It was some good News within some bad News here at county council when it considered its Green Legacy report during consideration of the planning minutes.
County Councillor Lou Maieron noted that the county’s Green Legacy program was present at the annual four-day Erin Fall Fair, with 500 trees to give away.
Alas, said Maieron, by Saturday those trees had vanished, being snapped up by fair goers on the first two days, leaving visitors on Sunday and Monday treeless.
Maieron noted that such demand indicates the fair is a good place to promote, and that people sure seem to be interested in planting trees.
New nursery
In other Green Legacy business, the northern nursery for that project is well underway near Damascus.
An update shows that the topsoil has been stripped for an addition to the house on the land, which will be added for an office and washroom.
The concrete footings have been poured, water and electrical lines have been installed, and a new septic tank and septic bed has been installed.
There is a new well and underground piping now in place.
The county architect is designing the addition, and the planning committee heard that while the county is going to supply the material, students will be responsible for building it. Students from Wellington Heights Secondary School who are studying construction will do the building.
The county has approved the hiring of one full time position and 1.5 full time equivalent employees for 2012. The full time nursery assistant is to start early in the year, with the other staff coming on board around March.
Council approved the committee’s recommendation to include those in the 2012 budget and in the five year plan.
The preliminary capital budget is $450,000 and includes:
– $70,000 for two greenhouses that are 30 by 100 feet;
– $15,000 for a shade cloth area;
– $10,000 each for a soil pad and one transplant centre; and
– $20,000, for miscellaneous upgrades;
– $40,000 for a new well with plumbing and electrical;
– $50,000 for a septic system;
– $125,000 for site preparation;
– $50,000 for consulting fees and permits; and
– $50,000 for contingencies.
As well, the budget for 2012 includes $120,000 for salaries and benefits for the full time equivalent staff and 1.5 full time equivalent employees. As well, the capital expenditures include $20,000 for a skid steer and another $30,000 for a truck.
That total budget is $230,000.
The northern Green Legacy is expected to produce 50,000 seedlings when it gets operating.
Overall, the county hopes to grow 175,000 trees next year.
