For Immediate Release
2001-03-01
For further information contact:
Jim Keech, Utilities Kingston, 546-1181 ext. 2217
UTILITIES KINGSTON TO OPERATE WATER AND WASTEWATER FACILITIES IN FORMER KINGSTON TOWNSHIP
Since amalgamation, employees of Utilities Kingston have managed, operated and maintained the Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities in the former City of Kingston and
Pittsburgh Township.
The facilities in the former Kingston Township are operated and maintained under a long-standing contract by The Ontario Clean Water Agency.
The City of Kingston owns these facilities (former Kingston Township) and Utilities Kingston is responsible for their overall management and capital planning. Utilities Kingston
was directed to investigate the best alternative for the ongoing operation and maintenance of these facilities and a third party, KMK Consultants, was contracted to carry out an
operations review.
It was further directed by Council that contracting out all operations was not an option to be investigated.
A public meeting was held on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. at the King Street Water Plant. Approximately 30 members of the public attended, along with several members of
Council.
At the meeting, presentations by staff and The Ontario Clean Water Agency touched on numerous issues regarding our water and wastewater utilities.
The public were very interested, asked several questions, and were supportive of the information provided and the fact that we held this meeting. To Utilities Kingston in bringing
forward a recommendation to Council, and in keeping with Kingston City Council's methodology regarding partnership opportunities adopted by Council on October 10, 2000 (Report C318)
a 3-pillar business case was initiated, looking at an analysis of public policy, risk and financial issues.
Resolution of the Committee of the Whole:
At the February 27th committee of the whole meeting, Council accepted Utilities Kingston's recommendation to proceed with developing and implementing a business plan to assume the
operation of the former Kingston Township Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities, and that a contract not be negotiated with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) or any other
third party.
Utilities Kingston will begin immediately in researching and developing strategies to ensure a smooth transition for the operation and employees of both organizations.
- 30 -
|
