South Frontenac Council

Wilma Kenny | May 18, 2016

County, township conflict looms

CAO Wayne Orr reported that his recent meeting with Frontenac County CAO Kelly Pender was “less than productive.” Orr felt ‘shut out’ in his attempt to discuss the township’s planning process and how it might best connect with/relate to County Planning.

Orr said Pender refused discussion, saying the matter of planning would come before County Council tomorrow (Wednesday), be decided there, and imposed on the townships.

Councilor Sleeth, noting that South Frontenac pays 60% of the County planning costs (because SF has the largest population), said “We have lost confidence in the County.”

Councilor McDougall, the Township rep on Council, said “(County Planning is) a deeply flawed process; this seems a non-democratic decision. South Frontenac Council needs to meet directly with the County CAO and Planner to work out a (mutually agreed-upon) planning process. Each Township has a different perspective on planning: the County just doesn’t get it.”

Mayor Vandewal agreed: “If we have 60% of the development, shouldn’t we have a bigger say in the planning?”

Wednesday’s County Council meeting (held before this paper comes out) should be interesting. Check our website for an update.

Community Project Grants Awarded

A total of $14,267.98 was awarded to eight community groups. Recipients were: NFCSC (for youth programs in South Frontenac), SFCSC, Verona Community Association, Frontenac Society of Model Engineers, Frontenac Fury (girls’ hockey), Sydenham Lake Canoe Club, Lion’s Club of Verona, and Frontenac Ball Hockey.

2015 audit

Accountant Howard Allan summarized his audit: “2015 was a positive year for the Township.” When councillor Sleeth asked how South Frontenac’s reserves of $8.2 million compared to those of similar-size townships, Allan replied; “At 9%, you fall into the general range.” He supported the five-year financial plan treasurer that Fragnito is developing as a good way to be assured that the reserves are adequate. His two recommendations were that all sole sourced contracts greater than $25,000 should be documented in the minutes and that sale of bag tags be more closely monitored. This is the first year the Township has used the Perth based audit firm of Allan and Partners.

Scout Property Rezoned

Council approved the rezoning of a 30 acre former Boy Scout Camp on Buck Lake at the end of Massassauga Road from Open Space to Residential. The owners intend to sell the property. There were no comments at the public meeting.

Road Allowance Closed

Council agreed to the closure and sale of a 170 foot-long piece of road allowance which runs between North Shore Crescent and Perth Road, to the abutting landowner, Ritchie. No comments from the public.'

Johnson Point

Deputy Mayor Sutherland said it appeared that construction was proceeding at Johnson point without the MNRF (Ministry of Natural Resourses and Fisheries) having completed the species at risk evaluation which the OMB judge had required. He proposed a motion to ask the Township and County Planners to look into this matter.

Councillor McDougall said that “The OMB was crystal clear in its judgments, and if we go on day-by-day drive-by visuals, this could go on and on.” CAO Orr said that before being granted final approval the developer will have to prove to the County with dates, etc that all conditions of development have been met. There was a brief discussion, request for a recorded vote, and the motion was defeated with only Sleeth and Sutherland supporting it.

Later as a question of clarity, onlooker Matt Rennie asked if Council had no further interest in seeing that all conditions of development were complied with. CAO Orr repeated his previous comment, saying this was now between the developer and the County. Rennie stormed out.

Fort McMurray Support

Council agreed to donate $500. to Fort McMurray, through AMO.

Councillor Robinson’s Absence

In regard to Councillor Robinson’s recent absence from Council due to health reasons, Council agreed to extend this absence with pay until the Sept 15 Council meeting. At that time they will reassess the situation and decide whether to further extend the absence or declare Robinson’s seat on Council vacant. Meanwhile Council members have been maintaining contact with Robinson, and report his health has been improving.

Town Hall Meetings Scheduled

Council has scheduled town hall Meet-your-Councillors events in each of the Township districts in July. Full details will be included in the newsletter with the final tax notices and on the website.