CF opposes expanded notice for plans of subdivision

Craig Bakay | May 24, 2017

On the recommendation of its new Chief Building Official, Shawn Merriman, Central Frontenac Council decided at its regular meeting Tuesday night in Mountain Grove not to endorse South Frontenac’s proposal to expand the public notification period for subdivisions and condominiums.

Currently, municipalities are required to give 20 days notice before a public meeting is held in regards to a planned subdivision or condominium complex of more than three units. Under South Frontenac’s proposal, that notification process would expand to six weeks.

The proposal has gone to Frontenac County (who is the approval authority on such projects) and is scheduled to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the County’s Planning Advisory Committee. Central Frontenac Mayor Frances Smith is on that committee.

“I fail to see any benefits for or even need for it in Central Frontenac,” said Merriman in his presentation to Council. “And I’ve heard complaints about it that it will add an unnecessary time delay, give more opportunity for mis-steps by staff and create additional costs that will be passed on to the developer.

“Any of these may very well be the final straw that prevents many developments.”

Merriman did say however that the Township should be open to discussion on the topic.

Coun Tom Dewey agreed.

“I agree with Shawn’s recommendation but I also believe that the 20 days time limit was designed with urban municipalities in mind,” Dewey said. “We have a lot of seasonal residents and I think a time of 30-45 days might give them more time to be contacted and make plans to attend a public meeting.”

Dewey and other councillors suggested making such a reduced time suggestion part of the resolution but Smith said no.

“We have to deal with what’s before us today,” the Mayor said. “If there’s room for negotiations, then we’ll deal with that then.”

Clerk Administrator Cathy MacMunn said that the County was only looking for feedback and this response would suffice.

“The Planning Advisory Committee will make the decision,” MacMunn said. “I was speaking with (County Planner) Joe Gallivan and he doesn’t agree with it either.”

Young name Deputy Chief
Council passed a bylaw naming former Fire Chief Bill Young as the new Deputy Fire Chief.

Two Cruisers for the price of one
Coun. Victor Heese asked Fire Chief Greg Robinson if it was standard procedure to have two OPP cruisers respond to a house fire and Robinson replied that it was, in case traffic needed to be stopped at each end of the road. Robinson said there was no extra charge regardless of how many officers responded.

That prompted Coun. Tom Dewey to recall another incident where a large moose was struck and killed in the middle of the road.

“There were five cruisers, two fire trucks and an ambulance responding to that one,” Dewey said.

“And they all had carving knives,” quipped Coun. Bill MacDonald.

Solar profits under the weather, but the sun will shine someday
Dewey also wondered why revenues from Township solar installations were “only” $203.

“Did you put a blanket over it or something?” Dewey asked.

Treasurer Michael McGovern responded that there was a “little problem that needed to be fixed but it hasn’t been the gold mine we thought it would be.”

However, McGovern said that after the 10-year loan was paid off, the Township should start to see revenues increase.

“It’s always that way with these kinds of things,” said MacDonald. “It’s always the back end where you make money.”

“And in the last 10 years, there will be lots more sunshine,” said Smith.