Safe properties bylaw still needs work, but it is getting closer

A draft version of a new Safe Properties bylaw was presented to Central Frontenac Council on Tuesday afternoon (November 27)

Councilor Tom Dewey was the first to speak to the new draft. He proposed a number of wording changes intended to clarify and in some cases, strengthen the bylaw. Among the items that were the most discussed was a provision regarding “refuse”, which will not be permitted under the draft bylaw.

“Refuse” is defined in item 3 of the draft bylaw as “garbage, waste, debris, long grass, brush, clippings or other material that may promote or be susceptible to fire and rodents, timber, lumber, building materials or any other type of product or material that may be susceptible to fire or present a risk to safety.”

“We live in a big, swampy area,” said Councilor Norm Guntensperger. “If we pass this as written then every single property with 'long grass' will be deemed unsafe.

Councilor Heather Fox said, “I agree with Norm; I thought that provision was going to be taken out of the bylaw after our last discussion.”

Councilor Frances Smith said she thought some provisions in the bylaw “seem to be written with the built up areas in mind. If we attach a schedule to the bylaw saying those provision only apply in the hamlets, then those properties where there are no neighbours within sight will be left alone.

Smith's proposal was rejected by a number of speakers.

“I think there should be one set of rules for everyone,” said Mayor Gutowski. “Don't forget that enforcement will be complaints driven, so that will keep the focus on the more densely populated areas.

Another provision in the bylaw say that properties must be kept free from “inoperable vehicles, trailers, machinery, tools, tires, appliances, equipment or any parts thereof” and another says that every property shall be kept free from any pit, excavation or deep water that is unfenced or unprotected against dangerous risk of accident.”

Penalties for contravening the bylaw will range from $500 to $5,000.

After some further discussion the bylaw was sent back to staff for more revisions. It will come back to Council on December 10.

Green light to co-op solar: Ian Robery appeared before Central Frontenac Council on Tuesday (November 27) as well as at a business breakfast in Sharbot Lake last week. He represents a not-for-profit corporation called Queen Street Solar, an affiliate of the Options for Green Energy.

Queen Street Solar is seeking to get a foothold in Frontenac County. What they do is build solar energy systems that are larger than the normal private micro-fit program but are eligible for the micro-fit program, which pays a premium price to small-scale electricity producers from Ontario Power Generation. Queen Street uses public sector rooftops for their projects, sells shares to members of the public, and pays profits over the 20-year lifespan of the project.

“Just as micro-fit projects are profitable for private investors who have $20,000 to $80,000 available to spend, we pool money from many investors to put up solar arrays and pay the profits back to the investors,” Robery said.

He added that Ontario Power Generation, which was reluctant to approve co-op projects when micro-fit projects first came on, are now favoring them.

Queen Street Solar has its eyes on the roof of the Olden Garage for its first Frontenac County project, and Robery asked Council to permit Queen Street access to the garage to further evaluate the possibility. If they decide to proceed, they would offer the township payment to lease the roof, and would sell shares in the project. Local involvement is required for the project to go ahead. For now, Robery only asked Council to pass a motion in favor of solar projects in principle, and giving leave to investigate the Olden garage project. Council passed the motion.

For more information on co-op green energy projects and investments, go to Optionsforgreenenergy.ca

Mountain Grove Library building safe, but outdated: Township Chief Building Official Jeremy Neven, responding to a request from Council, presented a report on the state of repair of the Mountain Grove Library building, which was formerly a school, township office, and fire hall. Neven found that the “building is generally sound and stable, however, significant expense would need to be incurred to bring the building and its mechanical systems up to current standards and codes.”

Measures would include damp proofing the basement, insulating walls and attics and upgrading the heating systems.

Mayor Gutowski said, “It is important, after some comments were made by members of council, that we reassure library staff that the building is safe and free of mould. Given the cost of upgrades, however, Council needs to consider whether this building should be kept in our inventory into the future.”

Minimum building size proposal nixed: Township Planning Consultant Glen Tunnock presented a draft revision of the comprehensive zoning bylaw. It contained a number of measures to clarify elements of the bylaw, which mostly received the acceptance of council, and will be presented to the public in December. One proposed measure was not well received, however.

“I have hesitated to bring this forward in the past,” said Tunnock, “but it is common for there to be a minimum building size in most comprehensive zoning bylaws, and I am proposing one be set at 900 square feet. There have been few if any applications for buildings smaller than that for a number of years so it would not likely hinder any development.”

Mayor Gutowski said that the limit might impede the building of not-for profit seniors' housing, which is a priority for the township.

Councilor Guntensperger said he was concerned the limit might push some builders to build in secret, without permits.

“This would probably eliminate granny suites,” said Councilor Tom Dewey.

Tunnock said he would pull the minimum standard from the proposed bylaw before bringing it forward to the public.

Five-year capital budget: Treasurer Michael McGovern presented a draft five-year capital budget for Council's consideration. The budget is subject to revision each year, but is intended to help with long term planning. The most expensive area in the budget is road and bridge projects and public works equipment. It calls for about $1.3 million in public works spending each year, with a focus on equipment purchases in the first two years, and road and bridge projects in years 3-5. The budget calls for a spending spike in the third year, 2015, but that is based on the expectation of a granting program in that year, and a successful application to that program by the township for the reconstruction of Elizabeth Street in Sharbot Lake.

by Wilma Kenny

Seniors’ Housing for Verona?

Jamie Curragh asked Council for their feedback on his proposal to build a two-storey, 10-unit seniors housing complex in Verona.

Curragh’s plans are still in the early stages. He showed a sketch of a potential layout and quoted a recent study published by the County of Frontenac, which identifies the need for more seniors’ housing in the Verona area. He is presently in the process of gathering information about the zoning and planning requirements for such a project, and working on his business plan.

Council complimented him on his work to date, and asked that he keep them informed of his plans.

Harrowsmith Subdivision Closed Down

It’s unlikely many Harrowsmith residents are even aware of the 126-year old subdivision on the northeast corner of the village off Church Street, bounded by two surveyed but otherwise nonexistent streets called Park Street and John Street. Lawyer Peter Radley came to Council on behalf of Mrs. Shirley Hole, who has discovered that her house is not only in the middle of John Street, but apparently had been built there in 1880, six years before the subdivision plan was approved. None of the subdivision lots have ever been developed. Lawyer Radley noted that there is provision to close a subdivision plan after eight years if it is “not moving ahead” by that time, and asked if Council would consider closing John Street, and granting Mrs. Hole clear title to her property. Council agreed, but asked if Mrs. Hole in return would give the township a corner of her lot, presently used as a turning area for snow plows. Everett Kerr, who owns the adjoining field, offered to give the township a strip of land so John Street could be relocated a short distance to the east, and provide access to the back part of his property. This will come to a regular council meeting for official approval.

Motorized Traffic on Cataraqui Trail

Council received a letter drawing their attention to the frequent, illegal use of the Cataraqui Trail west of Sydenham by 4 wheelers, dirt bikes, trucks and farm vehicles. The writer asked why there were no gates on the trail, as there are from Sydenham east. Councilor Stowe said the Cataraqui Conservation Authority has money budgeted for more gates, which should be installed soon. Public Works Manager Segsworth said it was important to see that the gates would leave enough space to allow accessibility for motorized wheelchairs, which are a permitted use on the trail.

January Meeting Schedule

Township offices will be closed between Christmas and New Year, with staff using three days' vacation time. Because New Year falls on a Tuesday, all January Council meetings will be moved forward one week: the first 2013 Council meeting will be January 8.

Since they received the go ahead to commmence construction after labour day, crews have been racing against the clock trying to get as much work completed on the new Sharbot Lake Comprehensive School before the snow flies. By the time the ceremonial shovel went into the partly frozen ground on November 15 in front of a drawing of the building, the actual building was already rising up in the background. As school board, Ministry of Education, and municipal officials took turns being  photographed, trucks kept rolling and machinery kept humming along.

"That's what we want to see", said Brenda Hunter, the Director of Education for the Limestone District School Board as the $14 million school rises up from the ground.

Students and administrators from the three schools that will be merged with Sharbot Lake High School to form the new school community were on hand to turn the sod. Melissa Sproule, Student Council president, represented Sharbot Lake High School (SLHS) students, and Evan Steel (a grade 8 student) represented Sharbot Lake Intermediate School. Students Finn Limber and Brianna Steel represented Sharbot Lake Public School (SLPS), and Tanjie Howes and Cameron Anderson represented the students from Hinchinbrooke Public School (HPS). Allison, and Emily Yanch, the principals of SLHS, SLPS, and HPS respectively.The new school is slated to open next September

Unmaintained Road Request

“My pick and shovel are wearing out,” said Erroll Ruth of Mallory Lake as he presented a petition to council asking for help with fixing some culverts on Addington Road 5, which is an un-maintained township road. Mr. Ruth has made four or five trips to council over the last few years to present the same request. The petition was signed by five owners of residences on the road.

As they receive numerous requests for help with un-maintained roads, Council is attempting to come up with a policy and is presently waiting for results of a study by Jewell Engineering.

Roads Supervisor Royce Rosenblath said a draft should be ready by mid-December. Mr. Ruth’s request was referred to budget deliberations and Reeve Henry Hogg said to him, “We’ll come up with something.”

Infrastructure Subsidy - The Province of Ontario is now accepting applications for road, bridge, water and wastewater projects under its Municipal Infrastructure Strategy.

Municipalities can apply online for a share of $51 million under the strategy. Royce Rosenblath said that a bridge on the Glastonbury Road needs to be replaced, which will cost around $500,000, not including engineering costs. The township will go ahead with an application for a grant for the bridge.

Hall Rental Fees Waived - Denbigh TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a non-profit group that currently meets in the basement of St. Luke’s United Church, has requested the use of the newly vacated library space in the township hall and asked to township to waive any fees. Council agreed to the request; however, it will be on a temporary basis, as the hall will probably be closed in the future.

Santa Claus Parade - Council agreed to give $200 to the Land O’Lakes Lions for the Santa Claus parade, which will be held this Saturday November 24, 10am in Northbrook.

Drinking Water at Public Facilities - The KFL&A Health Unit recently issued directives on the drinking water systems at the Denbigh and Flinton halls and canteens. The water systems at both halls were designated as Low Risk and will move from 2-month to 3-month sampling.

The Denbigh Canteen is designated as Moderate Risk and will need no further action. However, the Flinton canteen’s water system is designated as High Risk. It was recently treated for a high E.coli count and a UV treatment system will need to be installed. Also signs must be posted and hand sanitizer and wipes provided.

The directives also require that the township provide a trained operator by February 2013 for all the systems. Council discussed whether the person hired as the new custodian in Ward 1 could operate both sites but decided that two trained employees are needed in case one falls ill, as the directives include weekly sampling at the Flinton canteen.

Playgrounds - Council discussed safety inspections at its playgrounds and the need to keep adequate logs of all inspections. Two types of inspections are needed: weekly inspections to check for and remove debris and hazards such as broken glass, and inspections of the structural integrity of the play structures. Checking for debris will be added to the custodian’s contract and the township will hire the person who installed the Northbrook playground to check the safety of the play structures.

Quinte Conservation - Council received for information a report from Quinte Conservation on the Conservation Ontario Whitepaper entitled “Watershed Management Futures for Ontario”.

The purpose of the whitepaper is to “initiate discussions with the Ontario government about roles and responsibilities for managing Ontario’s watersheds and to redefine relationships between conservation authorities and provincial ministries”. The paper identifies declining provincial funding as one of the challenges that are compromising the province’s ability to effectively manage its water and other natural resources. It says that Conservation Ontario recognizes that a sweeping review of watershed management will include the refinement of the conservation authority model and concludes that the province must lead in establishing a dialogue to address the issues as soon as possible.

Way Now Clear for SHS Addition

After more than two years of apparently leisurely negotiations with the township’s building department, the Limestone School Board and their architect, A. Sardinha, have produced acceptable designs for a proposed addition to the high school. Discussions have included building location, fire access, drainage, terracing, landscaping, parking, etc.

This has made it possible for Council to pass by-laws rezoning the four lots upon which the addition will be built, and authorizing the Mayor and Clerk to enter into a site plan agreement with the Board.

The new addition will be almost 14,000 square feet, and will contain a theatre arts space with stage, a hospitality suite with a restaurant-equipped kitchen and classroom, a technology lab and a new gym.

Although the school principal advises that “the new portion would create 145 additional school spaces,” the actual enrollment is not expected to change.

Changes to Burning By-law

Council passed Fire Chief Chesebrough’s recommended changes to the burning by-law, which include eliminating fire permits, in order to provide consistency and some cost savings for the Township.

During a total fire ban, no camp fires, charcoal barbecues, fireworks or cooking fires will be permitted: the only cooking appliances that will be allowed will be those which have a mechanical shut-off: i.e. propane or naptha stoves.

The fire season covers the period April 1 - October 31: anyone planning outdoor burning during this time would be advised to check the new burning by-law soon to be posted on the Township website. The new bylaw is relatively brief, and Cheseborough said that it is much clearer than the previous one.

Chesebrough Named Deputy Fire Co-ordinator for KFL&A

Council approved Chesebrough’s appointment to this position which would help administer a Mutual Aid program across the two counties in unusual emergency situations requiring coordination of resources from more than one area. The appointment will not change Chesebrough’s role as Township Fire Chief.

Cemetery By-law Amalgamates District Committees

Despite resistance from the district cemetery boards, Council agreed to establish a single Cemetery Board for the township, with one integrated set of cemetery by-laws, beginning a year from this January.

Effective almost immediately (January 2013,) new, higher fees for cemetery lots and services will come into effect. Because rates for cemetery plots have not changed for many years, and because the Committee of the Whole did not feel it was appropriate to use tax dollars to operate the cemeteries, the new rates will be approximately three times the current ones.

Higher fees for non-residents had been recommended but were not set, because of the perceived difficulty in defining non-residents. (i.e. would a person who had lived in South Frontenac for all but their last few years be considered a non-resident? What about someone who had moved here a short time before their death?)

Effective May 1, 2013, the three service components, administration, grounds and excavation, will be tendered as separate contracts. All burial records for township-owned cemeteries will be held in one place.

Township to Move from Cheques to Electronic Funds Transfer

This dry-sounding topic provided the most entertaining quotes of the evening: when Councillor Mcphail asked whether, under this system, councillors might be paid on a bi-monthly basis instead of twice a year.

Councillor Vandewal retorted “If the township paid me every two weeks, it would seem like it wasn’t worth being here.”

Councillor Robinson said his wife managed the family finances, and she wanted a paper cheque for her records: “If you make (direct deposit) mandatory, you can go over and tell my wife.”

“That’s what we hire a CEO for,” replied Mayor Davison.

January Meeting Schedule

Township offices will be closed between Christmas and New Year, with staff using three days vacation time. Because New Year falls on a Tuesday, all January Council meetings will be moved forward one week: the first 2013 Council meeting will be January 8.

Budget Deliberations

On Saturday Nov 10, council met for five hours to review the preliminary 2013 budget. As presented, both capital and operating budgets were up, reserves were to be drawn down $1,269,681, and there remained the assumption that $600,000 would continue to come from the City of Kingston: “talks are underway.” The bottom line was a projected increase of 4.78% in property taxes. Assessment phase in is expected to show an increase of 6.5%, down from the past three years of over 8%, as projected growth has slowed to just 1.96%. CAO Orr drew Council’s attention to nine major expansion initiatives that are proposed for 2013: roads construction, contracted roadside brushing, bridge maintenance, topsoil and seeding, mowing to fence line, pavement preservation, expanded dust control, consulting in human relations, workplace safety and technology, and updating civic numbering.

The day proceeded with questions, discussion, and requests for more information. There was general concern about drawing too heavily from reserves.

In summary, Mayor Davison directed staff to come back with two options: a budget proposal with a tax increase “modestly above 3%”, and one with the increase “modestly below 3%.” Orr agreed to bring an updated budget package, with highlighted changes, to Council on December 4.

Sydenham Water Costs Still Not Resolved

The upgrade to the Sydenham Water Works had a capital cost of $1,435,000. Federal/provincial grants covered $946,666 of this, but the municipal portion of $488,336 remains unfinanced. As well, increasing operating costs have resulted in reserves that are well below the funding needed to cover depreciation /replacement costs.

The treasurer’s report states: “The Sustainable Water and Sewage System Act requires municipalities that provide water and sewage services to the public to implement full cost accounting and full cost recovery including operating, financing, replacement and improvement costs. The Act seeks to introduce the principle that having consumers pay the full cost of providing water...will promote water conservation and greater awareness of water and environmental protection.”

Treasurer Fragnito presented this report for information: it will be brought back for further discussion in January.

Council Composition

In response to an earlier recommendation from Council, Orr presented a summary of possible changes to the composition of Council, details of council composition in 15 neighbouring townships, and a framework for the public consultation process that would be required before making any changes. The seven alternatives included increasing or decreasing the size of Council, electing councilors by district, or from the township at large, and electing a deputy mayor as a separate position. Councilors expressed a range of ideas, finally agreeing to keep the status quo for now, but directing Orr to develop a question about council composition that might be proposed to the public, possibly at the time of the next election.

Footnote:

South Frontenac Council held a regular meeting, and two Committee of the Whole meetings, one of them on a Saturday, during the local deer hunting season and all members were present for all three meetings. This may well be a first.

Volunteers make pitch for ATV runs

Brian Moffitt, representing the Ompah Volunteer Firefighters Association, brought information about the increasingly successful ATV runs that the association has been sponsoring each spring and fall.

In 2012, the two runs raised a total of $35,500. Some of that money was donated back to the township for fire equipment, and some has been set aside for a new fire hall in Ompah. Among recipients of the rest of the money are the Santa Claus parade and the local bass derby. A small amount was also provided to local families in crisis.

“In addition to raising money, we have been promoting the township. We did a survey and found that 98% of the registrants for the runs came from outside the township. Those people spend money in local businesses and they come back to the township at other times during the year,” said Moffitt.

He also said that he is aware of five individuals who have purchased property in the township after participating in the ATV runs.

He added that the general manager of Kanata Honda came to one of the runs this year, and “after riding a 100 kilometres through North Frontenac, he was so enthused that he offered a brand new 2013 Honda ATV at cost for us to raffle off.”

The association intends to sell 2,000 tickets at $10 each, picking the raffle winner at the 2013 spring run. The raffle could add another $15,000 to the kitty, upping the fundraising total from the two runs to $50,000 per year.

Council had a number of questions about the ATV runs, including several about insurance and liability.

Councilor Betty Hunter expressed a concern about some of the images used in Moffitt’s presentation, which emphasise one of the appeals of ATV runs, riding through mud. In fact, one of the items that Moffit credited the township with providing for the ATV run was the mud on the trails.

“The emphasis on mud worries me,” said Hunter.

“Why?” asked Brian Moffitt.

“Because of the environmental impact, the destruction of habitat, damage to the trail, that sort of thing,” said Hunter.

“Twelve hundred people come here for the trail runs over two days,” Moffitt replied, “a small amount compared to the thousands of people who ride the trails over the entire year. The fact is that when people buy an ATV they don’t buy it to drive slowly. Yes, the runs cause ruts in the trail, but, but there are ruts being developed as we speak, as hunters drag deer out, as they set up their camps. You are not going to walk 100 kilometres on those trails. They are there for motorized use.”

Deputy Fire Chief Denis Bedard, who was also at the council meeting, said that most of the trail that the ATVs run on is high and dry, and that there are bypasses for all of the lower, muddy parts.

“I’d say about 75% of the riders used the bypass. We don’t market our events as mud runs,” Bedard said.

Mayor Clayton said “I don’t think anybody on council is opposed to the run or the way you run it. The only thing we worry about, for your sake, is that you advertise in advance where the money you raise is going.”

The firefighters' association is working with township staff to develop a protocol for reporting on where the money they raise is donated.

Meeting schedule altered – At the request of Township Clerk Jenny Duhamel, there will be changes to the meeting schedule in 2013. Starting on January 14, meetings will be held every third Monday throughout the year. Currently meetings are held every second and fourth Monday of the month. They will start at 9 am instead of the current time, 1 pm, and they will all be held at the Clar-Mill fire hall, which is located on the same property as the township office. The practice of holding meetings at the Harlowe, Snow Road, Ompah, and Barrie Halls between April and October will be stopped.

“If we do have a major issue on the table that is of concern in one particular district, we can always move that meeting to another hall,” said Mayor Clayton, as Council voted to accept the new schedule.

“It is in the interest of staff to hold the meetings every three weeks, for their scheduling,” he added, “and as I’ve said before it is really the staff that run the township, but they do tolerate a little interference from Council."

No logo, but new signage gets the nod

As part of her report from the Economic Development Task Force, Councillor Betty Hunter presented the rough draft of a new township logo. In place of intertwined hands symbolizing the coming together of former townships into North Frontenac, the proposed logo includes a stylized NF and some imagery representing the night skies initiative.

“This is just a rough version. It will look a lot better once we get a graphic artist to work it out,” said Hunter.

“I don’t see any reason to change it [the current logo],” said Mayor Bud Clayton.

“I don’t think we like the new one,” said Councilor Gerry Martin.

A motion to approve spending up to $1,000 for a graphic artist to finalise the new logo was defeated in a 3-3 vote. (Councilor Wayne Good was not at the meeting)

Proposed promotional signage for Highway 506/509, which was prepared by sign maker Rodger MacMunn, was well received by Council. They approved a motion to seek bids to build the signs. If MacMunn gets the job, the artwork he did for it will be included. If he doesn’t, the township will owe him $250.

Recommendations re proposed new property standards by-law 

by Julie Druker

In a delegation to council that was attended by over 30 members of the public, Terry Kennedy, president of the Kennebec Lake Association, presented to the group's recommendations for a proposed new property standards by-law that council is currently in the process of drafting.

He opened the presentation stating that he was “here to give council a necessary nudge to solve what may be a difficult issue but not an impossible one.”

Kennedy outlined the recommendations, most of which were minor corrections to the proposed by- law. Some of the recommendations included the addition of terms like “unsightly”, which the recommendations defined as “in a condition that is deemed offensive by reason of disrepair, neglect or dereliction”. While Kennedy rightly understood that terms like unsightly are a matter of personal taste, he reiterated his desire to improve the current Safe Properties By-law by giving it the means to address dwellings or properties which, though they may not pose a health or safety risk, can still be considered to be derelict and ruinous. He concluded his presentation stating that “this by-law is intended as an enabler and will empower council and staff and members of the community to do something about some of these derelict places. Rural and rustic does not have to mean ruinous.”

Councilor Norm Guntensperger responded first, stating that he had a problem with some of the recommendations, especially with words like “unsightly”, and “neat” and “tidy” as well as the recommendations citing long grass, excessive weed growth and rodents as being unacceptable as outlined in the by-law.

“Long grass and rodents are also a part of the natural surroundings,” he said. “We as a council here need to respect the vulnerable in the community who may be having difficulty keeping their properties at the same standards as others. If we pass by-laws that make vulnerable people less able to live in our society, I personally will feel that we as council have not done our job properly.” Mayor Gutowski reiterated the fact that council on average receives just 20 complaints per year regarding the Safe Properties By-Law, the large majority of which they are able to address with the current by-law.

“Of those 20 maybe only three pose a problem so we also need to keep that in mind.”

She added that though property standards was not an issue she was keen on addressing in her first term as mayor, she now feels that since council has made an effort to keep up their buildings and parks, she feels comfortable asking the residents of Central Frontenac to do the same.

Seeking money from CP Rail

By Jeff Green

As part of his monthly report, Fire Chief Bill Young informed Council that Canadian Pacific has not yet paid the bill the department sent them for a fire that was started this past summer by a cargo train travelling on the line near Tichborne.

“They keep asking for further information and when we send it to them, they ask for more. But I’m sure they’ll pay eventually,” said Young. “We are keeping on them about it.”

“How much do they owe us?” asked Councilor Frances Smith.

“$52,000”

“Oh,” said Smith, “keep on them”.

Young also reported that October was a quiet month for the department. There were 3 relatively minor fire calls, 2 vehicle accidents and 17 medical assists. The department was active in the local schools, assisting with fire drills and providing other educational programming.

Public Works - Works Manager Mike Richardson reported that a new handrail will be installed at the bridge over the Arden Mill Pond. Last year, Quinte Conservation put in a new log system on the pond in order to manage the water flow, but the new system hindered public use of the bridge and was aesthetically unacceptable in one of the most picturesque locations in Arden.

Quinte has agreed to make changes, and the design work has now been completed.

“The results are quite good, in my view,” Richardson said.

The project is slated to be completed by the end of the year. Central Frontenac has budgeted $15,000 for the design and construction work, and Richardson hopes that a portion of those funds will remain unspent or will be reimbursed by the Conservation Authority.

Assessment question

There is one piece of waterfront property in Central Frontenac that has seen its assessment drop, by a whopping 52%, but the tax savings will not go to a residential ratepayer. Rather, they will go to the Province of Ontario. As the result of a new method of assessing the value of provincial parks, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has dropped the value of a number of parks in Eastern Ontario, and increased the value of a number of others. In Central Frontenac, Sharbot Lake Provincial Park has seen its value drop from $1.74 million to $843,00, a drop of $900,000 in value, which will cost the township over $10,000 in lost revenue.

Other local townships with decreases include: Tay Valley ($7.57 million to $5.19 million) and North Frontenac ($3.4 million to $2.6 million).

Townships with increased assessment from provincial parks include: South Frontenac ($2.02 million to $2.63 million) Addington Highlands ($2.45 million to $3.52 million) and Stone Mills ($2.58 million to $4.17 million)

Central Frontenac Treasurer Michael McGovern will contact MPAC for an explanation about the change.

District 4 Santa Claus parade: It was confirmed that the Parham/Tichborne Santa Claus parade will take place on Sunday, December 2, starting at 1:00 pm. Plans for a night parade were prematurely presented to council last month, and the daytime parade will take place as usual this year.

Hinchinbrooke PS to close at end of school year: There is an added urgency around the township’s need to find a new home for the Parham library, which is currently located in a portable at the side of Hinchinbrooke Public School.

Councilor Guntensperger said he has been informed that whether or not the new K-12 school in Sharbot Lake is ready for students by September of 2013, Hinchinbrooke will be not be open. The township must find an alternate location for the library by June 30, 2013.

Waste Disposal Site Changes Proposed

Council accepted in principle the Public Services Committee’s recommendations regarding changes to waste site operations, with the amendment that “one site be open for four hours on Sundays during the summer, June to September, with no total increase in hours.”

The recommendations include a substantial interim increase in tipping fees, with no option for pro-rating partial loads, which will be replaced by a weight-based charge once weigh scales are installed; four days of pick-up (Monday to Thursday;) and a proposal to reduce waste site hours by next March. These recommendations will be brought back to the public in January, in order to develop a final set of recommendations for Council’s approval early in the new year.

Hazardous Waste Site Hours Extended:

Public use of the Keeley Road Household Hazardous Waste site has continued to increase to the point that the Public Works Department recommends keeping the facility, originally expected to operate spring to fall, open throughout the winter. Council agreed to have Brendar Environmental continue to provide services for the winter: hours will be from 3 - 7pm, the second and fourth Thursday of each month. The Hazardous Waste Site also accepts bale wrap, shrink wrap and e-waste.

A tender will be issued in early 2013 for the operation of the facility for the period April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2015.

Bedford Patrol Yard Improvements:

Council approved the submission of Asterisk Engineering for engineering services for Bedford patrol yard improvements and associated yard works, for a total of $71,896. This was the lowest of six bids received.

No More Cash Advances to councilors:

Over the years, councilors have requested and been issued advances on both their per diem for conferences and against their semi-annual honorarium payments. Council adopted the Corporate Services Committee’s recommendation that these cash advances no longer be permitted.

Township Assumes Loughborough District Road

Council accepted Planner Mills’ recommendation that they assume the road in Silverbrook estates subdivision (located off Campbell Road) now that all requirements have been met.

Budget Day Saturday: Nothing to do for entertainment on a cold rainy Saturday? Come listen to council deliberate the 2013 township budget. After all, it’s your roads, your parks...your money. The fun starts at 9 am this Saturday and lasts all day if it has to.

Legion wants canteen: Robert Wood, the vice-president of the Northbrook Legion, brought a proposal to Council that the Legion take over operation of the now unused canteen building beside the old skating rink in Northbrook.

The canteen has seen little use since the cancellation of the Northbrook Blueberry Festival almost 10 years ago. The Legion would like to set up games for Legion members and for local seniors as well, including lawn darts and horse shoes.

Robert Wood said that the Legion branch is aware that the building needs to be re-shingled, and if the township will pay for the shingles they will provide the labour. Wood also said that the Legion would like to negotiate a deal with the township whereby they will pay the hydro bill for the building in lieu of rent.

Council will consider the proposal and get back to the Legion with an answer.

Napanee District Community Foundation (NDCF): Dave Remington, the voluntary chief executive officer of the NDCF, came to Council to talk about the foundation's commitment to funding projects in rural L&A County.

“I know people often come to Council looking for money, and we want councils to remember that we give away money to local causes, and groups should be aware that they can come to us for support.”

The NDCF is an endowed foundation, spending the interest that is earned each year on their endowments.

“That has cut down on how much we can spend in recent years with low interest rates, but we do spend about $20,000 each year,” said Remington, "usually in grants in the $2,500 to $3,000 range."

One of the NDCF funds is the Mainaw One fund, which was set up by Ian Brummel and Marg Axford and which is oriented to projects in Addington Highlands.

In the past year, funding has gone to projects sponsored by Pine Meadow Nursing Home and Land O' Lakes Community Services (for the Land O'Lakes Food Bank).

The annual deadline for letters of intent is November 16, and full applications are due in early January. Remington encourages groups to go to NDCF.ca for further information.

Cafe in Denbigh: No one has come forward seeking to set up an alternative enterprise in the new Denbigh Community Centre, so the proposal by Joan MacLeod to open a bake shop/cafe can now be looked at by Council.

Clerk/Treasurer Jack Pauhl reported that the estimated cost of preparing the location in the new community centre for commercial use is $3,000.

“I have heard from some people who are objecting to us spending township money on a private venture,” said Deputy Mayor Bill Cox.

“It looks to some that we are building a coffee shop, but we are not,” said Reeve Henry Hogg. “We would have to do this work to pave the way for any kind of retail tenant, which was always the plan.”

“If we had to do it all over again, we would probably have done it differently, and planned to have the work done before any one came forward,” said Councilor Tony Fritsch.

Council approved the spending.

Joan MacLeod was present at the meeting. She met with Council in closed session after the public meeting was completed to discuss financial matters related to the proposed bake/coffee shop.

Job openings: The job of rink attendant in Denbigh, and the custodian position for both the Denbigh Hall and the Denbigh Recreation Centre are now open, and are being advertised this week.