Fees for Municipal Services Going Up In North Frontenac

Craig Bakay | Aug 23, 2023

What the Township charges for various services and such took up a sizeable portion of the Aug. 17 North Frontenac Council meetings agenda in Plevna.

First, an amendment to the fees and charges bylaw on what the Township will charge for sponsoring (ie advertising on signs) the Scenic Route and Historic Loop Signage was the subject of a special public meeting that preceded the regular public meeting. Said amendment was later passed during the bylaws segment of the regular meeting.

Later on in the regular meeting, Council heard a report on proposed fees and charges changes with respect to tax certificates ($40 or $80 if required within 48 hours), dishonoured cheques $35), tax sales ($350 administration fee), extension agreements ($200) and an arrears notice fee ($2 per notice).

Coun. Vernon Hermer took issue with the timing of some of the fees.

“I don’t disagree with the fees but I think this is the wrong time to impose them,” Hermer said. “Housing starts are down and a big reason is the cost.”

Treasurer Kelly Watkins replied that perhaps that comment might be more appropriate to the next item on the agenda — Building Department fees Update.

However, Dep. Mayor John Inglis had a beef with one on the list in question at the time — the $2 arrears notice fee.

“I know it’s only $2 but if you’re in arrears, you’re already paying interest,” Inglis said. “This is adding insult to injury.

“We should delete this.”

“I agree,” said Mayor Gerry Lichty. “It should be $10.

“What can you get for $2?”

However, when it came time to call the question, Lichty himself suggested a friendly amendment to drop the $2 fee, which was accepted.

Next, it was time for an administration report on proposed Building Department fees including adding an $80 non-refundable application fee, removing the $80 non-refundable deposit, updating construction value to be based on Statistics Canada values, changing the minimum permit fee to $180 rather than $80, adding a plumbing permit flat fee of $180 not subject to an application fee, adding a “not ready for inspection” surcharge of $180, construction or alteration of a Class 2, 3, 4 or 5 sewage system $978, construction or alteration of a Class A sewage system (Class A represents flows greater than 4,500 litres $1,080 per system, and installation or replacement of a septic tank only $772 per system.

While agreeing that these changes would increase the cost of home construction, Coun. Wayne Good said: “we can’t ask the taxpayers to subsidize someone building a new house.”

Coal in Ones Stocking

Council turned down an invitation from the Land O’ Lakes Lions Club to participate with a float in this year’s Santa Claus Parade.

Coun. Wayne Good said they had put a float in one year but it was “a lot of work” and didn’t feel justified in asking staff donating their time.

Coun. Fred Fowler said he’d feel better about a float if it was solely in North Frontenac a recalled fond memories of a “surreal experience through the wilds” during Ompah to Plevna parades.

Coun. Stephanie Regent suggested Council members could participate by walking in the parade and handing out candy.

“Running, you mean,” said Mayor Gary Lichty. “I did that last year with the Lions Club and there was no walking involved.”

Lichty also pointed out that the Township already participates by sending vehicles, including those it shares with Addington Highlands and “the Reeve of Addington Highlands wasn’t on a float. He was in the cab of one of the trucks waving.”

Pickleball

Council thanked the Plevna Picklers for their generous donation of a pickleball net for the Plevna Pickleball Courts.

Winter Parking

Council passed a bylaw replacing a previous one regulating the parking of vehicles, boats and trailers within the Township.

“Throughout the past, there have been issues with people parking on municipal roads in the winter time,” said CAO Corey Klatt in his report. “(This) causes issues with winter maintenance as well as the potential impact of emergency vehicles to access a property in the event of an emergency.”

The new bylaw will set fines and allow for towing in certain instances whereas the old bylaw only allowed for towing.

“The bylaw enforcement officer had expressed concerns with towing in a rural area as there is potential for municipal liability in certain situations, such as having a vehicle towed far away from any resources with no option for the owner to call a taxi due to unreliable cell service,” he said.