Feature Article March 6, 2002
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NF Council Works Through Varied AgendaBy Will CybulskiWith Councillors Dick Hook and Dave Smith away at a Good Roads conference in Toronto, our Municipal representatives still managed to get through quite a varied list of items at its February 25th meeting.
A motion was passed to have Rivington Associates of Perth appraise seven parcels of surplus, unused property that the Township wishes to sell off. At a total cost of just over $1,200.00, the service certainly seems to be a deal, particularly when the Municipality will recoup the fee from eventual sales. As Mayor Stan Johnston put it, I dont think its in the best interests of our taxpayers to have those properties sitting there doing nothing. We can sure put the money to better use elsewhere.
Councillor Gleva Lemke advised that progress is being made on the proposal to have Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority lease back to the Municipality the connecting lands between Canonto and Palmerston Lakes. As reported previously, the Township wants to develop the property into a recreation area, but in the process, had tried to protect its investment via a 20-year lease. It appears that the Authority is amenable to working out a deal, but with a five year, annually renewable contract instead. Councillor Lemke brought her counterparts up to speed on the Molsons Local Hero Program, a funding source that is appropriated to refurbishing recreation facilities such as the Canonto-Palmerston area.
There is also movement afoot to investigate the feasibility of having a roof installed over the Clar-Mill rink at Plevna. Potential funding for that project might be furthered by the Municipality through the Hockey Moms Association.
Ward Ones Ed Buck informed Council that the MNR is trying a last-ditch effort to sell the Fortune Lake dump site to the Municipality for $750, or they will otherwise close it down. The financial ramifications of this type of transaction had been discussed on an earlier date, and it was reiterated that Council still wanted nothing to do with such a proposal.
Councillor Buck also advised that Hydro One was interested in renting the old MNR building (now Township property) in Plevna for three months, starting April 1st. The utility will have crews in the area to conduct 240 kilometers of line clearing, and it was looking for not only office space, but room to park its trailers as well. Hydro One was willing to pay $600 monthly rent plus electrical costs, but it had been determined that the 60 amp service to the building was inadequate. The Municipality will look at having the service upgraded to at least 100 amp, and possibly up to 200, as the rent would more than offset the retrofit.
To round out his report, Councillor Buck said that the underground oil tank that is causing problems at Clar-Mill Hall can be removed by a certified technician for between $500 and $1,000. The tank will be taken away from the site by the contractor, and a replacement above-ground unit can be put in for around $200.
Amongst a number of items brought to the table by Mayor Johnston, one was the report of a very positive meeting with Municipal representatives of Madawaska Valley. Townships administrators have concerns with providing affordable and adequate standards for fire coverage, waste sites and roads in the far reaches of our north end, and it appears that our neighbouring Municipality is willing to help out.
The Mayor also brought news that North Frontenacs levy in Frontenac Management Boards budget will increase this year by almost $37,000. A good portion of the dollars that go to this upper tier government will be spent on ambulance services and a new nursing home in the Boards jurisdiction.
