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Feature Article January 15

Feature Article January 15, 2004

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North Frontenac considers winter closing of some dumps

At the council meeting on January 12, the Waste Management Committee gave a report to North Frontenac Council with three major recommendations:

1. Because of the danger from bears the Committee is recommending the purchase of five portable radiophones for dump attendants. The total purchase price of these will be $25 - $26,00.

2. The committee recommended that the Ardoch, Mississippi, and Kashwakamak waste disposal sites be closed from the end of January until spring to reduce the financial burden of waste management on the township. Councillor Clayton, reporting for the committee, said that the main savings would come from not having to plow and sand after every snowfall in order to keep the dumps open, and from not having to use winter fill. As the sites in question are only open for a total of 13 hours a week, the savings on salaries are a lesser factor. Councillor Clayton also said that the committee hopes to extend the lives of the sites by the closings.

However, when Mayor Maguire asked exactly how much would be saved, the committee did not have any figures to present. Councillors Lemke and Cybulski expressed concern about the layoffs of the attendants; about the short notice given to the public; and about the hazards of the extra winter driving for North Frontenac residents. Mayor Maguire said council would not make a decision on the proposal until the Committee brought more information about the cost savings and the life expectancy of the dumps in question. After the meeting, a member of the audience was heard to comment that while the life expectancy of the closed dumps might be extended, the life expectancy of the others would be shortened.

3. The Committee is also recommending the implementation of a bag tag system, saying that North Frontenac is one of the only remaining townships without such a system. The township spends over $200,000 a year on waste management, and costs are going up every year.

Councillor Cybulski asked if a garbage compacter had ever been tried. Clerk Penny Sharman said it had, but had created other problems, such as standing pools of water. North Frontenac shares a waste disposal site with Addington Highlands, whose residents have to pay $1 a bag. Councillors felt that any new system adopted by North Frontenac would be not necessarily the same as, but should be consistent with Addington Highlands to be fair. Council authorized the Committee to investigate the implementation of a bag tag system for North Frontenac. Public meetings will be required if the Township decides to adopt the system.

The Crown Land Stewardship program will continue, but there will be a review of its revenues where they come from and where they are going. The program is supposed to be revenue-neutral after 5 years, with all the money going back into improving the roads, but that has not happened. The program will be revamped if necessary.

An OPP delegation was scheduled to attend the Council meeting on February 23. However, as several councillors will be at the Good Roads conference that day, the visit will be rescheduled. The council meeting will still be held.

Joint board meeting with Addington Highlands Fire & Emergency Services: The replacement of a 1974 pumper, which was out of service for 108 days last year, will be investigated. Its tank is leaking and it would cost $8-10,000 for repairs.

The Snow Road Fire Dept. is requesting an addition to Station #2 to accommodate the Emergency Vehicle that carries the defibrillator. Presently, the van is kept plugged in outside, as it has to be kept heated for the defibrillator. Council is agreed that the space is badly needed, and the request will go to the Municipal Property Committee.

Building Department Report: The building construction value for 2003 was $5,279,636. Building Inspector Ken Lindey reported that there are some problems of compliance with building permits, but mostly they have been resolved. However, he says he is disillusioned with MPAC. We always had a good working relationship with MPAC, but no longer. MPAC automatically receives copies of building permits.

Towards the close of the meeting, Mayor Maguire attempted to present a Certificate of Recognition for 15 years of service as a Volunteer Fireman to Glen Manion, who was in the audience. Mr. Manion was surprised by the presentation, but said he would not accept the certificate from the Council.

With the participation of the Government of Canada