Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE - Council approved two staff reports during its March 17 meeting, addressing amendments to the township’s Fees and Charges By-Law related to road use permits and the purchase of a new pickup truck for the public works department. The discussions centred on cost recovery, procurement efficiency, and risk mitigation.
The first report presented to council recommended amending the township’s Fees and Charges By-Law to incorporate new road use fees that were established under By-Law 4 of 2025, passed during the February 3 meeting. Clerk and Manager of Legislative Services Michael Barnier explained that this update was a procedural step to align the township’s existing fee structure with recent changes. “Very straightforward report. We’re just implementing fees that were contained in the February 3 meeting,” Barnier stated.
The amendment introduces new fees for oversized load permits, half-load exemptions, and road sales permits. These adjustments aim to offset administrative costs and ensure compliance with road use regulations. Barnier noted that similar fee adjustments are expected in the future to maintain financial consistency. “Throughout the year, we will amend the by-law, and then each year we’ll repeal it with the new fees and indexing to keep things current,” he explained. Council approved the amendment unanimously, with a motion moved by Councillor Brodie and seconded by Councillor Noordhof.
The second report addressed the purchase of a new pickup truck to replace the township’s aging 2013 Chevrolet model. The 2025 budget allocated $60,000 for the replacement as part of the Asset Management Plan. Initially, a competitive bidding process was pursued, and the lowest bid was considered. However, staff identified a potential risk associated with the supplier’s eight-week delivery delay and the possibility of tariffs affecting the final cost.
To avoid an unexpected price increase, staff opted for an alternative procurement route, securing a truck that was immediately available at a local dealership. The final purchase price of $65,237 exceeded the allocated budget by $5,237, with the difference to be covered by the township’s Lifecycle Management Reserve Fund. During the discussion, Mayor Sue Clarke acknowledged the reasoning behind the approach, noting the financial risks associated with potential tariff increases. “With the looming tariff, if we had to spend an extra $20,000, I don’t think that’s good use of taxpayer money. So obviously, it was the right decision to make,” Clarke said.
Council approved the staff report as presented, with Councillor Brodie moving the motion and Councillor Noordhof seconding it. The approval allows the township to proceed with the purchase under the outlined terms.
