South Frontenac Committee of the Whole

Wilma Kenny | Nov 18, 2019

Problems at Devil Lake Culvert
Several local residents spoke of the continuing problem with nighttime commercial fishing at the culvert on Perth Road a couple of kilometres north of the Devil Lake boat launch site. They listed trespassing, dangerous and illegal roadside parking, large quantities of fish being taken, sometimes out of season, lights and noise all night, garbage, excrement and often defiance and rudeness. “I can’t rent one of my cottages because of the noise and lights all night, so it’s available to any member of Council who’d like a free weekend next summer on Devil Lake, just to see what we’re talking about” offered Roger Brice. Roger Jones said he has watched a steady decline in fish in recent years. They cited similar problems in Port Hope, Peterborough, and Westport. Mark Segsworth, Director of Public Works, said there was a plan to add more ‘No Parking’ signs to the area, and after some discussion, Mayor Vandewal indicated that Council would reach out to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the OPP to see how enforcement of trespassing and overfishing could be increased, particularly at night.

CRCA Draft Budget
Katrina Furlanetto, incoming General Manager, Cataraqui Conservation Authority, began with a brief outline of the agency and its roles.

The CRCA is responsible for management of 11 watersheds over 11 municipalities, an area stretching along the St Lawrence from Napanee to Brockville, and north through much of South Frontenac. The agency protects drinking water sources, manages flooding and erosion hazards, provides education and outdoor recreation areas for all ages, and has planted over 1.5 million trees over the past ten years. It’s a reliable source of information and technical advice.

In the face of two Provincial government directives in late August, which forbade any increases to fees or levies “while legislation and regulations are put in place, unless they are supported by your partner municipalities for 2020 and beyond,” the CRCA has been forced to make some major adjustments. They have cut back on programs (eg, they will no longer rent canoes and kayaks at the Outer Division Street property), reduced staff by five, and hope to soon move their headquarter offices to leased space at Fairmount, Frontenac County. It is anticipated that sharing some office resources would provide savings for both agencies.

The current draft budget would result in 0.9% increase in the levy for South Frontenac, or $1.215.35 over last year, for a total of $144,823.

RFP for Garbage and Recycling
Mark Segsworth said the initial RFP for collection of household garbage and recycling was issued in 2010, and has been renewed since then, pending anticipated provincial changes in how the Blue Box would be funded. However “based on recent provincial announcements about the timelines of that rollout, staff feels the Township can move ahead with a new tender now.”

The last renewal of the current contract will end on August 31, so Segsworth is bringing proposed changes and additions to specifications for discussion by the Committee of the Whole. These include: pickup for the whole township, except for what is collected by township staff; four day a week pickup, with same day garbage and recycling for all; payment to be based on number of households, rather than weight; a five-year contract plus a two-year renewal option; no more private lane collection; collection on both sides of road; recyclables in recycle bins only.

Councillor Sutherland addressed the concern that putting the whole township out as a unit might be more likely to attract an outside provider from a big company. Segsworth replied that the sprawling, rural nature of South Frontenac was unlikely to attract outsiders, who are looking for the best return on their time. Mayor Vandewal added that a local contractor would have the advantage of knowing the area and its requirements better than anyone else. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillor Sutherland, all expressed concern about ending private lane pickup.

When asked for his opinion, the current contractor Snider said he recommended the township be divided into three pickup areas, rather than four, in order to provide enough work hours for the contractor’s employees.

Segsworth thanked Council for its comments, and said he would return in the New Year with an outline of various RFP options.