Council rebuffs expanded transportation study – 

Steve Carol and Ken Becking, engineers with Jewell Engineering, made a presentation to Frontenac County Council concerning a proposed comprehensive transportation study for the county. The study would look not only at all of the roads and bridges, but trails, transportation services, ferries, and more.

“The transportation management plan focus should be a review of roads to consider a regional roads system, but integration and linkages to other modes of transportation (roads, trails, transit, and ferries) must be considered as part of this project,” said a staff report supporting an allocation of $110,000 towards a transportation management plan.

Members of County Council didn't mince words in response.

“I cannot support this. It is not what we discussed when we first talked about working together on roads,” said County Warden Gary Davison. “We already turned down that $110,000 when we did our budget.”

“I have difficulty with this. I have difficulty expanding this beyond roads,” said Frontenac Islands Mayor Jim Vanden Hoek.

The impetus for a transportation plan came about as the result of proposals by public works managers from North, Central and South Frontenac who wanted to look at maintenance on arterial roads in Frontenac County. These roads are owned and maintained by the individual townships as there are no county roads in Frontenac County. Roads that are being considered for a possible 'regional' roads system are Road 38, Perth Road and Road 506/509. Other roads that may be added include Ardoch Road, Harlowe Road, Westport Road, Rutledge Road, and others,

“Having listened to some of the issues being raised, I would like to ask the consulting group whether the terms of reference for this study could be re-addressed to look specifically at arterial roads” said County Chef Administrative Officer Elizabeth Savill.

Consideration of the transportation management plan was deferred to allow Jewel Engineering to prepare and cost out a more limited study.

There is $40,000, taken from a federal gas tax rebate, in the Frontenac County 2010 budget for a transportation management plan.

BRIDGEN'S ISLAND SOLUTION PROPOSED:

Frontenac County's Sustainabilty Planner, Joe Gallivan, was given the task of bringing options to County Council to resolve a zoning quagmire on Bridgen’s Island, which is located on Eagle Lake.

The island was developed under a single ownership in 1975, with individual landowners forming the Bridgen’s Island Association to deal with legal and financial matters. This didn’t fit with the new realities of the post-amalgamation municipal world, and since 2003 the Bridgen’s Island property owners have been working with Central Frontenac on a plan to establish standard building lots on the island under a plan of subdivision.

Eagle Lake was designated as a highly sensitive trout lake in 2008, and the increased setback requirements, 300 metres, makes it impossible to create a new building lot on Bridgen’s Island because the island is less than 600 metres wide.

There are 10 lots on the island that already have cottages on them, and since they are already in existence, the Province of Ontario will accept designating those lots as building lots. However, there are four proposed lots in the Bridgen’s Island Association plan of subdivision proposal that have never been built on.

It is the status of these four lots that Joe Gallivan was asked to clarify. As the four lot owners looked on, Gallivan laid out his recommendation, whereby those lots could be accommodated in a plan of subdivision.

But even if the recommendation is accepted, the lots may not have any real value to the four owners.

Gallivan proposed that four “private open space lots” be established, upon which development would not be permitted. They would have a legal status, but would be no more than privately owned camp sites.

At some point in the future the lot owners could seek a zoning change for their lots, but this could only happen if the Ministry of the Environment approves a zero phosphorous septic system, or if the highly sensitive trout lake designation on Eagle Lake is lifted at some point.

Joe Gallivan said that zero phosphorous septic technology exists but the Ministry of the Environment has not accepted the technology thus far.

“They might do so in the future,” he said.

Central Frontenac Mayor Janet Gutowski supported Joe Gallivan’s private open space lot proposal, and proposed a motion authorizing him to put together a plan for County Council approval. Her proposal covers a series of requirements that are meant to ensure that the plan will meet with the approval of the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Mayors Davison and Vanden Hoek both said they were not familiar enough with what was being proposed to be comfortable voting on it.

Vanden Hoek then raised a question about the possibility of an Ontario Municipal Board Hearing if the Ministry of Municipal Affairs decides to oppose the plan.

“If this goes to the OMB, would we be the ones who would have to pay the legal fees?” Vanden Hoek asked.

“We are planning for this to not go to the OMB,” Gallivan replied, “but if it does the costs would come to us.”

“Would we have to contest this, or could we walk away?” asked Vanden Hoek.

“That would be a decision of Council,” Gallivan said.

Council decided to ask Joe Gallivan for a further report, clarifying the option that he is recommending.

The Bridgen’s Island lot owners huddled together after the meeting. Theyw said they had no comment to make at this time.

GIS EMPLOYEE PROPOSED: A proposal to hire a full-time technician to help complete and manage the County Global Information System (GIS) mapping system was put off until the next meeting on August 11.

UPDATE OF SUSTAINABILITY WEBSITE – Council approved a $30,000 upgrade of the www.directionsforourfuture.ca website that was set up as part of the county’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan.

North Frontenac to embark on Blue Box promotion campaign

North Frontenac Township has received a $5,000 grant from Waste Diversion Ontario for a communication campaign that is aimed at increasing recycling in the township.

The campaign will be targeted at the tourist and seasonal populations as well as permanent residents of the township, and will include a direct mailing campaign in addition to new signage. Highway signs will be posted at entrances to the township proclaiming North Frontenac a “Proud Green Community” and will ask visitors to “help us watch our waste”.

The focus of the campaign is to augment the blue box program in the township. It follows on the heels of other measures that have brought the level of recycling in North Frontenac from 13% of the waste stream to 43% over several years.

A few years ago North Frontenac introduced a $2 garbage fee along with a system whereby a free tag was handed out by waste site attendants for each bag of recycling, and last summer a clear bag system was brought into place

One of the targets of the campaign will be informing residents and tourists what can be recycled in North Frontenac and what the recycling procedure is. For example, the following paper products can be recycled in North Frontenac: newspapers, flyers, magazines, catalogues, envelopes, computer/printer paper, paper cups, paper plates, tissue paper, and greeting cards. But before they can be recycled they must be either placed together in a paper bag or tied together.

Laminated copies of the recycling list and the procedure are available for all tourist operators in an effort to make it easier for them to encourage their clients to follow North Frontenac's aggressive recycling program.

The goal of the promotional campaign is to bring the number up to 60% at the end of the three-year campaign.

A copy of the detailed proposal that township staff prepared in order to secure funding for the new initiative was presented to council at their July 15 meeting. “I'd like to mention that this plan is very well produced, very well written and researched. My compliments to staff for this work,” said Mayor Maguire about the successful funding application.

In addition to the $5000 that has been received from Waste Diversion Ontario, the township has committed $1,700 over three years to the promotional campaign.

OMPAH COMPLEX TASK FORCE – The township formally appointed a number of people from the Ompah area to a task force that will report back to Council in September about the future of the building that currently houses the Ompah fire hall, the Ompah town hall and the Ompah library. The fire hall is scheduled to move to a new building that will be co-located with a new ambulance base.

The task force will be seeking public input about possible uses of the site in the coming weeks, and will then put together a proposal for the township’s consideration. A member of Council will chair the task force, and township staff member Cory Klatt was assigned to the task force as well.

GREEN ROOF GO-AHEAD – Council agreed to look for a suitable building to put solar collectors on to take advantage of the Micro-FIT program, in line with a county-wide initiative.

NO AGENDA, NO ATTENDANCE – Mayor Maguire reported that he has not attended the last two Rural Urban Liaison Committee meetings (RULAC) even though he is a member of the committee. RULAC meetings are monthly sessions with representation from Frontenac County and City of Kingston politicians to talk about common issues. “I did not receive an agenda package in time to read and digest it before the meetings,” he said, “and for the second meeting they didn't send the agenda at all until after the meeting was over. As I told the CAO of the County, ‘no agenda, no attendance',” Maguire said.

Sixty members of the Sharbot Lake Property Owners’ Association (SLPOA) showed up for the association’s annual general meeting in Sharbot Lake last weekend. They heard an update from their president, Ken Waller, on the top three recommendations that resulted from the Lake Link seminar that was held in Perth in October of last year.

The recommendations were: the ensuring of properly functioning septic systems; the importance of maintaining a buffer strip known as a “ribbon of life” on shore lines; and aiming to keep as much property surrounding the lake undeveloped as possible.

The SLPOA's environmental issues coordinator Elaine Stillwell presented her report and in addition to asking for volunteers to collect water samples from the lake for the Lake Partners Program, she addressed septic re-inspection in detail.

She relayed how last fall Central Frontenac Council drafted a by-law for mandatory septic re-inspection but has delayed bringing it into force. This spring the township hired a student to locate and map out septic systems with a GPS on a voluntary basis.

Stillwell highlighted the findings of a report produced by the Frontenac Stewardship Council about septic pumping on island and other water-access only properties. She noted some complications that would have to be overcome for septic pumping to take place on the many islands on Sharbot Lake.

Either a barge with at least a 2000 gallon tank would be required or else one that could carry a small truck. On the east basin there is no public dock and the barge would have to be able to clear the bridge. A licensed operator would have to bring the effluent ashore and either remove it to their own site or a municipal site. At an estimated cost of $600-$700 per cottage, at least 40 property owners would have to participate to make it feasible.

On a lighter note, Greg Storring of Storring Septic Service did a presentation on the Swedish-designed Waterless Composting Toilets, and Ron Kortekaas of Eco Alternative Energy informed members of the services and equipment he offers for those considering solar and wind energy alternatives.

Central Frontenac CAO John Duchene was the guest speaker and he highlighted issues affecting property owners and gave updates on the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaws, waste management and the upcoming municipal elections.

Erik Kohlsmith of the Mississippi/Rideau Septic System Office spoke about a voluntary septic re-inspection program that will be booking appointments in Central Frontenac for the weeks of August 16-20 and August 23-27. Anyone interested can call 613-259-2421 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Anyone who missed the AGM can visit the SLPOA site at www.slpoa.ca. The SLPOA’s annual Fish Fry will take place July 24 at 5PM at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake.

Fire crews lead the way in medical emergencies

Central Frontenac Fire Chief Mark MacDonald, along with Deputy Fire Chiefs Art Cowdy and Bill Young, presented the long-anticipated Fire Master Plan for the township this week.

“There are many different avenues to take with a master plan,” said Mark MacDonald in presenting the document. “Some are very descriptive and are hundreds of pages long. Our plan gives everybody an idea of what is going on now and where we want to get to over the next few years. It should be looked at again after a few years.”

The 16-page plan, which includes 6 appendices, outlines the community, the makeup of the fire department, the stations and equipment, an equipment replacement schedule, and a description of the kinds of calls the department responds to.

It was the description of the calls that sparked the greatest amount of interest among members of Council. Over the past five years, the department has responded to about 1250 calls. The largest single category of calls is medical calls (31%), followed by fire calls (19%), motor vehicle collisions (14%), and grass and brush fires (4%). A variety of other calls, including complaints, odour investigations, false alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, ice/water rescues etc. account for a further 32% of calls.

In the majority of cases, the fire department is able to answer medical calls more quickly than the Frontenac land ambulance, and according to a tiered response agreement the fire department is called into all land ambulance calls that are of a more serious nature.

The number of medical calls is going up, according to MacDonald. “This year it is close to 40%, and last month, for example, half our calls were medical calls,” he said

“It's time the municipality started communicating with the Ministry of Health. They should be supporting some of our costs for medical calls since they subsidize the ambulance service that we support. I believe a lot of your training is medical,” said Councilor Frances Smith.

“The vast majority of our training is indeed medical,” said Mark MacDonald. “When the tiered response started the training was provided for free. But over time all of the costs have been transferred to the fire departments.”

“That's a pretty fundamental observation,” said Councilor Gary Smith. “Should we doing those medical assists or should it be done through the expansion of the ambulance service?”

“I see this as an important discussion,” said Councilor Norm Guntensperger, who is a former fire department member, “but I would hate to see any of the public put at risk. To me, and I may be biased, the most valuable part of our service is the medical part. Yes, the ministry needs to step up to the plate, and ambulance service should be improved, but we can't back off from medical services; we've saved a lot of lives. When the boys arrive a lot of people are very happy when their loved ones are ill.”

Mayor Janet Gutowski said she would raise the matter at the rural caucus of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario later this year.

The Fire Master Plan will be brought back to a meeting of Council on August 13 for adoption.

COMPREHENSIVE ZONING BYLAW:

Township Planning Consultant Glenn Tunnock made a preliminary presentation to council of the revised Central Frontenac comprehensive zoning bylaw.

With the township’s renewed Official Plan having been approved with the exception of one provision, the necessary update of the comprehensive zoning bylaw is under way.

Tunnock outlined a number of changes. For one thing, all of the minor variances to the bylaw that have been approved by the township since the bylaw took effect in 2003 are incorporated into the new bylaw, as are changes that result from new provisions in the revised Official Plan.

In discussing the proposed bylaw, Mayor Gutowski expressed the concern that when people approach the township with a proposal to develop a piece of property, they are faced with a set of rules that can be a hindrance to development. “We need good planning practices to be in place,” she said, “but we need to let people know how to navigate our system. We need to make it easier to develop property. We need to work with people more.”

Glenn Tunnock said he might be able to produce a document that outlines the steps that need to be taken by developers of all sizes. The comprehensive zoning bylaw will be considered at a dedicated Council session, but it will first be considered at an open house and a public meeting. The open house, and possibly the public meeting as well, will be scheduled for August in order to encourage summer residents to attend.

MOUNTAIN GROVE RECREATION PLAN – Plans to move the Mountain Grove ball field from its location next to the township dump and works yard to a location in between the public school and the fire hall have been proceeding through the work of an ad hoc public committee and the Olden Recreation Committee.

Township Public Works Manager Mike Richardson has been acting as a resource to the process and he brought a preliminary report to Council.

“This will have to go back to the ad hoc committee before it is considered by Council,” Richardson said.

Councilor Guntensperger asked if any work would be done on the project this year, and Richardson said some preparatory work for a new ballfield could be done.

The plan includes building washroom facilities at the new park. It also includes, with the backing of the fire chief, the relocation of the live fire training centre for the township to the dump site/works garage site. The fire training centre is currently located in the vicinity of the proposed recreation facility, across Highway 7.

Councilor Bill Snyder said the process was moving too quickly and people in Mountain Grove are bound to be disappointed when the township does not have enough money for all the plans they are making.

“It seems to me this is being pushed too far,” Snyder said. “It started with a ball field and then other stuff keeps getting added on. Where is the money going to come from?”

“We have not spent very much money here. There is only $10,000 aside for this,” Councilor Norm Guntensperger responded.

Guntensperger then made reference to money that has been spent on one of Bill Snyder's own pet projects, the Piccadilly hall. “$10,000 is not much compared to what was spent in your district, $75,000 for your old hall,” he said.

(The actual allocation in the 2010 budget to repairs to the Piccadilly hall was $52,000)

Mayor Gutowski said, “The process has been appropriate. The committee will have to make some decisions and then they will have to come back to us with a proposal. We will have the opportunity to consider their proposal at that time. Our hands are not tied by anything that has taken place thus far.”

SIGNS, SIGNS, WHERE ARE THE SIGNS?

Councilor Frances Smith asked the public works manager if steps were being taken to replace a number of road signs that have come down over the past year or so.

Richardson said he has not done enough thus far in his tenure (he has been working in the township for about year) to deal with replacing damaged or removed signs, but that he was proposing that a new position be created to cover that gap and others.

Central Frontenac Council- July 13 by Julie Druker

Central Frontenac to accept fridges, air conditioners for free – move to clear bags for waste

The Central Frontenac Waste Management Committee recommended that the township allow for the free disposal of white goods such as refrigerators and air conditioners with the municipality taking responsibility to remove freon from those items at no charge. The idea is to encourage the safe disposal of these items, with the added benefit that the township will make some money from the salvaged metal. Council accepted the recommendation.

A second recommendation made by Public Works Manager Mike Richardson was that the municipality stop using bag tags and start using clear plastic bags with township names printed on them as a way of better identifying waste derived from residents and businesses. This will also to provide one more level of inspection to identify recyclables that need to be diverted.

In his report, Richardson also recommended that the bags be sold at the municipal office and at waste sites. The bags would cost the township 17 cents as compared to 1 cent for the bag tags. They would be sold for $1, the same price that a bag tag is sold for.

After much discussion regarding enforcement, costs and other related issues, a motion was unanimously passed to adopt the change to clear bags, leaving the other details open for later discussion.

Green Energy Task Force: There was much discussion about a motion put forth for the township to investigate the installation of two rooftop solar Micro-FIT projects, one at the District #3 fire hall and the second at the community centre in Arden. Councilor Bill Snyder wondered what happened to the possibility of investigating a solar project at the Godfrey garage. Public Works manager Mike Richardson answered that the Godfrey roof only offers 6000 square feet of space and it is recommended that each project have 10,000 square feet to be feasible.

Councilor Gary Smith expressed a concern about the “fuzziness” of the financial implications to the township for these projects and wondered about the likelihood that the project will end up costing the township some money, at least in the short term.

“Yes there is a possibility, but this council would also receive the benefits of the revenues that would be generated,” said Mayor Gutowski.

CAO John Duchene clarified that “the key here is to just get on board to investigate these two locations and to bring those findings back to council.”

Councilor John Purdon wondered why Frontenac County just doesn't take full responsibility for the green energy projects, to which the mayor responded, “We think the best option is for townships to investigate their own projects and perhaps the county might end up taking them over.”

In the end a motion passed to investigate the two roof top locations.

Equipment Purchase

A motion was passed to purchase a like-new 740 grader for half the regular cost, totaling $130,000 plus tax.

Completion of work on the Arden bridge

A motion was passed to complete work on the Arden bridge using any surplus building funds that are left over this year.

New public works position

Mike Richardson recommended creating a new public works position with the title Public Works Coordinator who would be responsible for managing a number of things like bridges, quarries, waste sites, municipal drains, as well as producing and administering various contracts. After much discussion council passed a motion receiving the memo for information.

Livestock valuations

Two livestock valuations for F. Lloyd and B. Warren were each approved after each lost a cow, the first to a wolf, the second to a bear. They will be compensated in the amounts of $945 and $1000 respectively.

$95 for election audit committee members

Council also approved a motion to pay $95 per diem to members of the election compliance audit committee, a new joint committee to be formed in compliance with the election act.

Compromise Solution Rejected: Council in a snit over  deck.

At their meeting on July 6, Planner Lindsay Mills outlined a problem concerning an illegal deck in Bedford District. When a building permit had been issued for a waterfront lot on Concession 3, a special exemption had been made to permit constructing a residence closer to the water than the usual setback, due to the awkward terrain of the property.

At the time however, the permit had stated that no deck would be permitted on the water side of the house, as it would cut further into the remaining setback. The township recently received a complaint that a deck had been constructed, and dispatched a building department official to the property. An illegally constructed deck was found, one for no building permit had been issued, nor any request made for a permit.

The property owner asked for special consideration on the grounds that he now needed to use a wheelchair, and this deck made the dwelling accessible.

Planner Mills proposed that Council consider a compromise: a motion to allow the deck to remain on a temporary basis, permission to be renewed every three years, with the requirement that the deck be removed as soon as it was no longer needed for wheelchair access. He further recommended that a $2,500 deposit be required, to be returned to the property owners when the deck was removed.

Councillor Robinson objected to the deposit: “Aren’t we here to work for the people?” he asked.

Councillor Vandewal said he meant no disrespect for a person in a wheelchair, but he felt the builder had shown “sheer disrespect” for the township by disregarding the no-deck ruling, and building without applying for a permit.

Councillor John Fillion suggested the Township should ask its solicitor whether the need for accessibility would override the zoning act.

Council then voted on Mills’ recommendation, to allow the deck to remain on a temporary basis with a $2,500 deposit, to be returned whenever the deck is removed.

Councillor Robinson voted against the motion, then shortly after he asked to change his vote, on the grounds that although he was opposed to the deposit, he didn’t want the deck to be removed.

Mayor Davison ruled that once a council member had voted, and the next councillor had also cast his vote, no one could go back and change their vote by voting a second time. The motion to allow the deck to remain in place on a short-term basis was defeated.

Councillor Hahn made a motion to challenge the mayor’s ruling concerning Bill Robinson’s attempt to reverse his vote, “as a procedural matter.” This was defeated in a close vote.

Mayor Davison declared the issue closed: the deck would have to be removed.

At this point, Councillor Robinson asked to be excused, and left the meeting.

Further Business -

Council agreed to endorse New Tecumseth’s resolution which requests that children’s recreation programs be exempted from the HST.

Council passed a by-law to designate the property known as Green Bay Heritage Cemetery as having cultural and heritage value.

CAO Orr was congratulated on having completed his first year’s work for the township: “We feel you have done an outstanding job,” said Mayor Davison.

Municipal elections are held under cool autumn skies in Ontario, but in South Frontenac the candidates were lining up as the weather was just heating up in early June.

In fact, as of Canada Day, there were 19 candidates for 10 positions in South Frontenac (one mayor, two councilors in each of four wards, and one school board trustee). No one is going to win a position by acclamation in 2010.

In contrast to South Frontenac, candidates have not exactly been chomping at the bit in neighbouring districts.

In Central Frontenac, there are also 10 positions available but only six candidates have registered thus far - Logan Murray for mayor; Tom Dewey for council in Kennebec ward; Richard Greenstreet and Wayne Millar in Oso ward; Philip Smith in Hinchinbrooke and Ann Goodfellow for school board trustee.

Incumbent mayor Janet Gutowski has indicated that she intends to run but has not yet registered.

In North Frontenac, only Jim Beam (for mayor) and incumbents Fred Perry (Barrie ward) and Bob Olmstead (Palmerston-Canonto) have registered thus far, and in Addington highlands only current Reeve Henry Hogg and Bill Cox (Council – southern ward) have put their names forward.

Some interesting races are already shaping up in South Frontenac.

The mayor's race between incumbent Gary Davison and current councillor John Fillion will be particularly interesting. Davison has made formal amalgamation of South Frontenac services the hallmark of his tenure, and for four years Fillion has been one the main forces of resistance against centralizing power and authority at the township office.

Confrontations between the two men have been commonplace at the council table, and this race should yield some lively debates later on in the fall.

In Loughborough District, both incumbents, Ron Vandewal and Alan McPhail are seeking re-election, but there are two other candidates as well, both of whom are well known. Percy Snider, who is a long time contractor for the township, and Fran Willes, a former councilor and mayoral candidate, will give Vandewal and McPhail a run for their money.

In Portland, long-time council member Bill Robinson is seeking re-election, as is one-term incumbent Jim Hicks. Other candidates include Doug Lovegrove, who has taken on roles with the Verona Festival, Prince Charles Public School and other organisations. John MacDougall rounds out the field thus far. MacDougall is active with the Verona Lions Club and the Verona Community Assocation. He has spearheaded the Verona “Find a Doc” campaign and has recently chaired the Sydenham Library construction committee of Council.

In Bedford District, the incumbents, David Hahn and Del Stowe, are also both running, as are Mark Tinlin and Pat Barr. Mark Tinlin is active with the Bobs and Crow Lake Association and is concerned that Bedford District does not receive its fair share of services from the township.

In Storrington District, Larry York is seeking re-election, and there are two other candidates as well, former councilor Peter Roos and Cam Naish.

Barb McLaren is seeking re-election as school board trustee and she will be opposed by Suzanne Ruttan of Perth Road Village.

So, while conversations at community barbeques this summer will be dominated by talk of the weather and gasoline prices, there may be a bit of local politicking going on in South Frontenac communities. 

Through the Roof to build new one

Don Wannamaker from The Through the Roof Ministry in Flinton approached Addington Highlands Council this week seeking relief from paying building permit fees for renovation plans to their building.

The relatively modest renovation includes putting in a 448 square foot vestibule and 416 square foot covered carport.

Addington Highlands Reeve Henry Hogg pointed out that a similar request from the Anglican Church had been accepted last year, and on that precedent the Through the Roof request could be granted. A motion to that effect was approved.

A $500 fee for a minor variance from the township zoning bylaw was also necessary and that fee has been paid by Through the Roof.

Building boom - Construction values for AH have almost tripled for the first six months of 2010. As of the end of June, permits for $3.05 million had been taken out, as compared to $1.16 million for the same period in 2009.

Infrastructure stimulus is responsible for a portion of the increase, as the Flinton rink structure and the Denbigh garage projects are included.

Permits for $585,000 in commercial construction have been taken out so far this year, as compared to only $6,000 at this point in 2009, and $3,620 in permit fees have been waived since the township does not charge permits for commercial construction.

The total amount of fees collected this year is above $24,000, more than double those collected between January 1 and June 30 in 2009.

Recycling collection down slightly in 2009

In 2008, 132 tonnes of waste was recycled in Addington Highlands, and that number dropped to 129.5 tons in 2009.

Central Frontenac Council met early this week to celebrate the Seniors of the Year in the township.

The award winners were Thelma Jean Hole from Olden, Wanda Harrison and Lorne Holtz from Kennebec, Gilbert Whan from Oso, and Ruth Brown from Hinchinbrooke.

In the business portion of the Committee of the Whole meeting, which was held at 4 p.m. Council discussed a draft policy for appointment of a councilor to county council. The proposal, which will be brought to a council meeting in July, is to conduct a vote among members of council soon after the election and appoint a member for four years.

Fire Master Plan – A long-awaited Fire Master Plan was presented, in draft form, to Council. The plan is described on page 2 as being designed to be a “living document and resource tool for elected officials for both short and long term planning for the Fire and Emergency Services” Since the plan, including appendixes, is a 30-page document and was only received by Council at the meeting, it will be brought for discussion at a Committee of the Whole meeting in July.

Liebherr 904 wheeled excavator – The township accepted Public Works Manager Mike Richardson’s recommendation to purchase a used Liebherr 904 wheeled Excavator and brushing attachment for a total of $132,500, a purchase that is within the constraints of the 2010 public works capital budget. The machine will be floated in from Winnipeg within two weeks. In the meantime, a brusher will be leased on a short-term basis so brushing on the sides of roads can begin next week. The first road to be brushed will be the Oak Flats Road.

Seniors of the Year

Central Frontenac Council met early this week to celebrate the Seniors of the Year in the township.

The award winners were Thelma Jean Hole from Olden, Wanda Harrison and Lorne Holtz from Kennebec, Gilbert Whan from Oso, and Ruth Brown from Hinchinbrooke.

In the business portion of the Committee of the Whole meeting, which was held at 4 p.m. Council discussed a draft policy for appointment of a councilor to county council. The proposal, which will be brought to a council meeting in July, is to conduct a vote among members of council soon after the election and appoint a member for four years.

Fire Master Plan – A long-awaited Fire Master Plan was presented, in draft form, to Council. The plan is described on page 2 as being designed to be a “living document and resource tool for elected officials for both short and long term planning for the Fire and Emergency Services” Since the plan, including appendixes, is a 30-page document and was only received by Council at the meeting, it will be brought for discussion at a Committee of the Whole meeting in July.

Liebherr 904 wheeled excavator – The township accepted Public Works Manager Mike Richardson’s recommendation to purchase a used Liebherr 904 wheeled Excavator and brushing attachment for a total of $132,500, a purchase that is within the constraints of the 2010 public works capital budget. The machine will be floated in from Winnipeg within two weeks. In the meantime, a brusher will be leased on a short-term basis so brushing on the sides of roads can begin next week. The first road to be brushed will be the Oak Flats Road.

South Frontenac Volunteers of the year

by Jeff Green

Doug and Linda Boulter, Pam Morey and Mayor Gary Davison (absent, Harriet Corkey)

Before turning to the deliberating and bickering that are the stuff of municipal politics in Sydenham, South Frontenac Council takes a bit of time before one of their June meetings each year to honour volunteers who have made lasting contributions to the township.

On Tuesday night, June 16, they honoured Pam Morey, Harriet Corkey, and Doug and Lynda Boulter.

PAM MOREY

Pam Morey’s name has become synonymous with the S&A Club in Harrowsmith over the past nine years. In addition to serving as secretary to the club for seven years, Pam has been the key fundraiser and organiser of the club’s Canada Day in the Park event, which draws enthusiastic crowds from the entire township and beyond.

Pam also organises and volunteers for the Moms and Tots program at the hall, and she volunteers for a number of events at the S&A club, including the Hallowe’en Fun Night, Santa Claus Parade Open House, and exercise and first aid classes.

Pam has two sons at Harrowsmith Public School, where she volunteers as well. She is working hard these days raising money for playground equipment for McMullen Park in Verona and Centennial Park in Harrowsmith. If that wasn’t enough, Pam Morey also plays in the band “Hemp”, which performs at a number of fundraising events each year.

DOUG AND LYNDA BOULTER – organisation personified

Doug and Lynda Bouler have often been the difference between “a group of people with good ideas” and “a community organisation”.

In their home community of Verona, their skills, attention to detail, and tireless energy have been put to good use by the Verona Community Association and the Verona Festival, the Lions’ Club, and Trinity United Church.

In the citation that was read out at the awards ceremony, some of Doug’s responsibilities at the festival were listed – “final stage painting, making sure all the power is adequate and the light bulbs work, decorations secure, ensuring that every volunteer knows what to do, managing the volunteer database, storage of the archives and staying on the clean-up crew until the job is done.”

Lynda has served as the Chair of Board of Stewards at Trinity United Church for many years. As the church’s “kitchen fairy” she ensures that renters and church volunteers can count on a safe, well-equipped facility.

As a couple that volunteer for different roles in various enterprises they have also developed an ability to stay out of each other’s hair. Lynda takes on her jobs and Doug takes on his, and together or apart they both show up when needed and provide their own unique skills to the task at hand.

Oh - and they both like to have a lot of fun while they are working. It is volunteer work, after all.

Doug and Lynda also volunteer “up north” as actors and producers for North Frontenac Little Theatre.

As the citation concludes – “Doug and Lynda have endeared themselves to our community.”

HARRIET CORKEY –

To call Harriet Corkey a fixture with the 4-H program in South Frontenac would be an understatement. Her involvement began even before she started volunteering at 4-H some 22 years ago, when she joined her siblings and exhibited Guernsey cattle at championship shows throughout eastern Ontario.

For the past 10 years Harriet has been the president of the Frontenac 4-H Association, and before that she served as a provincial director of the association for the maximum term. Harriet is also the leader of a very successful swine club and a member of the Frontenac County Pork Producers’ Association.

As the community changes and moves away from agriculture, it is stalwarts such as Harriet Corkey who are keeping the farming lifestyle alive for a new generation to take up. 

Building Department Backlog

by Wilma Kenny

At the request of Councillor Fillion, Chief Building Official Alan Revill presented a report totalling over 1600 outstanding building permit files that have accumulated since 2000. The majority of these are ones where the owners have never called for the final inspection and the building department has been too short-staffed to consistently follow up. Revill said that once the additional building inspector is hired, it will become possible to work on the backlog.

Waste Recycling Strategy

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth reported that Waste Diversion Ontario now requires townships to develop a waste recycling strategy to plan how to effectively and efficiently operate its blue box program both now and in the future. Municipalities without such a plan will have their funding from WDO reduced: on the other hand, WDO has a Continuous Improvement Fund to help pay part of the cost of developing a plan. Public consultation will be part of the process.

Sydenham Triathlon/Duathlon

will be held Sunday, July 4. This was a popular event last year: the organizers say Sydenham area is an ideal setting for such an event.

Opinicon Road?

Council has learned that a portion of the Opinicon Road in Storrington and Loughborough districts does not belong to the Township. A section that is a forced road has remained under the ownership of a private landowner, whose property it crossed. This came to light when MPAC insisted the property owner should pay taxes on the roadway. Council is hastening to assume ownership, and in the meantime, the current owner has graciously declined to charge a toll.