Notes from the regular Council meeting, which was held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
Staff Reports
Public Works Department monthly report for May
- Princeton Fill
The report, prepared by Jim Borton, Director of Public Works, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Public Works Department.
The Princeton project saw the construction of two ponds, the Romano Pond (located on the west side of the village) and the Van Wees Pond (located on the east). The dirt from both ponds were stored on the Van Wees field property.
During the first phase of the Princeton road construction, excess fill was stock piled on Railway St. West. The second phase of construction also produced a large pile of excess fill on Gissing St.
“As it says in my report, in order for the township to be compliant with O. Reg. 406/19 (Rules for Soil Management and Excess Soil Standards), we have stockpiled the excess soil and then done our testing to ensure, where we can, that it is safe to dispose of that soil,” said Borton. “We are happy to report that all the piles have been tested and we don’t have any contaminated soil. …We have been moving quite a bit of soil the last couple of years with different projects; currently, that pile from the west pond is almost completed… and we do have some farms that are taking some loads as well. We will be working on getting rid of those piles from the ponds, hopefully by the end of the year and then we can work on the piles that are in the village on Railway and Gissing Streets.”
- Fennel St. 3-way stops
According to Borton’s second report, during the Roads Tour, which was done in advance of 2025 budget deliberations, Council members inquired if it was feasible to put in 3-way stops in the village of Plattsville along Fennel Street.
The first would be at the intersection of Fennel Street and Todd Way, and the second would be located at Fennel Street and Applewood Street.
“Staff have reviewed both proposed locations and measurements were taken to determine if they qualify when referencing the Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) Manual. The Fennel St and Todd Way intersection meet the requirements, whereas the Fennel St. and Applewood St. intersection have some sight line concerns,” read Borton’s report. “Additionally, distance to Joshua Ct. makes this option non-compliant with the TAC manual. That said, the TAC manual is a reference guide and should Council feel that the 3-Way Stop is needed for safety reasons, it could be justified to move forward.
He added if Council does choose to move in that direction, staff would need to have a clause on file stating that the TAC manual was consulted, but that the intersection did not meet the guidelines, and that due to traffic flow and speed limit, the Township decided to proceed with the 3-way stop for safety reasons.
Borton said another option was a permanent table top cross section.
“This could be placed at the sidewalk path that comes from Applewood St. to Fennel St. between 248 & 252 Fennel St.,” he said. “It would slow traffic down, while also providing pedestrians a better crossing to get to the sidewalk that is on the other side of the street.”
Councillor Bruce Banbury and Tina Young, said the two 3-way stops, as well as the table top cross section, sound like they would all be useful.
Council then directed staff to move ahead with the two 3-way stops. Each location will be monitored and a decision in regards to the table top cross section will come at a later date due to budgetary constraints.
Finance monthly report for May
The report, prepared by Denise Krug, Director of Finance, provided the following update in regards to the 2024 Operating Budget surplus.
Earlier in the meeting, Christene Scrimgeour, of Scrimgeour & Company, presented council with the municipality’s draft 2024 Financial Statements.
During her presentation she noted that in 2024, the municipality had a surplus operating budget of $640,095 (a significant increase compared to the surplus operating budget of $289,399 back in 2023).
“A lot of things contributed to that,” said Krug. “We had some gaps in staffing, interest rates were still quite high, we had an unexpected WSIB rebate, and a mild winter.”
Back in 2012, Council of the day approved a policy to have any operating surplus placed in reserves. As part of the policy, the Property Tax Rate Stabilization (PTRS) reserve should be topped up, or kept at, between five and ten per cent.
Currently, the balance in the PTRS reserve is sitting at $380,191, which is within the required range, but according to Krug’s report it should be topped up to the required maximum of $413,557.
“I am recommending that we top that up to ten per cent, and put the remainder in the Working Capital Reserve which we use for different capital projects,” said Kurg. “As part of the Asset Management Plan, we have suggested reallocating this to the different departments to help fund those reserves and the Asset Management Plan, and so that will be reallocated next year.”
Council then unanimously approved staff’s recommendation.
Protective Services Department monthly report for May
The report, prepared by Drew Davidson, Director of Protective Services, provided the following update in regards to the activities of the Protective Services Department.
- Recruit class live fire training
Davidson told councillors that staff, as well as the Deputy Chief, supported fire station recruits during their Live Fire Day on Saturday, May 24 at the Ingersoll burn cell.
Recruits received hands-on training in valuable, life-saving skills. The session marked the final phase of practical training as part of their Firefighter Level 1 and 2 programs.
“Recruits are now preparing for their upcoming firefighter practical testing and hazardous materials training to complete certification requirements,” said Davidson.
- Apparatus interior detailing program
As part of the department’s ongoing commitment to health and safety, and in accordance with NFPA 1911 standards and the Cancer Prevention Checklist, a new apparatus interior detailing program has been implemented.
The program will now require the interior of each apparatus to to be professionally detailed once a year, and firefighters will continue on with maintenance and cleanliness responsibilities throughout the year.
- Camp 85
With the launch of this year’s Camp 85 quickly approaching, staff hosted a personal protective equipment (PPE) fitting and preparation night to ensure that participants will be fully equipped and ready for their upcoming hands-on experiences starting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
- Capital Work – Station #82 cement apron replacement
The cement apron at Drumbo Fire Station #82 was recently replaced. During construction, all apparatus and PPE were relocated to two bays at the Township Public Works Yard.
“I want to thank Public Works as the two trucks were able to go there for the week, and they did respond to a couple calls from that location, and it was pretty seamless from the township yard,” said Davidson.
According to his report, the sealing of the surrounding asphalt will be completed later this summer, pending contractor availability.
Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative.The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County. Reach her at kimberly.dejong@brantbeacon.ca.
