Aug 11, 2011


Water Access only septic haulage

By Julie Druker

Gord Rodgers of GKR Consulting presented a report to council regarding a business case/feasibility study for septic haulage services to water-access only properties in Frontenac County. The study was contracted by the Frontenac Stewardship Council with the help of funding from the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation and it involved surveying local operators, lake associations, the Public Health Unit and townships of North, Central and South Frontenac.

The findings stated that there are operators out there to do the work and that the need is there, since between Sharbot, Eagle and Bobs lakes, there are over 200 existing lots. However the demand is unknown since operators have received few requests for the service. Similarly certain operators said that they would need minimums of anywhere from 15-40 serviceable lots to make it worth their while and they estimated the cost to property owners at anywhere from $600-$1200.

Rogers made the following recommendations to council based on the report: 1) that council together with lake associations and septic offices identify all the properties requiring the service; 2) that townships establish a re-inspection program under the auspices of the Ontario Building Code and set these properties as a priority; 3) that the Frontenac Stewardship Council host workshops on the subject and support education and awareness campaigns; and 4) to make a list of septic operators on a township basis to help property owners understand the ins and outs of the issues.

In the final summation of the report, Rogers then listed more recommendations in what he considered an “ideal world”. Namely, that regular inspections and pumping be required and undertaken by at least 3-4 operators with the necessary expertise, skills and equipment; that the township have a reliable and complete list of all water-access only properties and that a coordinated program be established in each township, with groups of lakes scheduled for service each year and rotating every 7-10 years. The report also recommended that servicing include inspection, pumping, repair and replacement where necessary and that permits for replacement be fast-tracked. He also hoped that the servicing would be subsidized if necessary through a tax rebate or reduction.

Mayor Gutowski said this issue could not be ignored. “The quality of our water is a big reason that most of are here,” she said.

A motion was unanimously passed by council to further investigate the information in the report and that staff prepare a report to be presented to council by the year’s end.

Central Frontenac continues the private lane dance with the province

By Jeff Green and Julie Druker

Central Frontenac Council received another report from their planning consultant, Glenn Tunnock, about creating new building lots on private lanes. The report represents an attempt to further define the township’s need to create a limited number of this kind of building lot in order to maintain a modest level of growth in the township. It also defines a set of rules about such lots and the requirements lot owners will have to live up to in maintaining the laneways into their property.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs has thus far resisted all attempts by the township to allow this kind of development to continue. The ministry prefers instead to see development on existing public roads, or through plans of subdivision, which create new roads that are then assumed as part of the public road system. Alternatively, the ministry would like to see private roads as part of plans of condominium, which entail the creation of a condominium corporation that can be held responsible for maintaining the private roads to a certain standard.

But, as Central Frontenac councilor Frances Smith pointed out, the problem with a plan of subdivision or condominium is that they only work for larger scale development because they are so expensive to set up. “We are trying to save the small-scale development by property owners who want to create one or two lots. That’s what happens in our township and without it we will run out of places where people can build new houses,” she said.

Councilor Norm Guntensperger asked if it might be wise to wait before making a new proposal to the ministry because of the upcoming election, which might produce a political shift in the ministry position.

“That is an astute point,” said Glenn Tunnock. “I would say that the ministry is being extremely cautious right now, but if we can submit this and invite the ministry to come to see us, which they have indicated they are willing to do, it would be worthwhile to receive them before the election. At least then we will know what they are thinking.”

Council decided to submit their latest proposal and ask for an in-person response from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. The ministry has approved all other elements of the township’s renewed Official Plan.

Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw nears completion – The township plans to adopt a new comprehensive zoning bylaw in late September, after all members of council have had one further opportunity to consider all of the details in the document. The zoning bylaw presents a set of detailed rules and regulations for all commercial and residential development within the township in accordance with the policies outlined in the Official Plan.

“This is certainly the last time that this council will be preparing a comprehensive zoning bylaw, and a lot of work has gone into it. I think we should have one final look and make sure that the proper uses are identified for all the properties that are included in the mapping that comes with this, and that everything is in order, and then we should consider adopting it in the early fall,” said Mayor Janet Gutowski.

Council agreed to that schedule.

Before leaving the meeting, planning consultant Glenn Tunnock expressed his best wishes to township CAO John Duchene, who is retiring at the end of the week.

“I think he has done a tremendous job for this municipality and it has been sincere pleasure for me to work with John over the years,” Tunnock said.

Multi-use trail centre – Council accepted a report outlining how the committee that has been meeting to talk about a railway-themed building at the meeting point of the K&P and Trans Canada trails across from the township office could proceed.

The report suggests that funding be sought from Frontenac County through gas tax funds, and from the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (FCFDC) to seek expertise in developing a business case for the facility, and outline possible ways it could be constructed. The possibility of private sector participation will also be considered. Issues such as the size and scale of the building, appropriate uses, building design and landscaping, etc, will all be considered.

The estimate cost of the work, $25,000, will not include a contribution from Central Frontenac Township beyond some staff time.

Township says no to rules about fishing and jumping off bridges

In response to some complaints about fishing and jumping at the bridge over the Kennebec Narrows on Henderson Road and its detrimental effect on boaters crossing under the bridge, Council resisted a proposal to ban fishing and jumping off township bridges.

“There is no sense passing a bylaw that cannot be enforced,” said Councilor Frances Smith.

“You can’t legislate intelligence or politeness,” said Councilor Norm Guntensperger, “I think we should leave this alone.”

Council referred the matter to staff to consider new signage and other improvements to the site.

Centre lines and roadside mowing – Public Works Manager Mike Richardson said that the roadside mowing is behind schedule this year, and said, “I haven’t managed the mowing as well as I should have this year so I have to say that in part the lateness is my fault.

He said the mowing should be completed by the end of next week.

Richardson also took some flak from Councilor Bill Snyder over the fact that no centre lines were painted onto the Westport Road this year.

“It is a major road,” Snyder said.

“It has been my practice in other municipalities to paint lines on some roads every second year as a cost-saving measure,” said Richardson. “If council directs I can try to get the Westport Road done without overspending my budget,” he said.

Council passed a motion to that effect in an 8-1 vote, with Councilor Jeff Matson casting the dissenting vote.

Richardson said he would get onto it right away.

“Touch a Truck” event - Councilor Matson initiated a motion supporting an event for youngsters that has been proposed by Northern Frontenac Community Services, which will take place at the Wagner Road station on Oct. 1, 2011, and will aim to familiarize youngsters with the various vehicles of the fire department.

Arena name change - A motion was passed by council supporting the official name change of North Frontenac Community Arena to the Frontenac Community Arena

Money Matters - Council passed a motion authorizing an $85,000 bank loan with RBC to help finance the District 3 Fire Hall solar panel project at 1020 Wagner Road. Council also passed a motion approving a By-Law authorizing a bank loan from RBC for the purchase of a new water tanker for the Fire and Rescue Service.

 

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