| Apr 27, 2016


Central Frontenac approves 2016 budget

Central Frontenac will spend over $7.1 million in ratepayers' money in 2016, up from $6.5 million in 2015, a levy increase of 9.3%, according to figures provided by township treasurer, Michael McGovern.

The impact of that increase on ratepayers will be mitigated by smaller increases in Frontenac County and Ministry of Education levies, however. The net impact on the average household, again according to township figures, will be an increase of about $83 in their overall tax bill.

Among the major factors that account for the increase in taxation by the township are increases in OPP costs, which will place upward pressure on the township's budget for the next three years as a new OPP funding model is phased in.

Mayor Frances Smith said that the Rural Mayors' Forum of Eastern Ontario has been working on the OPP funding formula issue in the hopes of making a case for some relief for smaller municipalities going forward.

Mountain Grove Library project moving forward

Thanks in part to a $110,000 grant from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, Central Frontenac is moving forward with plans to build a new library that will be attached to the Mountain Grove fire hall. The township is matching the federal grant, and at their meeting this week they approved a $32,682 contract with Roney Engineering to design the new addition to the fire hall and provide project management for the build.

In recommending that the sole source contract be awarded to Roney, Fire Chief Bill Young said that the company oversaw the construction of the Mountain Grove fire hall in the first place and did the same job last year for the Parham fire hall, which also includes a library space.

Treasurer Michael McGovern said that given the expertise required for the particular job, sole sourcing the contract to Roney falls within the township's procurement bylaw.

The library expansion to the fire hall was foreseen when the fire hall was originally built.

Mayor Smith said that the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) Board should be contacted before the design is finalized and construction begins, as they may have something to say about the space that is being created for their use.

“We didn't do that before building the library in Parham, and that led to some issues along the way, so we should make sure not to do it that way again,” she said.

Parham library soft opening on May 12

Mayor Smith told Council that the KFPL is planning to open the new branch that is co-located with the newly completed Parham fire hall on May 12, and to hold a ceremonial grand opening on May 27.

Later in the meeting, Fire Chief Young said that library crews haven't arrived yet to start putting the new branch in place. “They haven't shown up yet; no shelving has arrived; the space is empty,” he said.

“I'd better give my contact there a call,” said Smith.

Approval in Principle for Sharbot Lake outdoor rink

In line with a request from the Oso (District 3) Recreation Committee, Director of Planning Services/Chief Building Official Jeremy Neven recommended that Council approve the demolition of the privies at the site, as well as the small canteen, which has not operated for several years. He recommended contracting with Perth Septic for portable bathrooms for this summer's ball season, and permitting a donated temporary storage shed to be built.

All of these proposals raised no questions among Council, but a final provision did. That proposal was to approve, in principle, the construction of an outdoor rink and a change room/washroom at the site.

“The committee has raised $10,000 for the project thus far, and they don't want to do any more work on the site until Council approves their main project in Principle,” Neven said.

Chief Administrative Officer Cathy MacMunn said that a number of larger donors are waiting to hear that the project is a go before making commitments.

“The Rec Committee is committed to funding this project entirely through donations,” said Neven.

Councilor Jamie Riddell said, “I am uncomfortable approving this, since it is in effect an approval for the new rink, when we haven't seen any engineering plans, any construction plans or any costing. Don't get me wrong; I support the rink, but I'd like to see something I can work with.”

Neven, and other members of Council, said that Council will ultimately see the final plans and will have another opportunity to look at the project, which will require council's approval to move forward.

The motion was approved, with Riddell voting in favor with the rest of Council.

Parham fairgrounds pavilion approved

The Hinchinbrooke (District 4) Recreation Committee is planning to install a 16' x 30' pavilion to be located behind the existing playground equipment at the fairgrounds near Parham. The committee has raised the money and the building plans were presented with the request for approval. Council approved the request.

“I should point out how much of a pleasure it is to work with both recreation committees [Oso and Hinchinbrooke] on these projects. Not only are they raising all the funds themselves, they are putting in tons of volunteer work making sure everything fits township policies. This kind of commitment from volunteers is a great asset to the township,” Neven said.

EOTA to manage K&P trail from Sharbot Lake to the North Frontenac border

Council approved a proposal from the Eastern Ontario Traills Alliance (EOTA) to assume management of the township trail on the former K&P rail line, from the trail head in Sharbot Lake all the way to the border with North Frontenac, just south of Robertsville. EOTA manages a network of multi-use trails in the region from their base in Tweed and does extensive marketing.

Noise, Refuse, and Safe Properties bylaws

Ken Gilpin, from Frontenac Municipal Bylaw Enforcement appeared before Council to discuss proposed updates to the Refuse and Safe Properties bylaws and the adoption of a new Noise bylaw. In addition, Council members talked about a new Sign bylaw. The matters were all deferred to a future meeting.

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