A report was requested by a town councillor regarding insurance and how homeowners could be impacted stemming from the changes in the location of the fire halls.
That will not be coming back to town council as a motion did not get a seconder.
Councillor Diane Pouget said there have been several concerns from residents since the motion was passed to construct a new fire station at the Libro Centre, combining the current stations one and three. Pouget wanted “a complete report” from administration on potential monetary increases on their insurance policies and to work with the town’s insurer on the matter. The motion also questioned whether the town has an obligation to notify residents of these changes.
Clerk Kevin Fox said fire underwriters will review the town’s safety standards and apply them.
“That is used when home insurance is being provided to figure out whether the level of protection is provided is adequate to meet the needs,” he said.
Fox added fire underwriter studies are public information and can be provided.“Right now, it’s my understanding there is no difference in any aspect of the community based on the way the fire service is and will be deployed,” he said.
“According to what the fire chief has been saying all along, this is going to be safer and faster. Insurance rates should actually go down,” said Mayor Michael Prue. “I’m not naïve enough to think that actually happens in the insurance world.”
Pouget said in her discussions with insurance agents, there are three categories based on distance from fire stations and hydrants.
“I asked if we had to notify (the public) and they weren’t sure about that,” said Pouget.
CAO Valerie Critchley said the decision and the location of the new station has been “well publicized.”
“Notification has been given in that way,” said the CAO.
Pouget said she wanted recommendations from the town insurer, stating that company would be able to come back with information.
“I just want to make sure we’re covering all our bases,” said Pouget.
Fire chief Bruce Montone said in 2018, fire underwriters were invited to the community for a review and update on protection ratings. They were in possession of the fire master plan and in possession of deployment changes, such as the consolidation of the two fire halls.
“They conducted trial runs to Boblo Island as well,” said Montone. “There were actually 13 specific areas they conducted their assessment on with respect to our municipal water distribution.”
Montone added the fire protection rating for Boblo increased and improvements to dwelling protection ratings were also cited.
“The public has been appropriately notified in our opinion,” said Montone. “The dwelling protection ratings have been improved as a result of the myriad of changes and improvements that have been made in the last seven to ten years. And I think our own municipal insurer is getting more factual and detailed information in regards to the changes we have made.”
Additional golf cart concerns
Councillor Diane Pouget addressed concerns with golf carts being on local roadways. She made a motion, that was passed at the Sept. 9 meeting, that town administration work with the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment regarding the issue of golf carts, including some driven by children, on local municipal roads and right-of-ways and whether council assistance is required.
Police have already reminded residents about the matter, as it appeared in the Sept. 4 issue of the River Town Times. Police say they have been receiving reports from concerned citizens about the use of golf carts in certain neighborhoods.
The Windsor Police state they are reminding the public that golf carts are not allowed to be driven on Ontario roads.
Police say if a person is caught driving a golf cart on a road, they may face fines such as operating motor vehicle on a roadway with no insurance (minimum $5,000 fine), operate motor vehicle without required equipment, operate motor vehicle with no vehicle permit and operate motor vehicle on a roadway with no driver’s licence.
In addition, police say if a person is intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, they could face impaired driving charges while operating a golf cart on or off the roadway.
Debt
Councillor Diane Pouget asked for a report on the proposed debt load, “including but not limited to our current debt, the new fire hall with its 30-year debenture, all necessary upgrades to our water treatment plant, the proposed $700,000 to remove a section of the hub, the new pickleball courts, money required to repair all municipal buildings including leaky roofs, and many other large expenditures that council might not be aware of.”
Mayor Michael Prue said the information is coming up soon in the 2025 budget deliberations but Pouget said she wanted a report prior to the budget being tabled.
Pouget said in one night last month, they voted on the new fire hall, pickleball and a new fire truck. The current debt is $25 million, said Pouget, and water plant upgrades are $31 million.
“I come to over $81 million,” she said, adding she recalls Prue stating he didn’t think it wouldn’t be that much. She said she wanted everyone to know what they are dealing with and that it go before the audit and finance committee as well.
CAO Valerie Critchley said many of the items Pouget mentioned are part of the capital budget plan and will be reported to council. She said building condition reports are in the town’s asset management plan.
Administration is putting the budget together and Critchley questioned if compiling another report would be the best use of the treasurer’s time. She added administration would comply with the direction of council.
Town council defeated the motion.
By Ron Giofu
Insurance costs, golf carts and debt all part of council's recent discussions
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