South Frontenac Council – Jan. 26/10

Wilma Kenny | Jan 28, 2010

RURAL PHYSICIAN RECRUITMENT: John McDougall, speaking on behalf of the Verona Community Association, described their extensive and creative search for a physician to replace Dr. Dempsey, who will be retiring soon. At present, the association is considering purchasing the local clinic, with the plan of offering it for rent. Although the community is prepared to put up “the lion's share” of the necessary funding, McDougall said he would like to come to council at a later date, to discuss ways the township might become involved in the project. Council offered to write a letter to the provincial government in support of continuing incentive funding for Verona, which will no longer qualify under the revised provincial definitions of underserviced communities.

5-YEAR ROADS PLAN: Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth distributed information relating to the 5-year Road Construction Plan. He emphasised that this is updated regularly as needed: e.g. the recent heavy rains have shown where there are drainage issues to be addressed. Segsworth noted that while roads are continually being upgraded, it is also essential to protect the township's investment in improved roads by regular maintenance. For example, the life of Sydenham Road is being extended by pavement rehabilitation, rather than reconstruction: this spring, the final step of crack-sealing will lead to a much smoother surface. The addition of a paved shoulder has paid off by providing a safer driving surface, without need of frequent grading. Although the gap between township road needs and actual construction is narrowing, Segsworth reminded council that taxation does not support the full roads budget: much has depended on grants from the provincial government and City of Kingston, which may dry up in the next few years. However, continued city funding can be justified, on the grounds that South Frontenac provides accommodation for many Kingston workers, and holiday areas for Kingston residents.

BUILDING PERMIT FEES FOR ALL: Chief Building Inspector Alan Revill brought forward a letter from the Harrowsmith Free Methodist Church asking that a portion of the building inspection fees for their addition be waived, on the grounds that they contribute a range of services to the community. Revill asked for Council's guidance, both in regard to this project, and to the Greek Orthodox summer camp, which is to be constructed near Perth Road this year. Also, he asked whether non-profit or charitable groups' building projects should be exempt. A lively discussion followed: all agreed that every building project had to be inspected at various stages of construction, and the building department's work was expected to be paid for by fees charged, not property taxes; i.e. tax dollars are not intended to subsidize development. Also, the township has a policy of not donating to charitable organizations. The mayor admitted the township had not charged building fees for the Sydenham water plant, but said in future, all local government building projects, such as the library/township offices and the ambulance station, should pay. There was strong agreement that the present policy of no exceptions should continue.

WASTE COLLECTION PROCESS: Mark Segsworth advised council that the RFP proposal document for township-wide waste collection (to begin in September) will be brought to Council at the Feb 9 COW meeting for their consideration. He said that the sustainability committee has had two recent meetings, which have "pretty much covered the full spectrum of perspectives,"  and whatever Council decides, it will be important they support the process they choose. Deputy Mayor Ron Vandewal said that he agreed that they needed to "get this right," keeping it as uncomplicated as possible. Councilor Bill Robinson said he felt the community, non-council members of the sustainability committee didn't know what was going on. Councilor McPhail felt the process was 'going too fast - like a ferris wheel". Councilor  Hahn spoke in defense of the sustainability committee, saying he felt the committee had reached a good deal of consensus in their last meeting. Segsworth said that the staff was presently compiling numbers of seasonal and permanent residents on lanes, to get as accurate as possible picture of the amount of waste from these off-road areas: an enormous task.

SYDENHAM LIBRARY: CAO Orr said that there might be need to call a brief council meeting on Feb 9, to present the final project cost estimates for council's approval. He said the architect was recommending all bidding construction contractors should be pre-qualified: the county disagreed, on the grounds that this would possibly raise the bids. The county was asking council's direction. Council agreed not to ask for pre-qualification.