Staff
Fort Frances residents will face a temporary tightening of outdoor watering restrictions beginning later this month after town council last night approved a report on the warranty inspection for the water tower.
Inspection of work done on the water tower two years ago will commence during the week of July 5, meaning the water tower will be taken offline starting Monday, June 28 and last for roughly a three-week period.
A modified odd/even day system for the non-essential use of water outdoors will be utilized in which residents only will be allowed to water vegetable gardens, flower gardens, and shrubs for a four-hour period from 5-9 p.m.
The use of water for lawn care, washing vehicles, and filling swimming pools will not be permitted.
The restriction follows work done on the water tower in 2008, when the town retained Norwec Company Ltd. to paint the interior and exterior surfaces of the water tower, noted the Operations and Facilities executive committee report submitted to council last night.
Under this contract, there is a requirement for the contractor to inspect the coating system within a two-year period of completing the initial work.
The water tower will need to be taken out of service in order to perform this inspection and, if necessary, complete any repairs to the coating system.
One week is needed to drain the entire tank while another week is needed to inspect the tank and make any necessary repairs.
The final week is needed to fill the water tank, chlorinate, and take water samples.
“A water restriction will be necessary in order to ensure there is always a constant supply of water for fire protection,” noted the report.
“As a result of the operational knowledge gained back in 2008, when the tank was re-painted, following the water restriction ban for non-essential use of water externally will be imposed starting Monday June 28, 2010 until Monday July 19, 2010.”
Also at last night’s meeting, council:
•explained the 2010 municipal budget, and voted to approve the accompanying budget bylaws to pass the estimates and accompanying tax rates;
•approved a report in response to a letter from Causeway General Insurance Brokers re: the Rainy Lake Hotel, deciding that the matter be put aside until such time as the town has a more direct involvement in the disposition of the property;
•approved a report in response to a request re: land for the community garden which will direct the initiation of a temporary use bylaw to permit a community garden on part of Block K on Plan SM-140, as well as permit on-site prepatory work to commence on the “test area”;
•approved a report and directed that “one hour only parking” signs be erected on a designated portion of the north side of, and adjacent to, 922 Scott St. and other designated areas, and that By–Law 10/03 be amended accordingly;
•endorsed the proposed Airport Emergency Plan;
•received and approved the May, 2010 drinking water systems report;
•awarded Tender No. 10-OF-07 (supply of one half-ton, four-door truck and one all-wheel drive, multi-purpose multi-passenger vehicle);
•received and approved a report regarding reduced semi-annual testing of lead-water distribution system;
•approved a report regarding a sanitary sewer line at 606 Second St. W.;
•authorized a $100 contribution towards the chemotherapy program fundraiser being held during the fourth-annual RBC Charity Golf Classic;
•approved the 2010 capping parameters for capped properties;
•approved the 2010 BIA budget, and authorized that a bylaw setting the 2010 BIA tax rates be brought forth;
•approved a report in response to the Downtown BIA request for assistance with in-kind operational services, which will see the town continue working with the BIA as it has in the past, but declining the BIA’s request for the provision of additional services, suggesting the BIA contact the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce with their request;
•authorized the mayor and clerk to sign the Community Museum Operating Grant Application to the Ministry of Culture;
•awarded tender No. 10-OF-09 (rehabilitation of Caul Bridge) to White Contracting Ltd. of Kakabeka Falls at an estimated cost of $209,641.56, including HST, and a $15,000 contingency allowance;
•heard a verbal update from Operations and Facilities manager Doug Brown re: current local projects;
•heard a presentation from M. Belluz regarding amending the proposed Sign By-Law 19/10 (while a motion on an amendment was defeated due to a 3-3 tie, council opted to send it back to committee and then revisit any proposed amendments when they can meet again with all councillors present);
•approved a report re: terms of reference for the Economic Development Advisory Committee;
•received a letter of resignation from Russell Ling from the Downtown BIA board of directors, effective immediately;
•approved a bylaw to amend an agreement with FedNor for financing of the purchase of technology equipment for the new technology centre to be housed in the new Fort Frances Public Library;
•approved a bylaw to approve a contract awarded to Pioneer Construction re: Tender No. 10-OF-03-asphalt patching for 2010-12;
•approved an advertising request from the Fort Frances Times re: special physician supplement;
•approved a request from the Fort Frances Aquanaut Swim Team re: season sponsorship;
•received a letter from the Northwestern Health Unit re: extended hours of alcohol sales during the 2010 FIFA World Cup;
•agreed to send a letter of support for Pokey’s Vans, which is seeking support to amend its operating authority from the transportation board; and
•agreed to recognize Paul Bock for his volunteer work with the “Fun in the Sun” festivities.
