A seasonal employee will be added to the public works staff here for a period of four months, effective July 29.
In a report at the July 23 meeting, public works director Larry Lynch advised council local infrastructure projects have been hindered through the early spring and summer by poor weather, which has made construction scheduling difficult. Lynch noted staff vacations impacted the situation due to project scheduling changes.
Lynch pointed out several capital works projects are scheduled to begin the next two weeks, including:
– rehabilitation of 12.5 kilometres of Concession 16;
– the annual sidewalk repair program;
– rehabilitation of three bridges and replacement of one box culvert;
– widening of Sideroad 12; and
– construction management of a fire hall addition.
“Over the past five years, a significant number of capital works projects have taken place in Mapleton Township, all for the betterment, and in many cases the beautification, of the community. While progress continues to roll forward so does the maintenance and upkeep of all our municipal infrastructure,” stated Lynch in his report.
In addition, he noted, the department will be dealing with the drainage and mould remediation at the municipal offices, embarking on a water metering project, leading an environmental assessment project, and carrying out upgrades at the PMD Arena auditorium, along with regular road maintenance and public works initiatives.
“We have tried to perform all of our work using the skills of our existing staff. This year that has also meant a great deal of staff support in upgrading playgrounds at ABC Park, Drayton Kinsmen Park, Moorefield Park and Glen Allan Park.
“We have done a wonderful job in all of these areas and the community has embraced these enhancements whole-heartedly. Staff are working together more than ever but we need help in the long run,” Lynch stated. He pointed out favorable pricing for road and bridge work on Concession 16.
“Hiring a seasonal person for a four month period would be a huge help to our staff complement and it could be funded out of these accounts since they will be our primary focus in the months ahead,” said Lynch, who estimated it would cost around $15,000 to add a seasonal staff person.
Council approved the request without discussion.
