Central Frontenac Council -
May 13/08
By Jeff Green
New public works manager promises change, fast
Central Frontenac’s new Public Works Manager John
Simcock had only been on the job for six days, and his appointment had
yet to be ratified by council, when he made his first presentation to
a council meeting on Monday night.
He made it clear to council that he will be
establishing what he calls a “chain of command” in the public
works department, and his first priority will be to upgrade the level
of education among public works staff. “As I start formulating a
plan to basically attack the public works division, there will be an
emphasis on education. It is something we are missing, and it is
something that is required by law.”
Some required courses can be brought in to the
township by the Ministry of Transportation, but for others township
employees will have to travel to Ottawa or Peterborough. The
education is needed both for health and safety reasons and so public
works staff will be more productive on the job.
“Bear with us for four months, and I can show you a works
process that will let you target any area that you want to deal with.
In a year and a half, the people that are still here will deliver a
lot of service.”
Simcot clarified his remarks in an interview with
the News on Tuesday morning. “It is certainly not my intention to
force anyone out of the public works department,” he said, “it’s
just that some people do not want to take courses, but this is
mandatory. There is no option to say no.”
Simcot will be holding his first meeting with the
entire public works staff today, May 15, at 1:30p.m.
One other immediate change that John Simcot put to
council on Monday was the surface treatment (hardtopping) of Zealand
Road, which had been deferred during budget deliberations to next
year. He argued that since Road 509 and the Ardoch Road are gong to
be resurfaced this year, it makes sense do Zealand Road as well since
it is so close by.
He said that over $100,000 can be saved by putting
in a three-way stop where Zealand and Bell Line Roads meet, instead
of building up the surface of the road to improve visibility, and
that the $320,000 it will cost will be offset by savings in
maintenance costs over 20 years.
“We spent two hours on Zealand Road last week, and
it is a much busier road than most of our back roads. There is even
large truck traffic on it,” Simcot said.
Councilor Philip Smith said, “When we were doing
our budget we did decide that the money should be spread out, not
concentrated on one end of the township. I don’t support this for
that reason.”
“I agree with Phil,” said Councilor Bill Snyder.
“It’s too much money to spend in one corner. Keep it fair. I’ve
been here 27 years, and you just came and suddenly we’re spending
all the money in one corner. It’s totally unfair for staff to be
pushing this forward at this time”.
In a recorded vote, the Zealand surface treatment
project was approved, with only Philip Smith and Bill Snyder casting
dissenting votes. Councilor Frances Smith was not at the meeting.
WARREN LAKE – A site plan submitted on
behalf of Peter Boomgardt was deferred after much discussion. Mr.
Boomgardt plans to develop new lots that will have common access to a
dock that he intends to build on Warren Lake, off of Bell Line Road
west of Road 509. An opinion from Mike Yee of the Mississippi Valley
Conservation Authority that the dock would not affect fish habitat
was presented, but there are a number of issues that council wanted
clarified by the proponent and the matter was deferred.
NOISE BYLAW RETURNS – A draft noise bylaw
was discussed. The bylaw was prepared in response to a complaint to
the township last year about the constant use of a generator, but
once again the noise bylaw was the subject of some ridicule by
councilors.
“The sounding of any bell is prohibited, so that
means church bells as well,” said Councilor Purdon. “Or cow
bells,” chimed in Bill Snyder.
“And then there is the prohibition against
yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing before 9 am on a
Sunday. What about early church services?”asked John Purdon.
“Bear in mind that bylaws are only enforced on a
company basis,” said Mayor Gutowski.
“I don’t like these bylaws that you can’t
enforce,” said Councilor Harvey
The draft bylaw will return again at a later date.
DUCHENE TO RESIGN – Interim Chief
Administrative Officer John DuChene has informed council that he will
be stepping down at the end of August, after serving for 18 months.
