South Frontenac Council - Oct. 16

Wilma Kenny | Oct 18, 2012

Official Plan Amendment

Council passed a by-law to amend the township’s Official Plan: along with some ‘housekeeping’ details, there were two major additions. One strengthens environmental policies, in order to minimize environmental and visual lake impacts caused by the increasing development of shorelines, and the conversion of small seasonal use cottages into larger year-round residences. Another section outlines policies for plans of condominium, defined as ‘vacant land with common elements’ i.e. a development with individual residential lots, which share a communally maintained private lane.

This amendment will now go to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for final approval.

Municipal Infrastructure Investment Funding

Council agreed to submit an ‘Expression of Interest’ as a first step in applying for a portion of a recently announced Provincial grant program intended to be used for roads, bridges, and wastewater infrastructure in small municipalities. Treasurer Louise Fragnito estimates the first stage of funding should be a minimum of $23,000, which would be used to develop an asset management plan and purchase related software. Such a data base will provide the ability to forecast infrastructure needs, and plan for long-range management and funding.

Bedford Resident Honoured

Councillor Tinlin announced that Susan O’Brien McTaggart of Bedford has been selected to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal.

Frontenac Arena Debt

Councillor Vandewal noted that as 2012 is the last year for Frontenac Arena’s fundraising for its $600,000 upgrading, any outstanding debt (estimated to be somewhere between $100,000 and $200,000,) will have to be factored into the township’s 2013 budget.

2011 Audit

Auditor Vicki Leaky, of KPMG reported on her review of the township’s 2011 financial statements. She noted that everything seemed to be in good order.