Apsley Voice - Page 13

North Kawartha Council News

Courtesy of Doug Hutton Doug Hutton - council reporter

Council Meeting Dec 20, 2004

Garbage Collection
Council was advised that there have been a few difficulties picking up garbage on private roads due to the condition of the roads. This has occurred when there has been a large snowfall, and the private roads have not yet been ploughed making them impassable. Arnie Brown, Councilor-at-large will be discussing this with the contractor and developing a plan to deal with missed garbage pick-ups caused by poor road conditions.

Emergency Management Program
CAO, Shannon Hunter advised council that there will be greater involvement of staff in the Emergency Management Program next year, as mandated by the province. Staff members have to be trained to respond effectively if there is a major emergency such as an epidemic involving many citizens.

County Report
Reeve, Jim Whelan, gave a summary of the activities of Peterborough county council. One of the key items is an increase of $ 750,000 to operate the hostel and warming room. It is proposed that these facilities increase their hours to a full 24 hour-7day per week operation rather that just during the winter months. Some of the reeves, including Mr. Whelan, are upset at this proposal. North Kawartha council members voiced their concerns about their tax-payers paying for a hostel and warming centre in Peterborough that is of no use to anyone outside the city of Peterborough. County council is reviewing the request.

Roads Needs Study
A study has confirmed that Anstruther Lake Road is the busiest township road and requires urgent improvements. This is important information to the staff who are preparing a proposal to get funding from the federal and provincial governments under the community infrastructure funding program. Under this program, the cost of the improvements will be shared equally between the provincial, federal and municipal levels of government.

Police Report
CAO, Shannon Hunter reported that the police overtime to-date for this year, is within the amount allowed by the contract. This is an improvement over the last two years when police overtime costs greatly exceeded the contract and resulted in major impacts on the township’s budgets.

Youth Activities
The council was thrilled to hear that the Youth Steering Committee is planning a Youth Variety Night Feb 5, 2005.

Outstanding Business Achievement Award
Garry and Patrick Patterson of Young’s Point General Store won the Outstanding Business Achievement Award at the Kawartha Lakes Chamber of Commerce A.G.M.