South Frontenac Council - Dec. 13/11

Wilma Kenny | Dec 15, 2011

Love-in at SF Council

South Frontenac Council held their final Committee of the Whole meeting of the year on Tuesday night and they took the opportunity to indulge in a little back-slapping.

Chief Administrative Officer Wayne Orr presented a long list of council accomplishments in their first year, including: adopting a committee structure and strategic plan, building a new library in Sydenham; improving waste management and recycling procedures and opening a hazardous waste recycling facility; building a new salt dome in Portland; achieving a record dollar value in new construction permits, etc.

Deputy Mayor John McDougall said that he has been impressed by the respectful way that members of council have treated each other and staff.

He did ask, however, why council never discussed some issues such as Ontario Works, housing, child and family services, and small business and tourism.

“We should be kept informed of these areas, even though they are not our responsibilities,” he said.

Councilor Ron Vandewal commented on the work of the township staff “The new staff (CEO, Public Works, Treasurer) have introduced different ways of doing things, that are working well,” he said.

Councilor Bill Robinson agreed that the year had gone well: “I hope we’re not getting swelled heads, or too big for our britches, I think it’s good. Thank you.”

Mayor Davison introduced a review of the in-house committee structure by saying that although the idea had not been welcomed at first, it was working really well. There was general agreement to keep the present committee membership and structure unchanged for the coming year:

Councilor Del Stowe commented that he felt council meetings had greatly improved, with a lot less repetition and talking out of turn.