The sale of the Puslinch library property has finally been approved by council, although it was not a unanimous decision.
On Aug. 4, Puslinch council approved by a 3-1 vote the sale of the current building and property to the county for $2.
Councillor Dick Visser, who in the past has expressed concern about losing the current building and also the rising cost of its replacement, voted against the sale.
The bylaw approving the sale was necessary to allow the county to proceed with construction of a new 7,600 square foot library building, expected to cost around $2-million.
Under the agreement the county will cover 100% of the costs for library demolition and new construction, as well as for surveys, landscaping, connection to the water and septic systems, future maintenance and repairs, winter maintenance and the registration of easements. The township will cover all costs associated with landscape maintenance and solid waste disposal and will also be on the hook for 83% of parking lot repairs and maintenance.
Costs to be shared 50:50 include fire suppression tanks, sewage disposal system and water supply system, and both parties will cover their own insurance and legal fees and servicing costs.
County council was to consider a new, less costly proposal for the library at a special council meeting on Aug. 12. It needed Puslinch to approve the sale before proceeding.
