Firefighter dismissed; a seniors’ residence proposed
Mo Laidlaw
The monthly meeting of Pontiac municipal council was held on October 11, 2022 at the Luskville community centre. Eleven members of the public attended. Councillor Amyotte was absent. Mario Allen, the Acting director general (ADG) was present.
Administration
$44,161 expenses incurred for October were approved. The agreement with RPGL Avocats is renewed for a further bank of legal consultation hours, for $15,000 plus tax for 2022-3. The service agreement with TransCollines bus service is renewed, with the municipality’s contribution set at $16,334 for 2022, and MRC Pontiac contributing $32,676.
Fire department
Kelsie Tremblay is hired as a new volunteer firefighter. A volunteer firefighter who is obtaining his officer qualifications is appointed as a captain in the fire department. The firefighter who was suspended after uttering fire-related threats to a neighbour (see Pontiac Journal August 24, 2022) has been dismissed following an investigation.
Public works
Only one offer was received for each of the two snow plowing contracts up for renewal. Nugent Construction was awarded that for Sector B for $872,552 (tax included) for three years, while Mountainview Turf was awarded a one-year contract for sector E (Quyon), which includes clearing sidewalks, for $280,308 including tax. Council authorized the ADG to purchase a used backhoe for up to $70,000 plus tax, as one is needed for public works emergencies.
Planning
An organization named CHAL wishes to build a seniors’ residence. Council agreed to transfer a municipal lot if the project is approved by a housing financing organization and the project goes ahead. Ownership of property is necessary to apply for grants. CHAL is liable for notary costs. Members of the audience applauded as this motion was approved.
The MRC des Collines land management department is purchasing Cartovista software for mapping. Most of the $98,730 cost of implementing the software, and annual maintenance costs will be covered by the MRC. However, Pontiac municipality will pay a $3,000 share.
A request to the CPTAQ to build a multi-generation residence on farmland at 415 Crégheur is supported by council. This updates an application made in 2014, which was authorized by the commission.
Roger Therrien wishes to divide his lot at 93 ch de la Rivière into two lots. A contribution of 10% of the value of the lot is required on sub-division, to go for the park fund; this was stated as $5,050 in the adopted resolution. However, this is less than 2%, given the lot is valued at $259,900 on the evaluation role.
Louis Latrémouille is given permission to divide his 42-acre farm at 1892 ch de la Montagne into two lots. No parks contribution is required for this as the CPTAQ only allows one residence.
Benjamin Hiard is appointed as a citizen member of the planning committee (CCU) for 2 years.
Community life
A contribution of $7,500 to the Table Autonome des Aînés des Collines for support in maintaining Municipalité Amie des Aînés policies was not approved, but $250 was authorized to celebrate the Journée Internationale des aînés. Council resolved to support the “GARAGE” project to bring young people together to socialize, receive support and discover what services are offered. $500 is donated to Bristol Dryland to support dog racing events in our region.
Mo’s reports are archived at: www.heritagepontiac.ca/Municipality
The municipal website is www.municipalitepontiac.com
