Public works operator resigns
By Liz Dadson

Huron-Kinloss Council(continued)

Huron-Kinloss council has accepted, with regret, the resignation of Douglas MacDonald, a public works operator for more than 30 years.

This is a union position and will be advertised internally. MacDonald's final day of work will be Nov. 27, so the township hopes to have someone hired by then.

In other news:

*The township approved a livestock claim of $472.50 for Dale Stewart, compensation for the loss of a calf due to an attack by coyotes. Councillor Don Murray asked who sets the price for an animal. Clerk Sonya Watson said the livestock evaluator fills in the form based on the market price of the animals killed in the attack.

*Parks and recreation director Mike Fair will be "knocking on doors" to get quotes for the replacement of the doors at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre. No tenders were received for the project so Fair will be contacting a supplier, such as Fisher Glass, directly.

(next column)

21/08/2009 10:07 PM

*Good news on the Phragmites front. Fair told council that the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources branch director has provided the township with an application to permit the use of pesticides on the invasive species Phragmites, also known as the common reed.
"We have submitted the application and await a response," said Fair. "We hope to be able to apply pesticide this fall, if possible. We will not be cutting any of the Phragmites that was previously cut in order to have the three- to five-feet height required to wick/wipe the reed this fall."
Fair said the township has requested a five-year approval in hopes of eradicating the reed from the municipality.

*Council agreed not to hold a planning meeting Aug. 24, but will hold a special planning meeting Sept. 9 with the regular general committee meeting. Instead, a special council meeting will be held Aug. 24 regarding the Elphick Municipal Drain.
Drain superintendent Grant Collins said the actual construction cost for the project has come in over 133-per-cent above the estimate which, under the Drainage Act, prompts this meeting. It allows petitioners an opportunity to decide if they wish to proceed with the project. If they decide to withdraw their names, they are responsible for any costs incurred to date, he said.
Collins said the estimate for construction was $2,600, but the actual price came in at $4,200 because the property is not a vacant lot and has to be restored.

*Joanna Mallott has been appointed deputy clerk of the township.