$25,000 doesn't cover a 4-wheel drive truck

Chief Administrative Officer Cheryl Robson reported that a tender for a new truck for the building department has yielded only two responses, both from Bence Motors, and both were well above the maximum amount listed in the tender, which was $25,000.

Public Works Manager Jim Phillips reported that the class of truck that is being replaced, a small 4-wheel drive truck, is no longer available. The truck being replaced is a Ford Ranger.

“Most of the dealers told us they could not touch $25,000 and they did not even submit a bid. The bids from Bence were for well over $30,000, even with the 15% municipal discount.”

In her report, Robson proposed that a new tender be issued, with an upper limit of $40,000.

“Do we really need a 4-wheel drive pickup? Why not an all-wheel drive SUV?” asked Deputy Mayor Fred Perry.

“There are times when only a 4-wheel drive will do, particularly in the spring. An SUV just doesn't give us enough clearance” said Phillips.

The last time the township purchased pickup trucks, Phillips and Recreation Co-ordinator Cory Klatt went to the dealers and negotiated a price.

“When there is a tender, you don't get to negotiate a deal,” said Klatt.

Since a tender was already issued for the purchase, it was decided that it was best to continue tendering, and the upper limit was raised to $40,000.

The township will look at changing its procedural bylaw to allow more flexibility for purchases of vehicles that weigh less than 4,500 kilogram to try and get better pricing in the future.

Re-use day set 

Sunday Lake Drive resident, Mavis Wade, has been encouraging North Frontenac to consider setting up a re-use centre on the model of the successful site in McDonald Corners, which is run by a crew of volunteers and is subsidised by the local township (Lanark Highlands) to the tune of $1,000 per year.

Public Works Manager Jim Phillips visited the McDonalds Corners site and reported back on its operation. While the township is not planning to set a re-use centre up at this time, they are following through on Wade's fall back proposal, and are setting up re-use or swap days at community halls twice during the summer to gauge community interest.

Two dates have been established this year, the first being Saturday, June 11 at Clar-Mill Hall in Plevna between 8am and 3pm. (North Frontenac residents, please check the flyer in this edition).

20-year recognition

Firefighter Randy Schonauer has been recognised by the Province of Ontario for 20 years of service as a volunteer firefighter with the awarding of an exemplary service medal. A ceremony and presentation will be set for the next council meeting.

Social media coming to North Frontenac

In approving a new communications plan, which was drafted by Mayor Ron Higgins, the township also cleared the way for the establishment of an official NF facebook page and Twitter feed.

Higgins said that Twitter, in particular, provides not only an opportunity for promotion but also can be very helpful in emergency situations.

CAO Robson said that staff will undergo some training before setting up NF facebook and Twitter feeds later this year.

In April, North Frontenac Councilor Gerry Martin, who is the township representative to the board of directors of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), brought some potentially troubling news to his council.

The dams that control water flow on Kashwakamak Lake, Shabomeka Lake, Mississagagon Lake and Big Gull Lake are all in need of replacement. While the Province of Ontario will likely cover half the estimated $2 million cost, it is unclear where the rest of the money will come from, and Martin said there is a possibility it will end up being levied to North Frontenac ratepayers.

When contacted this week, Paul Lehman, the general manager of the MVCA, said that the board's policy and priorities committee will be looking at how to fund the dam replacements, and will hopefully report back to the MVCA board in the fall.

“The thing is that we have not undertaken any capital projects such as dams in over 25 years, and back then the province paid 85% of the cost,” said Lehman.

MVCA receives funding from municipalities along the watershed, which runs through townships in Frontenac and Lanark County into the City of Ottawa. Municipalities pay into the MVCA based on levels of property assessment, and the City of Ottawa therefore pays the bulk of MVCA costs.

“Some of our members are concerned that the cost of dam replacement will affect our budget and increase our annual levy to members,” said Lehman, “so we will be looking at alternate models to pay the costs.”

Lehman said that the MVCA can levy for work on projects to individual member municipalities according “to the relative benefit to the local townships.”

However, in the case of dams at the source of the system that control water flows, Lehman said it is hard to determine how to assess relative benefit.

In the end, the board of directors will make a final decision on how to fund the dam repairs and replacements that are required in North Frontenac and elsewhere along the route of Mississippi watershed.

At a meeting of North Frontenac Council last week, Councilor Martin said that he is less worried about the potential for large costs being downloaded to the township than he was back in April.

“They seem to be working something out,” he said.

County, township conflict looms

CAO Wayne Orr reported that his recent meeting with Frontenac County CAO Kelly Pender was “less than productive.” Orr felt ‘shut out’ in his attempt to discuss the township’s planning process and how it might best connect with/relate to County Planning.

Orr said Pender refused discussion, saying the matter of planning would come before County Council tomorrow (Wednesday), be decided there, and imposed on the townships.

Councilor Sleeth, noting that South Frontenac pays 60% of the County planning costs (because SF has the largest population), said “We have lost confidence in the County.”

Councilor McDougall, the Township rep on Council, said “(County Planning is) a deeply flawed process; this seems a non-democratic decision. South Frontenac Council needs to meet directly with the County CAO and Planner to work out a (mutually agreed-upon) planning process. Each Township has a different perspective on planning: the County just doesn’t get it.”

Mayor Vandewal agreed: “If we have 60% of the development, shouldn’t we have a bigger say in the planning?”

Wednesday’s County Council meeting (held before this paper comes out) should be interesting. Check our website for an update.

Community Project Grants Awarded

A total of $14,267.98 was awarded to eight community groups. Recipients were: NFCSC (for youth programs in South Frontenac), SFCSC, Verona Community Association, Frontenac Society of Model Engineers, Frontenac Fury (girls’ hockey), Sydenham Lake Canoe Club, Lion’s Club of Verona, and Frontenac Ball Hockey.

2015 audit

Accountant Howard Allan summarized his audit: “2015 was a positive year for the Township.” When councillor Sleeth asked how South Frontenac’s reserves of $8.2 million compared to those of similar-size townships, Allan replied; “At 9%, you fall into the general range.” He supported the five-year financial plan treasurer that Fragnito is developing as a good way to be assured that the reserves are adequate. His two recommendations were that all sole sourced contracts greater than $25,000 should be documented in the minutes and that sale of bag tags be more closely monitored. This is the first year the Township has used the Perth based audit firm of Allan and Partners.

Scout Property Rezoned

Council approved the rezoning of a 30 acre former Boy Scout Camp on Buck Lake at the end of Massassauga Road from Open Space to Residential. The owners intend to sell the property. There were no comments at the public meeting.

Road Allowance Closed

Council agreed to the closure and sale of a 170 foot-long piece of road allowance which runs between North Shore Crescent and Perth Road, to the abutting landowner, Ritchie. No comments from the public.'

Johnson Point

Deputy Mayor Sutherland said it appeared that construction was proceeding at Johnson point without the MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resourses and Fisheries) having completed the species at risk evaluation which the OMB judge had required. He proposed a motion to ask the Township and County Planners to look into this matter.

Councillor McDougall said that “The OMB was crystal clear in its judgments, and if we go on day-by-day drive-by visuals, this could go on and on.” CAO Orr said that before being granted final approval the developer will have to prove to the County with dates, etc that all conditions of development have been met. There was a brief discussion, request for a recorded vote, and the motion was defeated with only Sleeth and Sutherland supporting it.

Later as a question of clarity, onlooker Matt Rennie asked if Council had no further interest in seeing that all conditions of development were complied with. CAO Orr repeated his previous comment, saying this was now between the developer and the County. Rennie stormed out.

Fort McMurray Support

Council agreed to donate $500. to Fort McMurray, through AMO.

Councillor Robinson’s Absence

In regard to Councillor Robinson’s recent absence from Council due to health reasons, Council agreed to extend this absence with pay until the Sept 15 Council meeting. At that time they will reassess the situation and decide whether to further extend the absence or declare Robinson’s seat on Council vacant. Meanwhile Council members have been maintaining contact with Robinson, and report his health has been improving.

Town Hall Meetings Scheduled

Council has scheduled town hall Meet-your-Councillors events in each of the Township districts in July. Full details will be included in the newsletter with the final tax notices and on the website.

Deputy Reeve Helen Yanch congratulated Reeve Hogg over his appointment as warden of Lennox and Addington County at a council meeting in Denbigh on Monday night.

“Now we can expect a solution on the Denbigh ambulance issue, right?” said Councilor Bill Cox.

“I have letters from all the surrounding counties, but it may take a while to sort out,” said Hogg. “Stay tuned”.

Contract for paving

The contract for single and double surface paving that were included in this year's budget went to Greenwood Paving of Pembroke, who will also be looking at the parking lot at the Flinton Recreation Centre/township office complex as an extra project. The price quoted by Greenwood was $16,440 per kilometre for single surface, and $32,880 for double surface. The single surface price was just a hair under that of the only other bidder, Miller Group (Smith's Construction), which was $16,470, but the double surface price was substantially lower. The Miller bid was $40,260.

“The good news is that the price is $2,000 lower than last year's price,” said Roads and Waste Management Supervisor, Royce Rosenblath.

“Wasn't the price $3,500 not that long ago?” said Henry Hogg.

“That was quite a while ago, but yes,” said Rosenblath.

Waste site changes coming

In a discussion about the wording in the upcoming township newsletter, the subject of changes to how waste sites operate came up. A proposal to divert all construction waste from the Kaladar site was not approved by Council recently, but since the projected life of the existing waste sites has been shortened by consultants looking at the sites, council will be looking at changes.

“You should just write that changes to waste site operations are pending in the newsletter,” said Rosenblath to Clerk/Treasurer Christine Reed.

“Sounds reasonable,” said Councilor Kirby Thompson.

Free use of meeting room

The meeting room in the basement of the Flinton Hall will be used by organizers of the Flinton Jamboree free of charge. In approving the request, Reeve Hogg said that the township should receive financial statements from public groups asking for free use of facilities for non-profit events.

“I know they tend to not be incorporated; they are just community groups, but we should see something,” he said.

Support for Lyme disease research but not for wake ban

Council supported a motion circulated by the municipality of Niagara Region asking the province to increase funding for Lyme disease research.

A motion from the Township of Perry asking the federal Minister of Transportation to implement legislation that would provide authorities with the ability to enforce a “No Wake” restriction in Ontario's navigable waters, was just received for information.

“I would have supported it,” said Reeve Hogg, “except they asked the federal minister to make rules for only Ontario, which does not make sense.”

While Central Frontenac Council recognised the value of the Safe Property and Noise Bylaw updates that were presented by their contracted bylaw officer, Ken Gilpin of Frontenac Municipal Bylaw Enforcement, a number of specific points of contention were raised.

The bylaws were presented at a Council meeting on April 26, with a view towards adoption at the Council meeting scheduled for May 9.

An issue that was raised relative to the Safe Properties Bylaw by Councilor Jamie Riddell was the fact that the proposed bylaw, as well as the current bylaw, empowers enforcement officers to enter a property without the express permission of the property owner.

“This gives the bylaw officer powers that members of police forces don't have,” said Riddell.

“We always contact property owners and let them know that we are coming,” said Gilpin, “and when property owners are not there we leave cards. But we are not able to make appointments; it would impossible for us to plan out our day in those circumstances. As soon as we receive a complaint we investigate, and if there is an infraction we issue an order. We aren't there to harass property owners by any means. We always follow guidelines.”

“No one is questioning the professionalism of you or your staff,” said Councilor Brent Cameron, “but the fact is that the law allows you to do something that it does not allow anyone else to do, so there are concerns that come from that.”

“If we are going to pass bylaws, we have to be able to enforce them,” said Mayor Frances Smith.

The proposed Safe Properties Bylaw includes provisions prohibiting, among other things, “rubbish, waste or debris of any kind, long grass, discarded brush and clippings, excessive weed growth, or any other conditions that may promote or be susceptible to fire or infestation by rodents or other noxious conditions”.

It also prohibits dead, diseased or dying trees or limbs or branches “so as to prevent any unsafe condition or damage to any building.”

Scrap or junk metal, unlicensed vehicles, trailers machinery, tools or tires and appliances are also prohibited.

The bylaw is only enforced on a complaint-driven basis. Bylaw officers do not roam the countryside looking for infractions.

The other bylaw that attracted comments was the noise bylaw. Councilor Riddell was concerned that the use of power tools for the purposes of construction are prohibited until 7am. “In the summer, crews need to be able to work from dawn. Many of them start at 6am,” he said.

Councilor Tom Dewey was surprised by provision .j of the bylaw, which prohibits “persistent yelling, and shouting, whistling, singing”.

“What's wrong with singing?” Dewey asked.

“My advice is to take up yodeling,” said Councilor Cameron.

Un-budgeted purchases to drain reserves by $200,000

At this price, Central Frontenac Council might consider meeting less often.

Fire Chief Bill Young attended the meeting to bring Council up to speed on a dilemma that has come about. After purchasing a new emergency first response (EFR) van for the Sharbot Lake station for $157,000, $13,000 under the budgeted amount, the EFR van that serves the Parham station blew an engine.

“We have a price of $7,500 to replace the engine but I wouldn't recommend putting that kind of money in that van, which has high mileage,” he said. He added that to put off buying a new van, the one that had been serving the Sharbot Lake station could be transferred to Parham instead of being traded in for $10,000, but said, “We always have trouble getting that van safetied because once the EFR equipment is loaded the van is overweight for its capacity.”

He said that if he went back to the manufacturer for a new van he would get a discount.

The net cost to the township above the budget to have two new vans is $130,000.

Treasurer Michael McGovern said that if the township decided to spend the un-budgeted money, he would recommend using the equipment reserve fund.

“It will drain the fund and council will want to start building it up next year, which is something I don't like, but I like borrowing money and paying interest even less,” he said.

“If we spend $7,500 we would probably extend the life of the Parham van for a year or two,” said Councilor Tom Dewey.

“We might be able to, but it might break down sooner than that,” said Bill Young.

“Putting money into old vehicles can come back to bite you. I speak from experience when I say that,” said Councilor Bill MacDonald.

“I'd hate to use reserves for this. I'd prefer we borrowed the money over ten years. We may end up in an emergency and not have the money we need,” said Tom Dewey.

Council voted to buy the new truck, and pay for it out of reserves.

Public Works Manager John Badgley reported that “the present equipment float is a 1990 model and during a routine circle check it was found that the frame has rusted, ..., making it unsafe.

A replacement float capable of hauling a 20-ton load will cost $30,000, in his estimation.

“There is approximately $71,000 set aside in reserves to purchase a loader. I am recommending that we pull $30,000 of that reserve to purchase the float,” he said.

“Was that float not inspected by the Ministry of Transportation?” asked Councilor Victor Hesse.

“Only once a year,” said Badgley.

Council approved the purchase.

Council also approved the purchase of a truck from Hinton Dodge Chrysler on the recommendation of Badgley. Although the purchase was not put out to tender, Badgley said that since it was a Dodge truck that the township was buying, all Dodge dealers are bound to come in with the same price for municipal purchase and it made sense to buy from the closest dealer. He said that the treasurer had been consulted and the $37,000 purchase is being made within the guidelines of the township's procurement bylaw.

Surplus equipment for sale

Chief Building Official Jeremy Neven reported that surplus equipment, tables and chairs, etc. from the two schools that the township purchased late last year are ready for sale.

“Our plan is to let the local not-for-profit corporations know and see if there is anything they can use at a nominal cost. Whatever is left will go on sale to the general public,” said Neven.

Councilor Victor Heese asked that any shelving be held back for use in the re-use centre that is being developed, and Neven agreed.

The township is also selling one of the two portables that were located at the site of the former Hinchinbrooke school. The second will be looked at for possible use at the Parham fair grounds, although Neven warned that installing an old portable on township property might prove costly because of the safety regulations the township must adhere to.

Fundraising for Fort McMurray

Bill MacDonald reported that at a supper held at Sharbot Lake United Church last week, over $1,000 was raised for the Red Cross fund to help the residents of Fort McMurray in Alberta.

“We live in a caring community” he said.

More dust is raised by a little housekeeping

Once again Council chambers were crammed full of lakeshore residents responding to Planner Lindsay Mills’ proposal to make ‘housekeeping ‘ changes to the Official Plan. These changes: 1) would not permit buildings within the 30-metre setback to be taken down and reconstructed; 2) define a property as vacant once more than 50% of the load-bearing walls have been removed from a building within the setback (and therefore the structure would not be replaceable); and 3) remove section 5.11 which permits replacement of waterfront structures which have been destroyed by natural disasters. (Thus requiring a minor variance from the Committee of Adjustment, which has the power to deny applications.)

Thirteen delegates made spoken presentations and nineteen others filed letters, only one of which was in any way supportive of the proposed changes.

Mills’ presentation showed a picture of a seriously derelict building as an example of a structure the owner may have deliberately neglected in order to be able to rebuild, with the implication that this was a recurring problem. Jeff Canton noted that this situation was already addressed under the Township’s “safe properties’ bylaw (2007-13). “I find it curious that…(the planner) would use the Township’s inaction in the enforcement of a current bylaw to justify amending a different bylaw.”

Some were strongly critical of Council and its staff: “This is an abuse of power,” “The power of this Township is spiralling out of control,” were two such comments. Another speaker said someone had warned him “that the Township would make things difficult for me if I speak out tonight.” Another: “This is more about aesthetics than it is about lessening our impact on the lakes.” “Trying to correct history on the backs of present property owners is not reasonable.”

In reference to Mills’ interpretation of the intent of the Official Plan“…that someday all buildings will be well set back from waterbodies to ensure protection of our lakes…” many said these proposed changes would lower values of lakeshore properties with nonconforming structures, possibly even make them unsaleable. This in turn could result in less taxation income for the Township in the future. One said he would definitely not have bought his home two years ago, if these bylaw changes had been in place then.

Following the delegations, Mayor Vandewal brought a notice of motion that “If a property is destroyed by fire or other act of God the owner need only go to the building department and apply to rebuild on that footprint.”

Council’s decision on Mills’ proposed ‘housekeeping amendments’ has been postponed until the June 7 Council meeting at Councillor Roberts’ request: he will be away on vacation until then.

The Grass is greener for businesses

At Friday’s council meeting, David Bergstrome, from Rocky Shore Cannabis, presented his proposal for a 6,000 square foot marijuana growing facility he wants to build in North Frontenac. He was hoping to get support, in principle, for his idea.

Bergstrome, whose family has been cottaging on Kashawakamak Lake for over 50 years, explained there is a growing need for marijuana in Ontario because of its use medicinally, and because the general public, as well as the medical industry, are becoming more educated about the drug. He said that the proposed 2017 legalization of marijuana for recreational use would stress an already under-supplied market. With the demand continuing to increase, Bergstrome said that the gaps in supply would be “met by illicit producers.”

Bergstrome's proposal for Rocky Shores Cannabis included details regarding the regulations put in place by Health Canada. He explained that plants have to be tracked from the moment they are sown in the ground right up to the shipping process. He also went into detail regarding the security precautions that would need to be in place in order to pass certification. Bergstrome said that all the work would be done within the windowless facility and that the regulations call for perimeter fencing, 24-hour video monitoring, and a reinforced concrete vault in which to store the dried product.

He is currently looking at North Road as a proposed location for the project based on its accessibility and low traffic and, if the project gets the green light, he hopes to use local labour and materials when possible during the construction process. He also said that he would expect one Canada Post truck per day and that it wouldn't negatively impact the traffic in the area.

When asked about potential employment opportunities for locals, Bergstrome said that initially he thinks they would be hiring about three people to trim and tend to the plants, as well as for security.

Bergstrome's long-term vision includes plans to eventually expand to a 60,000 square foot building on the same property.

The power consumption on a growing operation like the one Bergstrome has proposed is big. He said that with a proposed layout of one 1000-watt lamp every six feet, and the current price of electricity, he has estimated his hydro bill at over $100,000 a year.

“Any business that can benefit the township is good for us,” Councilor Wayne Good said.

Council voted in favour of endorsing the proposal in principle.

Disaster Recovery
Petr Sizow, a representative from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), made a presentation to Council on Friday regarding two new programs they launched in March of this year.

The Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) and Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) programs are in place to help municipalities and their residents deal with rebuilding and operations in the aftermath of a disaster. Under the MDRA program, the municipality can request funding from the province to cover incremental costs not originally budgeted for if the area is hit by a disaster. Eligible expenses, under the MDRA, can be: repairing essential infrastructure; engineering assessments; rental vehicles; safety equipment; and repairing supply roads to get goods into the area.

The program only kicks in when the costs incurred are equal to or more than 3% of the municipality's tax levy. Once the eligible expenses hit that 3% threshold then the province covers 95% of the costs related to the disaster.

Some councilors wondered if the program could potentially be helpful in the case of an ice storm, like the one in 1998, or wildfires in the area. Sizow agreed to report back to council with more details.

Potential tax increase for homeowners on dammed lakes

A portion of the costs of maintaining and repairing dams owned by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) could be put on ratepayers that have houses or cottages on the lakes.

The MVCA owns and maintains 11 dams as part of a control system for the Mississippi River water system. In a staff report, Paul Lehman, the general manager of the MVCA, explained that when the dams were constructed, or assumed, by the MVCA, there were provincial grants available to cover 50% of the costs, as well as an additional 35% as a supplemental grant to cover construction, operation, and maintenance costs. Now only the 50% grant is available for operation and construction. This leaves a question mark about who should cover the balance of the money.

“Ottawa is refusing to pay their share of maintaining these dams,” Councilor Gerry Martin said, “...which is flood control for the City of Ottawa. In the Conservation Act, there is a clause that says benefitting municipalities will pay a share of the rehab of the dam in their own municipality.”

One of the dams in need of attention, which was built in 1910, is on Kashawakmak Lake.

“Kashawakamak Lake is a large dam and it needs to be totally replaced,” Martin said, “It's one of the few structures in Ontario built with no steel. It's totally concrete....They're proposing to put a levy on our residents that live, for example, on Kashawakamak Lake, and expect us to cherry-pick all those properties and apply that tax to those properties on Kashawakamak. If this goes through for the Kashawakamak dam, the precedent will be set for other lakes”

“I think we'd better get mentally ready for that,” Councilor John Inglis said.

“I'm totally disgusted,” Mayor Ron Higgins said.

Councilor Martin speculated that the costs could be as high as a $1 million per dam. These costs, if put to North Frontenac ratepayers, would result in outrageous tax hikes. Martin points the finger towards Ottawa and their refusal to contribute to dam rehabilitation upstream but also at the MVCA for not having an asset management plan in place to properly budget for these large infrastructure renewal projects.

“This isn't over by a long shot,” Martin said.

Buckshot Creek culvert replacement on 509

In February of 2015, the township received a grant of up to $288,000 toward replacing the Buckshot Creek culvert on Road 509 through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund. The original estimated cost for the project, when they submitted their application, was $320,000, which included the project management costs, permits, and engineering design.

The township only received two bids on the project, although there was significant interest in the tender when it went out, and both bids were well over budget. The lowest bidder was Crains’ Construction Ltd., in the amount of $473,401.07 including HST. The second quote they received was over $1.6 million.

“A lot of that is our lack of services,” CAO Cheryl Robson said in explaining to Council why the quotes they received were so high. “We don't have accommodations for larger construction firms for their staff to stay here, or even to feed their staff. It makes it really hard. Their costs are going to go up because they have to pay their guys to drive to hotels.”

The replacement of the Buckshot Creek culvert was considered a high priority when a bridge study was done two years ago.

“I'm concerned if you don't move forward with it then the (grant) money might not be available to us,” Robson said.

Council voted in favour of giving the contract to Crains’ Construction.

Council votes in favour of new township building

Norh Frontenac Council chose to move forward with adding a 2265 square foot addition to the existing township building as well as renovating the existing structure in a three-phase construction project.

Jeremy Neven, the Chief Building Official, and Larry Gaines, the architect who designed the new building and addition, were at the meeting on Friday to discuss any questions and concerns that Council had about the designs.

Neven explained that the construction project would be rolled out in three phases. The first stage is building the new addition on the current township building. The second phase is renovating the exterior of the existing building including windows, doors, and insulation. The final phase is renovating the interior of the existing building, which includes mechanical upgrades, electrical work, and finishing.

Gaines spoke about how he attempted to incorporate some of North Frontenac's character into his design with a proposed timber frame structure over the entrance-way and stonework on the exterior.

“The project costs have certainly accelerated,” Councilor Dennis Bedard said.

One of the proposals that Bedard brought to Council back in August of last year was to add an additional 1,500 square feet to the existing building at a cost of $900,000.

“My gut feeling, in terms of doing renovations, is it's never under. It's always over,” said Bedard.

“You're absolutely right but I think we've accounted for that,” Gaines told Bedard.

“I want to know how we're going to pay for this,” Bedard said. “$1.3 million. I'm really uncomfortable with that dollar figure.”

“Reserves and loans,” Mayor Ron Higgins said.

North Frontenac Treasurer Kelly Watkins said that a loan would cost $59,000 a year for 25 years on a 3.24%, guaranteed, interest rate.

“If we don't do something this year then it gets more expensive next year,” Mayor Higgins said.

“Would it be worth waiting to see if we can lessen the burden on these taxpayers to see if we can get federal and provincial grants?” Councilor Bedard asked. “I don't know about you folks but constituent-wise I think a lot of people are not in favour of that kind of money being spent on a building.”

“I've had more positive comments on a new building than renovating this old building,” Councilor Gerry Martin said.

Currently there is no funding available to help subsidize the construction project.

“I don't think we're going to get a better deal than this and I'm going to support this,” Councilor John Inglis said.

“No decision like this is going to please everybody but we need to do something,” Mayor Higgins said.

Councilor Vernon Hermer expressed his worries about financing the project as well because of increased policing costs and because “the economic conditions in this municipality are bleak.”

“We still have to remember we're looking at the working conditions of the staff in this existing building,” Councilor Wayne Good said. “Going through another winter or two is unacceptable.”

“I think we all agreed that we had to do something when we started on this journey,” Mayor Higgins said.

“That 'something' has gotten very highly priced,” Bedard said.

In a recorded vote, requested by Bedard, the motion was carried 5-2, with councilors Bedard and Hermer voting against the proposal.

Mayor Higgins hopes that they will break ground on the project this year.

Fire department operational review gets heated

Eric Korhonen, North Frontenac's Fire Chief, presented his operational review of the fire department at Friday's meeting.

Terry Gervais, a former Napanee fire chief, who acted as a consultant on the report, and praised Korhonen's work on it, was in attendance as well to answer any questions that Council had. Gervais told Council that the report Korhonen prepared would have cost the township about $30,000 had they outsourced it.

Korhonen outlined in his review that a decline in the number of residents, and an aging population, as well as a diminishing number of recruits and increased training expectations have increased the stress on the department.

Korhonen made some suggestions aimed at improving the current operations of the department and these included being more flexible in hiring and possibly attracting seasonal residents during the department’s peak busy months. The area has an increase in 7000 people during the peak season, Korhonen said, between April and October, which also coincides with a decrease in volunteers.

Korhonen also proposed that the department switch from their current point system to paying volunteers an hourly rate, which would vary from $16/hour for a junior volunteer up to $22/hour for an officer.

The fire chief also recommended replacing three volunteer deputy chiefs with a paid, part-time assistant fire chief, which ruffled some feathers.

“Will that not have an effect on the morale of the fire department?” Councilor Hermer asked.

Councilor Bedard was quick to go on the attack about Korhonen's report, suggesting that the survey of other fire departments that was used as the basis for a lot of Korhonen's study was incomplete and should not have been used.

“A question that should have been asked [in the survey] is 'Do you have a full-time fire chief?',” Bedard said. “How many similar sized townships have a full-time chief, let alone a part-time chief? This report, has it been reviewed? Have you asked for input from the deputy fire chiefs? Did they provide input on this?”

“Yes,” Korhonen responded.

The report showed that the department, made up of 42 volunteer firefighters, is currently meeting emergency response standards. He said that the department is well-equipped and well-maintained.

Councilor Inglis made a motion to defer the decision until the next meeting.

“What is the big panic on this?” Bedard asked.

The motion to defer was carried.

Budget in, levy up – tax rate flat

After a 30-minute in camera session with two residents, Reeve Henry Hogg wasted no time going through the agenda at a meeting of Addington Highlands Council in Flinton on Monday, May 2, racing through in 15 minutes.

Among the items on the agenda was the 2016 budget, which had been the subject of a special meeting three days earlier. All that was left to do was pass the document, which will see the levy to Addington Highlands ratepayers go up $140,000, from $2.4 million in 2015 to $2.53 million in 2016, an increase of 5.58%. Overall spending by the township will top $5.4 million in 2016, with local taxes being topped up by $1.2 million that comes from “pre-levy revenues” such as transfers from L&A County for road maintenance, user fees, etc. and a $1.65 million subsidy from the Province of Ontario.

Among the issues that were noted as contributing to this year's increase is a $108,000 (17%) increase in OPP costs. There were also increases to the fire budget and to the environmental services budget.

Reeve Hogg pointed out that although the levy is up by over 5%, that increase will not be reflected in the tax rate, which is flat. Individual ratepayers will see an increase based entirely on the amount of assessment increase that is applied to their property this year by the Ontario Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

Joint Council meeting over fire services

A meeting was held last month between Addington Highlands and North Frontenac Council to discuss issues that have arisen in the funding of the Kaladar-Barrie Fire Department, which serves residents in both townships. Four motions came out of that meeting for consideration by each township. One dealt with a review of core services delivered by the department and two dealt with fees charged for service by the department. A fourth resolution was not related to the fire service, but had to do with medical services that both townships have an interest in. All four resolutions were passed without comment.

Waste site closure pending

At the Denbigh meeting in April, the township's waste site consultants reported that the Kaladar site is reaching the end of its usable life. At the current rate of use, it could be full within five years, but if dumping at the site is restricted to household waste only, eliminating construction and other waste, it may last up to 10 years or more.

Royce Rosenblath said that in light of that report, the township needs to assign staff to deal with all the details of diversion, closure, transfers and necessary changes to the waste site’s Certificate of Approval from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.

“We could use our own staff or consultants to do this, but we need to get on it pretty soon,” he said.

The township office is short-staffed at the moment, but that will change in early June.

Councilor Bill Cox put forward a motion to defer the matter of changes to the Kaladar waste site so that it will come back to the table in early June.