Thread by @LoveWilmot

Here's the agenda for this evening's council meeting, which is preceded by a closed that starts at 5:15pm. Get the full agenda package at calendar.wilmot.ca//townshipcalen…, watch live at youtube.com/channel/UCcA8f…, and follow along here 👇

Mayor Armstrong gets the regular council meeting started by asking for a moment's silence to "think of our west coast neighbours".

Coun Fisher reads the territorial acknowledgement.

Coun Gordijk is having problems with her camera 👇

Patrick Kelly (Director of Finance) introduces a presentation about the GRT Route 77 Service Expansion. Blair Allen is giving an update about the Grand River Transit Service Enhancement.

The full report is on page 15 of the agenda. The proposed service expansion has been deferred from before the pandemic. Mr Allen says that the #77 buses don't have the technology to allow tracking. (I use Google Maps to track the bus when I'm travelling, and it's quite accurate.)

The flex stop allows #77 to take slight diversions to accommodate riders, which is useful for a single bus route in a rural community. A number of improvements have been requested by the public.

An additional vehicle is being proposed for the route. (YES!!!)

Mr Allen wraps up his presentation by reiterating the recommendation. Mr Kelly offers his support for this.

Coun Pfenning asks why this recommendation isn't being implemented sooner than Sept 2022. Mr Allen says that new services tend to be introduced in Sept each year. He also says that would require a budget adjustment, and also the vendor having a vehicle available.

Coun Fisher says he's had a lot of people asking about weekend and evening service. Mr Allen says he's aware of the requests, adding that budget is the main issue.

Coun Gordijk asks about Elmira's Kiwanis bus service that fills in the gaps that the GRT doesn't cover. Could the rural community in wards 1 and 2 have something similar?

Mr Allen says that's similar to the #77 flex route. He says an "on demand" pilot will be coming to Breslau, funded by the province. It will help to determine the best way forward for serving rural areas. Something similar could potentially come to Wilmot.

Coun Pfenning asks what the criteria would be for installing a bus shelter at the high traffic stops. Mr Allen says it's challenging to get the data on where these might be needed, other than some customer feedback.

Coun Pfenning: Ballpark, how much does a shelter cost?
Mr Allen: $15,000 plus about $3,300 for the concrete pad on which it rests. They're pretty durable and last an estimated 15+ years.

The recommendation is carried by all five councillors.

Next is the Snyder Drain Engineer Report, which is introduced by deputy clerk Tracey Murray and presented by Joel Miller from K. Smart. The full report is on p30 of the agenda package.

In response to Coun Pfenning's question, Mr Miller says that placing this drain underground is a better use of the land. This particular project will not have a negative impact on the water table.

Stewart Snyder is delegating. He says this is a long time coming, and commends Mr Miller. His only concern is that some measurements stipulated by the Drainage Act are out of date, which could cause flooding. A bigger pipe might be needed. "We don't get normal rain anymore."

Coun Hallman asks for clarification that Mr Snyder is asking for a bigger pipe, which he is. Mr Miller says his recommendation is based on the OMAFRA guide (drainage coefficient).

Coun Gordijk refers to the previous council meeting when the possible loss of soccer fields at the WRC to a third ice pad. How will that affect water drainage?

Mr Miller says his recommendation is based on the fields remaining. Sandy Jackson (Director of Facilities & Recreation Services) says it's too soon to consider that.

Ross Steckley is the next delegation, who thanks Mr Miller for his assistance on behalf of a neighbour.

Recommendation: THAT the Drainage Engineer’s Report dated September 22, 2021 for the Snyder Drain requiring drainage for the South Part of Lot 18, Concession North of Bleams Road, Township of Wilmot, be received. Carried.

Next: Years of Service Recipients – Staff and Volunteer Fire Fighters. Recognition is given for Township staff who have served from five to 30 years.

Consent agenda: No items are being removed. Carried.

Next is Mr Kelly with the drain maintenance levy report. No comments nor questions; the report is received for information.

Next: Encroachment Agreement - Tye Road Private Culvert Crossing (p38), which is discussed by Dawn Mittelholtz (Director of Clerk's Services/Director of Information and Legislative Services). Carried.

A late addition to the agenda - Prioritization of OHIP coverage of eye care. Coun Pfenning says she knows community members who have had problems accessing services.

Announcements: Coun Hallman says Santa Claus is coming to New Dundee for a reverse parade at the community centre on Dec 4 from 11am to 1pm.

Coun Fisher says Santa will also be in Baden on Dec 4 from noon to 3pm (hang on...🤔)

We're adjourned at 8:32pm.