Mar 23, 2016


CF Council expands CIP to include entire township

Following a presentation by Reid Shepherd, community planner with the County of Frontenac regarding the Central Frontenac's Community Improvement Plan (CIP), council passed a motion extending the availability of the program's grants and loans to the entire township.

The change was motivated by a motion to include other communities, which was put forth by councilors Jamie Riddell and Victor Heese back in April 28, 2015 at a regular council meeting. When the CIP was first adopted back in August of 2012, the program was available only in Sharbot Lake. Council members were unanimously in favor of extending the boundaries and widening the scope of the program, though many differed about who exactly could apply and whether the program should be restricted to business owners or include institutions like churches and also residents who may want to improve their properties.

To date, of the $80,000 that was initially available in the program, ($70,000 through the County and $10,000 through the township), $27,150 in funding remains. A total of 11 projects have been approved, seven of which have been completed and four still yet to be. The CIP offers a number of incentive programs that include facade improvement, accessibility enhancements, business start-up funding, a community improvement loan program and a municipal fees grant program. Council will have staff advise how the remaining funding could be best used.

Auditor's consolidated financial statement approved

Breanne Bradshaw, senior manager with the township's auditors, KPMG, presented the 2015 consolidated financial statements for the township. Bradshaw was accompanied by Vicky Leaky and township treasurer Michael McGovern.

In the report's highlights, Bradshaw said that the township “is in a net debt position”, suggesting that the township “has financial capital purchases and future obligations”. On the topic of tax assessment and tax arrears, the taxable assessment for the township was up 5.4%.

In a summary of the report, Bradshaw said that the municipality received an “unqualified clean" audit opinion.

In ending her summary Bradshaw reported that council “will have opportunities in the future to consider setting capital levy as a percentage of operating expenses; developing a long-term financial strategy to fund projects using debt if the project meets specific criteria; and developing a reserve/reserve fund policy that provides guidelines for staff on the acceptable limits that council approves”.

Cost for toilets and storage at Oliver Scott Memorial site

Council received a letter from Lesley Merrigan who is heading up the Sharbot Lake rink project. She said the site is in need of storage and washroom facilities since the existing facilities are slated for demolition. Merrigan said because construction at the site is expected to begin this summer, a storage unit and two portable toilets are needed, which will cost $1380. She also asked council's permission to begin the demolition of the existing facilities in preparation for this year's upcoming baseball season. Council accepted the request for information and directed staff to report back to council regarding the viability of the request.

Re-Use Centre postpones proposed May opening

The Re-Use Centre Committee, which has met four times to discuss a mandate and its terms of reference, is currently in the process of approaching Community Living-North Frontenac with the hopes of entering into an agreement of cooperation with the Treasure Trunk, which is currently undergoing an operational review. The Re-Use Centre committee is preparing a presentation to the board of directors of CL-NF at their regular meeting on March 30 to better understand the future plans of the Treasure Trunk so that the committee can hopefully move forward with the plans for the center.

New organizational chart approved by Council

Council approved recommendations by Clerk/Administrator Cathy MacMunn and the Human Resources Committee to reflect the recent changes in positions and shared services with the County and other townships. The changes were made in two township departments. The building and planning departments have morphed into Development Services, and include a manager of Development Services/CBO and a Development Services assistant. The latter will also act as the secretary treasurer for the committee of adjustment. Further, public works has a new administrative assistant position.

Public Works administrative assistant appointed Cathy MacMunn updated council on the fact that Heather Robinson, a staff member at the township, has been offered the position of public works administrative assistant. A new front counter receptionist will be hired to fill Robinson's former post.

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