Spaniard’s Bay takes over services on Fowler’s Lane
By Local Journalism Reporter Olivia Bradbury
The Spaniard’s Bay town council has voted to take over water and sewer services on Fowler’s Lane.
The decision, which Mayor Tammy Oliver described as time-sensitive, was addressed at a special meeting on June 30 as council felt it could not wait until the next regular meeting in mid-July 14.
Councillor Debbie Newman put forward the motion that the Town take over water and sewer services on the road. The motion was seconded by councillor Ann Marie Singleton.
“I know I usually don’t start the conversation after a motion,” said Oliver, “but tonight we’re discussing something a little bit different. I had a conversation with Municipal Affairs about how to proceed with this matter because it’s a little complicated.”
Oliver explained that, seven years ago, a resident of Fowler’s Lane requested that council take over responsibility for a water line running along private property on the road. At a meeting on August 28, 2019, council passed a motion to advise the resident that the Town would take over water and sewer on Fowler’s Lane on condition the buffer zone situated on the northeast side of the road be included in the property conveyed to the Town.
“Since then the situation has changed on the road and residents have been inquiring and there’s been a few discussions on the matter again and, in light of a recent waterline break, council is revisiting the request to take over the water and sewer lines again tonight,” said Oliver. “I also wanted to make clear that, under the guidance of Municipal Affairs, there is no longer a need to rescind or make an amendment to the old motion in this case.”
Newman clarified that the town is not taking over a new road. “We already own the road,” she said. “We’re just taking over water and sewer on the road.”
Oliver confirmed that is correct. “We’ve already taken over that road several years ago and take care of maintenance on it,” said Oliver. “It is only the water and sewer that we’re considering here tonight.”
The motion passed unanimously.