Phillip Smith appointed to vacant Central Frontenac Council position

Craig Bakay | Sep 22, 2021

Former councillor Phillip Smith has accepted Central Frontenac Council’s offer to replace Coun. Ewin Burke, who passed away at age 71 on Aug. 4 of this year.

Smith will represent District 2 (Olden). He has been elected in the past as a councillor for District 4 (Hinchinbrooke) and was also selected to replace Coun. Bill Snyder when Snyder died in office.

Council had several options available to replace Burke. With only a year to go before the next general election, the option of a bi-election was considered too expensive ($10,000-$15,000) and the concept of advertising to appoint a member by application ($300) was considered unnecessary and somewhat time-consuming.

One of Smith’s biggest qualifications is that he is already familiar with the workings of Council (as was John Purdon’s when he was selected to replace Jamie Riddell several years ago, when Riddell resigned from council to become fire chief.

There was considerable discussion on the matter at Council.

It was Coun. Tom Dewey who suggested Smith for the position.

Coun. Victor Heese agreed.

“We need to appoint somebody who has some experience,” Heese said. “I remember my learning curve.

“And there’s only a year to learn it,” said Coun. Bill MacDonald. “And with covid electronic meetings, there’s all that to learn too.”

“Zoom’s not so tough,” said Dep. Mayor Nicki Gowdy. “I had Elwin doing it.”

Gowdy also brought up the fact that there were a third and fourth runner up in the Olden election (Dan Cunningham and Bill Everett) and often the next candidate is the one offered the position.

Without naming either candidate specifically, CAO Cathy MacMunn said that they’d have to look at financial statements and there had been “a couple” of candidates who didn’t file financial statements.

“If they didn’t file financial statements then they can’t serve,” she said.

Heese was also concerned that appointing another candidate “might give them a leg up in the next election.”

There was also concern expressed that Smith doesn’t live in Olden but MacMunn pointed out that an appointee doesn’t have to live in the district.

“Elwin lived in Oso,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

“I see both sides,” said Coun. Brent Cameron. “There is a learning curve but then a lot of the skill sets you need on Council are not necessarily a requirement to be on Council.

“I have a hard time believing that the only way people for people to be effective on Council to have been a councillor.

“At the end of the day, I don’t like making decisions for voters in another district.”

Councillors Cameron, Gowdy and Cindy Kelsey voted against Smith’s appointment.

More money for Oso Hall, and more again

Council approved $7,800 plus HST for new curtains and a stage curtain as part of the Oso Hall renovations.

The costs weren’t part of the original plan and will have to come from reserves.

That prompted Coun. Brent Cameron to ask “is this the end stage?”

“It is an old building and there will probably always be something needs upgrading,” said CBO Andy Dillon. “Like the one unexpected cost of $8,000 to put in a new hydro pole.”

Cameron also asked if there were any expect savings on hydro with all the work being done.

“Electrical costs should go down,” Dillon said. “We eliminated one service that was for the infrared heaters.”

As to Cameron’s first question, it didn’t take very long to be answered.

The very next item on the agenda was the approval of a new accessibility ramp to the tune of $68,000.

Dillon said the new ramp was necessary because the old ramp was no longer compliant with regulations.

“It’s a costly ramp but necessary,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

The new ramp will be covered and will access the main front door, meaning those using it will no longer have to enter via the kitchen and the space for the old ramp will now be used for a handicapped parking spot.

Railway Heritage Park

The face of Railway Heritage Park in Sharbot Lake could soon be changing.

First, Council approved applying for a grant for $92,000 to build a trailhead building. The building is to include washrooms and perhaps some outdoor retail space but in any event will be built with an eye to future expansion.

Second, the Railway Heritage Society received permission to build a replica of the old stockyards that used to be there when the train was in operation.

“There won’t be any livestock in them, just a couple of statues,” said Society representative Wayne Moase.

Trillium application

Council approved the application of a $200,000 Trillium Foundation grant to upgrade the rink in Arden.

Council size reduction

Council acknowledged Coun. Tom Dewey’s notice of motion to reduce the size and composition of Council. The motion will be discussed at the Sept. 28 meeting.

Speed zone

The new 60 kph zone on Road 38 through Godfrey has been shortened from the south entrance of Godfrey Road to the north entrance in order to accommodate one of the relatively few straight stretched available for passing in the area.