Minden Hills hopes to revise its beleaguered septic reinspection program by bringing it in-house,
Council, at a Nov. 13 meeting, gave deputy chief building official, Tim Lewis, the green light to hire a septic inspector to take over the portfolio – at an estimated cost of more than $80,000-a year to taxpayers.
Lewis told council, “within the municipality of Minden Hills, there are approximately 5,000 septic systems. Under the septic reinspection program, approximately one-third of these systems have been reinspected by a third-party firm to date. The external program was costly and did not achieve all of the intended results.”
He said having a rolling reinspection program is essential for protecting the township’s lakes. Further, he said it helps residents by detecting potential issues sooner, avoiding costly repairs and replacements; and teaches them how to maintain and operate systems.
Lewis said new software allows staff to do the tracking, schedule checks, track data, and correspond with homeowners.
“A total of 2,229 properties were inspected under the former reinspection program, leaving 2,771 left to be inspected. With an additional inspection resource, staff anticipate completing the outstanding inspections within a 2.5-year period and that a five-year rolling re-inspection program can be maintained.”
He suggested the inspection fee remain at $240, consistent with what people have been charged to date. Once the cycle is done, he said council could reconsider the cost. He estimated staffing costs at $82,000-a-year, for salary, benefits, personal protective equipment, and expenses.
Lewis said, “bringing the program in-house is cost-recoverable while providing a consistent, trackable, and sustainable inspection service.”
Coun. Bob Sisson asked if it was a mandatory program. Lewis said while not mandatory, he would not advise the township stepping away from it. He said protecting the township’s lakes is important for tourism, and quality of life.
Coun. Pam Sayne lobbied hard to bring it in-house. She said she had been getting calls from people asking when the township would be reinstating the program, as they are concerned about lake health. She added she thinks the program will pay for itself as they are charging a fee and if someone is in arrears, it can be added to their tax bill.
Coun. Tammy McKelvey said she was 100 per cent behind the township doing the program. However, she argued against bringing it in-house. She said they should tender for a different third-party provider. She said they lack office space, and thought it would cost more than $82,000-a year. “It takes more than one set of boots on the ground to even do these inspections.”
Sayne disagreed, saying an in-house service would be more efficient, particularly around communications, oversight and administration.
Mayor Bob Carter said, “anything that is going to increase the budget I’m naturally against.” However, he said he would appreciate the consistency.
Coun. Ivan Ingram added if they are looking at a continuous program, it would mean renewing contracts, or long-term contracts, with providers.
In the end, council agreed to move the program in-house.
