Bancroft’s Fire department reported to Bancroft Council that an overall work plan for 2015 operations is being set in place. The plan will include maintenance and testing of equipment, training and conferences. Training for staff at both stations has been scheduled and is to be completed by spring. The required annual inspection of bunker gear and fit tests has already been done.
Public Works Department Head Perry Kelly announced to Bancroft Council that an engineering report has been done on the Snow Road Water Main Project. That system brings in the town’s water supply from the processing plant, and is 50 years old. It is to be replaced and the old system will be capped.
Kelly has also completed a Road Needs Study of the roads in the town. In the report Kelly notes that there are two basic road types in Bancroft, rural and urban, each with its own needs as far as reconstruction or rehabilitation. The report shows that there are a total of 142 kilometres of roads in Bancroft with three different surface types. The report also gives estimates of cost for repairs needed and recommendations for timing of those repairs.
Dale Shannick, head of the Building/By-Law Department, has made the council aware of pending increases in permit fees. The Town’s Fee Schedule has not been updated since 2007. Shannick says they must be adjusted to reflect costs of operations.
A draft Social Media Policy was introduced to council by staffer Christine Hattin at the request of council. Two drafts were presented, one dealing with what the Town’s actions and responsibilities are and a second for individual staff and their personal use of social media as it relates to the Town of Bancroft. In addition, a policy on distracted driving was developed. It follows all the guidelines of the Highway Traffic act, but it also deals with GPS, mobile music players, radio communication devices and personal grooming while driving.
The town will be considering a by-law to place Opioid Dependence Treatment Clinics and Dispensaries, along with Medical Marijuana Production Facilities, into its comprehensive zoning by-law. This will allow the town more latitude in directing where such facilities may be built or opened.