By Mark Squibb
Witless Bay council this week cast a vote to obtain quotes for repairs to a property on Lar Norris Road, and Mayor Trevor Croft declared a conflict of interest as the home in question was his.
Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard instructed Croft, who attended the meeting by telephone, to put the phone on speaker and step away from it so as to not participate in the discussion.
Councillor Ralph Carey moved that staff obtain additional quotes to repair damage at the property.
Councillor Gerard Dunne seconded the motion, which was approved unanimously without further discussion.
Later in the meeting, council unanimously approved repairs at a Southside Track residence at a cost of $8,850 plus HST. As per the motion, the property owner was required to sign a waiver and release for any repairs on the property.
Councillor Ralph Carey said the damage had been caused by flooding.
The Irish Loop Post followed up with Town staff regarding the motions.
Staff explained that when the Town receives a complaint of property damage, staff investigate and may engage professional consultants to look into it further.
Staff say that in both of the above incidents, the claims are for water damage to property as a result of road infrastructure upgrade projects, which were completed a number of years ago.
They added that should the Town determine that the road upgrades resulted in the property damage, it will work with the property owners to identify the full extent of the liability and complete the repairs accordingly.
In both of the above cases, staff say a quote for repairs was submitted by the property owner. The Town, however, is required to obtain its own quotes.
Neither Croft nor Yard responded to a request for an interview.
