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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2017-11-30, Page 22PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2017. North Huron to repair police station roof By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council approved an emergency repair to the Wingham Police Department structure which could total $20,000. On Nov. 20, North Huron Director of Recreation and Facilities Pat Newson presented a report stating the Wingham police station's roof had failed, resulting in significant flooding. Newson requested that council release emergency funds for her to seek either a repair or replacement of the roof, whichever is necessary. Her plan is to have a company the municipality has worked with in the past, Ontario Roof Consultants, inspect the roof and suggest the best course of action for the municipality. The urgency of the repair meant that, instead of having time to think on the issue, council had to deal with the potentially -costly repair immediately. Newson said the consulting company would be on -scene on Nov. 22 to patch the roof if possible. However, if patching wasn't possible, she would seek out a company to replace the asphalt shingle roof with a steel one. Deputy -Reeve James Campbell asked if a cap could be put on the project because Newson was requesting $20,000, a significant amount of money for the roof according to other council members. Reeve Neil Vincent, later in the meeting, said the price tag surprised him and worried that it indicated costly repairs to the infrastructure of the building. Vincent explained that, two years prior, he roofed an entire house with steel for $4,000 in materials and he felt his project was more complicated, and thus would be more expensive, than the roof Newson said could cost $20,000. "I think this is expensive, looking at the project," he said. "I've put a lot more steel on a roof than this for well under $4,000." Newson said the $20,000 price was from a roof consultant. Vincent responded saying he wanted to be sure the municipality was getting value for that amount of money. She later explained that, as part of the consultant's visit and preparation for a final decision, the interior of the structure would be reviewed. There is a crawlspace and ceiling above a false ceiling in the structure and she said that a staff member would be going into those spaces to verify the structure is in a serviceable condition. Newson, in response to Vincent's claims that the roof would cost too much, said the municipality had "constraints on who they could hire." "People we hire have to be able to work at heights, be WSIB [Workers Safety Insurance Board compliant], and have $5 million liability insurance," she said. "We can't just ask anyone who does roofs." She did admit that the price was not a result of a competitive bid, but said she felt it was a fair price when it was provided earlier this year. Newson said she didn't plan on spending more than $3,000 to $5,000 on the repair however Campbell felt $5,000 was too much. The challenge with the project and potentially with pricing, according to Newson, was that there could be a large quantity of snow on the roof in the near future. "We're exhausting all our options, but we don't want to leave that decision to Dec. 4 when [council next meets]," she said. "We will pass all approvals through the Chief Administrative Officer [Dwayne Evans] for pricing and options in lieu of council being able to see that." Councillor Bill Knott, however, felt bringing in a consultant was a waste of resources. "Spending $5,000 on a consultant [and repair] and then spending $20,000 to replace it in the summer doesn't make sense," he said. "I'd rather spend the $20,000 and replace it now and, if it's going to exceed that, let us know." Knott said he wanted Newson to find someone to replace the roof and move ahead with the project. Councillor Trevor Seip, however, felt that spending that kind of money on a structure that the township may not have a use for in the near future was folly. "My concern is that this infrastructure is right in the middle [of council deciding whether OPP or Wingham Police will cover Wingham]," he said. "We could put $20,000 to $25,000 in a roof and in six months it's not being used." Seip said he would prefer Newson get it repaired for less than $5,000 and wait until council decided on the future of the Wingham Police Department before moving forward. Newson agreed, saying that was part of why she had contacted the consultant before presenting the report to council that night. Knott, however, pointed out that even if the Wingham Police Department is disbanded and the Ontario Provincial Police service Wingham, the municipality will still own the building and need it to be in good condition. Knott didn't find sufficient support to push the repair, however, and council approved Newson's plan to repair the roof if possible or, if repair isn't an option, replace it. Rediscover what Huron County has to offer. Pick up your free guide to Stops Along The Way and see what's happening in your area! A Visitor's Guide to Huron County What to See Where to Dine Things to Do Museums Snowmobile Trails Map Available at many local tourist spots throughout Huron County or pick it up at The Citizen 413 Queen St., Blyth - 519-523-4792 Keep up with the latest agri-businesses and the best of rural living! The most wonderful time of the year Brussels' St. Ambrose Catholic Church hosted a Christmas bazaar on Saturday featuring snacks, raffle tickets, a penny draw, silent auction and plenty of Christmas gifts for those who visited the church. It was the perfect spot for those looking to get a head start on their Christmas shopping. (Denny Scott Photo) Author to speak in Clinton The author of Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life, David R. Montgomery, is a guest speaker at the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017. The AGM event takes place at Libro Community Hall in Clinton. Doors open at 5 p.m. Huron Soil and Crop business takes place at around 5:30 p.m. Dinner starts at about 6:30 p.m. Speakers present starting at about 7:15 p.m. The evening finishes at around 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. Continuing education unit (CEU) credits are available for participants. To buy tickets, contact Huron Soil and Crop Improvement Association (HSCIA) secretary Sharon Devine at 519-868- 8946. You may also register for tickets online at the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) Wild Apricot web page at https://oscia.wildapricot.org/ event -2726369. Please register by Dec. 4. To find out more about the AGM visit huronsoilcrop.org. Dr. David R. Montgomery is a geologist and professor of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington. His research focuses on how soil erosion has negatively impacted civilizations around the world. Montgomery highlights entrepreneurial farmers who focus on improving soil health and regenerative practices. The presenter says it is possible for an agricultural producer to improve their bottom line while mending damaged environments. The author shows how no -till, cover crops and diverse crop rotations can sustain the indispensable soil microbial ecosystem. This, in turn, protects a farmer's crops and livelihood, according to Montgomery. To learn more about the author and his books visit dig2grow.com. The Huron County Soil and Crop Continued on page 23 Over 25 colours al poinufis.fa thous tzmI nrsMckpn seasonal uron RId et Professor Temple Gremlin alM Showjumpm Ian Miller leach haw la untlerslantl animals... and human nature The magazine of Agricultural Life The Rural Voice 413 Queen St., P.O. Box 429 Blyth, ON NOM 1H0