Feature Article - May 18, 2006

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Feature Article - May 18, 2006

Council looks favourably on Hartingon car wash

by JeffGreen andWilma Kenny

South Frontenac township planner Lindsay Mills presented a report to Council on Tuesday night concerning a proposal by Scott Asselstine to rezone a two acre parcel of land he owns on the southern edge of Hartington in order to allow him to put up a four-bay self serve hand car wash.

The report noted several concerns with the proposal, and some of the measures Mr. Asselstine has taken to address those concerns, and concluded that “it is the [Planning] Department’s conclusion that a re-zoning to permit the use of the property for a four bay hand car wash commercial operation is supportable.”

Mills noted that a number of concerns over water usage and waste water disposal have been expressed by a number of people, and that a ground water study currently underway by the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority has “identified the area as an area of potential low water quality and of possible susceptibility to contamination.” Several letters and a petition were included in the information council received concerning the application,

However, Mills said that Mr. Asselstine had addressed several of these concerns by contracting the engineering firm Lissom Earth Sciences of Picton to prepare a site evaluation and waste water design study for the project.

Lissom’s report included a plan for the operation that includes an oil separator tank to remove petroleum products from waste water, as well as a multi-stage filtration system and a large septic bed.

“There remains a concern over salt that may wash off of cars, especially in winter, which is not addressed by the system, and it might be wise to drill two wells at the outside of the septic system in order to measure how much salt will be released into the groundwater,” Mills said.

Mills’ report also said that the proposed waste water design has been “reviewed favourably by the public health unit.”

Mills did say that “Council may wish to consider the need for a hydro-geological review if they feel further study is warranted.

When the meeting was opened up for comment most of the councillors said they found the work that Scot Asselstine had done to be sufficient for them to support the project; however councillors Roos, Stowe and Hahn thought that a hydro-geological study was in order to ensure that the potential environmental impacts of the project are determined.

Members of the public were given their turn to comment. Linda Stewart, who lives within sight of the proposed car wash, expressed the hope that certain conditions be attached to a site plan that the planning department will be developing for the project should the zoning be approved. She hoped that lighting could be minimised, and proposed that instead of being a 24 hour operation the car wash be closed at 9:00 pm each evening. She pointed out that “in Pittsburgh and Kingston townships hydro-geological studies are done for all buildings,” and suggested this should be the norm in South Frontenac as well. She also was concerned about salt contamination.

Judy Reynolds and Pastor John Craig from the Portland Community Church, which is located across from the proposed car wash, said that the church’s well had run dry last summer, and were concerned that the car wash would further drain the aquifer. Other neighbours talked about existing water supply and waste water problems.

Scott Asselstine said that he projects that the business will recycle a high percentage of the water that is used, only taking “about as much water as two normal houses from the ground.”

Later in the Council meeting, a re-zoning bylaw on the mater was given first and second reading. The planning department will now consider the proposal further, and bring a report back to council. A hydro-geological study may be ordered.

Other notes from South Frontenac Council:

Sydenham Water Funding Proposal

Council voted to turn down the Sydenham village request for assistance with funding a portion of the property owners capital costs, given the uncertainty of the revenue that would be derived from increased development due to the water, and "the change in allowing the revenue from increased development to be given directly to the people in that area."

Heritage Sign for Perth Road Village

Belinda Betz of Perth Road area got council’s support for her proposal to design and erect historical signs at the approaches to Perth Road . The project will be fully funded by the Historical Sign Committee’s raffles and events.

Bedford District Landfill Hours Extended for Summer

Only councillor Robinson objected (on the grounds that it was an area issue) to a by-law amendment extending the Bedford landfill hours for the summer.

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Feature Article - May 18, 2006

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Feature Article - May 18, 2006

Central Frontenac approves budget

by JuleKochBrison

At a meeting last Thursday May 11, Central Frontenac Council approved the budget basically as it had been drafted by township staff, with a few minor amendments.

An increase in property assessment values of 16% has provided a windfall for the township, enabling Council to decrease the tax rate by 9% and still have a 6.6% overall increase in revenue raised from taxation. The increase in taxes averages out to 6.7% more per property.

In total, the township will be collecting $4.08 million from taxpayers in 2006 as compared to $3.7 million in 2005, but 2005 was an unusual year in that the levy went down from the previous year. (The levy in 2004 was $3.97 million).

The major project the township is undertaking this year is the reconstruction of road 38. The township must raise $1.3 million but the impact on this years’ budget will be minimal because the project will be funded through a low interest loan. A COMRIF grant to Central Frontenac will provide $4.3 million towards the $6.4 million dollar project, and the township has $695,000 in reserves for the project.

Councillor Jack Nicolson noted that the township has $1.5 million in total reserves and he suggested using some of that, perhaps $170,000, for Road 38. Mayor Bill MacDonald said he was not in favour of depleting the reserves; that if there was a downturn in the economy, the reserves could plunge.

Councilor Janet Gutowski pointed out that there are other infrastructure needs, such as two new fire halls. $500,000 has been earmarked for the construction of a new fire hall in Sharbot Lake , and there is $175,000 in reserves for a new fire hall in Mountain Grove.

Councillor Murray said that $100,000 should be added to the $500,000 and two fire halls should be built for $775,000. “If North Frontenac can do a four-bay for $275,000, we can do with a smaller building with some of the features taken out,” he said.

(editors note: The four bay fire hall under construction in North Frontenac includes a $273,495 building contract plus $35,000 in costs for work that has been done by township crews for a total of $308,495. The actual cost for the hall should be known soon after it is completed in early June.)

Other councillors expressed doubt that the Sharbot Lake hall could be done for less than $500,000. Bill MacDonald said the debate on whether to build one or two fire halls this year could come later. Murray ’s suggestion was defeated in a 6-2 vote.

Council did decide to cut the purchase of a utility ATV from the fire department’s budget. Mark MacDonald explained that currently fire fighters use their own ATVs and 4x4 trucks to carry their equipment in difficult terrain, and the township might recoup 45% of the cost through the JEPP program, but the request was defeated in a 4-4 vote.

Bill Snyder objected to the township contributing to its employees’ RRSPs through OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) Bill MacDonald countered that Central Frontenac is the only municipality around that doesn’t have a pension plan, and he said the township underpays its employees and council members.

Logan Murray said he has received many calls about the road patroller taking township vehicles home and said the township could save money by eliminating that practice, and perhaps even the road patroller position itself. Public Works Manager Bill Nicol said it is mandatory that the roads be patrolled. The methods of patrol could be different, but “Videos don’t lie”, he said.

Councilor Gutowski said that the decision about use of township vehicles would be a policy shift for council, but she was not in favour of eliminating the position of road patroller.

No money was allocated to finish paving the Oak Flats Road, and Councilor Bill Snyder again raised the issue, saying it was unfair that the road had been ignored.

Bill MacDonald denied that the road had been ignored, saying that $43,000 was spent on it in 2005. He added that if there were money left over in the roads budget, it would be up to Bill Nicol to recommend to council how that should be spent.

Over the years much of the Oak Flats has been repaved, but Bill Snider is concerned about a 1.1 km. stretch of the road which he says is badly in need of widening. After having little success in convincing the rest of Council of the need for repairs, Snider vowed to continue to advocate for the repairs.

“It’s a matter of fairness,” he told the News.

There were no increases in the salaries of the mayor and council included in the budget, but the mayor’s expenses, such as a fax machine and internet access, will be reimbursed.

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Feature Article - May 18, 2006

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Feature Article - May 18, 2006

NorthFrontenac approves Sunday gun hunting

by Jule Koch Brison

At its meeting last week, North Frontenac Township revisited its earlier decision against Sunday gun hunting and joined the ranks of municipalities that have approved the practice. A delegation consisting of taxpayer Chris McNamara, and OFAH representatives Greg Farrant and Mike MacDonald gave presentations to council on the issue. McNamara said that Sunday gun hunting was allowed when he was young; he grew up with it, and it formed a powerful bond for families. Farrant and MacDonald gave statistics about the high cost of crop damage and livestock predation by wildlife. Farrant also said the OPP reports that there is one car-wildlife collision every 38 minutes in Ontario and that the MNR is confident that Sunday gun hunting is the answer to all these problems.

Councilor Betty Hunter said there are no crop farmers in the area. She is opposed to Sunday gun hunting because the people she has spoken to are all against it. They enjoy the peace and quiet of gun-free Sundays; some people leave the area during hunting season. Councilor Dave Smith agreed, saying the people he has spoken to are glad to get a day off after six days of hunting. They visit other hunt camps and socialize, and the wildlife can rest for a day.

Councilor Clayton and Deputy Mayor Lemke said, however, that the people they had spoken to are for it, and Councilors Perry and Good were also in favour.

Betty Hunter asked for a recorded vote, and the motion to allow Sunday gun hunting passed 4 to 2, with Mayor Maguire abstaining.

Robin Riddell and Stan Seitz gave a presentation to council on preparing for a flu pandemic, which experts say is 100% certain to happen, although no one knows when. The prediction is based on a maximum observed interval of 38 years between flu pandemics. Concerns are centering around the avian flu, which, however, is not spreading right now very effectively between humans

Robin Riddell said there would be limited outside help in a pandemic and North Frontenac must make plans to be as self-sufficient as possible in such a case. It must make preparations in conjunction with the emergency plan it already has in place. The three things that residents can do are: 1) Get informed and stay informed; 2) create a store of enough emergency supplies to last a month; and 3) get a flu shot. Although existing flu vaccines may not be effective against new strains of the virus, the latter will help.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has a checklist of the items that should be stockpiled. They include: canned and dry foods; bottled water (at least 2 litres per person per day); pain relievers; cough and cold, anti-diarrhea and stomach medicines; flashlights and batteries. For more information visit pandemicinfluenza.gc.ca/

Stan Seitz pointed out that the preparations for a possible flu pandemic would also help in any kind of emergency.

Council acknowledged a donation of $62,000 towards the new fire hall from the Volunteer Ladies Fire Auxiliary. The group has raised $100,000, and the balance will be forthcoming shortly. Mayor Maguire said the donations represent years of hard work and dedication, and the group’s achievement is absolutely astounding.

The township’s waste water inspections will continue, with the target being 100 this year. As it’s late in the year, the township will stick with Mississippi Valley Conservation, which did the inspections last year for $60 each, but may switch next year to the Department of Public Health, which does the inspections for free.

Council endorsed a resolution from Frontenac County petitioning the Ontario Ministry of Labour to exempt paramedics from the Employee Standards Act (ESA), which requires that employees have a break to eat every five hours and limits the number of hours employees can be required to work each day. The County argues that the requirements could place patients at mortal risk, and that the industry itself wants these issues to be negotiated in local contracts. Frontenac County spent $450,000 extra on Land Ambulance services in 2005 to meet the ESA requirements.

The Waste Diversion Task Force recommended that a plan to deal with hazardous household waste be implemented; that waste site attendants be better trained; and that the municipality undertake an educational program for taxpayers. The Task Force wishes to continue, but Mayor Maguire asked them to give a final report on June 8 and disband. Councilor Perry asked if the municipality could give an incentive, such a free bag tags, for local businesses to provide garbage bins for the public. No decision was made on the suggestion.

The Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) will hold a public meeting on May 26 at the Clar-Mill Hall. Council agreed to waive the $10 rental fee and Mayor Maguire joked, “We should ask for a donation.”

Council authorized the mayor and clerk to sign a contract with Northbridge Group Inc. to implement a marketing strategy for the Crown Land Stewardship Program

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Feature Article - May 7, 2006

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Feature Article - May 7, 2006

Snyder keeps fighting for OakFlatsRoad

by Jeff Green

Central Frontenac Councilor Bill Snyder has been trying for years to convince his council colleagues to pave a little over one kilometre of the Oak Flats Road at the south end of Central Frontenac.

Most of the road was paved before Hinchinbrooke Township was dissolved into Central Frontenac in 1998, and according to Snyder there was money set aside to improve the road in 2000, but that never happened.

He raised the issue during a budget debate in 2001, and has raised it again since then. This year, when the road was not listed on the road construction list that was proposed by Public Works Manager Bill Nicol during budget deliberations, Snyder brought it up again. This led him into a confrontation with Mayor Bill MacDonald during a budget meting on Tuesday afternoon.

“I feel it is unfair that this portion of the road has not been improved,” Snyder told the News, “but I’m not going to give up on it at this point. I feel I made some headway today, when the public works manager told me that he would find out what it would cost to widen the road and put in some fill to make it better. I don’t care if they don’t pave the road for a couple of years, as long as they begin work on it. It’s a matter of fairness, as far as I’m concerned.”

When council meets next Monday in Mountain Grove with the hope of finalising their 2006 budget, Bill Snyder is hoping some money will be found to fix that one kilometre stretch of Oak Flats Road that he has been talking about for several years.

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Feature Article - June 29, 2006

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Feature Article - June 29, 2006

Letters to the Editor

Sydenham Water: Who knows best?

For over 3 years the people of Sydenham have been trying to have a say in how our water problem is managed, to no avail. South Frontenac Council has forced a $7.7million communal water system on us in spite of 92% of the affected residents signing a petition against this system.

The people of Sydenham have been to council over 20 times warning council of all the problems associated with this water system, but council just ignored us. And now “the experts” are confirming our concerns….

1) Recently the Professional Engineers of Ontario reviewed the consulting engineer’s environmental assessment report and have described the report as “below average” and “of poor quality.” This report was the basis for the Sydenham water system.

2) The Watertight report, produced by the province’s own expert panel, suggests that small communities use in-house water treatment. It recommends that communal water systems have a minimum of 10,000 users. Sydenham has 273!

Clearly this water system was a mistake. However, we have no choice but to live with it now that it is nearly up and running. So the people approached council with a plan to recover some of the costs using future taxes generated from the water system. As expected, council said NO to the people again. Although council is highly opposed to spreading the costs of this water system throughout the township (a mere $13/household/year) they are quite willing to spread the tax revenue generated from it to the rest of the township!!

The attitude of our council towards the people was summed up very nicely by our own Councilor Vanderwall when he publicly responded to the question about implementing a cost recovery plan to help the people of Sydenham – “It’s not that we couldn’t do it, it’s that we wouldn’t do it.” Council’s excuse is they don’t want to set a precedent!

This is the attitude we have been up against for over three years. We are dealing with a council that simply DOES NOT WANT TO HELP THE PEOPLE. Why won’t this council start to display some integrity, acknowledge this plant was a mistake, take responsibility for that decision, and do something to help the people?

Maybe the mayor and council have forgotten it is an election year. The people of South Frontenac are disgusted with council’s old school mentality of “we know better than you”. This township is overdue for a council that wants to LISTEN to the people, and wants to work WITH the people. We need a council willing to get into the 21st century.

- Cathie Waugh

Walleye Regulatory OptionsSurveyAn open letter to the Ministry of NaturalResources

I have completed your options survey and wish to add my comments in the form of my own proposal. I've fished for walleyes in Southern Ontario for some 60 years. I'm an American and am very fortunate to have a cottage on Big Gull Lake since 1969. We love it here.

In 1985 I started the Big Gull Lake East End Cottage Association. One major activity was to rebuild walleye spawning beds. Working closely with the MNR, we placed over 600 tons of rubble on sites selected by the MNR.

Over the years we've made many friends at the lake and surrounding communities, and appreciate what a huge factor tourism is to this rural area.

MY PROPOSAL FOR REGULATING WALLEYE FISHING IN SOUTHERN

ONTARIO

I. Catch and Possession Limit: Reduce the limit to four. That's a no-brainer. Everyone can live with that. Most fishermen I know use the Conservationist license with the limit of two walleyes.

II. Open Season: This is a decision to be made by the MNR based upon accurate recent surveys conducted by the MNR. Does the March harvest of walleyes impact the total enough to warrant changes? Only new data will provide you the answers.

III. Size Limits: Minimum 17 inch length. Keep it simple. Keep everyone happy - the local fishermen, the tourist fishermen, the fishing resort owners, and anyone else concerned about the future of walleye fishing. I believe that the so called "slot" restriction is the worst course of action. Here's why.

1) It hasn't been proven to work in our area. Several years ago the "slot" rule was imposed on Crotch Lake . A few years later, the MNR set nets to monitor the fish population in Crotch Lake and in nearby Big Gull Lake where there is no slot restriction. Results showed a greater walleye yield in Big Gull Lake nets than in Crotch.

2) Keeping walleyes of less than 14 inches or even less than 16 inches are terrible options. A small walleye is easy to catch and easy to release. They rarely swallow the hook and aren't harmed when released.

3) Walleye lay thousands of eggs and I believe it's safe to say that they start spawning at about 16 inches.

4) The summer fishing pressure has been steadily declining as there are fewer of the old time fishermen around.

A walleye fisherman looks upon a walleye fish fry as an occasional special treat. Don't make them throw back a "dinner" size fish or they'll never come back.

Improving Walleye Spawning Conditions

In my opinion the best thing is for the MNR to enlist the aid of cottage associations, and tourist related businesses, in a concentrated effort to rebuild walleye spawning beds in southern Ontario lakes. This includes monitoring these beds to determine the effectiveness of the efforts.

My Thoughts on your survey.

I question the data that will result from your survey. I had to seek out information about getting a copy of the survey from your Bancroft office. I know of no one at this end of our large lake who received a copy. Wouldn't it have been better to provide each person with a survey who bought a license in southern Ontario , over say, the past three years, and to each tourist related business?

And the May 1st completion date is totally unreasonable. No one is at the lake at that time of year. I hope you consider what I have written. It's not just the fishermen who have a stake in this program. At our end of the lake one owner of four rental cottages recently razed these cottages while the other owner of cottages has reduced the number of rentals from seventeen to four. It's the whole rural economy that seeks a better outlook for tourism. And you have a great resource with the walleye to help make it happen.

- Harold Krieger

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Feature Article - June 29, 2006

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Feature Article - June 29, 2006

Development after...and before

by JeffGreen

One of the conundrums of waterfront development was aptly demonstrated last week at a North Frontenac Council meeting.

Development AfterFirst Mickie Mackie, a full time resident living on Sunday Lake , made a presentation concerning wear and tear on the Sunday Lake road, a private road maintained by the Sunday Lake Property Owners’ Association.

Mackie pointed out that the township established a public boat launch in 1997 at the end of the road, bringing more traffic to the road, even though the township does not pay for road maintenance or repair. The boat launch is also very steep, and residents around the lake, particularly Mackie himself, are often called upon to help people get their vehicles out after launching their boats. The Association also pays to maintain a dam for the Ministry of Natural Resources on Sunday Lake .

“Twenty-six residents on Sunday Lake Drive paid $49,313 in taxes last year, as well as a $200 road maintenance fee to the association, yet we receive few, if any services,” Mackie told Council. “The association is thus asking for a grant from the township in lieu of road maintenance.”

Council did not make any immediate response to the request from the Sunday Lake Association, although several councillors pointed out that there are a great many private roads on lakes throughout the township, and giving a grant to Sunday Lake for maintenance could lead others to come forward.

Development beforeThe second delegation was led by planning consultant Peter Josephs, who is promoting a fledgling waterfront development on Ardoch Lake . Josephs expressed a full understanding of the various environmental and planning hoops that the development will have to jump through in order to be accepted by council. Josephs was accompanied by Colin Scott, who is in the process of purchasing the property. Scott told council that he is prepared to make improvements to the road if the development is approved, and pointed out that most, if not all of the residences on the lake will be seasonal, since there is no hydro available.

A chart that accompanied the presentation included 40 waterfront lots, but Josephs assured council that the chart was in error, and the proposal that will eventually come forward will include a much smaller number of lots.

The proponents were making only a preliminary courtesy call to council as they embark on the involved subdivision process.

“You heard the first delegation,” said Councillor Dave Smith, referring to the Sunday Lake Association petitioning the Council for support, “so you can understand our concerns about developments on private roads.”

The developers will work with the township’s staff and planning consultant in pursuing their development.

Reaction to the Ardoch Algonquins – At council’s previous meeting, a delegation from the Ardoch Algonquin First Nation discussed plans to build a band office on Crown Land . Mayor Maguire volunteered to be the contact point between the Ardoch First Nation and the council. Councillor Fred Perry asked that Maguire be formally appointed to the role and that whenever Maguire meets with the First Nation, minutes be taken by someone from the township. This was agreed to.

Donations to the Fire Hall – Construction of the new Clarendon and Miller fire hall is complete, and the fire department will be working through the summer to get the hall painted and fully operational. The official opening is slated for September. The Ompah Community Centre Committee has donated 40 folding chairs for the new hall. As well, Lookout Building Centre has made a cash donation to the project.

Building boom – May was a good month for building permits in North Frontenac, with 31 permits being issued, 13 of which were for new seasonal residences. The total value of construction for these permits is $1,342,450. This compares to 17 permits with a construction value of $826,400 in May of 2005. The cumulative totals for the first quarter of the year were also up from 2005 by over 20%.

Budget ready – A special meeting is scheduled for today, June 29th, at the Clar/Mill Hall at 7:00 pm to pass the 2006 township budget.

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Feature Article - June 29, 2006

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Feature Article - June 29, 2006

Central Frontenac to consider permittingATVs on township roads

by JeffGreen

A delegation from the Frontenac ATV Club came to Central Frontenac Council this week to see if they could persuade the township to pass a bylaw permitting the use of ATVs on township roads.

As Patricia Dawson, the club’s secretary, pointed out, many neighbouring townships, including North and South Frontenac, now permit certain kinds of ATVs driven by people with G2 or M2 licences to use their roads, but Central Frontenac has never considered the issue.

“No one has, ever come to council requesting this before,” said Mayor Bill MacDonald, “We have not dodged this issue; it has not been raised.”

Patricia Dawson said that the ATV bylaw has been successfully implemented in South Frontenac, and she presented information regarding how the ATV bylaw that was adopted initially for only one year in that jurisdiction, has now been accepted on a permanent basis.

“By passing a bylaw, the situation has been improved. Instead of ATVs riding illegally on township roads, they are riding according to safety regulations that can be enforced,” Dawson argued

Deputy Mayor Frances Smith said, “One of the concerns I have is with gravel roads with little or no shoulder. Do ATVs have permission to ride on the road where there is no shoulder?”

Pat Dawson replies that ATVs are expected to ride on the far right - on the shoulder if there is one, or on the road where necessary.

Mayor MacDonald said that the local OPP have said they don’t recommend going forward with this.

“”I suggest you contact them again,” said Patricia Dawson, “now that the experience of having a bylaw in place is better understood. Sgt. Fowler, of the Frontenac Detachment, for example, has been supportive.”

Some councillors expressed full support for an ATV bylaw, whereas others expressed more qualified support.

Councillor Logan Murray was the only one who expressed outright opposition. He said that he solicited opinions from 11 people on legalising ATV use of roads, and four were in favour while seven were opposed.

“They tear up and down my road, and people don’t like them,” Murray said.

Patricia Dawson cautioned council that they consider the will of the majority when they think about whether to pass an ATV bylaw.

“Most of the people who live in your township year round and shop in the stores and volunteer in the fire departments are in favour of this,” she said, “you might want to consider their interests over those of a minority who might oppose it.”

Rather than requesting staff to prepare a bylaw for council’s consideration, a motion was proposed whereby staff would bring back information to the next council meeting on the implications of an ATV bylaw.

An ATV bylaw in Central Frontenac is more likely now than it has been at any other time.

Tichborne Properties – A discussion took place concerning four abandoned properties at the north end of Tichborne. Three of them are owned by Petro-Canada, including the former Lakeland Store and Gas bar.

Township staff was asked to consider whether the buildings were a hazard and demolition should be ordered. A staff report said “An investigation has taken place from the outside and no evidence has been found to recommend demolition.”

The concern was expressed that these buildings, being in a state of disrepair, have become an eyesore that does not speak well for the township as people drive by. The question was also raised as to the possibility of groundwater contamination on the properties.

“We would need to have a property standards bylaw in order to do anything about these properties, and it would have to apply to properties throughout the township,” said Deputy Mayor Frances Smith.

It was determined that council could write a letter to Petro-Canada asking them what they are planning to do with the properties, and staff was directed to prepare a letter.

COMRIF – Councillor Murray proposed that the township apply to get funding for hard topping of 100 kms of the most heavily travelled gravel roads in the township’s intake number 3 of the Canada Ontario Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (COMRIF).

The township received funding support for a rebuild of Road 38 from intake 2 of COMRIF recently, and Mayor MacDonald said, “We have no chance of getting funding after getting it last time, and it is expensive to apply, so I wonder why we would do this.”

“I looked at the COMRIF application, and any one of us could fill it out. I don’t think it would be expensive. The Public Works Manager has already looked at this. He already did some work on this last year. We will never have the money to do this on our own, so I think we should at least try and get funding support,” said Logan Murray.

“It’s not a matter of filling out forms,” MacDonald reiterated, “these things require engineering. It took four tries to get the grant we got for Road 38, and it also took political work over a long period of time.”

It was decided that Public Works Manager Bill Nicol should be asked to prepare a report for the next meeting on the prospects for an application to prepare and hard top 100 kms of gravel roads.

Two fire hall proposal defeated – Councillor Murray brought back a motion that led to an in camera session at the previous meeting. The motion called for the Public Works Manager to prepare a tender for new fire halls in both Oso and Olden Districts. It would replace a decision by council to prepare a tender for a fire hall in Oso alone, with engineering for the Olden Hall to be included in the work to be done. Construction of the Olden fire hall was deferred until next year, however.

Murray argued that it would only cost about $100,000 more to complete the two halls as part of a single contract, saving the township money in the long run.

With the exception of Councillor Jack Nicolson, every other councillor disagreed with Murray , including the two councillors from Olden District, and his motion was defeated 7-2 in a recorded vote.

“I’m not against a fire hall for Olden” said Councillor Bill Guigue, “but the Public Works Manager has enough on his plate this year, and it would be better to make sure we do a good job on each fire hall than try and get two built in one year.”

Bag tags – Councillor Gutowski pointed out that bag tags are now being sold at waste disposal sites.

Building report – New construction, which had been down significantly from 2005, due in part to new requirements for new home construction, improved somewhat in May, as permits for $1,374,000 worth of construction were issued, bringing the year-to-date total to $2,202,000. That still lags behind 2005, when the May total was $1,566,000 and the January-May total was $3,325,000. The running total for 2006 is now marginally ahead of the similar time period in 2004, however.

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

AddingtonHighlands rejectsSunday gun hunting pressure

by JeffGreen

Representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) have been travelling around the region trying to convince township councils that had rejected Sunday gun hunting to change their minds.

In Addington Highlands they ran into a brick wall. Although Councillors Eythel Grant and Bill Cox expressed some support for the idea, Councillor Louise Scott and Deputy Reeve Lorraine Berger were clearly opposed.

“I feel pressured,” said Reeve Ken Hook to the two representatives who were making the case for reconsideration. “If the province wants to do this so much, why didn’t they bring it in province-wide in the first place … I’d like to have some more input from the public, perhaps at some of the cottage association meetings that are coming up, before thinking about reversing a decision that council has made.”

“I think the best time to bring that up is election time,” said Councillor Grant.

Hook then said that if any member of council wanted to make a motion of reconsideration they could do so, but no motion was forthcoming.

Northbrook Parking – Several business and property owners living in the vicinity of Peterson Road and Hwy. 41, the site of a traffic light that is scheduled for installation in September, signed a petition asking that council consider purchasing a vacant lot on the north side of Peterson Road, east of the bank of Montreal, and turn it into a public parking lot.

The petitioners noted that there will be a loss of parking spaces on Hwy.41 as the result of the new stop light and the lane reductions that will be necessary. They fear this will lead to a “serous risk of business loss because of the loss of street parking and the physical restrictions to the entries to the existing private parking areas.”

The lot is available for approximately $10,000

“I personally think it is good planning in that it is supportive of local business,” said Reeve Hook. “There is a reserve fund to do this,” said Councillor Bill Cox.

Council passed a motion asking the clerk to investigate the purchase.

Reeve Hook brought another piece of information forward concerning the new traffic light. The light will not be controlled by a timer; there will be video cameras facing each of the cross streets, and the light will only change when there are vehicles waiting at those locations to enter Hwy. 41. Travellers on Hwy. 41 may rarely see a red light as they pass through Northbrook .

The traffic light will also be the first in Lennox and Addington to be equipped with speakers, making it appropriate for use by the visually impaired.

Skootamattans want timely road grading – Ron Nowell, President of the Skootamatta District Ratepayers’ Association wrote a letter to council concerning the condition of township roads around the lake on the Labour Day (2005) and Victoria Day (2006) weekends.

“Last year for Labour Day Weekend the roads around Skootamatta were perhaps in the worst condition of the season. This year for the Victoria Day weekend the roads again were in very poor shape,” Nowell wrote.

Noting that “lake residences get very little for the high waterfront tax base that is derived from them,” the letter asked that all roads around the lake be graded for the long weekend.

Township Roads Superintendent Royce Rosenblath said, “I would say we make an effort to maintain all the roads in the township. I’m not sure what happened at Skootammatta this spring, although I can check, but it is a three-day procedure to grade those roads. We can’t spend all of our efforts on one particular road, however.”

Roads construction – Addington Highlands has completed a joint tendering process with Lennox and Addington County and Loyalist Township for road paving this year. At a cost of about $150,000, single surface treatment will be done in the Northbrook vicinity

on Airport Road, Allison Road, Brookside Lane, Firehall Road, Lloyd Street, Trumble Avenue, Westpark Lane, Upper Flinton Road. In Kaladar, Neal, Oliver and Station Roads will be done. Double treatment will done on a portion of the Upper Flinton Road and on the Hartsmere Road . (The Hartsmere Road work is the largest of the projects, costing more than all of the rest combined.)

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Feature Article - June 15, 2006

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North Frontenac Council meeting June 8

by Jeff Green

Waste Diversion task force reborn - Two years ago, North Frontenac established a waste diversion task force in conjunction with Addington Highlands in order to look into the option of thermal disposal of waste, i.e incineration.

Councillor Bud Clayton submitted the final report of the task force to council this week. Given the results of the feasibility study, wherein the consulting firm of Jacques Whitford determined that incineration on the scale that Addington Highlands and North Frontenac were considering would be prohibitively expensive, Clayton’s report was a mere formality.

After submitting the report, Clayton suggested that the task force keep meeting, at least until the municipal election in November, in order to explore all waste diversion options. This proposal was accepted, and the task force is charged with reporting back to council by the end of September.

Public meeting for dump closure – The township will be closing the Cloyne dump, which serves North Frontenac and Addington Highlands , after Labour Day. In order to do so, a public meeting must be scheduled, and a date in July will be proposed to Addington Highlands Council for such a meeting, which will be held at the Cloyne Hall.

Cemetery Cleanup - A crew spent a morning clearing and cleaning the Pioneer Cemetery at Cloyne a couple of weeks ago. Under the direction of Councillor Smith and Clerk/Planning Co-ordinator Brenda Defosse, Andrew Defosse, Ursula Ossenberg, Jim & Marlene Wilson, Mary Kelly and her good friend Lillian, Sarah Lloyd, Sarah Wood, Wayne Good, and Fred Perry turned what had been a tangled mess into something resembling a cemetery. The cemetery task force will continue to re-habilitate the Pioneer Cemetery , and others within the township.

Public Meeting - This Saturday June 10, between 9 am and noon, Council will be holding an open session for the public at the Clar/Mill Hall. Presentations will be made concerning the activities of the township, and council will be available to answer questions.

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GarrisonShores issue delayed yet again

by Jeff Green

It looked as if the Garrison Shores nightmare was about to be resolved from the point of view of Central Frontenac Township . A bylaw had been prepared that would have amended the township’s Official Plan, creating specific zoning for the ill-fated development. It was scheduled to be brought before council this week.

This would have allowed a condominium agreement to be entered into by the landowners for submission to Frontenac County , once a few more bureaucratic hurdles were cleared; after 25 years of waiting, the landowners would finally have been able to get deeds to their land.

However, a procedural error was made, and another public meeting will have to take place before the bylaw can be passed by council.

Two individuals had been scheduled to address council before the bylaw was to be entertained, both of them looking for the process to be delayed. William Argyle, the first delegate, declined to speak since the matter was already being delayed, but Jeff Dubois, the second delegate, did address council.

Dubois asked that the matter be delayed for 60 days to allow for an accommodation to be reached between himself and the lawyer for the Garrison Shores Association. Dubois is seeking improved access to the water for non-waterfront property owners within the development, and a more stringent buffer zone around the water. The procedural delay will mean a public meeting must be re-scheduled, and with council meeting less often than normal during the summer, Dubois might indeed get his 60 days.

Report on the economy of Frontenac County - Dianna Bratina, the Economic Development Manager for Frontenac County , gave a presentation based on a 29-page report she has prepared. The diversity of conditions in different parts of the county was demonstrated by the presentation. For example, the average income from full-time employment ranges from $22,894 in North Frontenac to $41,371 in South Frontenac. If Eastern Ontario is seen as an economically disadvantaged area, then Frontenac County must be seen as a extremely disadvantaged, as it ranked 12th among 15 counties as an investment destination.

Although most of the report’s information is not new, and is in fact based upon 2001 census data, it is packaged in a comprehensive manner that can be used to work towards improvements.

Mayor Bill MacDonald asked what kind of initiatives Dianna Bratina envisioned undertaking in light of the findings in her report.

“The next step is to complete a business retention and expansion program, which will be relatively easy to do because a template had been developed. It will allow us to find out what business people are faced with; find out what barriers they are facing and what can be done to help them move forward,” Dianna Bratina replied.

Report on open air incinerators (burn barrels) - Council had requested that Fire Chief Mark MacDonald prepare a report outlining options regarding the use of burn barrels in built up areas. There are many issues that would have to be addressed if council decides to regulate burn barrels.

“There are no simple answers, as to the decision to help one group positively often impacts another group negatively. … the vast majority of residents have complied with the [existing] by-law and exemplified good stewardship in consideration of their neighbours. The most important point to bear in mind is to come up with a practical, sound and well defined solution that will benefit all concerned,” the report concludes.

Councillor Logan Murray said he has received complaints about smoke from burn barrels from people in each of the four districts within the township and a public meeting should be held to consider what the township should do about it.

“I don’t think a public meeting is necessary, said Mayor Bill MacDonald. Council is elected to make decisions and we should do just that.” A motion calling for a public meting to discuss the report by Mark MacDonald was defeated and the report was received for information.

$1,000 for Parham Fair – Although some councillors thought the Parham Fair should be given a larger grant this year, in the end council decided to donate $1,000 toward the operation of the fair, the same as in recent years.

Pins and books for LOLPS – Land o’ Lakes Public School Parents’ Council requested support for their annual fundraising event, which this year will raise money for a new sound system for the school. Council decided to maintain its practice from last year, and will donate two copies of the book “Back of Sunset”, two mugs, six lapel pins and four township maps.

Roadside mowing tender – Scott’s Snow Removal entered the lowest bid, $12,800 for roadside mowing this summer. The only other bid, from Lewis Farm, was $14,250. Scott’s was awarded the contract.

Issue of Propriety – An innocuous sounding question by Councillor Jack Nicolson concerning how a letter must be addressed in order for it to be brought before the entire council, led to an unscheduled in camera session.

Nicolson pointed out that letter from the Arden Seniors addressed to the mayor and council members had been included in this week’s council package, whereas a letter addressed to council from one of the fire crews had not been brought to council.

Clerk Administrator Heather Fox said that the fire crew letter had to be dealt with by management through a meeting between herself and the crew, a meeting that has not yet taken place, before the letter will be brought to council.

“If you want me to explain further, we will have to go in camera,” Fox said.

Two Fire hall motion - Councillor Logan Murray had forwarded a motion, as yet un-seconded, calling on the township to build two fire halls this year, one for the Oso department,, and one for the Olden department. It was decided Murray ’s motion should be discussed during the in camera session.

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