South_Frontenac_Council

Jeff Green | Sep 06, 2007

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by Wilma Kenny

2006 Financial Statements in Good Order

According to Vicky Leaky, auditor with KPMG, South Frontenac passed its 2006 audit with flying colours and "good solid reserves," up $3 million from the previous year, to $8.8 million. The largest financial issue to be carried over to 2007 was the Sydenham water treatment program, which still awaits final grants and homeowners’ payments. These cannot be finalized until all outstanding issues regarding the satisfactory completion of the water treatment plant have been resolved.

New Public Works Manager to be sought

Council directed CAO Burns to begin the process for hiring a replacement for Bill Blum, who will be retiring in December. Blum introduced his new Technical Assistant, Randy Ferguson, to council.

Control of Mineral Rights

Many private landowners in Ontario have surface-rights only (SRO) to their property, leaving them vulnerable to mining activity on their land, which can cause considerable property damage, and can legally proceed with no authorization from the landowner, municipality, or conservation authority, and with no environmental review. Council passed a resolution supporting the Tay Valley Township’s request for a petition to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Northern Development and Mines to reunite surface and mining rights on SRO properties when requested by the SRO owner or the municipality.

Bedford District Rezoning

Council approved the rezoning of a 204-acre tract fronting on Canoe Lake Road from Rural to special institutional zone (Community Facility). This will allow property owner Rena Upitis to construct four cabins, three studios, a lodge and storage sheds on the property, respecting all the requirements for setbacks and septic systems. Upitis plans to establish a community centre for adult educational workshops in the arts and the environment. She reports that most of the buildings will be straw bale construction, and hopes the first part of the facility will open in 2008.

Official Plan Revision

Council has set aside the Committee of the Whole meeting on Sept 25 for further discussion of the pending Official Plan Revision. At that time, they hope to be able to set a date for an open house to solicit public comment. Councillor Fillion expressed doubt that one meeting would be enough for council to resolve their issues around private road development. The Sept. 25 meeting is open to the public for observation, but not comment.