South Frontenac Council - Jun 7/16

Wilma Kenny | Jun 08, 2016

“Housekeeping” By-laws Pass

By-law 2016-20, proposed in order to tidy up small mapping errors and clarify wording in parts of the text of the 2003 Zoning by-law, passed with little comment.

However, two sections, initiated to clarify wording related to structures built within the 30 metre setback from waterbodies, were brought forward separately, as by-law 2016-36, for the proposed changes have raised great anxiety among lakeside dwellers and cottagers. Section 5.10.2 now says existing buildings within the 30 metre setback may be repaired, renovated or strengthened, provided there is no increase in size, but “reconstruction of the building is prohibited. Once more than fifty percent of the exterior load-bearing walls of a structure located within the thirty metre setback have been removed, the land is deemed to be vacant and the structure may not be reconstructed within the thirty metre setback.”

Section 5.11 says that if a legal non-conforming building or structure is destroyed by wind, fire, flood or any other any natural disaster, it can be replaced “by obtaining a building permit”, but the replacement structure must be on the same footprint as the original, the gross floor size must be the same, and the building permit must be applied for within 12 months of the building’s destruction.

Mayor Vandewal reminded Council that those in unusual situations have the option of meeting with the Committee of Adjustment for help in working out a solution. The by-law passed with a recorded vote: Councillors Schjerning, Sleeth and Roberts were opposed.

Organizational Review Not So Lucky

CAO Wayne Orr brought five recommendations for adoption: 1) that Council set the goal of becoming the delegated authority for the approval of subdivisions and plans of condominium by 2019; 2) that Council accept the CAO’s organizational review recommendations (which include setting up a senior management team of CAO, Public Works Manager, Treasurer and Development Services Manager, reassigning offices of several staff members, creating and hiring a Development Services Manager position which would oversee the Planner and Chief Building Official, focus on streamlining the development process and enhancing customer service); 3) that the Development Services Manager’s job include preparing the Township to be ready to assume responsibility for approval of subdivisions and plans of condominium; 4) that funding for the above be allocated from working funds: 5)that the 2017 and 2018 recommendations be brought forward for decision prior to those year’s budget deliberations.

Councillor McDougall spoke in favour of Orr’s proposals, saying that the new position of Development Services Manager would be needed if the township hopes to work toward assuming greater planning responsibilities, and “reassignment of staff roles and office space is not my business (as a councillor).”

Councillor Ron Sleeth said he was unhappy with the whole recommendation and although he approved of moving the approval of subdivisions from the County to the Township, he did not think the Public Works Manager’s office should be moved to the Township hall.

Mayor Ron Vandewal asked “why the hurry?” saying he felt back-up for the CAO was more important, he didn’t like moving Public Works, and he was concerned about the additional $71,000 these proposals would cost.

Deputy Mayor Ross Sutherland suggested Orr’s five recommendations be voted on separately, and the vote be recorded.The first recommendation, that the Township work toward assuming greater planning responsibilities, passed. The next two were tie votes, and therefore defeated. Vandewal, Roberts and Sleeth voted against both, Barr and Revill against 2 & 3, respectively. All agreed there was no point in even voting on the remaining two.

Councillor John McDougall later brought a notice of motion to refer Orr’s proposals to the Corporate Services Committee for further discussion.

Council Approved:

An additional $300,000 from gas tax money for a new sand/salt storage shed at Storrington, as the lowest bid came in below what had been budgeted (Mayor Vandewal was strongly opposed).

Five new i-Pads for members of Committee of Adjustment,

Hooking up the Verona Community Association’s new electronic sign to a street light power supply and absorbing the monthly cost of $50.

Council Did Not Approve:

Purchase of 500 copies of the Algae and Aquatic Plant Educational manual (cost $1,500) for distribution to Lake Associations.