Article contentCoun. Charles Cranton said keeping the north side sidewalk leaves more infrastructure in the community.Article content“The discussion isn’t about putting (a) sidewalk in, it’s about whether it’s worth taking one out.”Article contentArticle contentCost savingsArticle contentSome councillors raised concerns with how much money was being invested in Bridgetown.Article contentEnslow pointed out the option he was recommending was $130,000 less than the one approved in April. Community members are “actually asking for us to save money by just leaving it the way that it is.”Article contentEnslow and Agombar also questioned how maintenance for the small section of sidewalk would cost $100,000 annually. Agombar estimated 90 per cent of the sidewalk was in good condition.Article contentDirector of operations Jim Young said previously that if the municipality had to cut a section of the sidewalk out, it would be considered a replacement. A replacement would need to be at the 1.5-metre standard.Article contentArticle contentCouncillors were told having new plans drawn up for a different option could cost an estimated $20,000. Young also said there could be other costs with moving poles, realigning the road and tree removal.Article contentEnslow’s motion also called for no disruptions to the project’s timeline, but chief administrative officer Chris McNeill said that wasn’t possible as new designs would be required.Article contentArticle contentProcessArticle contentHarding also raised questions with councillors receiving the notice of motion a day before the meeting.Article content“That is far from ideal,” he said. “While I respect every councillors’ right to bring forward new motions, frequent revisiting of settled matters, especially with minimal notice, does risk undermining the efficiency and focus of this council.”Article contentEnslow agreed the notice was late, but said there were contributing factors outside of his control without elaborating.Article contentArticle contentAgombar also questioned the process in April.Article content“Normally, motions of this magnitude are generally brought before the committee of the whole,” he said.Article contentThose meetings take place a week before the council meeting. A motion is voted on at the committee meeting with the recommendation sent to council for a final decision.Article content“The purpose of this procedure is to allow time for research or consulting and sober second thought,” Agombar said. “That did not occur.”Article contentEnslow said the municipality would have benefitted from community consultation. Young said he planned on hosting an information session after design work was complete as municipal officials would have something to show residents.Article contentThe municipality is also seeking to slow traffic coming through the town and are considering a three-way stop sign at the intersection of Granville Street and Bay Road.Article content
Bridgetown sidewalk to remain after council changes direction
