Chris and Julie Herten, residents living near the proposed Lakeside Landing subdivision property, at Brighton council Monday night (April 4). (Photo: Quinte News).
Residents concerned over possible contamination
A missing letter and reports from an environmental assessment done on Mayor Mark Walas’ subdivision, Lakeside Landing, has neighbours concerned for their health.
Locals residents Julie and Chris Herten, whose property is near the lands are concerned with a report they obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.
She said the Greer Galloway report recommended that all fill be tested as it was “clearly identified as a Potential Environmental Concern to the soil and groundwater.”
While the report was prepared for Walas, Herten said as Walas is a part of council, he should have shared it.
Council moved to have Greer Galloway supply the missing documents by Friday. As well, council moved to seek a legal opinion on shutting down the subdivision. Both motions carried.
Deputy Mayor Brian Ostrander said all residents who have a concern should have their wells tested.
He explains what council will do next, which will include getting legal advice on the municipality’s responsibilities regarding residents’ well water.
CAO recruitment moving forward
A special meeting called last Tuesday dealing with the recruitment of a new CAO for Brighton, raised the ire of some members of the public who posted several comments on Facebook and other media outlets.
Deputy Clerk Vicki Kimmett said she was overly busy, and with the decision to close the office early last Thursday, she simply forgot to post the meeting on the website.
Cancelling the meeting would have meant CAO candidates would have had to go home, as well as the consultant, so council moved forward with the meeting.
Kimmett said sometimes common sense has to be used.
Mayor Mark Walas said work continues on the hiring of a CAO and Public Works Director and council should release
an update on progress in the near future.
Chimney Swifts get another chance
The chimney swifts who reportedly live in the chimney of the Payday building on Prince Edward Street in Brighton may have another chance to keep their home for another year.
A letter from resident Dave Cutler reminded council that the agreement with Mac’s Convenience was to relocate the chimney prior to netting season, which is coming up the end of April.
Mayor Mark Walas said Mac’s doesn’t yet own the building, and the matter was referred to the planning consultant.
