Council approves $586,327 in spending for various items

Craig Bakay | Mar 28, 2018

It was an expensive Central Frontenac Council meeting Tuesday afternoon at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake.

First up on the agenda was the approval of $97,500 for three Chevy pickup trucks from Dilawri Auto.

Public Works Manager Brad Thake told Council that this represents $20,000 in savings from the budgeted $120,000.

“We’re not replacing any trucks,” Thake said. “We have been using a lot of bigger trucks for smaller maintenance jobs such as installing signs, replacing culverts, road work.

“This will cut down on the wear and tear on our bigger trucks.”

Then Council approved $324,397 for SCBAs (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) including air cylinders, face pieces, required accessories and upgrading the current air compressor. The replacement is in the budget for $330,000.

“Our current SCBAs do not provide enough working air for firefights (due to requirements to increase low air warning), are not compatible with our mutual aid partners and do not meet the new NFPA 2018 standards,” said Fire Chief Greg Robinson.

He said there is only one dealer in the area for these items, A.J. Stone.

Robinson said A.J. Stone would not take our current SCBAs in trade because “there is no market for them.” He then said he hopes to sell the current SCBAs for about $30,000.

Then Council approved $156,030 plus HST, again to A.J. Stone for personal protective equipment (turnout gear) for the firefighters. It had previously approved $204,800 in the 2018 budget.

There were five bids received from suppliers of which A.J. Stone was the second highest but Robinson said an “evaluation committee” recommended A.J. Stone based on seven factors — price, specification compliance, fit/comfort, warranty, company history, references and submission requirements.

Then Council approved $3,900 to the County to pay for a “Staff Market Comp Study” and $4,500 also to the County to pay for a “Council Remuneration Review.”

Both studies will survey neighbouring municipalities to determine where the County and its member Townships are compared to comparable municipal governments.

The total amount approved at this Council meeting — $586,327 plus taxes.

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And speaking of Council remuneration, here’s what your Council cost you in 2017 for salary and expenses:

Mayor Frances Smith: $20,244.34 ($20,135.81 in wages and $108.53 for professional development/conferences)

Coun. Tom Dewey: $14,095.76 in wages and $784.94 in mileage)

Coun. Phillip Smith: $14,707.76 ($14,095.76 in wages, $180 in per diem and $432 in mileage for Quinte Conservation)

Coun. Cindy Kelsey: $14,695.76 ($14,095.76 in wages and $600 in ‘other’)

Coun. Victor Heese: $16,67238 ($14,095.76 in wages, $158.42 in mileage, $284.20 in professional development/conferences, $770 in per diem and $1,364 for mileage for Rideau Valley Conservation)

Coun. Jamie Riddell: $14,095.76

Coun. Bill MacDonald: $14,980.08 ($14,143.32 in wages, 407.76 in per diem and $429 in mileage for Mississippi Conservation)

Coun. Sherry Whan: $14,095.76

Coun. Brent Cameron: $15,387.20

In all, Council cost the Township $139,759.74 in 2017.