The township will continue to obtain planning consultation services from the County of Wellington planning department, council here has decided.
At its regular meeting on June 25 council heard planning consultant proposals from county planning director Gary Cousins and three private planning firms: K Smart Associates, Cambium, and GSP Group.
In a report to council, CAO Patty Sinnamon commented the county submission “is by far the most cost effective.”
Sinnamon also noted “the county has acted as the township’s planners for several years and have not invoiced the township for time spent at the municipal office, either meeting with staff or in pre-consultations with residents.
“Township staff are pleased with the level of service, including response times received from the County of Wellington planning department.”
Figures provided by Sinnamon indicate the county planning services have cost the municipality between $10,000 and $20,000 per year since 2011.
The county charges the township $92 per hour for planning services and $185 for having a planner attend public meetings. The county does not charge mileage or fees for GIS mapping services.
The other firms presenting submissions charged between $95 and $100 per hour for the services of a primary planner, with additional charges for other services.
The only firm to provide a detailed annual fee was Cambium, which listed an annual fee of $38,400, plus charges of $9,600 and $4,800 to attended council and committee of adjustment meetings respectively.
Councillor Neil Driscoll noted the municipality is “getting a very good deal” from the county and, while he believes communication between council and the planning department could be improved, he favored continuing to utilize the county services.
Councillor Mike Downey said he sees a gap between “what we envision and what has been done,” in terms of planning services.
“I think it’s time for a change,” said Downey.
Councillor Jim Curry said he believes the county planning department “has done a fairly good job” for Mapleton and noted, “We’ve been in a working relationship with them for a long time and we know what we have.”
Councillor Andy Knetsch was also in favor of continuing to retain the county planning services.
“It’s really the least expensive option,” Knetsch said.
Mayor Bruce Whale said, “I think the majority of council is in favor of continuing with the services of the County of Wellington.
He added, “Maybe in the future we can adjust how we communicate.”
