I sat down with Bob Perrault of Lake 88.1 yesterday and chatted about a variety of subjects. If you have a few moments, this will provide updates on several Village issues and some other topics. Have a great week-end!
http://lake88.ca/2018/02/02/in-focus-fri-february-2-2018/ (You may have to cut and paste the link.)
After the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville (UCLG) public works did some testing this past summer/fall on the Main St Bridge, I met with a group of community members who raised their concerns about the bridge. I followed that up with a discussion with the UCLG Director of Public Works and shared with him their concerns and in particular that the Village and the public want some input, through consultation, should the rehabilitation proceed.
Clearly, one of the concerns is the public safety issue for pedestrians in the absence of a sidewalk. I was surprised to read in this week’s paper that the UCLG Manager of Public Works indicated that a decision has already been reached about the rehab and that it does not include a sidewalk.
The first of the budget meetings to debate and approve the 2018 UCLG capital budget is scheduled for February 8. It is during this meeting, and any subsequent budget meetings, that UCLG Council considers staff submissions and either approves them or asks for additional information. Be assured that no decision on the Westport Main St bridge has been made by UCLG Council.
I have asked Mr Paul Snider, CAO/Clerk for the Village of Westport, to add this item to the agenda for the February 5 Westport Council meeting. This will allow the issue of the sidewalk on the Main St bridge to be discussed by Westport Council and that I am in the position to present to UCLG Council on February 8 any resolution passed by Westport Council. Westport’s Council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. on February 5.
I have heard from many frustrated community members since the paper was published this week and hope this update provides information in regard to the proposed rehab of the Main St bridge. Please call if you have concerns. 9195
I have been away from Westport for the past two weeks – business and vacation. I am three hours away from home and can’t wait to get there! So much happening in the Village in the next couple of weeks … and am really looking forward to the Robbie Burns dinner Thursday.
Call if you need anything. 9195
At the Annual General Meeting of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) today in Kingston, Mayor Jones was elected as its Chair. Seen here with the Vice-Chair for 2018 Warden Jennifer Murphy, Renfrew County and the Past-Chair Mayor Robert Quaiff, Prince Edward County. EOWC works to support and advocate on behalf of the property taxpayers across rural Eastern Ontario. The EOWC covers an area of 45,000 square kilometres from Cobourg to the Quebec border, and includes 13 upper-tier and single-tier municipalities as well as 90 local municipalities.
The member municipalities work together as a team, researching important issues, advocating for our 750,000 residents, and striving to ensure that conditions are in place to make Eastern Ontario the greatest place in the world to reside and do business.
The EOWC endeavours to speak with one voice, ensuring that our views are heard and considered by federal and provincial policy makers, business leaders, the media and the public
The contractor continues to finish construction on the new waste water system. However, the lagoons are close to capacity and until the plant is fully operational, it will be necessary to haul effluent again this year to Smiths Falls. The Village has tendered the haulage and you will begin to see trucks later next week.
The haulage will ensure that lagoon levels stay ahead of the daily flows, which is different than past years where the intention of haulage was to empty the lagoons. I know we all hope that the system is fully operational in the next few weeks.
So, when you see the tankers on County Rd 10 or 42 next week, it is important for you to know that our contract states that the cost of haulage is the contractor’s, not ours.
Please call if you have any questions. 9195
Robin, The Mayor 
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