Feature Article April 24, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeSouth Frontenac Council, April 15 , 2003by Wilma Kenny
Zone Change
A property on the south side of Rutledge Road near Sydenham was rezoned to allow a landscaping supply and gift shop business to be opened.
Waste Diversion
Sparks are guaranteed to fly whenever dumps, and the related topics of reduction and recycling, are mentioned at council. Council passed a resolution requesting the Environmental Sustainability Committee to review the Waste Diversion Ontario program and make recommendations to Council on its potential applicability for the Township. But they didnt do it gracefully.
Robinson: Weve got 30 years left in [Portland district] dump. The motions a waste of money."
Willes: "Thats selfish. Just because your dumps good and big. Loughboroughs landfill has only a few years left at the rate were going. It shows whats wrong with amalgamation."
Stowe: "It costs us nothing to get more information. Ive been through closing a dump, and [the process] is hell."
Hahn: "We may still be able to get part of a years grant for blue box programs."
Lake: "Storrington recycles and shouldnt be penalized from getting grants just because others arent interested."
Barr: "We need to advance - were not diverting as much as possible."
Smith: " Were just spinning our wheels."
Smith and Robinson voted against the motion.
Zoning By-law
Council voted against passing the new comprehensive zoning by-law at the mid-May council meeting, deciding instead to hold a final public meeting on Thursday May 29 at 7-9pm, with the plan to bring the by-law back to council in mid-June for final reading.
Minimum Standards for Private Lanes
As poorly constructed private lanes can pose access problems for emergency equipment, Council asked the Public Works Manager to develop a policy for minimum standards of construction which, once approved by Council, could be included as a condition of severance approval in future developments.
Dog Tags!
Theres less than a week left for dog owners to buy low-priced dog tags. After April 30, Frontenac Law Enforcement will be selling tags for $25, and will fine those who fail to purchase a tag.
Municipal Building Retrofit Program
In order to determine whether further energy retrofits of municipal buildings might save the Township money, Council voted to ask two companies, Vestar and Enersave, to collect information and provide estimates. Councillors Smith and Robinson were opposed.
Culture and Recreation Brochure
Ralph Boston, chair of Central Recreation, brought a proposal that the township enter into an agreement with the company Primary Impact to produce 6,000 copies of a Guide to Culture and Recreation brochure, at no cost to the Township. Expenses would be covered by advertising. The first brochure, listing fall and winter activities, would be distributed to township households this August. A spring version would follow. All council members but one heaped praise on Dr Boston and his committee for the work they had put into making this happen. Councillor Robinson voted against it, saying, "If its free, theres a catch to it."
End of Annual Rabies Clinics
This will be the last year that the Health Unit and Kingston District Veterinary Association will be holding Rabies clinics, where pet owners may have their animals vaccinated for $10. each. Rationale given is that there are less people using the clinics each year, the threat of rabies is decreasing, and a Veterinary Association survey suggested most pet owners have a regular veterinarian for their animals. Councillors expressed concern that many people in South Frontenac still prefer the inexpensive clinics. The Clerk was asked to get more information from the Ontario Veterinary College about the reasons behind this decision. This years vaccine will be good for two years.
