MAPLETON – The township is creating its own planning department and aims to pass on any savings over the current system to end users.
During the April 27 council meeting, CAO Manny Baron explained the township has hired Linda Redmond, who recently retired from her position as manager of planning and environment for Wellington County.
A staff report from Baron explains the township began looking into its options in January, after learning of Redmond’s upcoming retirement and the impending departure of planner Michelle Innocente from the county staff.
“This clearly worried us as we have lost our senior planners,” Baron explained in his report.
“Given the relationship we built with both Linda and Michelle we took some time to look at our options.
“We reached out to Linda to ask if she would be willing to work directly with Mapleton as our planner.”
Baron added Redmond “has the history of dealing with our residents and our council and staff.” He said training clerk’s assistant Michelle Brown for “a potential planning role in the future,” could be a part of Redmond’s portfolio.
“We believe this will help Mapleton continue to offer great customer service while reducing the fees to our customers,” stated Baron.
He estimates the township will annually save about $56,780 based on a seven-year average of charges for services currently supplied by Wellington County.
“Staff are recommending we pass those savings directly on to the end user, so any applications that come in, they can experience savings,” Baron told council.
“For rezonings we pay the county $6,400. It would now be $4,000, so there’s some substantial savings there.”
Baron continued, “All in all, a great news story, in my opinion, for us and a great news story for residents as well.
Councillor Dennis Craven said, “With these new fees and Linda being with us, it’s nothing but a win/win situation for the residents of Mapleton.”
Redmond told council she is “really excited about what’s ahead with Mapleton.
“I have a lot of ideas that I’d like to work on with you guys so I’m looking forward to it.”
Mayor Gregg Davidson told Redmond, “We’re really excited to have you on board because I know what kind of an asset you were to the county and that you’re going to be a great asset for us.”
Council approved a motion to accept the report, and adopt fee recommendations contained therein, effective May 3.
