Central Frontenac Sets Conditions of Sale For Old Schools

Craig Bakay | Apr 05, 2023

Staff presented Central Frontenac Council proposed “evaluation matrices” for use when evaluating proposals for the sale of the former Hinchingbrooke school and former Mountain Grove library/fire hall properties at its regular meeting March 28 in Sharbot Lake.

In the report, Dep. Clerk Cindy Deachman wrote that “proceeds of the sale of the properties may be less than the market value depending on the scoring of the matrix, however long-term economic development and hamlet revitalization benefits associated with redevelopment of these properties will outweigh immediate profit.”

The scoring matrix for Hinchinbrooke public school (1021 Long Lake Road is weighted as follows:

• Quality of business plan to demonstrate a sound financial plan for redevelopment — 30%
• Redevelopment proposal maximizes highest and best use for the property with potential to revitalize hamlet and provide affordable housing options which will fit in with the community — 30%
• Complexity and/or risks, or delay in closing associated with conditions requested in offer (financing, planning approvals, etc.) — 15%
• Highest bid based on “as is” condition — 20%
• For Parham will purchaser consider in good faith to allow Fair Board the use of no more than 2 acres at the rear of the property to provide overflow parking/access until such time as redevelopment prevents this use — 5%.

The scoring matrix for Mountain Grove is identical except that the 5% for Fair Board use is eliminated and added to make the highest bid based on as is condition 25 %.

Coun. Bill Everett asked if there were any heritage considerations on either property and was told there weren’t.

“Just an old building that we want to sell for the price of a new building,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

Coun. Nicki Gowdy asked about a viable soccer field that had been at the rear of the Hinchinbrooke school and noted that the local soccer association was ramping up post-covid operations and at present “will have to use GREC and pay for it.”

“I don’t want to say what I’m thinking right now,” said Smith.

Piccadilly Pickleball

At the suggestion of Coun. Lynn Klages, Council decided to allow indoor pickleball at Piccadilly Hall on a trial basis.

Mayor Frances Smith was initially against the idea, worried about potential damage and noting that a similar request for Oso Hall was turned down.

Coun. Nicki Gowdy pointed out that much of the concern for Oso Hall involved the theatre lighting system and the Verona Lions Hall allows indoor pickleball with no damage reported to date.

Riddell resigns from Fire Dep’t after 35 years

Council acknowledged the 35 years Jamie Riddell put in with Central Frontenac Fire and Rescue as firefighter, chief and most recently as deputy chief.

Riddell has recently accepted an indeterminate Correctional Manager position at Collins Bay Institution and said he wants to pursue opportunities there in his last few years in the service as well as spend more time with his family.

Council also authorized staff to advertise for a new deputy fire chief.

Mill not a danger - Myers

Coun. Nicki Gowdy said the Parham Mill is deteriorating further with all the melting going on.

Public Works Manager Tyson Myers replied that they are taking pictures of it regularly and “I drive by it every day and still don’t feel it’s a danger to the public.”

Storm Compensation

Mayor Frances Smith announced the Township has received $150,000 for the derecho storm damage.

She said $33,000 will be put towards the cleanup costs and the remainder will be used for infrastructure repairs.

Road Report

Public Works Manager Tyson Myers told Council that pothole patching is ongoing in problem areas when roads are bare.

“We’re asking the public to be patient as the roads thaw differently in various conditions,” he said. “Graders and backhoes will be noticed fixing bad spots and sections of roads but entire roads will not get graded until the frost is gone and the road is dry.”