Brechin Sewers - Is this $7.5 Million Project Really Needed?

If you were like me, and attended this meeting of Ramara's Special Committee of the Whole, you would be wondering the same thing to. The town's planning consultants, CC Tatham presented what was to me the gold plated version for the proposed sewer network upgrades.

FYI one of CC Tathams’ engineers drove off in a BMW SUV - doing business with the Ramara Tsp - PRICELESS.

For $7.5 million the township would:
Expand its current sewage plant at Lagoon City.
Expand and upgrade the current sewer mains network to allow the town of Brechin and the Ramara’s Industrial Park to link on.

The plan presented by CC Tatham, what could be described as the loaded model. It would includes all the bells and whistles. Can the users of the proposed user only funded project afford such a model. More importantly is this project needed at all?
The proposed upgrades would be billed to each user, at the proposed cost of $16 000.

The town’s CAO Richard Bates, stated “we have a big environmental problem (in this region)” What problem is that? I have never seen any documented evidence to this effect. If there is, does it mandate a $7.5 million fix?

Clr. Kahler, who is one of the 2 members of council who represent constituents will be directly benefit from the sewer upgrade commented on the fact the part of the existing problem may lie with failing private septic systems, and that the solution must the individual fixing their private system, at their own expense.

The township’s Bylaw enforcement officer made comment that there does exist a problem with failing private systems, and that if found deficient, a homeowner would have 30 days to make the necessary improvements. That my mean installing a brand new septic system, at a cost of $30 000.

Deputy Mayor Clarke commented that another potential problem is that private mains, that link homes to the main lines may be cracked, and that surface and ground water may infiltrate the sewage. These cracked may exist in the main lines as well. This results in additional sewage needing to be treated. The current sewage plan has a finite capacity to handle waste. So a cheaper alternative may require only fixing the mains infrastructure, and thereby reducing to flow into the sewage plant.

Council will have to look at the proposed design and see if savings can be found at various elements, while making sure the modifications will comply with government standards, as well the current and future needs of its users.

As well as design and performance considerations, the township needs to consider the financial needs of those users who will be forced to link into the sewage network. The township proposes this project to be funded only by its current users and developers of future properties. We know that this is not true. For example any township properties on the network will have these costs passed on to all ratepayers. Brechin Public School will join the network, so general ratepayers will see this cost on their school levies. The township has spend to date $470 000 and design and studies relating to this project, which was funded by Ramara ratepayer tax levies. Finally the township proposes to grant $500 000 from a reserve fund, to subsidize the project. During this meeting I was unable to determine what funds were used to contribute to this reserve. It is my understanding that no tax levies were used, but I will ask for clarification from the Township’s treasurer.

Finally it is the position of Ward 2 Clr. O’Donnell, that “If we build it, they will come”. He has stated on numerous occasions that aside from an environmental need for the sewers, that there is a financial benefit for the township. He speaks of developers waiting to come, once new sewer system is in place. I would say to Clr. O’Donnell get these phantom developers to make a deputation to council, and get their desire to invest in Ramara, on the record.

If you want, “Bang for the buck”, Ward 1 Clr. White stated on Friday, let’s get rolling on developing the Rama/Atherley Road corridor. Clr. White envisions growth in this area could be used to finance the Brechin sewer project. What about municipal services in this area. Clr. White stated that it will be the developers and not the municipality that would foot this bill.

I am starting to see a North/South split in Ramara council. The north is represented by Wards 1 and 3. The south by Wards 2, 4 and 5. The balance of power would reside with the Mayor and Dep. Mayor.

DECISIONS! DECISIONS! DECISIONS!

When I left this meeting on Friday, I was unconvinced of the need to build a sewer network like the one made in the proposal. I am convinced that current capacity will be sufficient to handle current loads. Are the current plant operations to provincial environmental standards? I don’t recall this point being mentioned.

What is the state of the sewer mains? What would it cost rehabilitate them to meet current and future demands and environmental standards? What about private mains? How do you determine their current status? What would it cost homeowners to rehabilitate their private mains?

Are Ramara ratepayers, who will not benefit from this sewer program, be required to subsidize this project? In Severn Township they imposed a $75 Annual Environmental Levy (ie TAX). Unless council passes a resolution that prohibits the use of general taxation, for this project, it will happen.

This was only a proposal. Wait and see how these costs balloon if/when it goes to tender. Costs will go up.

I have little confidence in the township's ability to administer such a project. I look to the problems with the McNabb Drain, and a recent bylaw that was enacted by the township to recoup cost overuns, and apparently the drain still does not function properly on those properties w. of Hwy 12.

If your property is within the boundaries of this sewer network, I recommend you keep on top if council activities in Ramara. Be afraid.... I am!

Brechin Sewers - Ramara Council to Meet March 30th

Friday, March 30 Ramara council will meet in committee, at 9:00am, in Brechin to discuss issues relating to the Brechin Sewer Project.

The town Clerk called for this meeting to discuss funding issues. I do not know if the public will be given the opportunity to speak about any concerns.

It is my understanding that the township has concerns relating to ballooning costs, related to the project. Proposed as a user fee project, the households that will be force to join this sewer network, will foot the bill for its capital and ongoing maintenance costs.

All ratepayers in Ramara have subsidized this project, approximately $500 000 for engineering and planning fees. The township proposes to use certain designated reserve funds for this project. Unfortunately the township to date has not been able to secure upper level government funding, at this time. Severn Township's new sewer network was aided by a significant upper level government grant.

Long story made short, given the big cost of the sewer project, and the small user base, those households better be prepared for a big increase on your future tax bills.

I plan to attend the meeting, and hope that I will be able to get the township to provide for its ratepayers a current cost-structure breakdown for this project, as well to have them publicly define all funding methods for it.

Ramara Secures a $495 000 Provincial Grant

This grant will allow the township to expand the Conc. 1 bridge, in the south end of the township, from 1 lane to 2. I have been advised by the township staff, that the $262,500 originally budgeted for '07 would have allowed the township to fix only the existing single-lane bridge.

With the influx of provincial cash, the township can now release these fund for other purposes. One proposal, by the Works Dept. would direct the full amount of $262,500 for road improvements.

Securing these funds is great news for the township's ratepayers, and I congratulate the township in their efforts. Unfortunately this amount is only a drop in the bucket, given the demands for new infastructure, (ie Brechin Sewers, replacing the existing municipal water network, dysfunctional drainage networks).

When the decision is made to proceed with these items, funding for them will come from: user fees, upper level government grants, or rate-payers taxation.

We a provincial election due for Oct. '07 and the possibility of a federal election before this date, rate-payers should be contacting potential candidates, asking them what they can do for our community.

Ratepayers should definately contact their councillors demanding them to publically define their position, on these issues.

Do you want a repeat of the 41% pay raise surprise. Remember in a democracy we get the government we deserve.

Ward 3 Clr. Neher - WHERE ARE YOU?

At the March 26 General Committee meeting at Joyland Bch, Ramara, I was envious of the actions of Clrs. O'Donnell, White and Kahler, on behalf of their constituents. They strongly defended their stand on the issues, and demonstrated their passionate representation for their constituents. No grey here. On the issues, they were black and white.

Clr. Neher - When are you going to stand up and say something? Where do you stand on the issues? What approach should the township take in regards to the intregation of the municipal water system? SAY SOMETHING!

When you were campaigning you promoted yourself as the great communicator for the resident's of Ward 3. In our campaign literature you stated you would publish a newletter. I have not seen one. You stated that you would have plenty of time to research the issues in the community. What have you found out? You don't publish and findings on your website?

At the Feb 12 Council meeting, wasn't it resolved that councilors would meet with constituents using the municipal water system, and report your findings to council?
Did you meet with the residents of Val Harbour? I have not seen any evidence.

In my opinion your not the Councilor that you campaign you would be. Meeting after meeting I witness you in your chair, and .... you just sit in your chair.

I would love to see you challenge a report. I would love to see you challenge a position of another councillor. You said absolutely nothing when $300 000 in funding for Ward 3 roads in '07 were lost to fix Conc 9 in Ward 2. Clr Neher, you represent Ward 3 and not Ward 2.

All I ask of you is to do something. Publish your thoughts on your website. Let me know where you stand. I am not paying you to do nothing.

I grade you D -. You have to improve your effort. You have to justify your worth to the residents of Ward 3.

Mar 26 Gen'l Comm Meeting at Joyland Bch CC

I have to congratulate the "Group of 7" (a/k/a Ramara's Council) for taking their show on the road. As a proponent of participative, open and transparent government, I was quite impressed by the significant turnout by Ramara's Citizens. I hope the "Group of 7" agree with me that this was a good meeting, in that council heard from their constituents. We can only hope they were listening!

The issue of the night was a proposal to integrate the municipal water system into a single, unified entity. Currently in Ramara their are settlement areas that have their own water treatment facilities. The cost to build and maintain each individual system is bourne by each local community. It is a user pay system, in that only homes linked to the network pay for the system's operation and upkeep. These fees vary between each individual system due to its size, design, quality, age and the number of households linked to it. These fees can be quite varied between each system.

If the township were to unify the system and create single municipal wide water rate, the would be winners and there would be losers. Some fees would go up. Some would go down. This point was the reason for the night's vocal attendence. I am lucky I have my own well and don't pay into the municipal system, and I attend these meetings to ensure that the "Group of 7" don't sneak any water costs onto the Gen'l Expenditures, and have all ratepayers subsidize the municipal water system.

From individual deputations I found out there is a significant variation in the quality of the water, among the individual water systems. Certain neighbourhoods pay for water that is no better then the water that comes out of my well, which I get for free. I believe that Ramara needs to address these differences in quality before the system is unified. What comes out of the tap in system has to be of equal quality to the water coming out of another. If this is not the case, I would not support a move to a unified system.

Ramara council needs to address this variation in quality. Council needs to consider the concerns voiced on this night. Ramara council needs to weigh the needs of each community against the best interests of all ratepayers in Ramara.

Listening to the people tonite was a start. A very good start. Much of the success for this night has to go to Ward 1 Clr. White, who was able to get these deputations onto the agenda at the last minute. This is open and transparency in government.

Ramara council the people have spoken, where you listening?