Councillors discussing suggested doctor recruitment ideas
The Mayor of Brighton says some ideas about doctor recruitment, expressed by a member of the public at Monday night’s meeting, are already on council’s radar.
David Green gave a presentation called “Planning For The Future”, urging council to get ahead of the curve when it comes to doctor recruitment and make sure there’s enough space to attract more than one or two new physicians.
Mayor Mark Walas tells Quinte News, councillors have already discussed some of the ideas presented, including allocating more space for medical offices.
At least one new doctor, Harrison Bishop, is schedule to set up shop in Brighton next year, after joining the recruitment program in 2012.
Council is working on bringing at least one more as well, to address the ongoing shortage.
Mr. Green’s presentation also suggested approaching citizens about tax-funding, or fundraising, for a new multi-purpose library.
Changes made to zoning at industrial park
Brighton Council has decided to try and speed up the process for businesses who want to set up in the town’s industrial park.
At Monday night’s meeting, council agreed to remove the “holding” symbol from all lands within the park, in order to have it certified as “investment ready” by Cambium Environmental Inc.
Mayor Mark Walas tells Quinte News, the move makes the industrial park much more attractive to companies looking to move there.
Without mentioning any names, Walas did mention the move is significant, because there are a number of companies who have expressed interest in coming to the town.
Municipal Class Environmental Assessment awarded to Kingston company
A Kingston-based company will conduct an environmental assessment on Brighton’s sometimes struggling, wastewater treatment system.
The work will be done by JL Richards and Associates at a cost of just over $53,000, plus a $20,000 contingency fund, coming in at almost half the cost of the next highest bidder.
Mayor Mark Walas says now that the system is up to compliance, after issues that dated back to 2008, the environmental assessment can help plan for the years to come.
There’s no word on when the assessment will start, but Director of Finance and Administration Linda Widdifield says when it does start, it will likely take about 15 months.
Switch coming on Rural Advisory Committee
There’s a change coming on one of Brighton’s advisory committees.
Citing a scheduling conflict at Monday’s regular council meeting, Councillor Laura Vink says she won’t be able to fulfill her duties on the Rural Advisory Committee.
It was suggested that Deputy Mayor Brian Ostrander take over the spot, since he’s the only member of council who lives in the town’s rural area and Ostrander agreed.
The Rural Advisory Committee meets on the third Thursday of each month, at the north fire hall at 6:30, but will not meet in July or August due to summer schedules.
