It could be a full house on April 16, when Wellington North councillors take another kick at the can regarding development charges for agricultural properties.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said on Monday council would go into closed session to consider legal issues regarding a report by Gary Scanlon, of CN Watson, about development charges.
Council originally intended to take the whole discussion in-camera but decided setting the date could be done in open session.
Broomhead said OMAFRA representatives asked for a meeting as early as possible to avoid potential conflicts with spring planting. Councillor Ross Chaulk recommended the April 16 date. He said earlier in April and later at night is better for farmers.
“Pick the earlier date,” he said. “The longer you wait, the better the land gets.” He added, “If the week of April 16 is beautiful, you won’t see a single farmer … so we better pray for rain.”
The recommendation was to hold the meeting at 8pm, but a location was not determined. The first proposal was to hold it at Kenilworth Public School, but council was uncertain if it would be available.
Broomhead said if the school is not available, it will be at a community centre in either Arthur or Mount Forest.
“We’re expecting a fairly big crowd. Obviously we can’t have it in here,” the mayor said.
Broomhead also noted the preliminary report from Scanlon includes issues that council needs to discuss in closed session. He added the final report on development charges will not be released until two weeks prior to the public meeting.
He also said that report includes various scenarios and offers information on what other communities are doing. It will include a sample bylaw as well.
Broomhead said the reason he had not responded to questions individually was because it would be his opinion only, not council’s. But at a public meeting, there will be a response from all councillors.
Without Scanlon’s report, it was also difficult to answer some of the questions.
“We have those answers now … or will have,” Broomhead said.
He remained concerned there are opinions about items that were not even discussed by council.
When questioned why the report could not be made available earlier, since it was at council that night, Broomhead said there are still details to be finalized. He explained some decisions still need to be made, and justifications for those decisions need to be provided.
He said there was little point going to the meeting without recommendations or a proposal, and noted Scanlon would be present at the public meeting, as well as council and staff.
The issue of development charges for agricultural projects came up last year, following concerns raised by the farming community.
A substantial delegation came to council upset with the impact those charges would have on farm operations, and before making decision, council wanted more information. That information is ready, and council wants a chance for further review before bringing it to the public.
