| Dec 15, 2011


New works manager to make his mark in North Frontenac

Jim Phillips has kept a low profile since taking on the role of public works manager in North Frontenac a couple of months ago.

Philips was hired after a summer-long search took place, a search that became necessary after the abrupt (and involuntary, the News has learned) retirement of John Ibey in the spring.

But as North Frontenac Council begins the 2012 budget process, Phillips will have a higher profile, with council at least, as decisions are made about roads and other projects for 2012.

In a 2011 projects report that was presented to a Council meeting on Monday, December 12, Phillips listed a number of projects that did not get completed this year and outlined briefly how he plans to revisit them in the new year.

He made the point that the vacancy and hiring of a new public works manager was mainly responsible for a relatively high number of projects being carried over to the new year, although there were other reasons as well.

“Some of the projects would have a significant impact on the 2012 budget,” said Chief Administrative Officer/ Treasurer Cheryl Robson.

One of those projects is the replacement of the Folger Road bridge. A consultant’s report had estimated the cost of the replacement at $650,000, which would have eaten up much of the 2011 construction budget. Monies were budgeted in 2011, using the township’s gas tax rebate funds, to use an alternate technology, which was to cost only $72,550 and be completed by township employees instead of outside contractors.

“Upon review, it appears that the cost to design and construct the new concrete abutments may be understated. A review of the full scope of this project is planned for the 2012 budget,” Phillips wrote in his report to Council.

Construction on the River Road to replace a 6’ culvert had been planned at a cost of $24,000, using a more simplified approach than was recommended by AECOM Engineering for $345,000.

“A review of the scope of this project is also planned for the 2012 budget,” said Phillips.

Council approved up to $50,000, to be taken from the roads reserve fund, for repairs to the back wall of the Clar-Mill Sand/Salt storage building, “but it now appears that reinforcement of the side walls may also be warranted and that will most likely exceed the budgeted amount,” Phillips said.

Other smaller projects that were not completed include the retrofit of the Ompah fuel storage tank and pump, for which $10,000 was budgeted. However, a contractor quote exceeded that amount.

Money was also put aside for the North Frontenac portion of the Skootamatta Road, a boundary road with Addington Highlands, for repairs and preparation for paving, but the $40,000 for Skoottamatta Road was diverted to fund work on Big Gull Lake Road.

“Is it fair to say that you are reconsidering some of the projects from last year that did not go ahead?” asked Councilor John Inglis of Jim Phillips.

“I just wanted to have a thorough look at everything before making recommendations,” Phillips responded.

EODP heavily subscribed – Anne Prichard from the Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation (FCFDC) made a presentation to Council about the Eastern Ontario Development Plan (EODP) and opportunities for funding support for municipal projects.

The first funding applications will be due on February 6 for projects that are to commence in April of 2012.

There were two earlier deadlines, November 14 and November 28, to allocate funds for 2011.

 

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