane Pouget said a resident reached out regarding red light cameras and also wanted to know if there was a police auxiliary in Amherstburg.
Pouget said there have been complaints over fishing in King’s Navy Yard Park and tents being set up.
“Instead of putting all the stress on bylaw enforcement, is there any chance we have police auxiliary in Amherstburg that could help out there,” said Pouget.
CAO Valerie Critchley said there is no police auxiliary program in Amherstburg currently, adding if council wants to look at that, there would be a cost. She added administration has received similar complaints regarding use of the park during fishing season. A program including earlier patrols in the park will be part of next year’s plan, she indicated.
Pouget said she wasn’t sure if red light cameras were needed in Amherstburg but she asked if it was ever been considered. She was told that it was considered several years ago when Windsor was putting in their initial red light cameras with the council of the day deciding the cost was too high for the town at that time.
Big Creek garbage
Councillor Don McArthur said he has received numerous complaints about people fishing along Big Creek along Creek Road and garbage has been accumulating in the area. He asked about the possibility of a garbage bin being put in that area or a social media campaign asking people to keep the area clean.
“That is private property,” advised manager of licensing and enforcement Bill Tetler. “We would have to seek permission from the property owner to put a garbage can there, if it was even feasible.”Tetler added administration has engaged with the property owner and cleanups have been done.
“Anything is possible. We just have to look into costs and that’s something we could report back,” added director of parks, facilities and culture Heidi Baillargeon.
Speed limit harmonizing
Harmonizing speed limits on Concession 2 North was addressed by Councillor Don McArthur. The stretch between County Road 10 and South Riverview Dr. is still under construction but he noted the road is being transformed into an active transportation corridor. The speed limit on one side of County Road 10 is 60 km/hr while it is 70 km/hr north of County Road 10. Administration said it is council’s jurisdiction to change speed limits as long as it is not a county road. McArthur called for a report from administration so it can be further discussed by town council and his motion passed.
By Ron Giofu
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