South Frontenac Council - May 21/13

Wilma Kenny | May 22, 2013

“It’s Highway Robbery”

Mayor Davison didn’t disguise his frustration when Council reviewed a letter from the Municipal Policing Bureau which was sent earlier this month to all mayors and reeves of Ontario’s OPP policed municipalities. The letter reminds municipalities of the 2010 agreement between the OPP and the Province: at that time, the OPP took a one-year (2011) wage increase of 5%, and agreed to a two-year wage freeze for 2012 and 2013. The agreement concluded “with a salary increase in 2014, which will match the salary of the highest paid police service in Ontario.” This amounts to a projected 8.55% increase in OPP wages for 2014. Davison reminded Council that this cannot be offset by staff cutbacks, for the municipalities’ level of police service is mandated by the province. The only positive factor is that South Frontenac’s crime rates are low.

Mayor Davison is a member of a province-wide Mayors Coalition which is trying to address the issue of escalating policing costs: Council agreed to send this group a letter expressing their strong concern and support. However, a policy update from the Ontario Association of Municipalities notes: “It should be understood that the only way to undo such collective agreement increases would be by provincial legislation which would draw legal and policy challenges.”

Dog Agility Trials Approved

On the basis that this year’s dog agility trials are a ‘one-off’, not a permanent use, and are compatible with neighbouring property uses, Council approved five dog agility trial events on the Bill Day farm: June 7-9, June 15-16, Sept 14-15, October 5-6, and October 19, 2013, “including overnight stays for approximately 20 travel trailers/campers, provided that all septic and garbage disposal is appropriately addressed.”

Capital Budget Adjustments

Council endorsed the deferral of the Rock Lake bridge rehabilitation to 2014 and the acceleration of the Desert Lake Road reconstruction for 2013. The $183, 642 which will be saved by these changes is to remain as a contingency in the 2013 roads budget. Councilor Vandewal said he would prefer any savings be returned to the township.

Third Party Fire Hall and Equipment Study

Council approved the bid of Emergency Management and Training Inc. in the amount of $20,000: the report is to be prepared by early September.

Loughborough Waste Disposal Site Changes

Council approved a revised operating arrangement with George Whaley, site operator, reflecting the reduced hours at Loughborough waste site which began May 1, 2013. This had been discussed with Whaley.

2013 Taxes Levied

CAO Orr calculated that the 2013 tax levy represents an increase of 0.74% for “the average phased-in township household.”