Noise bylaw exemption on hold

A request from the Mazinaw Lakeside Dine and Recline on Highway 41 for an exemption to the township’s noise bylaw for events on each of the three summer long weekends was opposed by a couple who have a seasonal residence near the resort.

The couple, who drove up from Hamilton for the meeting, said that on two occasions so far this year, one in March and again on the Victoria Day weekend, the noise has been excessive.

“We have been pretty patient, but the noise has increased each time. The amplification has increased. We thought we'd better make our point before this becomes hell on wheels,” one of the couple said.

“It is difficult enough to have a business in this area and we don’t want to discourage anyone,” said Reeve Henry Hogg, “but if the neighbours aren't being taken into account it is a problem. I can see asking people to put up with one event per year, but at some point consideration must be given.”

“We are not the only ones who have a problem with this. We have friends among permanent residents who don't want to make waves, but the sound really is something else. I'd rather hear a Skil-saw going over pavement,” said the other person.

“I think we should say no to this request and communicate to them that we would agree to one event per year,” said Councilor Tony Fritsch.

“On Victoria Day they didn't even ask for an exemption,” pointed out Councilor Helen Yanch.

Nonetheless, Council did decide to reject the request for three exemptions while indicating to Mazinaw Lakeside that a request for a single exemption would likely receive a different response.

Trouble brewing on County Road 41

A section of Highway 41 located south of Highway 7, where the highway is owned and maintained by Lennox and Addington County, is facing the possibility of flooding if a beaver dam on Raccoon Lake lets out.

Public Works Manager Royce Rosenblath told Council that when the road was worked on by the county a couple of years ago, a culvert underneath was blocked.

“We need to find the end of that culvert, which is not only 30 metres long but goes under the road at a 45° angle, to get it unblocked before something happens,” said Rosenblath, “ but it won't be an easy job.”

“If they caused this, don't they pay for this work to fix it?” asked Deputy Reeve Bill Cox.

“No, not for this,” said Rosenblath.

“But if the road is washed out they will have to deal with that,” Cox said.

“They would, but we would like to avoid that.”

Rosenblath also said that calcium will be applied to gravel roads in the township between June 23 and July 15 for dust suppression purposes.

“We have to make sure we don’t put it on before a rain, Rosenblath said.

Sewage backup at Denbigh Community Centre

Councilor Tony Fritsch said that for a third time, coincidentally always on a Saturday, there was a septic backup at the Addington Highlands Community Centre-Denbigh.

The problem was dealt with the following Monday, with the help of a contractor, but “we are baffled as to the cause of this, although there is a bit of a belly in the pipe as well as two 45 degree turns in it before it reaches the tank, we think.”

The situation will be monitored for now.

“We hope it doesn't happen again, but if it does we will have to deal with it. It costs each time, of course,” said Fritsch.

Slow down at fire hall construction site

Fire Chief Casey Cuddy reported that uneven rock underground at the site where the Northbrook Fire Hall is being constructed is slowing down the project.

“They didn't see this coming when they first looked at the site,” Cuddy said, “and because of it they had to sink pipes in the ground, which has slowed things down.”

“Will this put the price up, or is it something they should have anticipated before bidding?” asked Bill Cox.

“They haven't said anything,” said Cuddy.

On another issue, Cuddy said that the Napanee Fire Department, which has been providing dispatch for Addington Highlands, is getting out of the business. Cuddy said that AH is looking at entering a contract with the Kingston Fire Department, which is what Napanee is going to do.

Cuddy said he will talk to the Belleville department as well.

Meeting was opened with one minute’s silence, to honour the memory of Debbie Bracken, who for many years was Township treasurer.

Banking Bid Decided

Treasurer Fragnito reported that, of the five proposals from area banks, two stood out from the rest: National Bank and RBC. After satisfying interview requirements, she and CAO Orr recommended continuing the Township’s banking relationship with the RBC: “…we both strongly felt that…although National Bank offered the best net position to the Township, there would be a loss functionality and internal controls.” Council agreed to enter into a five year agreement with the RBC, with an option to renew for a further two years.

Surplus Money

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) announced in May that they had surplus funds from Gas Tax money set aside for administration, and would be distributing, on a one-time basis, the unused funds back to municipalities to invest in infrastructure. South Frontenac’s share of $14,937.65 will be allocated to the Township’s Federal Gas Tax reserve until a project is chosen.

ComplIance Audit Committee

Amendments to the Municipal Elections Act require Council to appoint a committee to review written complaints about campaign finances. Council approved the appointment of three qualified applicants: Roxy Dennison-Stewart and Christine Bell, both of Loughborough, and Sandy Cameron of Bedford.

“We Need a Policy”

A proposal for a Storrington subdivision draft plan hit a snag over a comment from Public Works advising that 712 metres of municipal road between the firehall and the subdivision entrance should be surface treated by the developer.

Public Works Manager Segsworth said this was based on the projected increase of traffic over this portion of gravel road, citing similar requirements for passing lanes and upgrades to intersections which developers have been required to provide before gaining approval for other projects. Planner Mills confirmed that there were provisions in the Planning Act which would allow this.

Councillor McPhail agreed that if such improvements were required, saying they should not become a burden on all taxpayers. Mayor Davison and Deputy Mayor Vandewal both said that although the road upgrade sounded like a good idea, the Township needed a clear policy before requiring a private developer to upgrade a public road.

Council voted to defer a decision to forward the draft report to the County, pending further discussion.

For her fourth year, certified swim instructor and lifeguard, Holly Dickinson, will be heading up the Central Frontenac Swim Program, which will take place at four public beaches in the township this summer.

The program offers accreditation in the Red Cross Swim Kids and Pre-School Program in two separate three-week sessions. The first runs from July 7 to July 25 and offers a choice of morning classes at Long Lake near Parham or afternoon classes at Big Clear lake in Arden. The second session runs from July 28 to August 15 with a choice of morning classes at Sharbot Lake or afternoon classes at Eagle Lake. The lessons, which cost $45 per session, are available to children 4 years and older and include instruction in swimming skills, water and sun safety, ice and water rescue and rescue breathing. Participants who successfully complete the program receive a badge for the level they have completed.

Katie Hawley will be assisting Holly for her second year. Dickinson said that program is an important way to promote confidence in youngsters around the water. “In this area known as the Land O'Lakes we are surrounded by so many lakes and so much water that it is really important that kids know how to be confident in and around it so that they can stay safe.” The program is geared both to youngsters new to the water and to children who already know how to swim. Regarding the latter, Dickinson said that the program teaches swimmers what they do not know, specifically how to react in stressful, unexpected or dangerous situations in and around the water. “The program prepares those who already know how to swim, how to swim or stay afloat in any unforeseen and unplanned situations. In high stress situations not only children but also adults who know how to swim can get into trouble simply because they get scared and panic. But when the swimmer can recall some kind of previous preparation that they have learned beforehand, they are much more able to deal with the situation.”

Dickinson cited the 2014 Drowning Report, which states that incidents of drowning in Ontario have increased by 8% since the previous report and most accidents involve water craft accidents, and the absence of life jackets, i.e. situations where people and children are unprepared. Along those lines Dickinson said children are taught an in-water safety tactic called a “help huddle”, which instructs them to huddle together in a group to stay warm and to conserve energy by linking arms and holding their knees into their chests. The program also teaches disoriented entries into the water, which simulate accidental falls into water. Participants learn how to somersault into the water and how to surface and swim back to a safe place.

While safety is a key element of the program, Dickinson said that the focus is also on fun, fitness and confidence. Dickinson said that for youngsters who tend to be fearful, she and Katie use positive and encouraging reinforcement and utilize numerous games and activities that make learning to swim fun. They also provide one-on-one time for children who need special attention. Children who may not show a desire or affinity for swimming often benefit from swimming in a social situation where there are other children around.

For more skilled swimmers the program also offers the Life Saving Society's Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross accreditations for children 13 years and older, which focus primarily on water rescues and first aid. These advanced programs are preparation for further life guard courses. For more information about the program or to register call 613-279-2935 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

After five weeks on the job, fresh from his daughter’s wedding in Calgary, Kelly Pender seems to be relaxed and happy about taking on the CAO position in Frontenac County.

He is certainly aware - and this was likely made clear during the hiring process, which was wholly controlled by members of county council - that there has been an unprecedented level of mistrust of the county’s senior staff among at least some council members.

But if that phases him he is not letting on. He said, “I have seen a lot in 30 years in municipal government and each council has its own specific character. Thus far, everybody's been very welcoming, council and staff, and I have appreciated their attitude. It's been a busy five weeks, and I think now the learning curve is starting to flatten out.”

He said the unique geography of the county, which runs from moose country in Vennachar to the border with New York State on Wolfe Island, as well as the limited number of county services in relation to township services, “is certainly different from what I dealt with in my previous roles in Belleville, Perth or Huntsville, but each county has its own arrangements, which are all unique. The Ontario Municipal Act allows for different service delivery models and the Frontenac one was developed by the politicians in Frontenac County to suit its own reality.”

He said that initiatives by the public works departments of the four townships in waste management, roads and bridge maintenance, represent a high level of co-operation between the townships. “We have our sustainability planner, Joe Gallivan, attending meetings of the public works managers, but there is no need for the county to take any role in service delivery. The townships provide excellent service as it is.”

Looking forward, he said the county strategic planning process, which is wrapping up, will identify around three strategic goals, “but it will be up to the next council to decide if they want to follow through with those goals. The plan identifies goals, but goals require finances to become reality, and that will be up to the new council. A goal without money is merely a wish.”

He also said that the new County Official Plan, which has been completed in draft form and sent on to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for comment, will be a factor in the future role of the County.

In terms of economic development, Pender said, “What is required is a made in Frontenac County solution. What was done in Muskoka [where he worked for the past six years] or in Prince Edward County, will not work in Frontenac County.”

It will require input from the local communities, he said, but the county can play a co-ordinating and management role. “We have assets in Frontenac County, the beauty of the land, the trail and road network, a strong local food movement - all the elements are there and there needs to be a made in Frontenac plan for economic development for it to work.”

As for his own future, the first order of business will be to sell the house in Huntsville that he owns with his wife Rosemary. With their children recently gone, they are not sure whether they will be looking for a house in Kingston or in a rural location, perhaps in Frontenac County.

“We have lived in urban and rural locations and have enjoyed both. We'll have to see once our house sells,” he said.

One of the appeals of the job in Frontenac County was the location. The Penders have lived in Belleville and Perth as well as Marmora and Huntsville as Kelly moved from a job as a planning co-ordinator in Belleville to CAO of the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority in Marmora before stints as CAO in both Perth and Huntsville.

Although this is his first job as a county administrator he says, “I have worked most of my careers under the Ontario Municipal Act, which applies to counties and towns in equal measure.”

Township sets ambitious goal for energy conservation

Chief Building Official Jeremy Neven has been working on an energy management plan for the township. The provincially mandated process required an audit of energy consumption by the township, followed by an action plan to make improvements.

The plan's ambitious target is a 5% reduction in consumption of fuels and energy each year until 2020.

Current energy costs in the township exceed $130,000 per year, and if successful the management plan could bring that down to $100,000, barring increases in energy costs.

But there will be costs to implementing the plan, although those are generally one-time costs and the savings will accumulate over time. One anticipated addition are solar photovoltaic systems on “all corporate facilities with sound, south-facing roofs” said Neven’s report.

“I can see how we can achieve 5% in the first year or two, by finding the easy fixes, etc. but I think it will be difficult in the 5^th and 6^th years,” said Councilor John Purdon.

“This is a living document and subject to change,” Neven said. “We had to pick a target and I thought we might as well pick an aggressive one.”

Council approved the document, which is expected to have budgetary consequences in 2015.

Sustainability speaker series

Frontenac Islands Mayor Dennis Doyle and Dr. Barry Gilbert, a Wolfe Island-based member of the Frontenac County Sustainability Advisory Committee, made Central Frontenac the first stop on their tour of township councils. They are promoting a project in support of a project the committee is bringing forward, a community speakers series.

“Our idea is to engage with residents of Frontenac County on subjects that matter to them, creating opportunities for residents to connect with others and improve their communities” said Dennis Doyle.

The advisory committee will co-ordinate the events and work with the townships on promotion, and Doyle said that they needed to find out what topics would be of interest in the different townships. Examples of topics include: developing resilient communities, helping homeowners find environmental solutions, local living and eating, climate conscious communities, etc.

“We are hoping to hear from your council or community members about what would be of interest in Central Frontenac before we go any further,” said Dennis Doyle.

Building season underway, finally

Permits for $935,000 in construction, including three new residential units, catapulted in May, 2014 well over either of the last two years ($587,000 in 2013 and $373,000 in 2012).

It is particularly important for the township because it comes after the worst first third of the year in construction permits in recent memory.

The cumulative value of construction between January and April was $345,000, a far cry from the $1.75 million at the same time in 2013 and $1 million in 2012.

With the strong May, construction at this point in the year is now on par with 2012 while still almost $1 million behind the stronger 2013.

“It does give us some hope that we will have a solid summer,” said Neven.

New building bylaw harmonises with South Frontenac

Based on the new Ontario Building code, Jeremy Neven has revamped the township's building bylaw.

The new bylaw includes provisions for partial building permits, which Neven said will be useful when people are ready to get started on a project but do not have everything in place for the entire permit. It also allows the township to abandon permits that have been taken out but not acted on, sometimes for years, and puts permit fees and regulations in line with those in South Frontenac.

“A number of builders work in both townships and it will save frustration for them to deal with a single set of rules,” said Neven.

After time for public comment, the bylaw will come back to council in August.

MVCA Addresses Watershed Issues

Most of the populated areas of North Frontenac are contained in the Mississippi River watershed, as are the bulk of the larger lakes in the township, including Mazinaw, Shabomeka, Mississagagon, Kashwakamak, Big Gull, Buckshot, Palmerston, Grindstone, Crotch, and many others.

At a meeting of North Frontenac Council in Plevna on Monday morning (June 9), Matt Craig, manager of planning and regulations with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), outlined some of the extensive monitoring work that MVCA does in North Frontenac.

North Frontenac residents are lucky that funding for the MVCA is provided on a population basis. Because the Mississippi spills into the Ottawa river, residents of the City of Ottawa pay the bulk of the MVCA operating costs. North Frontenac, which contains 32% of the watershed territory, pays only about 1% of the municipal levy to MVCA, $24,300 in 2014.

In terms of direct spending in the township, MVCA will be spending $357,000, most of that on water control structures and flood forecasting, as well as over $50,000 on water monitoring this year. City of Ottawa residents, as well as those in Lanark County, benefit from this work as well, because the water flows from North Frontenac into their lakes and rivers.

Among its responsibilities MVCA manages dams owned by themselves, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Power Generation. Of the 19 dams in the Mississippi watershed, 13 are located in North Frontenac, including one of two power-generating dams on the river.

In his presentation, Craig focused on the water quality monitoring programs that MVCA runs. In addition to ongoing water level monitoring provided by stream and lake gauges as well as staff effort, the Watershed Watch program provides a report on water quality in major lakes in the watershed on a 5-year rotation. Watershed Watch reports for Ardoch, Big Gull, Crotch, Kashwakamak, Malcolm, Mosque and Pine lakes will be completed this year.

MVCA also has a major role in municipal planning, particularly as far as site evaluations for shoreline development is concerned. A recent report, dealing with almost all of Frontenac County (i.e. those regions covered by MVCA, as well as the Rideau and Cataraqui Region Conservation Authorities), concluded that the “guidelines have been effective,” Craig told North Frontenac Council. “It found that the 'ribbon of life' is the most important element to shoreline stability and water quality, and this has been reinforced with science.”

One of the missing elements to the work done in North Frontenac and elsewhere by MVCA is a lack of information about the status of some large marshlands in the watershed, and to address this a focus on sub-watershed analysis is being developed. As well, putting all the data that is collected by MVCA into a coherent format that can be used by municipalities, landowners, lake associations and others, has been a challenge.

“There is a lot of data, but much of it is in different formats and in different databases. We are working towards putting it into an accessible format, so we can use it and so can the public,” he said.

Who will pay for Canalodge subdivision mess?

North Frontenac Council has decided to follow the recommendations in a report by Green Galloway to ensure water access to people who have purchased lots in the ill-fated Canalodge subdivision on Norcan Lake in the north-eastern corner of the township.

The projected cost of the construction is $30,000. The work is only necessary because the subdivision’s developer, David Hill, did not live up to a site plan agreement with the township that was one of the conditions of receiving zoning and planning approvals from the township.

“The money for that will come from the hold back of funds, I expect. What happens when that hold back runs out?” asked Councilor Lonnie Watkins.

“We have to do it anyway,” said Deputy Mayor Fred Perry.

Councilors were more or less satisfied that since the township received $27,000 when the project was approved as a hold back until the developer lived up to his commitments, there would only be a $3,000 cost to the ratepayers.

“We will make every legal effort to get that money from the developer. We have all sorts of expensive ways of recouping money. The township may end up owning a lodge,” said Mayor Clayton, referring to the lodge on the property.

To further complicate matters, a member of the public, one of the lot owners in the subdivision, piped in. “I'm not paying any of that out of my taxes,” she said, then added “and it's $30,000 not $3,000. You paid him back the $27,000 because he told you he had done the work but he hadn't.”

Clerk Jenny Duhamel confirmed that the $27,000 has been paid back to Mr. Hill.

Council approved a motion to going ahead and do the work.

News but no news on township office remediation.

A report from Chief Administrative Officer Cheryl Robson outlined where things stand with the township office, which was damaged when a heating oil tank on the second floor leaked in early January. Information about the cause and insurance claim regarding the leak is being kept confidential. The engineering company in charge has said that environmental remediation is complete and no more threats remain.

Now that the remediation is complete, the engineer will provide a cost to put the building back in working order to the township’s insurer. That will take two weeks, and the insurance company will then provide the township with options.

Since the township has also received a report about the liability of that building and options for replacement, which was commissioned before the leak took place, the whole matter will come to a special meeting of council, likely some time in July.

Good news in Snow Road

The Snow Road Community Centre has received a grant from the Kingston and Area Community Foundation, which has enabled them to purchase a home theatre projector, screen and Bluray player. Combined with the centre's arrangement with Storm Internet, it will provide for movie nights and perhaps more fitness classes at the hall. As well, when the carpet in the hall was removed it caused a problem with acoustics, and the hall committee will be installing sono-pan panels to fix the problem.

“More moves than a can of snakes.”

Mayor Davison made no secret of his disapproval that all townships except South Frontenac will now be using the County planners. He pointed out that South Frontenac Planner Lindsay Mills’ comments on the County’s proposed Official Plan revision had led to some valuable changes that would not otherwise have come about. Councillor McDougall had earlier commented that if the townships and the county all use the same planners, “There’s nobody to push back.” Davison also asked what the County Planners had been doing with their time the over past two years, if they have time to serve all four other townships. County planning services to the townships from now on are to be done on a full cost recovery basis.

Portland District Quarry Question Addressed

In March, a public meeting was held regarding an application for an Official Plan amendment which would allow a quarry on Petworth Road to expand its operations. One member of the public wondered why her family was not permitted to create a new residential lot in proximity to the quarry, yet now the quarry company is proposing an expansion in proximity to the residences: she wondered why the rule didn’t work both ways. Accordingly, the township wrote to the Ministry of Natural Resources, asking that any decision on the proposed expansion be deferred until the Official Plan and rezoning applications have been finalized.

Planner Mills brought his interpretation of the MNR’s reply to Council. The MNR confirms that the licence indeed cannot be issued until the township has amended the Official Plan and the Zoning by-law to permit it. Mills added that section 6.20 of the township’s Official Plan states: “Where possible, influence areas will be based on Provincial guidelines. Council, through the review of development applications within influence areas will ensure that land use compatibility issues are addressed.” Mills summarized that: “Ultimately, the problems of coexistence…have been recognized in both the Aggregate Resources Act and the Planning Act and a process (for their resolution) has been well set out.”

Portland Heritage Committee

Councilor McDougall reported that the structure of the stone school house has been assessed as secure. The committee is presently planning their contribution to the County’s 150th celebrations next year.

Volunteer needed

Mayor Davison said the County is still looking for one more volunteer for their 150th celebration planning committee. Interested individuals should contact either the township hall, or the county.

Summer meeting schedule

Unless further need arises, Council will meet twice during the summer: Tuesday July 8, and Tuesday August 5.

by Jeff Green

If you thought the provincial election was fun, get ready for a real blast.

While in a few local townships candidates have been pretty coy about declaring themselves, likely leaving it until near the September deadline, most of the wards in South and Central Frontenac are already being contested.

As far as mayoralty races are concerned, it looks as if there will be contests in all Frontenac County jurisdictions.

In North Frontenac there is only one candidate thus far, Claudio Valentini, a Granite Ridge Education Centre teacher and the owner of Tomvale Airport on Road 506. However Mayor Bud Clayton, who said at the beginning of the year that he was leaning towards not running, is now reconsidering and said he will make his intentions known sooner rather than later. There are no other candidates for council in any of the three North Frontenac wards at this time, although Councilor John Inglis has indicated that he intends to run again.

In Central Frontenac, two-time incumbent and three-time county warden Janet Gutowski is being challenged by another former Frontenac County warden, Frances Smith, a long-time member of council and former reeve of Oso Township. The two women make up an exclusive club as women who have been county wardens, a position that has been held by men at least 90% of the time over the 149-year history of the county.

In South Frontenac, with incumbent Gary Davison out of the race, two councilors from the same district, Allan McPhail and Ron Vandewal from Loughborough are running for mayor, as is John McEwen from Verona.

In Frontenac Islands one-term mayor, Dennis Doyle, is running for re-election as is Mike Bromley, a sign maker from Wolfe Island. Just like its bookend township North Frontenac, there are no candidates thus far for the Wolfe or Howe Island wards in Frontenac Islands.

Although Ron Vandewal and Allan McPhail have both attended Frontenac County Council meetings and have stepped up their presence at public events, there has been little in the way of electioneering in Frontenac County thus far. While candidates may show up at lake association meetings and public events this summer when they might not otherwise, the election will not enter into anything resembling a campaign until late September.

The municipal election takes place on October 25.

Let’s hope it is the only other election in Ontario this year after the votes are tallied tonight in the too-tight to call provincial election.  

Several months ago, Arlene Seale, a resident on North Shore Lane on Loughborough Lake in Storrrington District of South Frontenac, appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) about an order by the township's planning department that she remove a covered deck she had constructed on her house.

Seale won her appeal on the spot, as was reported on March 5, 2014 (see the article at Frontenacnews.ca by typing Arlene Seale into the search bar at the top of the home page)

Last week, the written report by OMB commissioner Sylvia Sutherland was released.

The report said that the extension can remain; that a site plan agreement must be secured with the municipality; and that the OMB will entertain a submission from Ms. Seale's lawyer regarding costs. It also says that a site plan should be submitted to the township.

Sutherland also commented on the arguments made at the OMB by the township's planner, Lindsay Mills.

“While the only expert land use planning evidence the Board heard was from Mr. Mills, the Board, quite frankly, did not find his evidence convincing,” Sutherland wrote.

Sutherland questioned Mills' reaction to an opinion regarding the construction from the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority (CRCA).

The CRCA said “It is our opinion that the application is indeed minor in nature, and, provided that the above-noted recommendations are implemented, we feel that the application would also be in keeping with the intent of the water quality protection policies of the Official Plan and Zoning By-law,”

When Mills said that it is the township, not the CRCA that is responsible for land use planning, Sutherland replied, “Surely the CRCA's opinion should not be dismissed so lightly”.

Finally, Sutherland wrote, “The Board agrees with the CRCA that the variance is minor. It has no negative impact. The Board finds that the variance is desirable for the suitable development of the land, making the dwelling safer.”

Not so fast for Denbigh hall free rental

A citizens' group put together by Denbigh's Paul Isaacs held a town hall meeting in Denbigh recently. They decided that they would like to meet periodically and submitted a request asking the township to waive the hall rental for all their meetings.

Council was less than enthusiastic.

“I don't have a problem with waiving the rental on occasion, but to waive the fees for unknown meetings about unknown topics, I'm not sure about that. We do have an elected council and they are always free to come to us,” said Deputy Reeve Bill Cox.

“I'm not sure they aren't setting themselves up as more than they really are,” said Councilor Adam Snider.

“I did get a call from the MOE [Ministry of the Environment] saying they had been contacted by them and the MOE wanted to know if they represented Council,” said Public Works Manager Royce Rosenblath.

A motion to receive the request for free hall rental was received by council. Councilor Tony Fritsch voted against the motion.

“I'd like to make a another motion that we send a letter to them explaining that we can't just give them free space, but when they want to meet they can ask for free rental each time as long as they send us the agenda and we know what they are planning to discuss,” said Bill Cox.

That motion was approved.

Tables for Denbigh Community Centre

Councilor Fritsch asked if Council would approve a purchase of six utility tables for the Denbigh Community Centre. He said that the hall was rented to Elections Ontario for an advance poll this week but when they arrived there were no tables and chairs.

“We managed to find some for them to use, but if we are going to rent the center it does need a few tables and chairs,” he said.

Council allocated $1,000 to the purchase.

New grader on the way

The contract for a new grader was awarded to Nortrack at a price of $317,000, less $23,000 as a trade-in for the grader that will be replaced, for a total cost of $294,000 plus HST. $325,000 had been set aside for the purchase in the 2014 budget.

“How old is the grader we are trading in?” asked Councilor Adam Snider.

“It is 25 years old,” said Rosenblath.

“It cost $100,000 and the cost was covered by a grant from the MTO [Ministry of Transportation],” said Reeve Hogg.

“So, $23,000 is not a bad trade-in after all that time,” said Snider.

Labour troubles?

Council went in-camera to discuss a personnel issue in the Public Works Department.