The prospective owner of 9 Laplanche Street proposes adding six apartment units to the existing building. On July 2, 2024, the Planning Advisory Committee recommended that Council enter into a Development Agreement. Council gave first reading at a special meeting of on August 12, and on Monday night, the Development Agreement received second reading, allowing renovations to proceed as proposed.
Victoria and Havelock Intersection
The intersection of Victoria and Havelock Streets has been operating as an all-way stop since the traffic lights were de-activated after a motor vehicle accident earlier this summer. A traffic signal warrant analysis was completed for the intersection by a consultant, which confirmed that the traffic volumes at that intersection were below that necessitating full traffic signals. The analysis considered current traffic counts as well as anticipated growth over the next five years. Council approved removal of the traffic signals and installation of appropriate signage for an all-way (4-way) stop. Council also directed staff to investigate accessibility options for crosswalk signals at the intersection.
Tax Collection Policy Amendments
The Town of Amherst’s Tax Collection Policy has been amended as part of the ongoing policy review exercise. Amendments approved by Council on Monday night include a policy name change to “Revenue Collection Policy.” In the previous document there was no indication of how interest was to be charged for miscellaneous and water/sewer accounts. This is now to be charged as “simple interest,” or interest on the bill only and not on the total balance outstanding, including prior interest. Two further changes will allow the CAO to write off miscellaneous account balances under $250, and remove interest for government agency payments submitted late to the Town but ultimately paid in a reasonable amount of time.
Additional Matters of Finance
An adjustment was made to year-end capital financing where Council approved an increase of the Water Operating capital from revenue, from $40,000 to $170,000; a year end operating reserve transfer was approved, withdrawing from the Operating Reserve – Reserve for Solid Waste an amount of $599.80, to fund the deficit in the Solid Waste Department for the 2023/24 fiscal year; Council approved the Town of Amherst Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2024, as audited by the firm McIsaac Darragh Inc.; and, Council appointed the same firm – McIsaac Darragh Inc. – as the municipal auditor for auditing services for the 2024/25 fiscal year, as recommended by the Town of Amherst Audit Committee.
Purchase of New Loader
The 2024/25 Capital Budget included $275,000 for the purchase of a new loader. Through the procurement process, proposals were received from two vendors, with the most cost-effective proposal coming in above original budget. The new loader will help ensure the Town is able to meet or exceed the level of service expected from our residents. Therefore, Council approved a budget amendment allotting $331,000 for the purchase of the new equipment – an increase of $56,000 from the Operating Reserve.
Amherst Firefighters Association – Equipment Purchase
Council approved an amendment to the 2024/25 general Capital Budget in the amount of $50,000 for the purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders ($23,000) and a combination rescue/extrication tool for a mini rescue/extrication cutter ($27,000), to be funded by the Amherst Firefighters Association.
Full details of the Council meeting are available pdf in the agenda package (9.58 MB) .
Direct enquiries to:
Sean Payne
Corporate Communications Officer
902-694-6265
