Councillors here are seeking a bit more information before they accept an agreement with Wellington County to maintain one of its roads for the coming winter.
And councillors were very aware of the weather when they made that decision on Nov. 8.
Wellington County operations manager Paul Johnson wrote to Mayor Bruce Whale on Oct. 31 asking if Mapleton Township is willing again this year to maintain County Road 45 from Nov. 15 to April 8.
That would include plowing, sanding and routine patrolling “such as is necessary to protect the motoring public. It would not include sign repair, pothole patching or washouts, but we would expect to be notified when these deficiencies are encountered,” Johnson wrote.
He offered Mapleton $4,800 per kilometre for the season.
Mapleton public works director Larry Lynch told council the request is “pretty much in line with what we approved last year.”
He added the payment last year was $4,300 per kilometre.
Councillor Jim Curry asked if the fuel cost increases are in line.
Lynch replied, “I would think so. It depends on the amount of snow.”
Lynch said the offer increases a few hundred dollars each year.
But councillor Neil Driscoll said the cost for fuel has increased more than a few hundred dollars.
Plus, he wondered, “Do we have time to do it?”
Lynch said township plows have to drive that road in any case. County Road 45 runs through Glen Allan and connects to Maryborough Concession 3 at one end and the Third Line of old Peel township at the other.
Whale said Mapleton has “been doing it as long as I’ve been on council.”
Driscoll said, “But do we have to do it at a loss?”
Whale said, “I’m not sure it’s a loss.”
Driscoll responded, “Let’s find out.”
Councillor Mike Downey wondered if the increases have kept pace with the costs to Mapleton. Lynch said it is an increase has been a few hundred dollars each year.
Whale noted the cost is also going to depend on the amount of snow to be moved.
When council considered a motion to approve the deal, only Downey was in favour, with councillors Curry, Driscoll and Andy Knetsch opposed.
Lynch promised he would bring a report back to council for the next meeting, which is Nov. 22.
Councillors wondered what will happen if the road needs maintenance in the meantime.
Whale said the township should continue to maintain it as it always has until a deal is struck.
