North Frontenac Council – May 20/16

Jeff Green | May 25, 2016

$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.