While Minto supports creating a new access for the Clifford Rotary Club’s tractor show, it will not be happening this year.
On June 2, council considered a request from the club to provide the necessary gravel and culvert construction to allow it access to a proposed safe parking area on the north side of the park, and to reduce truck traffic in the immediate show area.
Minto Roads Director and drainage superintendent Chris Peter told council the club is trying to improve access to its tractor pull site and costs for the gravel and culvert construction could reach $7,000.
He has met with the club, which, like council, is looking for the least expensive option.
Initially, he said, there were thoughts of resloping Allan Street to the site.
But, Peter said, the pathway veers to the north, which encroaches on a private property. Plus, planned development for Allan Street would use up the town road allowance.
“There is no sense in resloping the road if its going to be changed when the road is eventually extended,” he said.
Peter said access from Queen Street and James Street were also considered.
The last option was to come in to the site via Taylor Street or James Street.
Councillor Barb Burrows questioned if the work is happening on Rotary Club or town property.
“It would take place on the road allowance of Taylor Street,” Peter said. He added the club has some other work planned for its own property.
Mayor David Anderson pointed out the costs would be an unbudgeted item if it is done in 2010. He said he’d normally ask Treasurer Gord Duff where that money could come from.
“Sometimes the treasurer has an unexpected project contingency fund.”
Deputy-treasurer Lorie Forbes said “I don’t think there’s that much money this year.”
Anderson asked the timeframe of the project.
“You may have a year,” said Peter.
He noted the development along Allan Street has not happened yet, so for this year, the club could make use of the current path.
Deputy-mayor Judy Dirksen said her concern is that this much money was being spent on street allowances that are being used only one time each year. While she realized there are issues, “I just wish we could put this into something being used 365 days a year.”
She added, if the project is not until next year, it would give council more chance to accommodate the cost.
Dirksen said to be fair, some day these streets may be opened.
Peter said according to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, Taylor Street would not be opened. He said council needs to look at the expense of installing a culvert.
“It’s not like spreading in a bit of gravel.”
The motion was amended for the project to be completed in 2011.
Councillor David Turton had no issue supporting the Rotary Club. “I think they’re a great organization.”
But, Turton wondered if there is another option available. He said something could happen in the meantime, and he is hesitant to make a decision.
Councillor Rick Hembly said it was more an issue of supporting the club.
Anderson believes the proposed option was the least expensive.
He noted the motion would indicate that council supports the idea.
“If we feel that we do not want to support this motion, but we support the principle, that is up to council’s opinion and direction on that.”
Councillor Wayne Martin said this may just end up being part of the discussions for the 2011 budget.
