Well at this week’s Council meeting we discussed my motion in regards to winter maintenance service levels. This was the 2nd time I have brought this motion forward; It speaks specifically to the need to revert the Town’s current winter service levels which are set at 8 cm back to the previous levels (2014) that were 5cm. My motion generated a lot discussion, most of which centred around the potential cost implications of reverting back to previous levels, where the plows go out when we get a 5 cm accumulation of snow. Members felt that Council needed more information to move forward; that there are potential risks and liabilities as we may be setting a standard that staff cannot meet due to limited resources.
I understand the concern, but I think there is a way that we can provide the services our residents need at the best possible price. Bottom line, I think we need to. Judging by the many calls and emails I have received, the current snow removal service level is not meeting the needs of our residents. While I agree with some of the thoughts of others on Council that reverting back to 5cm from 8cm is not going to solve all the winter service problems, I do believe it is an important first step that is needed.
When speaking to the costs and our current resource constraints – including staff hours – it was pointed out that we need to increase the budget to provide better service. And on that point, I have to say I am disappointed as I brought this up the first time I brought this motion forward over a year and a half ago. And we still have not seen any consideration given to snow removal during the budget process. And this is where the problem lies. To my mind, snow removal is an essential service that should be provided at the best possible level. We need to set a standard that is both achievable and meets our residents needs. And this service level standard should be properly resourced as reflected in our budget.
I was also left wondering as to why council has yet to receive a report on our service levels as the second clause of my original motion (which was approved by council February 24th, 2015!) specifically asked for one. Council was supposed receive a report on ways in which the municipality can provide better service to the residents.
So as I wanted to revert back to previous levels but did not get Council support, in the interest of moving forward. I made an amendment and added a clause to the motion that winter maintenance service levels be looked at by the Finance Committee; see what options are available to move forward and provide the best level of service at the best price for our residents. While, the motion to Revert back to previous levels was defeated 5-3 ( Councillor Humfryes, Gaertner, and myself in favour), the second clause to look at options in developing better service levels through next year’s budget passed unanimously.
