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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 26, 1998 - Public MUNICIPALLITY OF BAYHAM PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES CONCERNING SEWAGE STUDY FOR THE VILLAGE OF VIENNA WATER/SEWER STUDY FOR THE HAMLETS OF STRAFFORDVILLE & EDEN Wednesday, August 26, 1998 7:30 p.m. BAYHAM COMMUNITY CENTRE STRAFFORDVILLE A Public Meeting was held at the Bayham Community Centre in Straffordville,to fulfil the requirements of the Class Environmental Assessments for Vienna, Straffordville and Eden Water and Sewage Projects. The meeting was chaired by Bob Vallee. Present were Mayor Max Stewart, Deputy Mayor Jack Petrie, Councillors David Mason, John Nezezon, and Cliff Evanitski, Administrator/Treasurer Lynn S. Buchner, and Clerk Lynda Millard. Approximately 200 residents were also in attendance. 1. Call to Order Chairman Bob Vallee called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., and welcomed those present. 2. Opening Remarks Mr. Vallee explained the format the meeting would follow, and that a time for questions and answers would take place after the presentations. 3. Introductions Mr. Vallee introduced Members of Council, Cyril J. Derneyere,Andy Valickis, and representatives of the Ministry of the Environment, Rod Baird, Ontario Clean Water Agency, Mark Harris and the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit George Dawson. 4. Presentations by Andy Valickis, P. Eng., Senior Project Manager, Ontario Clean Water Agency and by Cyril J. Demeyere, P. Eng., Cyril J. Demeyere Limited, Consulting Engineers Andy Valickis stated that the Public Meeting was being held to complete the Class Environmental Assessment process,which is a legal requirement of eligibility for approval of any funding application to the Provincial Water Protection Fund. He stated that normally the level of funding would be available for this public meeting, allowing the individual per household costs to be calculated, but the Provincial Water Protection Fund program requires the Class Environmental Assessment to be completed. He stated that it would be Council's choice to hold an additional public meeting once the funding level has been determined, following approval of the applications. The Notice of Completion of the Class Environmental Assessment will be published this week in the local newspapers,to be followed by a 30-day review period. Announcement of Provincial funding approvals should be made in late September or early October. COUNCIL MINUTES 292 AUGUST 26, 1998 4. Presentations by Andy Valickis, P. Eng., Senior Project Manager, Ontario Clean Water Agency and by Cyril J. Demeyere, P. Eng., Cyril J. Demeyere Limited, Consulting Engineers (continued) Cyril J. Demeyere explained the process as outlined in the Vienna, Straffordville and Eden Water and Sewage Projects prepared handout, noting that the combined project to treat sewage at one plant in Port Burwell reduces the capital, as well as the on-going maintenance and operation costs, considerably. Andy Valickis proceeded to outline the proposed method of allocating the costs per household through(1) Frontage charges, (2)Annual taxes, and(3) Service charges, summarizing the totals for each sewage and water project based on both a lump sum and amortization over a 10-year period. 5. Question and Answer Period Mr. Vallee then opened the floor to questions,stating that anyone wishing to ask a question,proceed to the audience microphone, state your name and indicate if you would like to have your question answered by a specific representative in attendance. Q. Marlin Thompson - Would each water/sewer connection be metered? A. Andy Valickis—Yes, water would be metered, sewer rates are usually based on water usage. Q. John Gohm—Is there a choice if anyone doesn't want it? A. Andy Valickis—The Public Meeting is to provide Council with input on which to base their opinion. Holding a referendum would be one choice Council could make. Q. Stewart McKibbin—Will Port Burwell ratepayers have to pay toward these costs? A. Andy Valickis—No costs will be charged to Port Burwell ratepayers. They should benefit from reduced operating costs with more users being connected. Q. Ray Maddox—Is the cost of the extension of the water line to Tillsonburg included in the estimated costs? Was Tillsonburg approached to share in these costs? A. Andy Valickis—No, extension to Tillsonburg is not included in these estimates. Tillsonburg is currently undertaking a water needs study with Oxford County,there is a future possibility. Q. Ray Maddox—At that time would they share in this cost and the ratepayers be rebated? What percentage funding approval would be acceptable to Council? A. Andy Valickis—Council could negotiate with Tillsonburg at that time. Mayor Stewart—Only 80% funding or better would be supported. Q. Ray Maddox—Eden apparently has three trouble spots, are they are in a row? Can clustered properties be treated more cheaply? A. Cyril Demeyere—The numbering of the affected properties is not necessarily continuous. Q. Ray Maddox—Could poor deep and shallow wells be drilled deeper and provide an acceptable solution? A. Cyril Demeyere—It may provide an acceptable solution now, but not a year from now. The wells may not have been properly sealed when constructed and be contaminating themselves. COUNCIL MINUTES 293 AUGUST 26, 1998 5. Question and Answer Period (continued) Q. Ray Maddox—The Ratepayers of Bayham have sought information on individual alternatives and are not interested in development. Further we request that Council consider these alternatives now. Continued growth would require an addition to the Public School, causing further financial burden on low and fixed income households. A. Cyril Demeyere—Individual wells were looked at and Council has agreed a communal system should be pursued. Q. Ray Maddox—Had the approved Peat Moss System been looked at? A. Cyril Demeyere—I wasn't aware that such a system had been approved yet. George Dawson—The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has approved the raised tile bed concept, but it is large and costly. Q. Ray Maddox—Why aren't solutions such as the Caledon and Langton Peat Moss systems,those being installed in Northern Ontario cottage systems and water filtration systems being considered? A. Andy Valickis—Yes there are such alternatives, but they require a minimum lot size, and neither lots in Vienna nor Eden are able to meet those requirements. In Straffordville the septics are not malfunctioning, the wells are being polluted. There are too many tanks in too small an area. Partial fix-ups won't meet the needs of the community. Funding grants should be sought while they are still available. Q. George Lysy—If Straffordville obtains a source of water, why would sewers be necessary? A. Rod Baird—It is not acceptable to install one without the other. The Environmental Protection Act requires that ground water be protected for any use. Nitrates don't dissipate and will continue to contaminate downstream areas. Q. Roland Boileau—Will Council: (1) allow a vote on the issue? (2) get a second independent survey, as the majority don't need sewers and water, and alternative solutions can be found for the few properties effected? Q. Jo-anne Davis—Who's going to pay for low income homeowners that can't afford to pay? Why aren't fanners who pollute being stopped? Q. Vicky Wiggins—If properties aren't large enough in Eden, Straffordville, and Vienna, and a communal sewer/water system isn't approved,won't the costs to do individual fix-ups be greater without any funding assistance? A. Rod Baird—If nothing is done,there will continue to be no development in Straffordville. Nitrates are a health risk, school water is being treated. Some lots may be fixable but most are too small, holding tanks and regular pump-outs may be required, and now under the Building Code Act, it is the responsibility of the Municipality to enforce. Q. Vicky Wiggins—What determines the size of the system required? A. George Dawson—A water percolation test,the occupancy load, size of house and number of bathrooms all contribute to determining the size of the system required. Q. Florence Ferris—I am on municipal water,but there have been farm chemicals found in my well,which I use to water my garden, what do I do? A. Rod Baird—The Ministry of Environment can be contacted, a sample tested and appropriate action taken. COUNCIL MINUTES 294 AUGUST 26, 1998 5. Question and Answer Period (continued) Q. Florence Ferris—Will owners of houses along Plank Road be required to pay frontage charges? I don't need any sewage system. A. Andy Valickis—Houses along Plank Road will not be provided with sewage service, as that will be a Force Main. They may exercise the option to connect to the waterline,paying frontage charges at that time. Residences within the community to be serviced will have mandatory connection required. Q. Roland Boileau— I believe the survey is incomplete,the numbers are exaggerated and it would be cheaper to do individual fix-ups. A. Dorothy Hendrick—She is happy for those who don't need sewers. Sewage smell in Vienna is very strong. She lived in Port Burwell when the sewage system went in there, and many people at that time said they couldn't afford it,but they still live there. Let's get on with it! Q. Ray Maddox—Alternative fertilizers are available for farmers at an additional cost of approximately $50. per acre,there are likely problems at Corinth and Calton, and shouldn't this be looked into further? Q. Hilary Roose—What is the time frame for the projects. A. Andy Valickis—From approval to connection would be a minimum of two years. Water alone could be quicker but the costs are reduced by doing both at the same time. Q. Hilary Roose—Won't potential sale of properties be lost with these costs yet to be incurred? A. Andy Valickis—Possibly, owners should make potential buyers aware. Q. Nikki Cattrysse—Wouldn't an additional survey report have to abide by the same rules? A. Rod Baird—A survey of more houses would just provide a more accurate percentage of the problems. Q. Ron Herbert—What percentage of funding estimate was used? A. Andy Valickis—Percentages were based on approvals given to other similar sized municipalities with similar projects. Size is based prior to amalgamation, with Vienna at 80% and Straffordville and Eden at 60%. Q. Ron Herbert—Will money be available in two years? A. Andy Valickis—After approval is given, funds flow as you proceed through the building term of the project. The provincial government, by transferring ownership of water and sewer systems to the local municipalities, has downloaded the provision for these services as their responsibility. Rod Baird--This provincial government has $80M left for infrastructure, when it's gone, it's gone. Q. Ron Herbert—Oxford County is responsible for water and sewer there, are there funds available from the County of Elgin? A. Andy Valickis—Oxford County,under its restructuring order legislated that water and sewer systems be a County responsibility. That is not the case in Elgin County. COUNCIL MINUTES 295 AUGUST 26, 1998 5. Question and Answer Period (continued) Q. Ron Herbert—The design points to only a minimal percentage for future development. Why? A. Andy Valickis—The Provincial Water Protection Fund does not provide funds for oversizing for growth. The proposed system will allow for minimal growth as the estimates for water and sewer flows may be overestimated. The former Municipal Assistance Program did allow for growth. Cyril Demeyere—Water storage in Straffordville to cover maximum day needs allows for future extension to the Mobile Home Park. There is not enough capacity to supply Tillsonburg,but in case of an emergency, if the system was extended, it would allow for a supply back to Straffordville etc. Q. Dale Cull—The proposal doesn't allow for future growth, why is it being promoted as though it does? An individual carbon filter system, which was low-cost has taken care of my requirements, why would anyone want the additional cost of a regular water bill? A. Cyril Demeyere—Capacity can be increased by the installation of larger pumps in the pumping stations. The lines will handle growth at minimum cost. Q. Dale Cull—Will it be necessary to redig and replace for growth? A. Cyril Demeyere—The low velocity is intentional. Pumping can also be extended for longer periods of time. Q. Leo Pacquett—Will holding tanks be required for an apartment building in Straffordville if the sewers do not go through? A. George Dawson—The need for alternatives is governed by various factors including the number of bedrooms in apartments, and usage, and is determined by the Building Code Act. Q. Erie MacDonald—Households with only one occupant on a fixed income cannot afford to pay for sewers. If sewers are installed and we can't afford to pay for them,will the property be sold? A. Andy Valiekis—In small communities,the cost per household is high, that is the reason for funding assistance. Council will need to address this aspect yet. Q. Robert Ronson—The summary handed out tonight does not give us sufficient time to consider the alternatives. Why are the questions being answered by outsiders instead of Council members? Q. Wade Spitsky—It seems that the attitude is that it doesn't matter if I pollute the soil, as long as I have good water. This is not considerate of our children. Q. Dale Cull—I don't think that a blanket solution is the answer. Q. Ken Blake— Since 1952 I've had two houses in Straffordville without any water or sewer problems. The attitude seems to be that Straffordville must have water through to Tillsonburg come Hell or High Water. Q. David Mason—I have concerns regarding the cost of the proposed construction, and understand the potential hardship involved. There are technological alternatives available and suggest that Council should direct the consultants to look into them. Q. Dale Cull—I do my part in keeping my sewage free from pollutants by disposing of oils,paints etc,properly, others should too. COUNCIL MINUTES 296 AUGUST 26, 1998 5. Question and Answer Period (continued) Q. Ken Everitt Shouldn't it be determined what amount of funding will be made available, and then let Council deal with the situation once it is known? Q. Allen Spicer—1 object to being accused of not caring. There are fertilizer alternatives as well as other water and sewage solutions available. 6. Summary Bob Vallee thanked everyone for attending and participating in the question period. He then asked Andy Valikis for closing remarks. Andy Valickis stated that the purpose of the Public meeting was to solicit input, and that additional comments in writing,both negative and positive are welcome. 7. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. 69274g ales. _ MAYOR ERK Date approved:. �` ,4$