Feature Article May 1, 2003
LAND O' LAKES NewsWeb HomeNorth Frontenac Council, April 28, 2003by Will Cybulski
With seven of an audience and a full slate of Council (excepting Councillor Hook who was ill), our elected municipal representatives went through a full-page agenda between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Council opted to reimburse Glen, Linda and Travis Manion an amount of $455 to cover these individuals costs, as well as pay them $10 each per missed FD meeting. This settlement stemmed from a matter of a couple years ago, when the Manions were dismissed from, and then later reinstated with, the Clar-Mil Fire Department. The original issue had been dealt with in-camera, but this latest information was brought forward in public chambers.
Our motoring public will have its way better illuminated at the intersection of Highway 41 and the Harlowe Road. Council decided to go ahead with the erection of a street light at that location, with Glen Nickle Electric getting the installation nod for $1700. Councillor Buck stressed that the light should be in place before the end of May, to best accommodate the summer increase in traffic.
Necessary readings were carried out to enact a Bylaw which will allow the municipality to regulate parking on Roads 506-509 at Plevna. The legislation gives the Township sufficient authority to deal with winter parking, parking adjacent to intersections, prevent the blocking of emergency services, and lower the villages speed limit. The approach is seen as being reactive, rather than pro-active, as Mayor Johnson said, We are not looking at aggressive policing of this, its just good to have on the books to do whatever might be needed, if it is needed. We are not in the business of putting anybody (village merchants) out of business.
Council entered into a final-stage agreement with Central Frontenac and the civic numbering contractor to complete 911signage. While work will still be needed for water-access properties, it is the municipalitys intention to turn the program over to Bell as soon as mainland signage is completed.
Councillor Buck requested that the Public Works Department take on the removal of stumps from the park area behind the Barrie Township Hall in Cloyne. After last Augusts micro-burst, a number of old-growth white pines had to be removed, leaving a number of large stumps behind. A consortium of community groups has agreed to rehab the area with landscaping, plantings and structures that will enhance the settings natural beauty, but the grounds will have to be cleared first. The work will likely require a hi-hoe and some trucking, so Council gave the PWD the go-ahead.
Mayor Johnson indicated that Frontenac County is expected to become an entity again, reverting back to the County Warden system by replacing the existing Frontenac Management Board. The Mayor did say, though, that the City of Kingston is exercising its right to protest the reversion. I believe a lot of people think of FMB as a second-tier government, Johnson stated, so I think this move would help with grant money. On the same subject, starting in 2004, it was reported that the County will be taking ambulance services in-house.
Council offered its support to a movement that would oppose road salt being added to the growing list of toxins. Concerns were voiced that, should salt make the list, it would open the door for various litigations regarding alleged contamination. Then, the only option would be for the township to purchase an approved alternative at four times the cost. Due to that increased price, the municipality could not afford sufficient quantities to keep our roads from becoming icy, causing further liability that would lead to more litigation, and so on. This, said Mayor Johnson, is going to be a huge issue.
On a final note before adjournment, Council agreed to petition the provincial government to provide adequate funding to sustain continuing the services of the VON to the area.
Next regular Council meeting is May 12 at 7 p.m. at Barrie Township Hall in Cloyne.
