South Frontenac Council - Jun 25/13

Wilma Kenny | Jun 27, 2013

Roads Department to Continue New Salt Mix

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth reported that his department plans to continue adding magnesium chloride to the winter road sand this coming winter. This additive lowers the temperature of ice formation on roads, cuts the amount of required road salt by 50%, and stays on the road longer than the traditional salt and sand mix. It also greatly reduces ‘scatter’, or the amount (30%) of road salt that is wasted by bouncing off the road during application. Last winter was the first time this mix was used, and Segsworth said more time was needed to fully assess the results.

Councillor Robinson asked what other municipalities are using this mix: Segsworth said it is a recent introduction, and so far, Prescott/Russell is the only other Eastern Ontario municipality trying it.

Mayor Davison asked what the negative effects of this particular chemical might be: “Is it safe? Green?” Segsworth replied that Environment Canada has declared road salt a problem material, and this mix greatly reduces the amount of road salt.

Arterial Road Snow Plowing to be Tendered

Segsworth reported that the Public Services Committee recommended that rather than extending the arterial plowing contracts for one year, they should be re-tendered for five years. Council had few objections to a cost escalation clause with fuel price indexing, or asking that bid prices reflect whether or not the Township would be expected to house the vehicles. However, there was general disagreement with setting a requirement that equipment be no more than ten years old. Segsworth said this had been proposed as a means of ensuring greater equipment reliability.

New Ventilation System for Glendower

The Public Works Department has accepted the tender of Climate Works Heating & Cooling in the amount of $51,276 + HST to supply and install a ventilation system at Glendower Hall. This will be paid out of the recreation capital budget.