Inaugural Central Frontenac Meeting

Dec 09, 2010

Photo: New councilors for Central Frontenac l-r, Tom Dewey, Heather Fox and Wayne Millar

At Central Frontenac Township’s inaugural council meeting in at the community centre in Mountain Grove on December 7, three new councilors, Tom Dewey, Heather Fox and Wayne Millar joined the team as all members were treated to a performance of Sisters of the Drum, a First Nations blessing and prayers from Danka Brewer, and prayers by Reverend Barbara Mahood. Each then proceeded to take their oaths of office.

The mood was celebratory and each spoke in their own way of looking forward to the work ahead of them. Mayor Janet Gutowski highlighted the hard and serious work ahead, listing the needs of the community regarding seniors, planning for the new school, park and recreation development, the K & P Trail and also taking advantage of community opportunities, namely the two schools that are closing and broadband internet.

Next it was down to business and elections. Councilor Jeff Matson was nominated by Councilor Frances Smith for deputy mayor and as no other nominations were made, he was elected unanimously. Matson commented after that he was “surprised that were no other nominations” but feels great to have been appointed and is looking forward to stepping up to the increased responsibilities. Councilor Bill Snyder nominated Councilor John Purdon as Central Frontenac’s second appointee to Frontenac County Council and he was voted in unanimously. Considering the new challenges ahead, John Purdon said, “I'll be learning them as I move ahead but I know that communications has been a problem in the past.”' He continued, “Other issues? Perhaps the spending for the gas tax funding and making sure that infrastructure projects in this township in particular and in others get done and that we spend some of the money in that direction.”

The councilors, along with their friends and families enjoyed refreshments following the meeting, which as Councilor Frances Smith pointed out, “will likely be the shortest one we have in the next four years.”