South Frontenac Council - Former councillor dies

Wilma Kenny | May 02, 2018

The meeting began with a minute’s silence for Larry York, former Storrington district Councillor, who recently passed away.

Purchase of Storrington Boat Ramp
Council passed a motion to purchase a Storrington boat launch property popularly known as “The Old Shipyards”. This will include the area used as a public boat launch plus a parking area. The Township will pay all legal and survey costs and install fencing along the southwest border.

Handover of Fire Chief Position
Acting Fire Chief Gervais officially handed over his position to the Township’s new Fire Chief Knott on May 1st. During his interim time with the township, Gervais had conducted an assessment of the township fire services, and developed a short-term plan for the department.

Gervais began and ended his report with high praise for the dedication of the volunteer firefighters, and their commitment to their communities. He particularly thanked the three deputy chiefs for their cooperation and the many extra hours they gave in helping him develop the report he was presenting to Council.

The theme of ‘times have changed’ ran throughout Gervais’ report: changes in legislation and safety requirements have led to a lot more paperwork, need for consistent record-keeping across the township, and need for a more proactive, top-down and fully amalgamated Township fire department. This will call for clerical support from the Township, and resources to carry out public education, as well as upgraded safety equipment for the firefighters themselves. Mayor Vandewal noted that Council has always provided the fire department with the resources they have asked for. However, Gervais listed computers, clerical services, and greater investment in equipment as some of the additional expenses that will accompany an updated fire department.

Sydenham Water System
Council approved a transfer of capital budget funds from the water hauling station to the water tower for repairs and upgrades. This does not include painting “South Frontenac’ on the tower, a job which has been estimated would cost between $32,000 and $42,000. Public Works and Utilities Kingston have recommended that in lieu of a water hauling station, it might be of more practical use to residents to install a smaller water dispensing station that could accommodate a 5-gallon water jug, up to a 1000L cage-like container that fits in a pickup truck.

May and June COW Meetings Cancelled
Due to lack of material from any of Council’s Committees for the May meeting and absence of the CAO and Deputy Clerk in June, both these meetings are cancelled. If there is need for another COW before the fall, the Mayor will call one. There will be the usual Council meetings on May 15 and June 5 and 19.