Wellington North will be extending its OCWA?control to five years instead of the current three.
Prior to discussions, councillor Dan Yake declared a conflict of interest and left the council chambers.
Water and sewer committee chairman John Matusinec explained the new three year Ontario Clean Water Agency agreement that took effect on Jan 1 had not yet been provided by OCWA for signing by the township. The previous three year agreement automatically rolls over.
Matusinec said the committee discussed the term of the new agreement and felt that it may be more appropriate to renew for a five year term instead of three, which would better align with the four year election timing as well as possible staffing or operational changes.
Also, new regulations are coming from MOE for the handling treatment of sewage so extending the agreement will allow more time to see what changes will be needed to meet thee new regulations. The committee recommended extending the OCWA agreement to a five year term starting on Jan. l.
Public Works Manager Gary Williamson noted that in the past there were five year contracts with OCWA, but for various reasons the last few were three year terms.
He said last February, council agreed to renewing the contract for three years. Since then, there have been a number of new regulations passed, but the township is currently uncertain of the impact.
“It seems to be heading down the same road as the water regulations,” Williamson said.
He said the municipality must give six months notice regarding renewal.
Williamson said the timing just seems better to do it at this time to give it that two extra years.
He said it would also give OCWA a chance to determine how it would address the issues.
Council agreed to extend the contract.
