Mr. Welker, 160 Road 5 West, Cottam, detailed the information contained in his presentation package respecting maintenance of municipal drains in the Town of Kingsville, stating that ERCA regulations for maintenance have restricted adequate drainage of farmland, causing reduced yields, shorter planting window and increased soil erosion and phosphorous runoff. He referred to photographs of trees and brush in the Conklin Drain taken in July, 2017 and requested repair of the Conklin Drain (clean washouts, brush cleared from top to bottom of both banks). He highlighted bush cleaning methods set out in a past drainage report from 1974. As he has explained to the Town's Drainage Advisory Committee (of which he is a member), he is looking for maintenance practices that give drains 100% free flow to any body of water.
Mayor Santos brought forward Report of Mr. Ken Vegh, Drainage Superintendent RE: Drainage Act Responsibilities, dated September 29, 2017.
Mr. Vegh outlined and identified the Town's responsibilities and procedures as it relates to drain maintenance/repair or improvement under the Drainage Act. He responded to the various concerns described by Mr. Welker. He indicated that an updated engineer's report on the Nelson Drain might be something for Council and Administration to consider in the future.