South Frontenac Council

Wilma Kenny | Dec 16, 2015

Land Rezoning: Bedford and Storrington Applications

Planner Mills brought an application for a zoning by-law amendment which would create three new waterfront residential lots and a lot addition, in part of lot 21, Concession XI, Bedford District. All but one of the lots will require a 40 meter set-back from the shore as requested by the RV Conservation authority, and the large remaining property will continue to be zoned RRC (Recreational Resort Commercial) to accommodate an existing five tourist cabins and single detached dwelling. There were no comments from the public. Council passed the by-law.

An application to permit a secondary dwelling within an existing house on Ormsby Road, Storrington, was postponed until the Health Unit could clarify its decision about whether or not the existing septic system is large enough to accommodate one more bedroom.

2015 Private Lane Report

Public Works Manager Segsworth reported that the Private Lane Upgrading program was more successful than ever this past year. For several years, Council has budgeted money to be used to subsidize up to 50% of eligible expenses incurred by residents who upgrade their private lane to Township standards.This year, 27 lane groups applied for a total of over $95,000. “We have achieved significant strides in improving access for emergency vehicles (through this program),” said Segsworth.

Harrowsmith to get CIP Funding in ’16

Council approved the community of Harrowsmith as the next location for Community Improvement Plan funding. The County will facilitate the process of creating the program design with the input of Harrowsmith residents, and is prepared to commit $75,000 toward the project over a 5-year period.

Management Compensation

In keeping with the established practice of following the percentage change negotiated with the CUPE bargaining unit for unionized workers, Council approved a 1% adjustment to the Management salary grid for 2016. This same rate will be applied to all members of Council.

Year End Review

CAO Orr presented a list of highlights from 2015 which included: enhanced focus on community engagement through public meetings and open houses on a variety of issues, implementation of online agendas and meeting minutes, revised procedural by-law, strategic plan adopted, official plan updated and submitted for provincial approval, and reconstruction of Bellrock village. Congratulations were offered to staff, community volunteers, and fellow council members for a busy and productive year.

Frontenac Community Arena

Councillor Revill, as one of the two South Frontenac council reps on the arena board, reported that this year there has been a push to modernize the ice plant and operation to comply with Ministry of Labour standards. Plans for 2016 include replacement of both ammonia compressors, replacement of ice surface lighting and new spectator heaters. The arena has about $233,000 in reserve for capital replacements.

The Arena Board plans to reduce energy usage in all parts of the operation through energy-efficient equipment upgrades. Their goal is to provide good ice and an attractive setting that will draw in more users.

Meeting Schedule

This was the final 2015 Council meeting: COW will be Jan 12, and the next Council meeting will be Jan 19.