Central Frontenac Council – May 10/16

Jeff Green | May 11, 2016

Un-budgeted purchases to drain reserves by $200,000

At this price, Central Frontenac Council might consider meeting less often.

Fire Chief Bill Young attended the meeting to bring Council up to speed on a dilemma that has come about. After purchasing a new emergency first response (EFR) van for the Sharbot Lake station for $157,000, $13,000 under the budgeted amount, the EFR van that serves the Parham station blew an engine.

“We have a price of $7,500 to replace the engine but I wouldn't recommend putting that kind of money in that van, which has high mileage,” he said. He added that to put off buying a new van, the one that had been serving the Sharbot Lake station could be transferred to Parham instead of being traded in for $10,000, but said, “We always have trouble getting that van safetied because once the EFR equipment is loaded the van is overweight for its capacity.”

He said that if he went back to the manufacturer for a new van he would get a discount.

The net cost to the township above the budget to have two new vans is $130,000.

Treasurer Michael McGovern said that if the township decided to spend the un-budgeted money, he would recommend using the equipment reserve fund.

“It will drain the fund and council will want to start building it up next year, which is something I don't like, but I like borrowing money and paying interest even less,” he said.

“If we spend $7,500 we would probably extend the life of the Parham van for a year or two,” said Councilor Tom Dewey.

“We might be able to, but it might break down sooner than that,” said Bill Young.

“Putting money into old vehicles can come back to bite you. I speak from experience when I say that,” said Councilor Bill MacDonald.

“I'd hate to use reserves for this. I'd prefer we borrowed the money over ten years. We may end up in an emergency and not have the money we need,” said Tom Dewey.

Council voted to buy the new truck, and pay for it out of reserves.

Public Works Manager John Badgley reported that “the present equipment float is a 1990 model and during a routine circle check it was found that the frame has rusted, ..., making it unsafe.

A replacement float capable of hauling a 20-ton load will cost $30,000, in his estimation.

“There is approximately $71,000 set aside in reserves to purchase a loader. I am recommending that we pull $30,000 of that reserve to purchase the float,” he said.

“Was that float not inspected by the Ministry of Transportation?” asked Councilor Victor Hesse.

“Only once a year,” said Badgley.

Council approved the purchase.

Council also approved the purchase of a truck from Hinton Dodge Chrysler on the recommendation of Badgley. Although the purchase was not put out to tender, Badgley said that since it was a Dodge truck that the township was buying, all Dodge dealers are bound to come in with the same price for municipal purchase and it made sense to buy from the closest dealer. He said that the treasurer had been consulted and the $37,000 purchase is being made within the guidelines of the township's procurement bylaw.

Surplus equipment for sale

Chief Building Official Jeremy Neven reported that surplus equipment, tables and chairs, etc. from the two schools that the township purchased late last year are ready for sale.

“Our plan is to let the local not-for-profit corporations know and see if there is anything they can use at a nominal cost. Whatever is left will go on sale to the general public,” said Neven.

Councilor Victor Heese asked that any shelving be held back for use in the re-use centre that is being developed, and Neven agreed.

The township is also selling one of the two portables that were located at the site of the former Hinchinbrooke school. The second will be looked at for possible use at the Parham fair grounds, although Neven warned that installing an old portable on township property might prove costly because of the safety regulations the township must adhere to.

Fundraising for Fort McMurray

Bill MacDonald reported that at a supper held at Sharbot Lake United Church last week, over $1,000 was raised for the Red Cross fund to help the residents of Fort McMurray in Alberta.

“We live in a caring community” he said.