Most of this brief November 03 meeting was concerned with ‘housekeeping matters.’

A by-law change states that Councillors McDougall, Revill and Sutherland’s terms on the newly revived Corporate Services Committee will expire at the end of December 2016 to allow for Council members to serve on both this and the Public Services Committee within the 2014-2018 per of Council.

Library branch ownership transfer

Council authorized the ownership transfer of the Sydenham Branch Library building from Frontenac County to South Frontenac Township. In order to qualify for partial (2/3) reimbursement of the $2 million building cost from the Build Canada Fund, the County had applied for funding on the Township’s behalf, and as a result all invoices for construction were processed through the County, which became, technically, the building’s owner. The County has agreed to this transfer of property, for South Frontenac insures and maintains the building, and once the transfer is complete, the Township can add the library building to its asset management plan.

Subdivision changes

Council approved proposed changes to the draft plan of subdivision in Inverary (Willowbrook). Developer Matias has asked to proceed with the development in two phases, so that much of the revision concerned the renumbering of the lots. After some discussion, the timing for completion of a southbound slip lane was changed to “within the first year of registration of Phase One.” There had been concerns that the original requirement of “prior to registration of phase one’ might mean the whole project could be held up by bad weather.

Closed meeting investigator

Council renewed the appointment of Local Authority Services (a subsidiary of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario) as Closed Meeting Investigator. During the past two years, the Township has not needed to use this company’s services, which are seen as a form of insurance.

They are going to be at it again next Saturday night.

Inveterate rocker Tom Revell is bringing his own '60s/'70s band Bauder Road, and will share the stage with Dark Horse, Still Standing, Ten Cent Hat, The Fonzies and other friends in the dance party to end all dance parties, all for a cause that only gains in importance each year.

Proceeds from the dance and silent auction will be shared between the Loughborough Christmas & Emergency Relief Committee and Verona’s Christmas for Kids for their yearly campaigns.

This year's dance marks the start of 16th annual Rock 'n Roll Toy Drive, a Christmas tradition in South Frontenac that provides Christmas presents for families who would not otherwise be able to give them out to their children.

“Everybody works hard to give the best for their children, but sometimes there is no money left over for extras, such as presents, and we raise money for these groups who do such a good job matching presents to families who need them,” said Revell, who works as a youth counselor in his day job.

The group putting on the dance, which is headed by Jamie Deline and Rebecca Wagar, is also seeking donations from area businesses to help in this fundraising event. Contributions will be greatly appreciated in helping give area children a present on Christmas morning. They can be reached through the “16th annual Rockn'roll Toy Drive” Facebook page.

The dance starts at 8 pm and tickets are $20 per person, which includes raffles, silent auctions and an 11pm buffet. They are available at the Legion, E-Clips Hair Salon in Sydenham, Sydenham Pet & Food Supply or by contacting one the organizers directly. They will also be available at the door on the night of the dance.

2016 Capital Budget

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth presented his department’s capital budget for 2016. He and CAO Orr reminded Council that this was just a first step in the budget process: at this time, they were looking for any large items or categories that Council might want added or removed. “There’ll be lots of time for haggling [over details] later in the process.”

This is a large portfolio, covering Facilities and Recreation, Equipment Replacement, Environmental Services,Transportation, and Multi-year Roads projects. Council did not ask for any major changes at this stage, though some items generated quite a bit of discussion:

Deputy Mayor John McDougall praised the township’s upkeep of the Verona Medical Centre, saying Dr. Dempsey credits the township for Verona’s ability to attract new medical staff at a time when rural physicians are very hard to find.

- Mayor Ron Vandewal asked whether Segsworth was planning to hold a public consultation before upgrading the Buck Lake boat ramp. Vandewal had been approached by some Buck Lake cottagers who said they didn’t want the ramp upgraded, fearing it would make it too attractive for ‘outsiders’ to come use ‘their’ lake. This brought a strong reaction around the table, endorsing the principle that the lakes are public property, and should be accessible to all, not just those with cottages. Segsworth said the lakes were public assets, and it was not up to the township to judge who could or could not use them. Councillor Sutherland said he had heard complaints from a number of Buck Lake residents who wanted the ramp repaired. He also said that many township residents who owned boats did not live on waterfront properties.

- Vandewal said he could see no point in upgrading Fermoy Hall unless it was used more frequently. Councillor Pat Barr replied that she thought there might be more use if the hall was improved. She offered to look into the degree of interest, and report back.

- The Sydenham football field upgrade may be completed and sodded by mid-November: an extra $60,000 has been added to the cost, for a protective fence around the field. The school board has been asked to share that expense, but has not yet replied.

- The Point shoreline upgrade is underway and expected to be completed in two weeks.

- An AVL system is planned for Public Works. This can be used to track all township equipment. Might this mean no more Omaha Orange vehicles?

- Council questioned a proposal to buy rather than rent a baler in order to process hard plastics as well as bale wrap: Segsworth will get more details of cost comparisons. He also said the overall goal is to save money by extending the life of our landfills.

- Conversion of all township streetlights to LED will be completed by November 2016.

- Bellrock residents are pleased with the upgrades to their roads and drainage system: Vandewal reported that he’d heard the villagers had been holding barbeques for the roads crew.

- Roads are categorized as a ‘linear asset’. The roads department report outlined a detailed five-year plan for upkeep and repair, accompanied by a township map showing all the recent and proposed road construction. Another two pages of flow charts illustrated the science behind current roadwork decision-making from full depth reclamation through reconstruction, rehabilitation, sealing, overlay, micro-surfacing, etc through to doing nothing.

All this report will become part of the upcoming budget deliberations next month.

Lease Extension Requested

Percy Snider came as a delegation, asking that his 18-month lease on the former township garage be extended to coincide with the term of his contract for waste collection. Snider is applying for a zoning change so he can construct a garage on a part of his own property, but is not sure of the timing. Councillor Sutherland said that he thought this matter should not be negotiated in a public meeting, suggesting that it could be worked out between the CAO and Snider, or brought to an in camera session.

Canoe Lake beach

Seven more letters from area residents, both pro and con having an established public beach associated with the James Campbell severance application, were tabled. Council is withholding any further discussion of the issue until they have had a chance to view the area in question.  

Heritage Conservation Award

Mayor Vandewal presented Barbara Stewart with a plaque from the Frontenac Heritage Foundation recognizing the transformation of the former Hartington stone schoolhouse into the South Frontenac Museum. Mrs Stewart is chair of the Portland and Area Heritage Committee, which initiated and carried out the project with support from South Frontenac’s elected officials and Public Works employees, along with many craftsmen and volunteers. David White also received special commendation for his restoration of the windows. The new museum was one of only six buildings in southeastern Ontario (including the Tett Centre) honoured with this award in 2015.

Zoning by-law amendment on Big Clear Lake

A public meeting introduced rezoning of land on Big Clear (Concession 11, Bedford) to permit three new waterfront residential lots. Only one person spoke: Matt Rennie asked why the staff of Frontenac Park had not been notified, for the park is located directly across the lake from the property in question, and therefore could be considered a “neighbouring property”. The zoning amendment passed without comment later in the meeting.

Sell Sydenham Water?

A motion introduced by Councillor Sutherland asked: A) that Kingston Utilities be asked to confirm the actual capacity of the Sydenham water plant (currently available but unconfirmed figures indicate the plant may be operating well under capacity), and B) that staff report on the feasibility of selling water to bulk haulers as a possible means of increasing income for ongoing operation and maintenance of the plant. After some discussion about potential liability and costs, Mayor Vandewal suggested that Kingston Utilities be asked to research and include all the requested information in their annual operating report re the plant to Council. This was agreed upon, and the motion passed.

Recovery of Lane Naming Expenses

Council passed a by-law amendment which would require the applicant to pay for all costs associated with advertising and administration when a road name is approved by Council other than a name on the pre-approved list. (On October 06, when asked about the costs associated with approving the name “Passchendaele Lane”, planner Mills had said there were none.)

Canoe Lake Beach Issues

The question of water access to a small beach on Canoe Lake along James Wilson Road first came before Committee of the Whole on Sept 22, when James Campbell applied for permission to create three new waterfront residential lots on Canoe Lake.

Opinion about public use of the area is strongly divided. Township planner Mills has received letters from Campbell and nearby property owners objecting to any public use of the area in dispute, stating traffic hazard, lack of parking, danger to children, trespassing, vandalism and garbage among their concerns. More recently, Mills has received several letters in favour of maintaining the sandy beach because there are very few natural beaches in the area for children to swim at. One other letter-writer is concerned about damage to loons, herons and turkey vultures if swimmers continue to use the area, another fears a decrease in property values and still another refers favourably to the sandy strip as “this small amenity”.

Presently, there seems to be no clearly agreed-upon survey, and the full extent of the abutting road allowance has not been established. In his report to Council, Planner Mills recommends against encouraging use of the swim area.

Mayor Vandewal suggested any decision be deferred until Council is able to view the area in dispute during their upcoming fall road-viewing tour, and perhaps a further public meeting might be necessary. This was agreed upon, and the matter was deferred.

Shoreline Restoration at The Point

CAO Orr reported that due to changes in the original plan to include upland sandy play areas, unanticipated rock removal and improved accessibility etc, costs of the project exceed the $100,000 originally budgeted. Lowest of the ten bids received was Crains' Construction, at $109,085. Council approved awarding the bid to Crains', and agreed to an additional $16,085 from the parkland reserve fund to cover the additional costs, which include $7,500 for project management by Riggs Engineering.

Procedural By-Law

The updated procedural by-law was passed, with informal agreement that there needed to be some flexibility about display or wearing of the mayoral chain of office, for it is a heavy item, which some future mayor may find too uncomfortable to wear. (Councillor Schjerning had objected to the idea of merely displaying the chain, contending that this would be inappropriate.)

Public Services Committee Resurrected

A new Public Services Committee was formed, consisting of Councillors Sleeth, Schjerning and Revill.

Widely known for his aviation art, 84-year-old Canadian artist Don Connolly demonstrates that he is an artist who has covered a wide range of styles and subject matter during his close to four-decade-long career as a professional painter.

Connolly, who has been drawing and painting since he can remember, served as a navigator in the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1950s during the Korean Air Lift and later became a squadron leader in the Defense Research Board before resigning from the RCAF in 1966.

Following a second career as a partner in a bookstore/picture framing chain in Ottawa, Don then chose the life of a freelance artist and quickly began to focus on aviation art, a subject close to his heart and mind. These works, totaling over 2000 in his long and illustrious career, have made up 50% of his output; one hundred of them are currently included in museum collections throughout Canada and the United States. Many are also front and center at the Grace Centre show in Sydenham.

One such work titled “Flight: Dream, Myth and Realization” demonstrates Don's fascination with the history of aviation. It is a collage of images highlighting numerous early attempts at aviation through the ages, beginning with the myth of Icarus and his waxed and feathered wings and including a depiction of the Montgolfier brothers' hot air balloon as well as Sir George Cayley's and Clement Ader's early flying machines.

Other works focus on more modern aircraft, which Don paints in highly realistic detail. One work depicts two Sea Furies of the Royal Canadian Navy, and a second a Norseman flying over the Hood River in Canada's Northwest Territories. Another large work, more autobiographical in nature, shows Connolly as a young man visiting what was then the earliest version of the National Canadian Aviation Museum in Rockcliffe, Ontario. He is shown with his in-laws and Don painted himself looking out at the viewer, camera in hand as the family inspects a Junkers bush plane on display.

Not surprisingly, Connolly has always had a fascination with space travel and the most recent work in the show titled “International Space Station - Approaching Toronto” is a precise depiction of the space station while in orbit on a south-easterly course approaching Toronto.

While aviation art is what Connolly is most celebrated for, his curious mind and hands have led him to explore other styles, many of which are included in this show. As an experienced wood worker who has tackled both home and boat building, plywood became the chosen material for some of his more abstract works. These works, often created from carved and painted plywood, demonstrate Don's interest in abstract ideas, but also show his practical need to make work that would appeal to a wider range of art buyers, especially those less interested in the art of aviation. The results are works like “Abstract in Blue and White”, a work that deals more with formal design concerns and ideas. These works show an artist who has a knack for creating eye-pleasing abstractions where colour and shape taken together create stimulating forms and relationships that allow the mind to wander and the eye to delight, unconsumed by any particular subject.

“Planetary Gothic”, another wooden piece painted in shiny gold, merely suggests planetary forms, and its earthiness makes a nice contrast to his more realistic pieces.

Don has no fear of breaking long-standing traditional molds, specifically the typical rectangular canvas format and he made a number of circular works like “Rock” OCO. This work uses curvilinear pieces of particle board laid out in a pleasing decorative pattern and is painted in iridescent colour.

Connolly possesses a wide-ranging knowledge of his subject matter and loves to share that information with his viewers. The show, at the Grace Centre until December 4, is open every Sunday and Don himself will be present on those days from 2 - 4pm. It is a fascinating show and well worth the trip to Sydenham. The Grace Centre is located at 4295 Stage Coach Road in Sydenham.

In the absence of Mayor Vandewal, Deputy Mayor McDougall chaired the meeting.

Desert Lake Causeway’s Culvert

Bill Pedersen, retired owner of Desert Lake Campground and Larry Showler of Frontenac Outfitters, came as a delegation about the culvert between Desert and Holleford Lakes. Speaking of the area’s enormous potential for tourism and small-boat recreation, they asked whether the culvert could be replaced by a bridge similar to the one that had been removed in 1989, to again allow boat passage under the road. The current culvert is due for repair by relining. They hoped that a bridge might also improve the water flow through Holleford Lake, which has become silted and clogged with weeds over the past 15 years.

Councillor Sutherland questioned the value of a bridge, saying he lived near the Mitchell Creek bridge, and since the higher bridge had been installed, the traffic of sea-doos has become an annoyance. He recommended looking at ways of making the short portage across the roadway more convenient.

Budget Time Begins

Council has been asked to comment and provide direction on the proposed 2016 capital budget. The capital budget reflects expenditures that are greater $5,000 and either have a lifespan of over one year, add value to an asset, or are a one-time expenditure.

As a first step, CAO Orr submitted a proposal for a Non Public Works capital budget of $192,500 with $112,500 coming from 2016 taxation, $80,000 from reserves which have been set aside for this purpose. This will address items relating to technologies for corporate services and protective services: both building and fire departments. The public works section, which includes facilities, roads and solid waste services will come forward October 27, and these, along with the operating budget, will be discussed at a special Council session on Saturday Nov 14.

Council has set a target increase in the township’s levy at 2%.

Procedural By-law – absent mayor forced into chain

Council finally moved into the home stretch of what has been a grueling year-long process of bringing their procedural by-laws up to date. Originally proposed by Councillor Schjerning, the process has drawn varying degrees of interest from Council members, but all seemed pleased to have the final issues narrow to a very few.

All agreed on using Roberts’ Rules of Order for situations where the rules of the Canadian Parliament are silent.

Schjerning pressed to reduce the number of meetings from four to two per month, saying that “some staff members have said they find the preparation of reports for weekly meetings is onerous.” When asked about this, CAO Orr said that the number of required reports would not change, though there might be a bit more time to gather information.

“Human nature being human nature, there will still be a scramble for deadlines.” The vote was 4-3 in favour of the status quo, with the possibility of trying out a twice-a-month schedule in the third year of their mandate.

The final issue was a dress code for Council: would all but Pat Barr be required to wear a shirt and tie to meetings? There was quick agreement that individual councillors could be depended upon to dress neatly and appropriately, without resorting to a formal dress code.

The real discussion centered around the township’s new chain of office: now they have one, when should it come out of the drawer? In the mayor’s absence, the final vote was 4-3 in favour of his wearing the chain of office at each meeting.

Johnson Point Development

Councillor Sleeth will arrange a boat so councillors can view the shoreline from the water at Johnson Point on Loughborough Lake, an area proposed for subdivision development. This will be done before freeze-up, while the water’s low.

Nine-year-old Leila Lawrence-Montag of Harrowsmith offers a bag of donated groceries to volunteers with the Southern Frontenac Community Services Food Bank who were collecting food and cash donations outside the Foodland in Sydenham on October 3. The items deemed most needed by coordinators at the Food Bank include canned meats (tuna, salmon, ham and chicken and turkey), beans, soups, chilis and stews, pasta sauces, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter jams and jellies, dry rice and pasta, cold cereals and assorted lunch snacks like granola bars, puddings and apple sauce. For those who missed the event, any food and/or cash and cheque donations can be dropped off at 4419 George Street in Sydenham any time from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Sydenham beer store's disappearing act concerns Council

The Sydenham beer store has been closed for almost a month, replaced by a temporary beer store located in a trailer next to the store. No one on Council seems to know why the bricks and mortar store is closed but they were concerned enough to put the matter on this week's council agenda.

“Every good town needs a beer store.” That statement by Councillor Ross Sutherland might have been enough to get him removed from Council a couple of generations ago, certainly if he was in Portland township. Now, concern about the possibility of losing the Sydenham Beer Store has become a serious economic issue, for if people buy their beer elsewhere they will do the rest of their shopping elsewhere, also. Sutherland added that two locally operated village restaurants have recently closed, leaving villagers without anywhere to meet for meals and socialization. Mayor Vandewal said the Beer Store has not returned his calls.

“Never say Never”

Councillor Sleeth brought a notice of motion that Council refuse to entertain or support any future solar project proposals from either Suncor or Canadian Solar, because these companies had proceeded with a submission for the Collins Lake project in the face of “a clear and overwhelming lack of support from Council and the Community.” (Staff indicated that the companies did substantially reduce the size of the project, before submitting it.)

After discussion, Council decided that such an extreme step might lead to future litigation, and defeated the motion. However, all agreed that the companies in question had behaved in a reprehensible manner, showing disrespect for both residents and municipality. Council directed staff to write to both companies with a copy to the IESO, expressing their dismay over the totally unacceptable behaviour of the developers.

Passchendaele Lane

A brief public meeting was followed by a by-law naming a private lane (part lot 16, concession 3, Bedford). The public meeting was a required formality because the proposed name, Passchendaele, had not been on a recently created list of pre-approved names for lanes. Passchendaele, also known as the third battle of Ypres, took place in 1917.

Accessibility Review

Jannette Amini, Manager of Legislative Services Clerk, County of Frontenac, noted that this June was the 10th anniversary of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). She reviewed the County and Townships’ considerable progress toward making their services and resources fully accessible. Much of this has been facilitated by the Frontenac Accessibility Advisory Committee, which is available throughout the County for consultation, planning and public education.

Fall Road Tour

Public Works Manager Segsworth agreed with Council’s recommendation that they hold a fall road tour before beginning budget planning, to review the upgrades that have been completed this summer, and plans for next year.

Congratulations

Deputy Mayor McDougall noted the Frontenac Heritage Foundation has awarded a Certificate of Commendation to the Township for South Frontenac Museum.

As the more leaves fall from the trees, the night of Halloween quickly approaches, and soon the dead will again be free to return to the earth for that creepy night of the year. For many this means inventive costumes, spooky decorations, buckets and bags filled to brim with candy and a night of trick-or-treating door to door. But for those craving a more fitting experience, a scare through a haunted house or barn can be just the thrill they need.

Located in Sydenham at 2932 on Rutledge Road, just down from the high school. Is the fifth year for a Haunted Barn that has been providing a fright for haunters on the eerie night with a new theme each season. Held Halloween night from 6-9:30 - Previous displays have included a Zombie Wedding, Gates of Hell, and Sloats Landing Asylum. With a cast of up to twenty, and an attendance of around three-hundred, this holidays fright is yet to be witnessed. While not recommended for children under the age of six, monetary or food donations will go to Southern Frontenac SFCSC. You can check it out on facebook @ Haunted Barn Sydenham. Beware of the chainsaw clutching clowns as you try to ignore the screams of the helpless victims.

Regrettably, the Haunted Walk hosted by Peter Hollywood and Hazel Lee on Halloween night will not be held in Verona this coming season, but will rather have a grander location in Kingston. Starting small fixed up in a house, creating most of the decorations themselves. The Haunting hosts spent nearly every spare moment investing in their production this fall. Looking for a more ambitious project as they mark the 9th year for the conjoined passion, they invite all those who have braved the feat in the past to seek out their new venue. Titled Peter's Creepers Halloween Scream for those 14 and up, and any of those under the age accompanied by a guardian. An admission of 5 dollars will go to Corus Entertainment's Clothes for Kids, and what's more is an offer to get photographed during the experience. As for the younger crowd, a more imaginative scene titled Witch Hazel's Little Shop of Horrors will rate at 2 dollars whose proceeds will likewise go to Corus Entertainment's Clothes for Kids. With months of preparation, and a stimulus of fears, it is surely a terror to be explored.

The haunted hours for the Frontenac Mall are: Saturday, October 24th from 11am to 5pm. Sunday October 25th 11am to 4pm. Wednesday October 28th 4pm to 9pm. Thursday October 29th 4pm to 9pm. Friday October 30th 4pm to 9pm. Saturday October 31st 10am to 5pm

No less than 20 steaming pots of chili were the main attraction for hungry guests who attended the second annual Sydenham Chili Fest fundraiser for St. Paul's Anglican Church on September 19.

With names like Melt Your face Off, Walk the Dog, Fire in the Hole, Cocoa Loco, Spine Tingler, Chili Chili Bang Bang and El Scorcho, chili connoisseurs had a field day sampling the various tasty concoctions, each donated either by members of the church congregation or the local community.

Each entry strove to win over the taste buds of the five brave people who had volunteered to judge the chilis, including St. Paul's Rev. Guiseppe Gagliano, South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal, South Frontenac school trustee Suzanne Ruttan, Deputy Fire Chief Tom Veldman and special guest judge Bill Welychka from CKWS-TV in Kingston.

The colourful and lively fundraiser attracted chili lovers of all ages to the outdoor street event, which also offered up free pony rides from Deline Ponies; live music courtesy of the bands Floored and the church's own The Crossing band; face painting and balloon animals courtesy of the Not So Amateur Amateurs; and cotton candy and popcorn. A whole host of local sponsors contributed to help make the event an enjoyable one for all ages.

The judges rated the three categories of mild, medium and hot chilis based on criteria that included colour, aroma, consistency, taste and after-taste, and the winners took home Chili Fest aprons donated by Hendrick's and adorned with the official Sydenham Chili Fest logo, which was designed and donated by Paula MacDonald of Just A Tees.

Katt Bulch, a member of the St .Paul's congregation, who along with her family regularly attend the church's lively Saturday night service called The Crossing, founded and organized the event. Bulch said she was inspired by the Kingston Chili Fest and wanted to create a similar event in Sydenham that would “ pull the church and Sydenham community together”. New this year was a fan favorite category where attendees had a chance to vote for their favorite batch. The event attracted 150 chili lovers last year, and is steadily growing in popularity. Bulch said she was hoping to surpass that number this year.