Councillor wants more regular reports

Councillor Andy Knetsch says some parts of the township have been out of whack and he wants to know what is being done about it.

Knetsch told council on April 24 there are a number of issues he has learned of that should be addressed by township bylaw enforcement officer Maurita Boyle.

Knetsch said on Edward Street in Drayton there was an issue with an abandoned truck, and in Alma there was a problem with an abandoned house that has sat empty for “a number of years now” and also a number of abandoned tanks in that yard.

“What’s being done?” he asked, adding, “We need more reports from our bylaw enforcement officer.”

Mayor Bruce Whale said those reports should be sent to council by Boyle.

Knetsch said he realizes Boyle is busy, but said he thinks she should report to council in person.

Clerk Patty Sinnamon told council the abandoned truck recently had licence plates put on it, so it is now legally parked on the street. As for the house, she said that is an issue of planning, but at one time it had been addressed.

Knetsch said his concern is if the house and tanks becomes an environmental issue.

Councillor Mike Downey said the Ministry of Environment was contacted and “turned a blind eye.” He wondered what the township can do. Knetsch said the idea is to keep phoning, just as the township did with the bridge abutment issue to the CPR.

Whale reminded council the intent when it hired Boyle was that she would provide quarterly or semi-annual reports.

Sinnamon added Boyle was scheduled to be at council in May.

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