Central Frontenac Council - Nov. 27

Jeff Green | Nov 29, 2012

Safe properties bylaw still needs work, but it is getting closer

A draft version of a new Safe Properties bylaw was presented to Central Frontenac Council on Tuesday afternoon (November 27)

Councilor Tom Dewey was the first to speak to the new draft. He proposed a number of wording changes intended to clarify and in some cases, strengthen the bylaw. Among the items that were the most discussed was a provision regarding “refuse”, which will not be permitted under the draft bylaw.

“Refuse” is defined in item 3 of the draft bylaw as “garbage, waste, debris, long grass, brush, clippings or other material that may promote or be susceptible to fire and rodents, timber, lumber, building materials or any other type of product or material that may be susceptible to fire or present a risk to safety.”

“We live in a big, swampy area,” said Councilor Norm Guntensperger. “If we pass this as written then every single property with 'long grass' will be deemed unsafe.

Councilor Heather Fox said, “I agree with Norm; I thought that provision was going to be taken out of the bylaw after our last discussion.”

Councilor Frances Smith said she thought some provisions in the bylaw “seem to be written with the built up areas in mind. If we attach a schedule to the bylaw saying those provision only apply in the hamlets, then those properties where there are no neighbours within sight will be left alone.

Smith's proposal was rejected by a number of speakers.

“I think there should be one set of rules for everyone,” said Mayor Gutowski. “Don't forget that enforcement will be complaints driven, so that will keep the focus on the more densely populated areas.

Another provision in the bylaw say that properties must be kept free from “inoperable vehicles, trailers, machinery, tools, tires, appliances, equipment or any parts thereof” and another says that every property shall be kept free from any pit, excavation or deep water that is unfenced or unprotected against dangerous risk of accident.”

Penalties for contravening the bylaw will range from $500 to $5,000.

After some further discussion the bylaw was sent back to staff for more revisions. It will come back to Council on December 10.

Green light to co-op solar: Ian Robery appeared before Central Frontenac Council on Tuesday (November 27) as well as at a business breakfast in Sharbot Lake last week. He represents a not-for-profit corporation called Queen Street Solar, an affiliate of the Options for Green Energy.

Queen Street Solar is seeking to get a foothold in Frontenac County. What they do is build solar energy systems that are larger than the normal private micro-fit program but are eligible for the micro-fit program, which pays a premium price to small-scale electricity producers from Ontario Power Generation. Queen Street uses public sector rooftops for their projects, sells shares to members of the public, and pays profits over the 20-year lifespan of the project.

“Just as micro-fit projects are profitable for private investors who have $20,000 to $80,000 available to spend, we pool money from many investors to put up solar arrays and pay the profits back to the investors,” Robery said.

He added that Ontario Power Generation, which was reluctant to approve co-op projects when micro-fit projects first came on, are now favoring them.

Queen Street Solar has its eyes on the roof of the Olden Garage for its first Frontenac County project, and Robery asked Council to permit Queen Street access to the garage to further evaluate the possibility. If they decide to proceed, they would offer the township payment to lease the roof, and would sell shares in the project. Local involvement is required for the project to go ahead. For now, Robery only asked Council to pass a motion in favor of solar projects in principle, and giving leave to investigate the Olden garage project. Council passed the motion.

For more information on co-op green energy projects and investments, go to Optionsforgreenenergy.ca

Mountain Grove Library building safe, but outdated: Township Chief Building Official Jeremy Neven, responding to a request from Council, presented a report on the state of repair of the Mountain Grove Library building, which was formerly a school, township office, and fire hall. Neven found that the “building is generally sound and stable, however, significant expense would need to be incurred to bring the building and its mechanical systems up to current standards and codes.”

Measures would include damp proofing the basement, insulating walls and attics and upgrading the heating systems.

Mayor Gutowski said, “It is important, after some comments were made by members of council, that we reassure library staff that the building is safe and free of mould. Given the cost of upgrades, however, Council needs to consider whether this building should be kept in our inventory into the future.”

Minimum building size proposal nixed: Township Planning Consultant Glen Tunnock presented a draft revision of the comprehensive zoning bylaw. It contained a number of measures to clarify elements of the bylaw, which mostly received the acceptance of council, and will be presented to the public in December. One proposed measure was not well received, however.

“I have hesitated to bring this forward in the past,” said Tunnock, “but it is common for there to be a minimum building size in most comprehensive zoning bylaws, and I am proposing one be set at 900 square feet. There have been few if any applications for buildings smaller than that for a number of years so it would not likely hinder any development.”

Mayor Gutowski said that the limit might impede the building of not-for profit seniors' housing, which is a priority for the township.

Councilor Guntensperger said he was concerned the limit might push some builders to build in secret, without permits.

“This would probably eliminate granny suites,” said Councilor Tom Dewey.

Tunnock said he would pull the minimum standard from the proposed bylaw before bringing it forward to the public.

Five-year capital budget: Treasurer Michael McGovern presented a draft five-year capital budget for Council's consideration. The budget is subject to revision each year, but is intended to help with long term planning. The most expensive area in the budget is road and bridge projects and public works equipment. It calls for about $1.3 million in public works spending each year, with a focus on equipment purchases in the first two years, and road and bridge projects in years 3-5. The budget calls for a spending spike in the third year, 2015, but that is based on the expectation of a granting program in that year, and a successful application to that program by the township for the reconstruction of Elizabeth Street in Sharbot Lake.