Mapleton councillor appointed to fire services management committee

MAPLETON – Council here has appointed councillor Michael Martin to the joint fire services management committee for Mapleton, Minto and Wellington North.

The appointment was made during a regular meeting of council on May 28, and it will run for the remainder of the council term.

The committee is part of the fire partnership between the townships and town, and appointing committee representatives is the “last step remaining in finalizing our partnership,” according to a report to council from CAO Manny Baron.

He also serves on the committee, alongside new Minto CAO Gregory Furtney, Wellington North CAO Brooke Lambert, Minto deputy Mayor Jean Anderson, and Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox.

Mapleton Mayor Gregg Davidson said he was open to filling the role, but council opted to appoint Martin, who works as an operations commentator for Waterloo paramedic services, as he has experience with the fire department.

“I know you’ll do a great job,” Davidson said to Martin during the May 28 meeting.

Feedback about the fire services partnership has been “highly encouraging” thus far, the report states, with benefits to Mapleton including access to specialized equipment management, a dedicated training officer and human resources.

The committee’s inaugural meeting is set to take place in June or July.