Central Frontenac Council - Nov 24/15

Julie Druker | Nov 25, 2015

MacMunn hired as new clerk/administrator in Central Frontenac

After holding an in camera meeting last Thursday (November 19), council has appointed Cathy MacMunn as the township's new clerk/administrator.

The decision came about following the recommendations to council by Frontenac County Chief Administrative Officer Kelly Pender in a “State of the Organization” report, in which he suggested three options for council and staff to address what he termed their existing “leadership gap” after former CAO Jim Zimmerman was let go in late June.

Mayor Frances Smith said that at Thursday’s meeting, council unanimously opted for the clerk/administrator option as “a leadership model” and the position was offered to Cathy MacMunn the following day.

MacMunn said she took the weekend to think it over and speak with her family.

MacMunn, who has been working at the township for the past 34 years in a number of roles, said she is pleased.

“What gave me the biggest push in making the decision is that I had the support of both council and staff. I look forward to continuing to serve the public in my new role,” she said

Ad hoc committee to plan for township's first re-use centre

Councilor Victor Heese brought a request by numerous residents who he said are willing to support and volunteer at a re-use depot if one were to be created in the township.

Heese recently looked at a number of existing re-use centers, including those in McDonalds Corners in Lanark Highlands, and at Glen Tay Road in Tay Valley, which are both working well. Council agreed to appoint an ad hoc committee to set the rules and regulations. Heese said that once it was up and running the site could be handed over to volunteers. Council encouraged Heese to go ahead with the plan.

Contaminated sites policy

In his financial report to council, Treasurer Michael McGovern reported that the $80,000 put aside by council in their 2015 budget for further investigations into possible contaminated sites is not required.

Councilor Dewey suggested putting the $80,000 in reserve funds for other unexpected expenses, such as the recent emergency Raymo Road bridge rebuild. Councilor Brent Cameron suggested holding the funds for any possible future contamination issues. McGovern said that Cameron's idea is a sound one but that smaller amounts could be accumulated for such a fund in the future.

Council accepted McGovern's report for information.

Council agrees to go RED

Cathy MacMunn outlined for council the Rural Economic Development (RED) Program, which County Council is currently leveraging as a means to support possible future projects put forth in each of the four townships in Frontenac county. The program provides cost shared funding support (up to 50% for municipalities) for projects deemed to strengthen rural Ontario. The aim of the program is to “better position” rural communities, organizations and businesses to create jobs and attract investment by encouraging collaboration and local partnerships, thereby providing benefits to more than one community.

A teleconference call that took place in November this year between county and township staff, resulted in the recommendation that one regional/partnership application from the county be submitted for the program's January 15, 2016 deadline.

That application will be geared to the Frontenacs' economic development charter themes, which include “Trips and Trails; Food and Beverages and Rural Life styles”. Council seemed excited by the possibilities and councilors Brent Cameron and Jamie Riddell, who both currently sit on the township's economic development committee, said that they will bring the news to the committee's next meeting.

Dogs in the halls request denied

Erin Godfrey sent a letter to the township, asking to rent the Oso hall for dog training classes. The township has no policy in place regarding bringing animals into their municipal halls. Numerous councilors brought up possible issues of cleanliness since the hall is often used by individuals and organizations who are serving food. Council denied Godfrey's request and said they will consult staff about the issue and get back to her.

 Holiday office closures

Signs and notifications at the township offices and on their website will notify residents of upcoming holiday closures and any relevant emergency contact information.