| Oct 12, 2017


Lights for the Thompson’s Cut section of the K & P Trail through Sharbot Lake beat out the Sharbot Lake outdoor arena project and the Hinchinbrooke Community Centre (the former Hinchinbrooke school) as Central Frontenac’s project for a potential Trillium Foundation Grant, Council decided at its regular meeting Tuesday afternoon at Piccadilly Hall.

Chief Building Official/Manager of Development Services Shawn Merriman told Council that the municipality can only submit one application and of the three projects considered, the trail ask has the best chance for success.
“They (the committee doing the trail renovations) have already completed Phase 1, and trails seem to be the thing right now,” he said. “We’re still waiting for a business plan for the school and the rink committee probably can’t get two quotes in time for the Oct. 25 deadline.”
There are no matching funds required for Trillium grants and the maximum ask is $150,000. The Trail project is for $50,000.
“I know if we don’t apply, we won’t be successful,” said Coun. Bill MacDonald.

However, there was concern from Hinchinbrooke residents and the district’s councilors that if work didn’t get started on the school soon, it may deteriorate past the point of no return. For example, there was no heat on in the building all through last winter in an effort to save money.
“My only concern is the longer we leave the school, the closer we get to there not being any point to doing something with it,” said Coun. Phillip Smith.
His concern was echoed by District 4 Rec Committee member Sue Leslie.

“We have two quotes lined up and we do have somebody who’ll do the plumbing for free if the Township will buy the materials,” she said. “As you know, the copper plumbing was stolen (in late spring).”
“It’s not a matter of either/or,” said Dep. Mayor Brent Cameron. “The school is still on our plates.”

“I know that the committee has applied to the Kingston Community Foundation for a grant to do a business plan,” said CAO Cathy MacMunn.
But Coun. Bill MacDonald came up with a plan that everyone seemed to be able to live with for the time being, moving that Merriman be directed to come back to Council with a quote to keep the heat on in the school this winter.

Elm Tree Bridge/culvert construction is expected to begin Oct. 23, Public Works Manager Brad Thake told Council as part of his monthly report.
He said waste issues have been occupying much of his time these days.
“The footprint of the Olden landfill wood/shingle debris pile has been growing, so we’re exploring shredding with a tub grinder as an option,” he said. “And we’re talking to doing it in conjunction with South Frontenac for optimum pricing.
“We’re also talking with the City of Kingston about the possibility of them accepting and processing our recyclables and should have a report in November.”
He said from May 15 to Sept. 10, there were 387 amnesty loads at the Oso land fill and 414 at Olden.
Coun. Bill MacDonald asked if the Township is using outside road crews for road repair.
“I went by one location and didn’t recognize anybody,” MacDonald said.
Thake said he had contracted out a couple of jobs but “we’re back to our own crews now.”

Merriman said that building stats are “slightly ahead of last year and that construction on the new Ultramar gas station should be starting soon.
“I don’t think it will be open this year, though.”

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