TIMMINS, Ont. — Timmins city council gave the nod, with a split vote, to road repairs as part of its $1.7-million 2002 infrastructure program.

Councilors Denis Saudino and Andrew Marks opposed the plan. The two councilors say the issue should not be decided until next Monday’s 2002 budget meeting.

“Nobody wants to see bad streets, but nobody wants to pay more than they have to either,” says Saudino.

The motion includes upgrades to Cameron Street, Eighth Avenue, Spruce Street South, Birch Street South and Brousseau Avenue in the city’s 2002 budget.

Saudino suggested council wait and see if the grinding and repaving of these areas was affordable.

Coun. Rick Bisson, chairman of public works, says getting the job out for tender as soon as possible is imperative if the work is to be finished this year.

Originally, the intersection of Waterloo Road and Vimy Avenue was to be upgraded. Once surveyed, it was discovered the work would require additional land. Negotiations for the purchase of property took place, but council did not approve the deal.