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Feature_article__MPAC_Writes_Council

Feature Article October 23

Feature Article October 23, 2003

LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb Home

MPAC Writes to Frontenac CouncilBev Disney, the municipal relations representative in the Kingston office of MPAC (The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) wrote a letter to North Frontenac Council in response to concerns expressed by council in a letter to her.

The letter written by clerk Penny Sharman on behalf of council had expressed concern about inconsistent assessments, and about reports by citizens that MPAC had referred complaints back to the township office. Disneys letter said that the staff at the Customer Contact Centre (CCC) of MPAC make every effort to assist callers with their inquiry and spend considerable time effort in determining the true nature of their concern. The letter goes on to say that only if it is determined that the complainant is satisfied with their property assessment, then our staff is trained to suggest that the municipal office be contacted, as property taxation is a municipal matter and best addressed by the municipality itself.

Later on the letter says MPAC is constantly taking steps to better educate the Ontario public regarding property assessment in the province. Disney then offered to have MPAC provide a community information session to explain the workings of MPAC directly to the public. Council decided to set up such a session in the summer time so seasonal residents will have a chance to attend.

Sessions have been presented at Council meetings in Central and North Frontenac this past year and at a meeting of the Sharbot Lake Property Owners Association.

NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT Concern was expressed by councillor Bud Clayton that the nutrient management act of the provincial government could seriously curtail development within the township. All farming activity will be affected, as will septic practices and any other kind of disposal of chemical and biological nutrients. It was pointed out by Mayor Stan Johnston that the nutrient management act is designed to be phased in over five years. The province will put the responsibility on the local municipality, he said, but that doesnt make it right. An advisory committee will be set up in November and training will be provided to help the municipality deal with nutrient management. This is really going to affect us, said Bud Clayton, and soon.

WINTER SAND TENDER- It had been expected that at least two companies would respond to a tender call for supplying, stacking and screening sand in Ward 2, and stacking sand in Wards 1 and 3, but in the end Crains Construction did not put in bid, and the contract was awarded to Gemmills Sand and Gravel of Snow Road, the only company to bid on the contract.

With the participation of the Government of Canada