Central Frontenac Council - Apr 24/12

Apr 26, 2012

Talk of increased shoreline development in CF

Township planning co-ordinator Cathy MacMunn, and planning consultant Glenn Tunnock brought up the question of whether the township should permit increased shoreline development in the form of storage buildings and parking specifically for island property owners.

Tunnock reported on a recent request by an unnamed island owner to build a storage building on a mainland shoreline property he/she also owned, which Tunnock suggested, “might get the municipality thinking of what these implications might mean on a broader basis. The upside would be the convenience to property owners who own both island and shoreline property, and the downside - people trying to use their mainland shoreline properties to build on for other purposes than just storage.”

Councilor Norman Guntensperger was vehemently opposed to opening up the issue of increased shoreline development.

“I have grave concerns about this since it seems to go in the exact opposite direction of what we have carefully tried to develop as our regional plan regarding the development of our shorelines. I have seen the damage done to shore lines where I grew up in Quebec, which are covered in boathouses and buildings in what otherwise would be a very scenic place.”

Councilor John Purdon agreed. “I'm leaning to no accessory buildings.”

Mayor Gutowski cited an example of one island owner she knew of who because of certain restrictions was forced to purchase a six-acre mainland lot in order to access their island property. She also thought the issue might be better discussed as part of an Official Plan review.

Tunnock agreed that it could be looked at then.

New Burn Ban signs for township

In his fire activity report, Fire Chief Bill Young reported that new signs are being made for four locations in the township to assist residents in knowing better the current burn ban conditions. The proposed locations are Sharbot Lake Fire Hall, Road 38 at Wagarville Road in Parham, Mountain Grove, and Arden. CEO Shawn Trépanier said they will also be looking into placing signs at the two township signs on Highway 7. Councilor Guntensperger suggested locating a sign at the south most end of the township line on Road 38 as well.

Position for full-time receptionist approved

Council approved the recommendation that the current position of a part time receptionist at the township office be changed to full time. In a report to council, Trépanier identified the need due to increased work loads regarding taxation, general inquiries and administrative duties. “Staff in finance, planning, and general administrative departments either have to work more hours, causing overtime and/or that other various projects are being delayed.” He said the change would improve customer service and lessen waiting times for staff processes. Council passed a resolution for the change.

CF vehicles on the chopping block

A total of 15 surplus township vehicles will be offered up for bidders (see ad on page 13) ranging in price from $200-$900. CEO Trépanier said the sale of the vehicles will save the township considerably in insurance costs. The closing date for bids is May 17, 2012.

No leaks in finances, says Leakey

Auditor Vicki Leakey of KPMG reported that the township's finances are ship shape.

Councilor Purdon asked Leakey just how the township stacks up regarding its reserves. “Are we too high, too low or just right?"

Leakey responded, “Unfortunately there is no definite ration or benchmark out there to go by,” but she added, “I think you've done well and that you have a good finance team here.”

Diverse delegations to Central Frontenac Council

by Jeff Green

Central Frontenac Council heard from a disgruntled ratepayer, a group of enthusiastic proponents for a community center at Hinchinbrooke Public School and three OPP officers at the evening portion of their council meeting this week.

Ed Warren, the disgruntled ratepayer, was first up. Warren is a lifetime farmer who lives on Bell Line Road. Over a number of years he has had to deal with property damage as the result of road work and snow clearing on the narrow stretch of road where he lives and farms.

Three years ago his fences were damaged by winter road crews, and at that time he fixed them himself, but this winter it happened again and he is not particularly pleased about it.

“Fences are just in the middle of the road for some of the people driving those trucks,” he said, “when is this kind of stuff going to stop?”

“We’ve got to look for a permanent solution for this problem,” said Mayor Janet Gutowski, “there are many permanent residents on that road now, and it is very narrow and our equipment has gotten larger over the years. We have directed Mike Richardson, our public works manager, to look at making a proper investment in that road so this doesn’t happen to you, and others, year after year.”

“I appreciate what you are saying; that doesn’t do much for me. I don’t see the township helping me out” said Warren.

“I think what Ed is looking for is some assurance that the fence is going to be repaired and that it won’t happen again,” said Councilor Frances Smith. “When do your cattle go out, Ed?”

“End of May,” he said

“So we have a month to get it back into shape. That sounds reasonable to me,” Smith said.

“We understand what you have said,” Mayor Gutowski said to Ed Warren, “and we are going to try to deal with it.”

Central Frontenac Community Center

Sue Leslie spoke on behalf of Bob Teal, Mary Howes, Eric Wagar, and Dave Willis, who were all in attendance, as well as a number of other members of a working group that is looking into the possibility of turning Hinchinbrooke school in Parham into a community center once the school closes, which could be as early as the fall of 2013.

The working group has held several meetings and has had preliminary interest from a number of community groups that are interested in making use of the space, including the School of Rock, Northern Frontenac Community Services, Community Living - North Frontenac, and others.

Other possible uses include seniors’ apartments and a home for the Parham Library.

The model project that the working group plans to look at is the Addington Highlands Community Centre - Denbigh, which is also located in a former school

“We are in the very early stages,” Leslie told council, “but we thought we should come to council at this point because we are hoping to apply for an EODP (Eastern Ontario Development Plan) grant in early June to complete a feasibility study and have an architect review the plans to suggest ways to make the building accessible and make the best use of the space.”

A the same time the committee is planning to develop partnerships, and seek other funding to move the project forward.

“We are hoping that the township will take the lead in applying for the EODP grant,” said Sue Leslie.

The written report that the working group submitted also included a request that the “township consider purchasing the Hinchinbrooke Public School if and when it becomes available.”

Mayor Gutowski commended the working group for the partnerships they have already made and for starting to work on the project so far in advance of the school’s closing.

Councilor Smith said that key thing to look at is the viability of the building for what is being planned.

“The worst thing would be if the cost of using the building ends up being too high and you have already done a year’s work developing plans,” she said.

The group will work with CAO Shawn Trépanier for the next couple of weeks, in the hopes of paving the way for meeting the June deadline for a grant application that the township will be able to lead.

OPP visit

A delegation led by Lanark Detachment Commander Gerry Salisbury came to council to renew a relationship with the township that has foundered during the time that Inspector Salisbury was seconded to work on the G8 summit in Huntsville.

“My proposal is that I work directly with CAO Trépanier, and that we present activity reports to council twice a year, in the spring and the fall, to keep council up to date on the activities of the detachment, the staffing complement, and incident statistics,” Salisbury said.

“That would be about right in terms of reporting, as far as I’m concerned,” said Councilor Guntensperger.

Council also expressed concerns about policing costs, which are $728,00 in 2012, up almost $60,000 from 2011.

Salisbury said he could spend time going over costs with Shawn Trépanier, and he also let council know that in reconciling estimates with actual costs, the OPP has determined that the township is eligible for a rebate.

“I can’t say how much it is, but an announcement should becoming to you within a week or so,” he said.