Emo may purchase new rescue vehicle

The Township of Emo will consider purchasing a new, larger rescue vehicle to enhance the capabilities of its volunteer fire department.
Fire Chief James O’Sullivan broached the idea before an abbreviated council at last Thursday night’s meeting, which was chaired by Coun. Ken Fisher in the absence of Reeve Russ Fortier and Coun. Geoff Pearce.
Council is taking the recommendation under consideration, as well as the issue of providing a suitable garage in which to house it.
There isn’t one currently available that’s large enough to accommodate the proposed vehicle.
Also at last Thursday’s meeting, Kelly Martin, a student from Kenora, asked Emo council to allow him to work at the township’s water treatment plant as a volunteer in order to acquire the experience to enhance his qualifications in the field.
Council agreed to take the matter up with the head of the works department.
As well, Peter Gushulak informed council he is planning to start up a new electroplating business in the municipality and asked for advertising space on the township’s website.
He also is looking for up to $10,000 in loans to start up the business, which Gushulak said initially will focus on automobile parts such as wheels and bumpers.
Meanwhile, the question of installing some sort of traffic lights to control the flow of vehicles at the corner of Colonization Road and Queen Street (abutting Highway 11/71) is still under consideration.
Emo council has asked for an additional study before proceeding further.
Council also filed a Drain Improvement/Petition Supplement Form with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food for the borrowing authority for up to $250,000.
Under the Tile Drainage Act, farmers can access up to $50,000 to improve the drainage on their farms.
In other business last Thursday, Emo council:
•authorized the purchase of a gift certificate for Welcome Wagon representative Jose Balcewich in appreciation for her efforts;
•passed a resolution authorizing the August payment to the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board in the amount of $19,035.56;
•passed a resolution authorizing the payment of the third-quarter billing in the amount of $4,480.87 to the Municipal Property Assessment Corp.;
•authorized the payment of the June, 2005 policing service levy in the amount of $10,599;
•authorized the payment of the August, 2005 public health levy to the Northwestern Health Unit in the amount of $5,369.62;
•agreed to send clerk Brenda Cooke to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario information session being held Sept. 20 in Thunder Bay; and
•agreed to send Cooke to the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks, and Treasurers of Ontario Zone 9 meeting Sept. 20-21 in Thunder Bay.
The next regular meeting of Emo council is slated for Thursday Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. in the municipal office.