South Frontenac Council - June 14/11

Wilma Kenny | Jun 16, 2011

Hens on the Horizon?

Last week, Rachel Melnik-Proud asked Council to reconsider their rejection of hens on lots under three acres in size. Accordingly, township planner Lindsay Mills reported that Council could consider an alternative, such as the addition of a notwithstanding clause to section 5.41 (Hobby Farm) of the zoning by-law, which would permit a maximum of ten hens (defined as female chickens) on lots between two and three acres in size. Council agreed to proceed with the necessary zoning by-law amendment, which will require a public meeting.

Verona Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

Representatives from Frontenac County and FoTenn Consultants outlined the goals, objectives and incentive plans that would be part of a CIP for Verona. Goals are: 1) Improvement of community safety by making the main street pedestrian friendly with traffic speeds appropriate to a village-oriented atmosphere; 2) improving community appearance and amenities, and 3) improving building conditions and land use. They reassured Council that any applications for financial incentive programs would require Council approval.

There was some discussion about how long the CIP program should run, with general consensus that the tenure of the present Council might be appropriate. A draft CIP document will be released for public input and discussion prior to a public meeting scheduled for the July 5 Council meeting.

Motocross Racing on Day Farm

Both sides of the motocross racing issue were well represented, leaving standing room only. Dr Jen Scott, speaking on behalf of the local residents listed several concerns: 1) noise, 2) dust, 3) demands on SF emergency services, 4) lowered property values. She asked what if any benefit the races would bring to the community, saying in summary that the mototrack is not compatible with the continued peaceful use and enjoyment of the neighbouring properties.

Speaking on behalf of himself and Bill Day, the property owner, John McGuire of McGuire Motocross racing said his company operates racing tracks in seven municipalities in Ontario, and has a record of providing fun, safe, well managed and maintained racetracks. His business is committed to serving children and families, and accommodates racers aged 4 to 65 years old. He said races had an average of 350 entries, with 200 participants, most of whom would have only two supporters, for a total of 600 people. In order to demonstrate his wish to be a good neighbour, the race originally planned for June has been postponed.

Councillor Bill Robinson said he felt the proposed races were new, and should not be confused with problems in the past. “I hope you people will give this operation a chance.”

A straw vote saw all but Stowe and Davison in favour of a one-year trial of the racing program.

Swim Program needs staff: Recreation Director Ashley Brown said that unless she can find qualified staff, the Storrington swim program, which already has 45 registrants, is in jeopardy. As well, liability issues make it impossible to offer the level 8 (senior) program unless the township can provide a boat escort for the required long-distance swims which have to occur outside the buoy areas. She said the township lawyer had advised that local residents who choose to swim beyond the marked-off areas are voluntarily assuming the risk of encounters with motorized boats, but the township has responsibility for the safety of swim program participants.

Council advised Brown to do all she can to find some way to run the Storrington swim program, but agreed the level 8 lessons might have to be cancelled, at least for this year.

The swim programs begin in three weeks: any qualified swim instructors who might be able to help out are encouraged to contact Ashley Brown at the township as soon as possible.