Thread by @LoveWilmot

Tonight's council meeting begins at 7pm. It's preceded by a closed meeting. Sometimes these run long and the regular meeting starts a bit late. Get the full agenda at calendar.wilmot.ca//townshipcalen…, watch live at youtube.com/channel/UCcA8f…, or follow along here 👇

Mayor Armstrong asks for a moment's thought about the changes in the world due to the pandemic. He thanks Township staff for their work in keeping residents safe while still providing services, and he thanks council for its support.

Coun Gordijk mentions that even though there are no decisions being made tonight, she does have a conflict of interest with regards to the Hallman Pit, and she will not be taking part in any discussions on the matter.

Coun Pfenning reads the land acknowledgement.

The minutes for the Special Council Meeting February 22, 2021 and Regular Council Meeting February 22, 2021 have been approved by council.

There are a number of delegations this evening. (There weren't any slides in the agenda package.)

First up is John Coulter (sp?). He says he's a noise consultant who has been retained by Citizens For Safe Groundwater. He is discussing a noise report that has been produced with regards to the Hallman Pit.

He says there needs to be a lot of work done that will address Ministry of the Environment requirements before the municipality makes its decision.

Next is Franco DiGiovanni, who has also been retained by CFSGW.

Some of the screen shots from Mr DiGiovanni's presentation.

Coun Hallman asks if Mr DiGiovanni can provide some sources for more information.

Next is Patricia Chevalier with a presentation of information regarding the impact on human health of dust in relation to the Hallman Pit. She says she's a newcomer to Wilmot who learned of the application across from her house. She's discussing air quality.

Some more of Ms Chevalier's concerns. She also talks of health concerns in loved ones due to air pollution. She asks council to decide in favour of the health of her community.

Coun Pfenning has a question about the distance travelled by fine particulate, but Ms Chevalier may have left the meeting. Dawn Mittelholtz (Director of Clerk's Services/Director of Information and Legislative Services) suggests Ms Chevalier send information to her for sharing.

Next: Ann Dupej, who lives in Shingletown, with a presentation of information regarding the harmful effects on our community's health and well-being from noise pollution in relation to the Hallman Pit.

Ms Dupej is addressing the noise caused by dump trucks and other vehicles that would be servicing the Hallman Pit. She estimates that there will be one truck every two minutes.

Ms Dupej is referring to numerous studies from around the world about the connection between noise pollution and health issues.

She hopes "Council will do the right thing for everyone in Wilmot."

Nefxt is Stephanie Goertz from Petersburg. She says traffic has increased in the past 10 years, and it isn't all cars. She's found that her family - inc young children - has choose wisely what time to go out of the house because of exhaust fumes.

Ms Goertz is sharing statistics from health studies that she's found since the Hallman Pit application. She says she hasn't seen a review about where trucks will go after they leave the intersection by her home (44 trucks per hour). That's about 500 trucks a day.

Next is Linda Laapple, a local organic farmer next to the proposed pit. She says that her customers trust that the food she grows is clean and safe. "Wind carries noise, dust and smell."

Ms Laapple says that the applicant's studies are incomplete. She says that council needs more time to gather information. Ms Laapple is listing a number of environmental concerns.

Matt and Rachel Rennie are the next delegations. They've lived in Shingletown for five years. The field behind them in this photo is where the proposed pit would go.

Ms Rennie is describing the health effects of Crystalline Silica - cancers, COPD, autoimmune disease, etc. She also talks about diesel emissions, which have been found to be carcinogenic, and can cause respiratory issues.

Ms Rennie says she hopes council stands by the statement in its strategic plan.

Mr Forwell, a Witmer Road resident, is now speaking. He said he moved here to be in the country, because he wanted to be in a quiet place for his retirement. If the Hallman Pit is put next to his house, he'll be listening to the annoying beeps from trucks that are backing up.

Next is Christina Harnack who has lived in Shingletown for six years, and she has young children. She has concerns about the dust and also the precedent for this kind of rezoning. Ms Harnack's daughter wrote to the applicant and received nine pages of legalese.

Ms Harnock asks council to think back on Wilmot's core values. "I ask that you reject the application for the rezoning of the Hallman Pit."

Next is Kelvin Wood who moved to Wilmot in 2018 after extensive research. He talks about a previous applicant who was denied a zoning application due to truck traffic. He worries about possible well contamination. He says there was no transparency in the pit application.

Coun Hallman says that at no point has council never rejected information that the public has a right to know. "We are listening."

Coun Pfenning asks for information from Mr Wood about the rejected application he referred to. Mr Wood says that he doesn't have any emails or direct proof, and that he heard this from various conversations. She assures Mr Wood that the application has not been "pre-approved".

Coun Pfenning: "When it comes to council, it will be approved or denied."

Next is David Bricker who lives on Witmer Road. He's worried about noise and dirt, and the impact of truck traffic. "We cannot let this gravel pit go ahead."

Next up is Samantha Learnout (CFSGW), talking about the Peer Review for Noise and Air Quality Reports in relation to the Hallman Pit. "We are not anti-aggregate. We recognize the need for aggregate." The orange areas are dormant pits that are already in place.

Ms Learnout describes the level of expertise that CFSGW has commissioned.

She asks why there has been no air quality assessment requested.

One of Ms Learnout's slides.

That was the last delegation this evening. The information that was presented will be sent to Developmental Services and will form part of the report to council.

Sandy Jackson (Director of Facilities & Recreation Services) is presenting a report regarding an HVAC Design Award.

RECOMMENDATION
THAT RFP 2021-007 be awarded to BMI Engineering Inc., for engineering consultation, HVAC equipment design, and project supervision, for the Wilmot Administration Complex, as per their proposal dated February 24, 2021, in the amount of $28,250 inc HST.

Carried.

Coun Hallman talks about an egg-stravaganza for Easter. The Easter Bunny will be at the New Dundee Community Centre.

Coun Hallman presents a video for #BlackMentalHealthDay.

Coun Fisher announces that Baden Dental Clinic will be changing hands as its current owner is retiring.

We're adjourned at 9:11pm.