Councillors in Puslinch Township have agreed to an arrangement with Sunset Villa regarding its septic system.
Paul Lange representing the Sunset Villa Association, was at council Oct. 5 seeking an agreement to deal with a replacement system and existing ones constructed in the 1970s and 1980s.
Lange suggested many years ago, a similar agreement was in place with Mini-Lakes.
“This is nowhere near that,” Lange said.
Sunset Villa has operated in the area for years, he said as he provided councillors with additional history of the operation.
Mayor Dennis Lever said the agreement stems from a request from the Ministry of the Environment.
Lange said an application was made in April after the sewage system that serves the restaurant failed. Since then the septic system has to be pumped monthly at a cost of $120, Lange said.
He believed the ministry would soon be issuing a certificate of approval, but the agreement needs to be in place.
The association drafted an agreement for council’s review.
Councillor Ken Roth wanted to know the age of the septic system that failed.
Lange said, “It’s been there forever and ever.”
Originally, there was just a house there back in the 1950s.
But the agreement with the township would be for an upgraded replacement system – not the one that failed. The rules are entirely different now.
Roth said he is confused as the proposal replaced only the septic system for the restaurant.
Lange said there are separate systems in place for the apartments and the semi-detached residences. Those systems date from the 1970s to 1980s.
Roth asked what happens if those systems fail. “Will it be the township responsibility?”
Lange said, “In the agreement it is our responsibility – totally.”
Councillor Susan Fielding said she understood what Lange is attempting to accomplish.
“I’ve been on council a long time and I have a lot of faith you and your group will do the right thing,” she said.
Lange maintained the association is “quite viable” for a non-profit corporation and it will be around for some time to come.
Having read the agreement, Fielding felt it satisfied and protected the township interests.
Lever said his preference would be the document state it is a financial – not a responsibility – agreement.
“I’m not interested in the township assuming responsibility for this.”
He said the agreement includes phrases regarding funds being set aside in case the municipality needs to make any repairs. Lever said preferred that to be limited to the amount of money available.
He added the agreement was circulated to the township’s legal counsel and planner, who support the agreement as written.
Council passed a motion to accept the operations and maintenance agreement with Sunset Villa and the township for Sunset Villa at 7150 Concession 1.
