Back to HomeFeature Article - September 17, 2009South Frontenac Council - Sept 15/09

South Frontenac Council raises development fees

By Jeff Green

South Frontenac Council needs to renew its bylaw regarding development fees, and council has been considering how much to charge people who seek to develop new building lots in the township.

Development fees are something that the province has made available to municipalities as a means of raising revenue to cover for the infrastructure costs that are associated with new development.

“They apply only to developments on newly created lots,” said South Frontenac staff planner Lindsay Mills, “not to upgrades to existing dwellings.”

Under the township’s five-year-old development fee bylaw, which is up for renewal this month, anyone seeking to build on a new lot is charged $2,290 by South Frontenac Township. This fee, which is in addition to building permit fees and property taxes, is designed to allow the municipality to pay for increased capital costs that are expected to arise from the development.

According to a consultant’s report prepared for Council as it considers a new bylaw, most of the development fees collected, 83%, is spent on public works needs – roads, bridges, waste sites, etc.; 12.5% is spent on fire protection, 2% on police and 2% on library facilities.

The consultant also calculated, based on forecast growth and its impact on township service needs, that South Frontenac’s development fee should increase to $5,100 for new residential development.

This was more of an increase than Council thought was reasonable. They are instead proposing to raise the fee to $4,000, and to phase in that increase over five years. On October 19, when the new bylaw is to take effect, the fee is slated to become $2,500, and it will go up on January 1 of each year until 2014, when it will hit the $4,000 mark.

The South Frontenac fee compares favourably with many other municipalities, but not to others.

For example, the fee in Rural Kingston, which South Frontenac borders, is a whopping $7,280. Stone Mills and Central Frontenac, which also border South Frontenac, do not have development fees at all, Tay Valley has a $2,500 fee and Loyalist Township a $3,892 fee.

“It seems that the closer you got to Toronto, whether it is a rural or an urban area, the higher the fees are. It’s similar as you get towards Ottawa,” said Lindsay Mills. “The desirability of the location seems to have something to do with it.”

The fees for commercial development are based on a per square foot calculation. They are slated to rise from the current charge of $2.00 per square foot to $2.18 next month, rising to $4.00 by 2014. So, for example, a 10,000 square foot development would pay $20,360 next month, rising to $40,000 by 2014.

The development fee bylaw was the subject of a public meeting in Sydenham on Tuesday night, and will be considered by council on October 6. 

Sustainability Planner

By Wilma Kenny

Joe Gallivan, the newly appointed Manager of Sustainable Planning for Frontenac County, came to introduce himself to council. He has a background in planning, and most recently worked for the City of Kingston as their Project Manager. One of his immediate projects will be to complete the county GIS mapping initiative. "I'm here to help out," Gallivan noted, saying he'd be happy to be of assistance to township staff, or community groups with planning related to sustainability issues.

Public avoid meetings

There were no members of the public present regarding either a severance in Portland, or the proposed Development Charges by-law. Mayor Davison suggested that perhaps the by-law was being brought forward too quickly, and council might wish to postpone the final adoption.

Councilor David Hahn pointed out that current residents were unlikely to be opposed to the development charges, as they benefited from them. Councilor John Fillion was the only one to vote against passing the revised by-law, saying he feared a development charge might discourage development in the township.

Waste collection

In regard to the recommended changes to the solid Waste Collection program, Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth called the extension of waste pick-up services to Bedford district "a significant step in the evolution of the township and harmonization of services."

As in the rest of the districts, commercial businesses can either provide their own waste disposal, or come in & sign up for residential level services at residential costs. There will be the same level of service across the whole township. Councilor Bill Robinson expressed concern that the phrase "where practical" was much too vague. Segsworth said that pick-up would beprovided at the roadside wherever the school busses travelled. Residents on less accessible roads would have to bring their waste to a pickup place. He said a significant amount of work remained to get thedetails sorted out.

Waste management will be financed by dividing net costs equally between residences (including any businesses that opt for the residential level ofservice) as opposed to using the mill rate to determine individual costs. Planning will focus on collection issues in 2010, and landfill operational plans in 2011.

Councilor Hahn pointed out that the charge forany bag tags above the 50 to be issued annually would be lowered from $3.00 to $2.00. Council passed the Waste Collection Plan, with Councilor Robinson opposed.

Library architect chosen

Council endorsed the recommendation of the Architect Selection Panel, to recommend to the County the acceptance of the firm of Shoalts and Zabackfor the design of the new library in Sydenham. The building is to be constructed to LEED environmental standards.

Council unanimously supported this motion.

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 17, 2009North Frontenac Council – Sept. 10/09By Jeff Green RESIDENTS WANT MORE ROAD WORK: A series of letters came to council about roads into some of North Frontenac's larger lakes, including Mackie Lake, Shabomeka/Shawenegog, and Big Gull Lake.

In each case the situation is different, as are the requests.

In the case of Mackie Lake, 41 cottage residents are concerned about the boat launch to the lake, a hill on the access road, and the lack of secure access to the lake.

Susan Hemmerlich, a director of the Mackie Lake Association, has been in contact with Cory Klatt, who manages the township’s Crown Land Stewardship Program.

The township does not own the boat launch or the access road, which are both Ministry of Natural Resources property. They are contained in a land use permit with the township, however, but there is only $10,000 available to maintain 58 kilometres of road under the program, and the work cannot be done by township employees or equipment, only by contractors that are hired by the township.

Long-time seasonal Mackie Lake resident Bruce Henrick attended the North Frontenac Council meeting on September 10 and he managed to address Council. “The access road is needed,” he said. “This is not just a a Mackie Lake situation; this is a needed road.”

“Our hands are tied. If we do this, we will be inundated with demands we cannot afford,” replied Mayor Ron Maguire.

“The township had a road to Mackie Lake, and they closed it and forced us to use the Crown road. If you simply review bylaw 288 it should be clear,” Mr. Henrick said.

Mayor Maguire said the township would look into it.

SHABOMEKA ROAD – Letters were received from the Mazinaw Property Owners’ Association and the Shawenegog Lake Association asking the township to pave the final 3 kilometres of the Shabomeka Road, which is used to access properties on Shawenegog Lake.

Jeff Gardner, President of the Shawenegog Lake Association, said in his letter that, “The original promise to upgrade and surface the road was made 15 years ago. In a May of 2003 meeting of Council, the mayor reiterated the township's intention. The quote was 'your road is next'”.

Tar and chip paving has been done on the road for the past couple of years, but none has been done this year, although some other work has been done.

“There are only 3 kilometres left. I recommend we do it,” said Councilor Fred Perry.

“We should reply to the letters,” said Mayor Ron Maguire, “saying that we will look at what was budgeted this year and that we'll look at it for next year, but we do not need to address promises that were made in the past.”

GREER ROAD – There was also a letter from Beverley Burke of Greer Road near Big Gull Lake, complaining about rocks on the shoulder of the road, which she said caused an accident earlier this summer.

Township Clerk Brenda de Fosse informed Council that staff were “well aware” of the issue Ms. Burke was referring to, and that the grading on that road has been improved.

CLEAR BAGS CAUSE COMPLAINTS – A number of letters and emails came to Council's attention regarding the switch to clear garbage bags at township dumps. Of particular concern was the requirement that white “kitchen catcher” style bags be emptied into the clear bags, and that local stores ran short of clear bags at one point in August.

“It's always going to be hard for everyone to get their heads around the waste management bylaw, and extra hard when we have 35% seasonals, but hopefully over time it is going to become well known what visitors to North Frontenac have to do. In the meantime we are going to get complaints,” said Mayor Maguire.

The clear bag rule was put in place because, even with an incentive program that provided a free bag tag for every bag of recyclables residents bring to the dumps, recyclables were still being found in township landfills. Residents must remove any recyclables that the site attendants find in the clear bags.

The clear bag initiative is included in an integrated waste management plan that the township will finalize later this year, the first such plan in Frontenac County.

AMBULANCE ISSUE UNRESOLVED – The location of a new ambulance base will likely be the next flashpoint in the ongoing dispute between the township and Frontenac County. Paul Charbonneau, Director of Emergency Services for Frontenac County, addressed North Frontenac Council in August. He is scheduled to make his final recommendation to county council this week regarding the location of a new ambulance base to serve the eastern and central portions of North Frontenac.

Township Clerk/Planning Coordinator Brenda DeFosse reported that she had contacted Paul Charbonneau and he informed her that he had “nothing further to bring to North Frontenac Council” before delivering that report.

In mulling over what the township’s next move should be amid fears the new ambulance base would be located outside the township at the junction of Ardoch Road and Highway 509, Deputy Mayor Jim Beam said “We have not received a response to our resolution to the county concerning the consultant’s report in the first place. Our resolution was short and sweet. The report was flawed. We should remind the county of that.”

The township also received a letter from primary care paramedic Ryan Conboy, who works out of the North Frontenac ambulance base. The letter outlines the current system, and the amount of time the North Frontenac ambulance spends on stand-by in Parham.

“To be perfectly honest, if we spend five hours a day within North Frontenac Township, that is a good day for coverage in the North,” Conboy's letter states at one point.

“I read the letter carefully. I think the best option is just to stop the standby service,” said Mayor Maguire.

“The letter is written from a centrist perspective,” said Councilor Bob Olmstead. “I feel Mr. Charbonneau had a lot to do with it.”

Maguire on leave, Beam to take his place – Mayor Maguire will be away from the region during the months of October and November, and Deputy Mayor Beam will replace him as head of council. Beam will also be the township representative to Frontenac County during that time. 

Back to HomeEditorial - September 17, 2009 County Council will Only Get UglierEditorial by Jeff Green

North Frontenac Township brought its long-simmering dispute with Frontenac County to a head two weeks ago by sending a letter to the province, asking for leave to try to secede from the county and become a single-tier municipality.

The letter will not likely yield much for North Frontenac, even if it has received support from the local MPP.

The province has given no indication it will consider granting small municipalities leave to increase their authority. After 10 years, municipal amalgamation has become entrenched. There have been no reversals.

As well, the list of grievances that accompany North Frontenac Township’s request to the province does not contain any assertions of illegal acts or stolen money. They are grievances to be sure, but they are intensely political in nature, and they are not the kinds of things that will likely concern the province.

But now that the letter has been written, the scenario for the next 12 -14 months is pretty clear.

There is language in the letter that will be taken personally. South Frontenac is described as having a “distinctly semi-urban mindset” and there are digs at South Frontenac Mayor Davison that will not be well received by him.

The ongoing animosity between mayors Maguire and Davison will only get worse, making it more likely that Davison will attempt to block changes to county governance that North Frontenac wants but Davison has already indicated he doesn't like.

Mayors Gutowski and Vanden Hoek, who have to some degree been trying to appease North Frontenac, will be less motivated to do so now.

North Frontenac Council wrote this letter after years of frustration and growing animosity. They have concluded that their relationship with Frontenac County cannot be fixed, and therefore they have nothing to lose.

Whether or not that was true before the letter was written, it is probably true now, at least until the next municipal election. 

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 17, 2009Central Frontenac CouncilBy Jeff Green

Solar power generation on township buildings

Central Frontenac Council made good on a commitment it made to local contractor Glen Moase that they would listen to a presentation from Jan Vander Woerd from Arise Technologies about the possibility of outfitting township buildings for solar power generation.

Vander Woerd described Arise Technologies as a company that has three businesses: “a silicon production business, which is in development; a solar cell manufacturing business based in Germany; and a company that builds and installs grid-tie in systems in Canada and elsewhere.”

He said that in Germany there are over 100,000 individuals who have installed solar panels to produce energy that feeds back into the electrical grid (grid tie-in systems).

“Solar-powered generation is not economically viable, so why would 100,000 in Germany put in systems?” he asked. “The reason is the fact that solar receives a subsidy in Germany. Power costs 22 to 25 cents per kilowatt hour from the grid, but the people who generate solar from small systems are paid over 70 cents per kilowatt hour.”

According to Vander Woerd, Ontario will be announcing an even more advantageous scheme in the coming weeks. “Ontario will likely be the most aggressively funded program in the world, paying 80.2 cents per kilowatt hour for systems under 10 kilowatts and over 70 cents for 10-250 kw systems,” he said.

He estimated the cost of solar systems at about $10,000 per kilowatt and said the provincial program is designed for a 10-year payback on investments in rooftop solar, while the subsidised price to be paid for solar power will be guaranteed for 20 years.

The price for this subsidy will not be paid by taxation; it will be included in the price of power, according to Vander Woerd. “So those who do not participate in this program will end up paying for those who participate through higher electricity costs. That’s what happened in Germany,” he said.

After the presentation, Councilor Frances Smith rebuffed Mayor Gutowski’s proposal that staff keep council apprised of new opportunities and regulations as they come on stream.

“I think we need to go a step further,” Smith said, “We need to move forward to look at the costing of a 10 kilowatt solar panel. If we don’t get in on it early we will be lost in the megawatt proposals that will come forward from larger players. It would be nice to see some revenue from some other source than taxpayers’ pockets.”

Some councilors wanted to consider other power sources as well, including wind and small hydro projects, but in the end they all agreed to look at solar alone for now. 

OFFICE EXPANSION – Thirteen contractors picked up request for proposal packages to build an addition to the township office but no proposals were delivered back by the bid deadline. Township Chief Administrator John Duchene said he contacted several of the contractors who picked up packages and they told him that the timelines were too tight, both for preparing proposals and for completing the project. The bid deadline has been extended to September 25, and the construction deadline to June of next year. Duchene expects that the township will now receive several proposals.

MULTI-USE CENTRE – Councilor Frances Smith proposed that council establish an ad-hoc committee to work with staff and a facilitator to “start putting together a project.”

“I suggest you bring a proposal to the next meeting,” said Mayor Janet Gutowski.

“It doesn’t take a Philadelphia lawyer to figure this out, it’s pretty simple. The committee needs terms of reference for sure, but it is time to start getting some public input and put a project together. If we slow things down, we’ll get to the election year next year and the whole thing could be squashed,” Smith said.

“We need more cultural planning. We will need a consultant,” said Mayor Gutowski.

“The only thing I know is that if you get a consultant before the community gets together to develop a vision, you end up with the consultant’s vision and not the community’s,” said Smith.

The proposal to establish a committee was approved.

BRIDGENS ISLAND SUBDIVISION – Council accepted a report from Planning Consultant Glenn Tunnock and is forwarding a proposal to Frontenac County that a 14-lot subdivision be established on Bridgens Island to make the existing, long-standing arrangement of seasonal cottages on the island compliant with the municipal act, and allow the four lot owners who do not have buildings on the property to construct summer cottages.

The matter will be referred to the county’s planning consultant.

SALT SHED APPROVED – Public Works Manager Mike Richardson proposed that the township consider moving the works yard and proposed salt/sand dome from the Olden Park site next to the township’s largest dump site, to a location near Mountain Grove adjacent to the new fire hall on Mill Road.

Richardson argued, in a written report, that the existing facility “will continue to face environmental issues such as leachate, off-gassing from decomposition of water materials and unwanted wildlife (i.e. bears) … is continued development at this site an appropriate strategy for the property?

Councilor Norman Guntensperger said, “I have concerns about moving the public works yard to the location next to the fire hall. It is much too close to the built up area. I would prefer to see the ball diamond move down there instead.”

Councilor John Purdon agreed with Guntensperger.

With the proposal to move the garage and salt dome being opposed by the two Olden District councilors, Richardson then said the salt dome should be located near the existing garage, as had previously been proposed.

Council accepted a tender from Crains’ Construction to build a salt shed for $460,000. The shed will be a Coverall shed, similar to the one that was built on Road 38 at the Hinchinbrooke garage by Crains’. Crains’ bid was the lowest of five received by the township, $40,000 lower than the next lowest.

TOWNSHIP REPAIRS WINDSHIELDS – Mike Richardson informed council that in light of complaints by motorists using Long Lake Road during its recent construction, the township entered into agreements with windshield repair shops in Perth and Kingston to repair pitted windshields.

“The circumstances of the construction made the township responsible for the damage,” Richardson said. In cases where the windshields needed replacing, the township paid half the cost.

The driving conditions on the road have now improved.

“We haven’t received any complaints for last week or this week, and I don’t think we would cover them any more,” Richardson said.

COUNCIL DEBATES CODE OF CONDUCT - A long debate over the contents of a proposed code of conduct for members of council, which is something the province is asking that all municipalities develop, got bogged down in concerns about the right of councilors to express opinions to the public and the media, among other things. The code will be vetted by staff and the wording altered before it is brought back to council.

DE-AMALGAMATION - Commenting on the de-amalgamation request from North Frontenac Township to Premier McGuinty, Deputy Mayor Gary Smith said “It’s a sad state of affairs that we’ve come to this. I don’t think it’s something that should be ignored or dismissed.” 

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 10, 2009 South Frontenac Councilby Wilma Kenny

Waste management in South Frontenac

Controversy arose at a Commitee of the Whole meeting on September 8 in South Frontenac over a recommendation from the Sustainability Committee: “that separate garbage charges to households be eliminated and that all net waste management expenses be funded from general taxation, effective next year.”

Currently, residents in all districts pay a garbage levy: Portland - $125, Loughborough $125.25, Storrington $145, and Bedord $25.

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth said “this means waste management would be treated like any other service or utility such as fire, roads, etc.”

Councilor Del Stowe argued against using the property assessment/mill rate system, saying it would be unfair to more expensive properties, as they would have to pay more.

Councilor John Fillion agreed, saying he thought the total net cost of waste management should be divided equally among the 10,000 township residential properties, (both full-time and seasonal) and shown as a separate charge on the tax bills. The consensus was to follow Fillion’s plan.

Garbage and Recycling Collection for Bedford

Two other recommendations from Sustainability were better received: 1) That garbage tags beyond the 50 issued annually should be sold for $2 and 2) That Garbage & Recycling collection be extended to Bedford District where practical, by September 1, 2010. This was agreed to, but refined by defining “where practical” to mean those roads travelled by the school bus.

Proposed criteria for evaluating requests for lowering speed limits

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth recommended council adopt criteria to evaluate requests for lowered speed limits. At present, his department has requests relating to more than half a dozen areas. Several councilors suggested that criteria already existed. Councilor Vandewal said he wasn’t in favour of lowering speed limits, especially on arterial roads:

Segsworth said the majority of the requests were for secondary roads, as a safety concern for children.

The matter will return next month.

Recreation:

Mike Howe, Chair of the Loughborough District Recreation Committee, asked council to consider establishing an account to accept capital recreation fund donations so community groups can go ahead with fundraising for improvements to facilities.

Back to HomeFeature Article - September 10, 2009 North Frontenac wants out of Frontenac CountyBy Jeff Green

It has been no secret that North Frontenac Council is unhappy with the way Frontenac County is run, and this week council followed through on its promise to write to the province about its grievances.

The letter, addressed to Premier McGuinty and copied to the ministers of Municipal and Rural Affairs, was written in order to advise the premier of the township's “express wish to seek secession from the County and to gain approval and legislation to function as a single tier municipality.”

The township proposes to hold a referendum on the matter during the 2010 municipal election.

Currently North Frontenac and Frontenac County share municipal responsibilities in what is called a 'lower tier- upper tier’ arrangement. North Frontenac delivers the bulk of municipal services (road maintenance, waste management, municipal halls, financial services, land use planning and building services, and others) whereas Frontenac County is responsible for land ambulance, long-term care, and relations with senior levels of government, including the City of Kingston, which provides social services to the county. In the area of land use planning, there is some shared responsibility between the township and the county, with the county having responsibility for subdivision and condominium approvals.

In the letter to McGuinty, North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire made reference to remarks he delivered at the conclusion of his year-long term as Frontenac County warden in November of 2007. “I publicly expressed my growing fears about a 'north-south' split in the County, especially on matters of policy attitude and future direction, and cautioned that this situation should not be left to fester. Unfortunately the situation did deteriorate ...”

North Frontenac’s long list of grievances include: “long term care facilities, transportation and access to services, broadband, ambulance, subdivision planning and control, operational planning, county sustainability, minimal or token aboriginal consultation, governance, 'urban' arrogance, lack of appreciation and respect for rural matters.”

These grievances are detailed in a 5-page appendix, which is included with the letter.

In asking for leave to seek independence from Frontenac County, the letter also speaks to North Frontenac's own administrative strengths: “We are immensely proud of our accounting and financial control systems, our management regime; our proud, loyal and experienced staff; our planning expertise; our contractors; our leading waste management initiatives; our enterprising volunteers and citizenry; and our promising future.”

Frontenac County Warden Janet Gutowski had just read the letter when she was contacted by the News on Tuesday evening for comment.

“As far as I can see, Frontenac County is not going to be called upon to respond to the letter. I do agree that North Frontenac has some challenges but I don’t agree with the accuracy of some of the details in the letter. I think it was written with a fair bit of emotion.”

Gutowski said she hopes the letter will not make it more difficult for county council to move forward in the coming months. “My issue is, how do we go forward from here? I don’t find this helpful, but I think the emotions need to be taken out of the equation. I’m not interested in political posturing. We were all elected to work in the interest of the citizens and I will work with all the partners toward that end.” 

Back to HomeFeature Article - August 27, 2009 Central Frontenac Council - Aug 25/09By Jeff Green

Official Plan amendment approved for seniors’ housing complex

A proposal to amend the Official Plan of Central Frontenac Township to create a rural multi-residential zone in order to permit the North Frontenac Not-For-Profit Housing Corporation to build a five-unit seniors’ complex, was approved by council this week.

The proposal was set for consideration at a council meeting on August 10, but township Planning Consultant Glenn Tunnock said that some information about water quality and quantity at the proposed site had not been received, and the proposal was deferred.

At this week's meeting (August 25) Tunnock said, “That now has been done: the water supply has been secured based on pumping; treatment will be required because of sodium and other mineral content, but the proposed filtration system is sufficient.”

In recommending that Council approve the amendment, Tunnock described it as “smart planning, which meets the requirements of the Official Plan.”

Before Glenn Tunnock spoke, Susan Irwin addressed council. She talked about a group that she was involved in forming last year in response to a request from then Sharbot Lake/Parham/Maberly United Church Minister Patsy Henry to look at seniors’ housing. “There is a real need for seniors’ housing,” Irwin said, “this is the tip of the iceberg. I don’t want to get into the specifics of this project, but I want to talk about the need. There is a need for multiple types of projects.”

Mary McIntyre, the Housing Programs Administrator with the City of Kingston, then outlined the characteristics and timelines of the funding programs that are being accessed by the project. “I think they [North Frontenac Not For Profit Housing] provided a great plan. The building will be on one floor, fully accessible, perfect for seniors,” she said.

While the project was originally approved under one funding program, McIntyre now recommends that it be done using a federal economic stimulus program, for which the timelines are very tight. “We are planning to submit this for the September 30 deadline for those funds,” she said, “but we cannot do that if the planning process is not substantially completed.”

When asked by Councilor Gary Smith about timelines, McIntyre said it would take a minimum of 60 days for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to approve the Official Plan amendment.

“What about an appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board?” Smith then asked.

“If there is any chance that there will be an appeal, we can't take a chance on applying for the funds,” McIntyre said.

Council approved the Official Plan amendment.

An appeal to the Municipal Board has already been promised, which may delay the project from its projected start date late this year.

A letter entitled an “Open Letter to Residents of Clement and Wagner Roads” which was released to the media, includes the following text: “...we are planning to appeal this well-meaning but ill advised project to the Ontario Municipal Board.”

The two-page letter, which is not signed but includes as contacts the phone numbers of Michelle Greenstreet and Roy or Shelley Sepa, was circulated by Roy Sepa at the council meeting. It said, “We are not against seniors housing, or the project’s environmentally friendly design. ... But after investigating the project's design and the process followed, we were all unanimously against the process and the project's siting.” 

Snowmobile club – lake association told to work it out themselves

A proposal to permit a township road allowance onto Horseshoe Lake (near Arden) to be used by the Ridge Runnners Snowmobile Club, was defeated by Central Frontenac Council at their meeting on August 25 in Sharbot Lake.

The proposal had the support of township staff, but at least two members of council said they voted against it in order to encourage the Ridge Runners and the Horseshoe Lake Association to work out an agreement for the use of a larger privately held boat launch onto the lake.

Don Fenwick appeared before Council representing the Ridge Runners, and Bob Stinson, a Horseshoe Lake resident who owns property on both sides of the road allowance, represented the lake association.

Stinson reported, as did Councilor Gary Smith (a Horseshoe Lake Association member himself), that at the association’s AGM, the use of the boat launch by the club received majority support, while the road allowance option was rejected.

The problem, as both Stinson and Fenwick (who just happen to be 4th cousins) acknowledged, is that the ownership of the boat launch is unclear.

“It might be the property of the developer who established all the building lots on the lake,” said Stinson, “but we don't know who that person is.”

“The road allowance is preferable, because we can’t sign an agreement if we don’t know who owns the land,” Fenwick said.

Mr. Stinson then said, “I should point out to council that if the road allowance is approved as a snowmobile trail I will be seeking a reduction in my taxes because my lot will no longer be suitable for a year-round residency, and I will also change my plans, which now are to build a year-round residence on my property. So there will be a cost to the township in reduced tax revenue because the new house will not be built.”

In a recorded vote, six members of council voted against the proposal to allow the Ridge Runners access to the road allowance, and three voted in favour (including Councilors Bill Snyder and Jeff Matson and Mayor Janet Gutowski)

“I voted no to this because I would like to see you guys work this out by yourselves, using the boat launch,” said Councilor Frances Smith. ”If this comes back again I will probably vote for it, but I would like to see a private solution.”

“I feel the same way,” said Councilor Gary Smith.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – After going through some of the detail regarding the township’s 2008 financial statements, Vicky Leakey, of the auditing company KPMG, said she could see no “material weakness in the information provided, and no fraud or possibility of fraud was found.”

PAY YOUR TAXES – The council approved borrowing that may be necessary to cover the costs of almost $3 million in public works projects that are to be 2/3 funded by federal and provincial stimulus funds. Among the projects are road upgrades and construction, the township office extension and a salt storage dome. There may be a delay in receiving federal funding for the projects, although prompt payment is being promised.

“Can we borrow from some of our reserve funds?” asked Councilor Norm Guntensperger.

Treasurer Judy Gray explained that the reserve funds are not necessarily money in the bank, since the township always has tax revenue that is outstanding.

“So if everybody paid their taxes then we could borrow from ourselves,” said Judy Gray.

“You hear that councilors? We all need to pay up!” said the mayor.

Gray added that the township is in a positive position at the moment, and borrowing may not be necessary before the grant money comes in.

GRAVEL CONTRACT TO CRAINS’ – With a bid of $522,775, Crains’ Construction was awarded a tender for supply and application of gravel under one of the stimulus grant programs. Crains’ bid was not the lowest, but after looking at the offers more closely it was determined that the lowest bidder had used different calculations, and in accounting for that it was determined that Crains’ was indeed lower by about $20,000. The contract is within the budget that was prepared by township staff member Steve Reynolds.

NEW HIGH SPEED GRANT COULD HELP ARDEN, BUT NOT NOW – Mayor Gutowski reported that Eastern Ontario has been the recipient of a large portion of the provincial grant money for rural broadband, and that the money is intended to beef up the internet backbone.

“As people use more and more streaming video and other internet applications, the capacity to deliver more information will be important. It's comparable to having a party line and a private line,” Gutowski said of the project, which will be moving forward to the request for proposal stage next month.

“I would say places where it is well known there is fiber in the ground might become attractive. I think in the long run this might be a positive thing for places like Arden, but nothing will happen immediately,” she said.

KUDOS TO SWIM PROGRAM: “I'd like to thank you for another great program and a very professional report,” said Councilor Norm Guntensperger to instructors Aleris Cronk and Kristin Hawley on receipt of their swim program final report. One hundred and forty-five students enrolled in the program this year, a significant increase, and the vast majority successfully obtained their goals.

The instructors recommended some improvements to the fundraising swim-a-thon for next year and pointed out other minor changes they would like to see. 

Back to HomeFeature Article - August 27, 2009 County Trails committee back On TrackBy Jeff Green

The Frontenac County Trails Committee, which has been working on a County Trails Master Plan until the appointees from three of the four townships in the county resigned abruptly in June, is back on track.

Jim Beam (North Frontenac), Gary Smith (Central Frontenac) and Dennis Doyle (Frontenac Islands) all resigned from the committee because they felt the committee had been bypassed when the draft master plan was presented directly to council in early June.

In July, county council rescinded a motion from June in which they received the draft report. Earlier this month, Jim Beam and Dennis Doyle met with county council, along with County Economic Development Manager Anne Marie Young, to talk about the committee’s future, and as result of that meeting, the three members have now rejoined the committee.

In an email letter to Frontenac County Warden Janet Gutowski on Tuesday, August 25, North Frontenac Deputy Mayor Jim Beam wrote: “Denis and I, as well as Gary, even though he wasn't able to be there, wish to thank members of County Council for allowing us to speak at the last County Council meeting and express our views on how to move the Frontenac Trails Committee (FTC) ahead. The positive reaction to Denis' suggestions give us reason to believe that the committee can get the task completed in a timely manner to the satisfaction of all involved.

“We have made note of the concern about adjacent landowners being involved in the implementation plan decisions and are sure that every opportunity will be provided to them for their input.

“Because of this renewed attempt at cooperation, Denis, Gary and I are withdrawing our resignations from the FTC.”

Back to HomeFeature Article - August 20, 2009 Frontenac County CouncilBy Jeff Green

Mayors all want money for roads and bridges, but approve soft county spending

“I spent a lot of time talking with past councilors and past wardens about the federal gas tax, and I think we missed the boat by not talking about infrastructure funding. South Frontenac is spending $2 million this year on construction. We should be looking at spending some of that money on those projects” – South Frontenac Mayor Gary Davison.

“In all the consultations we did, how is it that we missed out on roads and bridges? It seems unreasonable that we have gotten so far into this without looking at something that basic.” – Frontenac Islands Mayor Jim Vanden Hoek

“I took the report to my council in its entirety. Councilors want to ensure that the county continues to perform county duties. Some of the projects were getting into the territory of the townships.” - Central Frontenac Mayor (and 2009 county warden) Janet Gutowksi.

“Gas tax should be going to infrastructure needs. It should be going to roads and bridges, or salt domes, not community centres, not consultants. I’ve been against this from the beginning. I’m voting against everything.” – North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire

With this gloomy start, a debate over a county staff proposal to fund 10 projects that were identified in the recently completed County Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) began at a meeting of Frontenac County Council last week (Wednesday, August 12).

None of the proposed projects were of the “roads and bridges” variety, but a county staff report to council outlined that of the $1.19 million in gas tax transfers received by the county over the past four years, only $120,000 has been spent, and the county is obliged to have spent at least $330,000 by the end of 2009 in order to keep the money.

“Let’s look at the list of projects, and see which ones we can come to consensus on,” said Warden Gutowski.

With North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire already committed to rejecting all 10 proposals, the three other members had to all agree in order for any of them to be approved.

A proposal to complete an inventory of county assets, twinned with a proposal to complete a county GIS mapping initiative that was initiated several years ago, were the most expensive projects to be approved, at a cost of $190,000.

According to a staff report, this mapping will aid in the areas of “land use planning, economic development, land conservancy, natural heritage, lake protection, trails, land ambulance services, fire services, police services, health and social services, transportation, trails, river/floodplain systems, aggregate operations,” and more.

$30,000 will be spent on the “Assessment of Renewable Energy Potential in the Frontenacs”, which is described as a “pre-feasibility assessment of the potential to develop local renewable energy systems” which will be completed this year.

Less expensive projects, such as $5,000 in support of “small scale initiatives such as the Addington Frontenac Area Radio Station (AFAR), $5,000 for a local food summit (yet to be organised), and $9,150 towards a ‘Naturally Rich Frontenacs’ booklet to be produced by the Frontenac Stewardship Council”, round out the list.

The total cost of these projects is about $240,000.

Among projects which were not approved was a “Social Services Development Plan” for $100,000 – which was deferred, a salt management plan ($50,000), a solid waste management plan ($75,000) and a common energy management plan (up to $100,000).

As to how to spend the rest of the money that has already been received, and how to spend about $4 million more, which will be forthcoming by 2014, the situation is less clear.

The thorny question of how to use gas tax funds to deal with infrastructure within the county, which is all owned and funded by the local townships, was left for another day.

“How can we flow money for roads and bridges?” asked Mayor Vanden Hoek.

“I’ll report back in September,” said CAO Elisabeth Savill.

Meanwhile the County Sustainability Planner, Joe Gallivan, and the County Manager for Economic Development, Ann Marie Young, will begin working on bringing the approved projects on stream. 

Some movement on county council composition

The year-long debate over county council composition may yield fruit after all.

While he still expressed reservations, South Frontenac Mayor Gary Davison has gone along with an idea brought to the table by Frontenac Islands Mayor Jim Vanden Hoek, that they will let their own councils guide them on changes to the makeup of county council.

“I’m still not convinced we should make a change,” said Davison, “I’m still waiting to be impressed by this. But I will bring back what I see from my council. I will bring that back to the table.”

In order for changes to take effect, they must be approved by the end of 2009.

North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire and County Warden Janet Gutowski have both expressed their support for adding a second representative to county council from each of the four Frontenac townships, and for a provision to give more weight to South Frontenac Township, which contains 58% of the population.

Questions remain about how that second individual would be selected, whether they should serve a four-year term, and whether the county warden position should also be a four-year appointment. (It is currently rotated on an annual basis).

At the county meeting on August 12, in prefacing the latest attempt to work something out, Warden Janet Gutowski outlined all of these questions.

North Frontenac Mayor Ron Maguire suggested that a committee be struck, including one member of county council and appointees from the four member councils, to bring back a proposal in October.

The other members of council favoured bringing the matter directly to their own councils for comment.

“That way we will end up being faced with four proposals, and then where will we be?” said Maguire.

“What if we are all considering the exact same questions, as outlined by the warden?” asked Gary Davison.

Janet Gutowski will prepare a list of questions for the next county meeting in September. If approved they will be taken by the mayors to their own councils and will report back at the October meeting.

Any change will need to be ratified by a majority of councils, which must include South Frontenac, because of its size, before the end of 2009.

Sydenham area to be the site of new ambulance base

Council approved, without debate, a report from Paul Charbonneau calling for the new South Frontenac ambulance base to be located “in the vicinity of Sydenham. The report outlined how that location would result in improved response times for the most number of people in South Frontenac and North Kingston.

County trails committee back on track

While the three township representatives who resigned from a committee that was preparing a trails master plan for Frontenac County had not yet formally returned to the fold, two of them appeared before county council last week and talked about how the committee can move forward.

The three members, Gary Smith (Central Frontenac), Jim Beam (North Frontenac) and Dennis Doyle (Frontenac Islands), all resigned in June after a draft master plan was presented directly to county council by county staff without being vetted by the committee

In July, county council rescinded their motion to receive the draft plan, and for their meeting on August 12, Anne Marie Young, manager for Economic Development at the county, prepared a background report on the history of the two-year-old process, which came about when the county received a grant to purchase portions of the old K&P rail line in order to establish a trail.

Dennis Doyle appeared last week before county council, along with Jim Beam and Anne Marie Young. Doyle had sent a letter to the county, which was endorsed by Gary Smith and Jim Beam, outlining a way forward.

Doyle suggested that municipal representatives on the committee, which also includes representatives from conservation authorities and trail advocacy groups, become the voting members, along with a county council appointee.

Warden Janet Gutowski volunteered to fulfill that role.

Other county councilors expressed the concern that public opinion, in particular the opinions of people who oppose trail expansion for various reasons, be reflected in the report.

In response to this concern, the draft plan will be presented to public meetings that will be scheduled in communities along the Road 38 corridor where the K&P trail would be located - that section being the most contentious piece of trail in the county.

“We will not be involved in implementation,” Doyle assured county council, “which is where a lot of these issues will be worked out. We plan to finalize a master plan and disband by the end of this year.”

A formal committee of the county may be formed to implement the master plan once it is approved, Doyle added. 

Back to HomeFeature Article - August 13, 2009 Central Frontenac Council – Aug. 10/09By Jeff Green

Businessman asks for help in dealing with MTO

Engineering consultant Steve Archibald from McIntosh Perry made a presentation to Central Frontenac Council this week (Monday August 10) on behalf of Bob Basra of Sharbot Lake Petro-Canada and General Store.

“Back in the early part of 2000, MTO [Ministry of Transportation of Ontario] approached the Basras and advised them that they were planning a reconstruction project, and they were going to reconstruct his entrances,” Archibald began. “Basra has now been waiting for almost 10 years to resolve entrance and drainage issues off Highway 7 with the MTO so that he can go ahead with planned upgrades to the fuel pumps at his station.”

Basra has been coordinating his plans with the MTO over the past 10 years but the problem has been that the MTO has made several changes, according to Archibald, leaving Basra unsure of how to proceed.

Finally, the MTO settled on a reconstruction plan, which included the construction of catch basins and storm drains for an unresolved water drainage problem at the site.

“Everything changed this year when the MTO decided they could not afford the project and will not be upgrading the highway after all. We made a request to the MTO to consider financial assistance on the same basis that they had until they changed their plans, but they said no,” Archibald said.

The MTO is insisting that the three entrances to the station be reduced to two, which Archibald said would be complied with, “but we are talking $50,000 to $100,000 to do all this, and then the expansion plans will have to be paid for as well.”

“Those guys are getting more and more difficult to deal with,” Bob Basra told council.

Steve Archibald asked that council consider going “the political route on this,” and write a letter to MPP Randy Hillier, asking him to “request that the ministry review this.”

“Does Bob Basra need to replace the storm drains in order to complete his business plan?” asked Councilor John Purdon.

Archibald said yes.

“I don't think this is very fair to the small businessman,” said Councilor Bob Harvey.

Council agreed to write a letter to Randy Hillier.

The morning after the meeting, Bob Basra was at his store as usual. Between making a pot of coffee and taking delivery of some merchandise, he pointed out that he is in a difficult position because of this latest MTO decision, which comes after years of constant shifting from them on what they would accept from him and what they are planning to do about the intersection.

“Petro-Canada has been willing to help me put in new pumps and new tanks and a canopy to the west of the store. They have wanted to remove those fuel tanks for ten years. But now they are wondering if I am really committed to all this. I don't know where to go with this,” he said. “To spend another $100,000 on top of all the money I’ve already spent is not easy for me to do.”

Illio Rulli, from Rock Lake Excavation, has been doing work for Bob Basra over the past few years, preparing a location for the proposed expansion and dealing with the MTO over drainage.

He understands Basra's frustration.

“They have acted in an unprofessional manner all along, and have kept changing what they want us to do. He has a good engineering firm working for him, and everything he has done has been legitimate, but the MTO keeps asking for more and more. They don't care about the impact of their inconsistency on a small business. Even if Bob goes and pays $100,000 for this, who’s to say they won't decide that's not what's needed and ask for something else? I don't think they care if we all go out of business.” 

Seniors’ housing zoning approval delayed

Advocates and opponents of a planned five-unit, not-for profit seniors’ townhouse on Clement Road in Central Frontenac Township were prepared for a final decision at the Central Frontenac Council meeting on August 10.

And the first few minutes of Glenn Tunnock's presentation could only have led them to believe he was about to recommend speedy passage of the zoning and official plan amendments that are necessary for the project to go forward.

Noting that 37% of Central Frontenac's population is over 55, Tunnock said, “This is a project that we want to embrace enthusiastically provided we can support the planning requirements.”

He then referred to a 10-page document he had prepared, which provides responses to 34 questions that were raised at a public meeting on the zoning applications back in July.

“It is our submission that the site is adequate. It is large enough to be serviced by sewage and water services, and the technology has all been approved,” Tunnock concluded.

All systems seemed to be a go, until Tunnock's next statement.

“We are not satisfied in terms of water services. It would be imprudent for this council to make a decision until they are satisfied that an adequate supply of potable water is available for seniors at that location.”

He explained later that he had received a notice from Mississippi Valley Conservation earlier in the day, which said they required further information before they could confirm that the water at the location is potable.

Tunnock added that the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing has advised him that there might be a natural heritage issue, because of the potential black rat snake habitat at the location, but that “even if this is the case it is not seen as a show stopper.”

After Tunnock's presentation, a motion to defer consideration of the application was approved by council.

Most members of council expressed support for the project before the vote, however, so passage at the next meeting of council, scheduled for August 26, is likely, provided the water question has been satisfactorily resolved.

Councilor Bob Harvey was perhaps the least enthusiastic member of council towards the project, citing his concerns about it being located too far from the services that are available in Sharbot Lake.

“I'm torn over this project,” he said, “five units won’t begin to satisfy our need for seniors’ housing, but it's a start I guess.”

North Frontenac Not-For Profit Housing is hoping to start construction on the project this year, and those plans would be jeopardized by any further delays, according to the project manager, Cam Allen. 

Central Frontenac finally moving on train museum 

The Central Frontenac Railway Museum organisation is nothing if not stubborn.

After years of setbacks over the ownership of the land where the Sharbot Lake train station once stood, and lukewarm endorsements from a succession of Central Frontenac councils, the question was finally put to council this week by Councilor Frances Smith.

“Stop thinking about a railroad museum,” she said, “and start thinking about a building that looks like the original station, but will house whatever we need it to be. This proposal is for a multi-purpose centre. What I would like council to do is to sit or forever get off the pot. I want council to either support looking further at this and developing this as our project and working with the committee, or to say forget it.”

The other piece of the puzzle that Smith referred to is the ownership of the land, which she said is on the point of being settled, so all of the land in question, which is located across from the township office in Sharbot Lake, will be in the hands of the township.

Councilor Bob Harvey said, “Every time I think about this I think about that piece of junk in Smiths Falls that nobody ever visits. [There is a train museum in Smiths Falls]. A cultural centre, sure, but that property could also be used for seniors’ housing.”

Other councilors were more supportive, however, and the question came down to determining how to move the project forward.

A resolution that had been proposed by Frances Smith asked that the council “designate a staff person as a project manager to oversee the initiative and hire an employee to carry out those duties”, which include investigating funding, determining options for use, and a feasibility study/business plan.

Mayor Gutowski said that township staff is already strained and suggested that efforts be made to seek funding for a person to take on the project.

As if to illustrate how funding could fall into place, the township’s planning consultant, Glenn Tunnock, who was attending the meeting on another matter, jumped to his feet and offered $1,000 “from Tunnock Consulting to kick you off on a feasibility study”.

Tunnock's enthusiasm must have been catching, because Frances Smith's resolution received unanimous support, even if Bob Harvey put his hand up a bit grudgingly.

“I am elated with this result,” said Gary Giller, chair of the museum committee. “We were prepared for them to say no, but are thrilled they said yes. We are totally open to this building being used for a variety of purposes. We are not tied to anything but a desire for it to be built as a replica of the original station.” 

Proposed environmental advisory committee - Art Dunham, president of the Big Clear Lake Association in Arden, brought a proposal that Central Frontenac Council establish an environmental advisory committee to help the township work on a variety of issues, including a septic re-inspection program and water quality issues.

He pointed out that as of 2007, 24 municipalities in the province have established this kind of committee. “It is an opportunity for the council to take advantage of the expertise of people who live in our midst,” he said.

Council remained sceptical.

“Maybe this could wait a while until we get our other committees set up,” said Councilor John Purdon.

“I think where we are weak is in communicating with lake associations and others, but I don’t know about a committee,” said Councilor Frances Smith.

“I’m not opposed, but volunteers are a precious commodity,” said Mayor Janet Gutowski.

A motion to set up an advisory committee was defeated.

New works manager – Mike Richardson, on his fifth day on the job as public works manager for the township, made his first appearance before council.

He said he has been meeting people and looking over the equipment in his department, and has come to a couple of preliminary conclusions. “There are two items in particular that need to be addressed to balance off the winter and also the general road maintenance component,” he said.

Richardson said the township will require a new tandem truck, which will have to be ordered after next year’s budget is passed, but he would like to begin the process of tendering the project now, so if the decision is made to buy one he can act immediately.

The second requirement is for a used ½ ton pickup so all three supervisors would be able to get around the township. The budget for this is $20,000 and there is money available from this year’s budget.

After some debate, the purchase was approved.

“You're doing well,” the mayor said to Richardson, “you've won your first vote.”

FIRE MASTER PLAN – Fire Chief Mark MacDonald appeared before council with a short outline of the fire master plan that is now scheduled for completion in December. The plan will look at best practices, equipment, etc. and “will provide a road map for the municipality for the next 5 to 20 years” according to the outline.

In the short term, the internal hiring of two deputy fire chiefs, one for operation and one for administration, was discussed. “The job posting, including job descriptions, will be available within two weeks, and we are hoping to do the hiring by mid-September. The deputy chiefs will be new positions, in addition to the district chiefs who are already in place.”

MacDonald said the deputy chiefs would help him to finalise the fire master plan as well.

Deputy Mayor Gary Smith asked if the “December date for the master plan is a firm deadline. Do you need some outside help to get this done?”

MacDonald said he has the resources of the fire marshal’s office at his disposal and “if we need any more outside expertise, I'd be happy to seek it.”

High speed at township halls – not

Councilors rejected a proposal to increase the rental cost of the township halls to pay for high-speed internet service as a feature of the halls.

“Most of the seniors’ groups that I know that use the halls are not interested in surfing. They are more interested in eating,” said Councilor John Purdon.

“Where did this come from?” asked Councilor Norm Guntensperger, “I don't know anyone who favours this.”

“I have received requests from several groups and lake associations who expressed interest in this, so I will be supporting it,” said Mayor Gutowski.

And she did, along with Councilor Frances Smith. The motion was defeated, 7 votes to 2.

ICSP – In anticipation of a discussion at the Frontenac County Council table later this week, a consideration for the 10 proposals in the as yet unapproved Frontenac County Integrated Community Sustainability Plan (ICSP) was initiated by the mayor.

The projects, in total, will cost about $564,000 this year if approved, and the money would come from federal gas tax rebate dollars allocated to the county.

“I think some of these projects are difficult for us to take on as townships, and there are some that are probably premature. I would like your thoughts,” said Gutowski.

“Most of this looks like hiring consultants to look deeper into whether or not you should be in this or that business,” said Councilor Frances Smith.

Of the $540,000 in proposed spending, $325,000 is devoted to four different planning documents: social services development, a common energy management plan for all five municipalities, salt management, and solid waste management. Another $140,000 is devoted to Global Information Systems (GIS) mapping, and $50,000 to an inventory of community assets (natural and built).

“My assessment is that the county will be receiving $5 million from this fund over the next few years, and you are clearly struggling to spend it,” said Gary Smith. “It would make a lot of political sense if some of that $5 million were moved down to the townships as it was originally intended.”

“We need more information at the county level on social services. We do not have adequate mapping; assessment of renewable energy potential is something we don't need to do five times. These I support. Solid waste management, no; salt management, no,” said Mayor Gutowski about her intentions when the matter is discussed at the county table. “But I also think we need to adopt the ICSP before we adopt these projects.”

A motion was approved asking for further discussion between the township and the county on ICSP-related projects.