WASTE WATER

The work should be wrapping up soon at the waste water site.  Pressure testing of the new system is expected to be completed later this week.  After that successful test, the next step includes a 14 day testing period of continuous operations.  If there are any major operational reasons to stop this cycle, a new 14 day testing period begins once the issue that prompted the interruption is corrected.  A successful continuous 14-day period is required before “substantial performance” can be declared by the Engineering consultant.

2018 BUDGET – Village and United Counties of Leeds & Grenville

Council has held two meetings to develop the 2018 budget.  As you will recall, 2017 had some unplanned incidents – i.e. the force main water break on Rideau St and the water pipe breaks on Concession St and Spring St.  These and other unexpected 2017 costs must be rationalized in the 2018 budget.  Our tax base is very small and that reality hits home when you consider that a 1% increase in the tax rate only increases revenue by $8000.  On Feb 8, at the last budget meeting, Council asked the Treasurer to review the draft budget with a view of reducing both the  general and capital budgets.  This revised draft budget is on the Agenda for the Committee of the Whole meeting on February 20. The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) and the Board of Education have yet to inform the Village what their budgets are for 2018.

UCLG will approve its budget by mid-March and there are two projects included for Westport.  The first is a major refurb of the Main St Bridge (Fish Hatchery Bridge) in 2018.  The project will include a paved shoulder on the bridge, providing a safe route for pedestrians, particularly in winter.  I understand that the plan is to keep a portion of the bridge open during construction.  The Counties’ 2018 capital budget also includes a study of County Rd #10 from the Main St Bridge to Grady St (the top of the hill).  UCLG has made the commitment to consult with the Village and Rideau Lakes Township, as part of the study, on other concerns regarding this road including considerations for alternate routes for heavy trucks.  I will keep you informed on both projects.

Breakfast with the Mayor

The next Breakfast with the Mayor will occur on Wednesday, February 28 at 08:00 a.m. at the Cove Country Inn.  We will have time to discuss several topics, including business preparations for Le Boat (expect the first Le Boat to arrive in the Harbour by the end of May), parking issues in the downtown and the new Heritage Walking Tour.  The Cove offers a buffet breakfast at 08:00  ($10 pp).  Meeting discussion begins around 08:30.  Pls consider joining us and offering your thoughts.

Please call if you have any questions.  9195