| Nov 15, 2017


Central Frontenac Council voted 8-1 to have staff prepare a plan for septic re-inspection at its regular meeting Tuesday.

A plan for septic re-inspection presented at the Oct. 24 Council meeting had been defeated.

This time, Councillor Tom Dewey presented a plan using a two-part, 10-year phase-in.

Under Dewey’s plan, all RW (waterfront) properties must be inspected by an approved inspector, authorized by the municipality, within five years of implementation. Phase 2 will include all other properties, which must be inspected within 10 years of the implementation date. All properties will require a 10-year cyclical inspection after that.

Furthermore, staff is directed to develop a list of referred agencies that are available to help with funding for failed systems, which is to be regularly maintained and updated. There will also be a municipal funding program. Staff have been directed to investigate and bring forward rules and procedures for municipal funding assistance for lower income residents.

Councillor Victor Heese, who chaired the committee that brought forth the previous plan, said: “With all due respect, I cannot support this program.

“If I were a cynic, I would say it’s designed to fail because there’s really not enough detail in it.”

Heese said it will cost homeowners $130 for an inspection.

“I can’t say citizens are well served nor will they like this.”

Councillor Bill MacDonald, who also supported the Oct. 24 proposal, said he didn’t agree with waterfront being the biggest issue, citing the hamlets instead and he didn’t like waiting 10 years for every system to be inspected. But he was prepared to support this proposal in order to get a process started.

“Whether or not a person can afford it (a new septic system), we cannot afford to close our eyes to failed systems,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Brent Cameron and Councilor Jamie Riddell, who were the staunchest critics of the previous proposal, both said they supported this one because it had some proposal to assist low-income homeowners.

Oso Hall insulation
The installation of spray-foam insulation at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake is going well, said Developmental Services Manager Shawn Merriman.

He said when they removed the inside walls, there was very little damage evident.

“There were a couple of little stains from leaks that were quickly repaired,” he said. “I suspect the leaks were from 40 years ago.”

Merriman said he expects to see substantial savings on heating and cooling bills with the addition of the insulation, “due to the fact that there was no insulation before.

“When it’s all finished, the walls will be painted blue-gray and it should be all ready for your Christmas party (Nov. 25).

He said he expects the renovations should be within the budgeted amounts.

Playing well in the sand box

After considerable discussion, Council decided to put boxes of sand outside the gates its two public works yards for residents’ use.

“I haven’t spent this much time on sand since golf season,” said Dep. Mayor Brent Cameron.

Public Works Manager Brad Thake said not only would it be more accessible (“user-friendly”) for residents but would also be safer not having residents go into sand domes to get sand for their roads due to the proximity of heavy equipment, which could also potentially create a liability for the township.

RFCS youth funding approved
Following a presentation from Rural Frontenac Community Services Executive Director Louise Moody, Council approved $15,500 to be included in the 2018 budget for programs for rural youth (the same as last year) to be provided by RFCS.

“It’s good to see we’re doing things for our kids,” said Mayor Frances Smith. “We here around this table tend to think more about roads and waste so it’s good to see we’re looking after our politicians-to-be.”

Moody said her next stop was Plevna for a similar report. North Frontenac usually gives $5,400 to the program, she said.

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