A local resident is not getting the response he wanted from Puslinch council after asking fees charged after being invoiced for a fire call to his property either be reduced or eliminated.
In his letter to council, Paul Leombruni stated, “I just received [an] invoice and would like to express my displeasure with the fees I have been charged.”
He contended, “I have applied for a burn permit application in the past and was not aware that this application needing to be renewed on an annual basis. I was under the impression that it was a one-time fee.”
He also took issue with the costs related to fire trucks at the scene.
“The invoice has three trucks documented at a fee of $450/truck. However, only one truck was utilized during the process,” said Leombruni.
He requested the case be reviewed and that options be looked at to either eliminate or reduce the total cost.
Councillor Wayne Stokley took issue with the fact Leombruni was unaware the permit is renewed annually.
“We’ve made notice of that multiple times and in multiple publications … I can’t see how he can use that as an excuse to realize that he was in the wrong,” said Stokley.
Councillor Susan Fielding agreed and asked about the charge for three trucks.
CAO Karen Landry stated the information provided to her was that three trucks were dispatched to the scene.
Roth noted Leombruni did not state three trucks didn’t show up – only that just one was used.
“That’s the way I read the letter,” said Roth.
Landry said the information provided to her included the call numbers for the trucks dispatched and the time each was at the scene.
Fielding said if three trucks were dispatched, the person needs to pay for that.
Council Matthew Bulmer added “everything that needs to be said, has been said.”
Although Leombruni had attended the council meeting, he was not a delegation, nor was he in the chambers as council discussed the letter.
At the end of the meeting he approached the council table to voice his concern.
