Works board chairman Dan Yake hopes that having an agreement in writing will help in council’s dealing with the Mount Forest BIA.
“There was always an issue as to who did what.”
He used the example of a light standard being damaged and determining who was responsible for the repair or replacement, or if a light bulb burnt out.
“We sat down and we discussed possible ways and to get that in writing.”
With lighting, pole replacement would be a 60-40 split between the township and the BIA.
Regular maintenance, however, would be a township responsibility.
The Business Improvement Area would be responsible for pole fixtures such as banners and flower accessories, as well as for trees and tree pits – including replacement.
As for tree and flower watering, the township would provide the labour and the BIA the equipment.
Sidewalks will be a responsibility of the township while the benches and waste receptacles would fall under BIA jurisdiction.
The labour to remove and replace items would be the township’s.
Yake used examples of removing broken light standards or pulling out a tree. “The township would look after that.
He added, “We have it in writing so there should be no confusion as to who is looking after what.” “It’s a simple agreement, but it covers everything.”
Yake suggested not having it in writing led to issues in the past.
He added the BIA has agreed to the plan as well.
