South Frontenac Township to integrate planning and building permit processes

Wilma Kenny | Sep 06, 2019

Streamlining business and housing development 

Claire Dodds, Director of Development Services, asked that Council support a township application for grants from both the Rural Economic Development and the Rural Innovation Initiative Programs by approving a pre-budget expenditure towards a streamlining project, subject to the receipt of funding through one or both of the programs. Any grant funding would be dependent on cost-sharing with the township. This proposal has been discussed and supported by the Development Services Committee.

Noting the “high and increasing demand for development services’ in the township (as shown by the quarterly planning and building activity reports), Dodds said that a shared software program and related efficiencies would facilitate full integration of building and planning services. This in turn could assist with service delivery, inspection efficiency, records management and oversight of conditions for approvals, thus improving customer service while also saving staff time.

(If outside funding should not be available in 2020, the project would be pushed on to the following year). 

Development pre-consultation by-law passed

Council passed a by-law requiring that, prior to applying for planning applications (eg, Official Plan or Zoning Amendments, or plans for Subdivision, etc, ), the applicant will be required to arrange a “pre-consultation” meeting with planning staff, so their application will be as full and complete as possible, and they will be aware of fees, timelines, etc.

Hartington patrol yard upgrade

Council approved the installation of a gasoline tank at the Hartington Patrol Yard. This will bring the site into line with the infrastructure in place at the Keeley Road and Westport Road facilities, provide 24 hour fuel availability and improve the tracking of fuel usage.

Frontenac Community Arena purchases Ice resurfacer

Council approved a $50,000 bridging loan to the Arena Board, in order to pay for a new ice resurfacer (worth $191,000) purchased in August. Loan repayment term is November 30; by then, the arena will have received an Ontario Hydro grant and sufficient ice rental income to repay the loan.

“And what will we do if they don’t pay — repossess the arena?” asked Deputy Mayor Sleeth.

Keeley Road office upgrades

Public Works Manager Mark Segsworth reported that the Public Works Committee had recommended Council release the funds budgeted for 2019 upgrades to the The Keeley Road office/washroom area, in order to improve public access, accommodate Recreation staff, and make more efficient use of the space. Councillor Sutherland recommended the washrooms be made unisex. Council agreed the the renovation project should go ahead.

Committee meeting minutes

Councillor Barr noted that one Township committee had proceeded with only half their members present, while another recorded only the first names of the attendees. Barr suggested that Township committees needed to reminded of protocol re quorum and record-keeping.

What’s Retro-reflectivity?

The Province’s Minimum Maintenance Standards for municipal highways requires annual inspection of roadside regulatory and warning signs, with replacement of any that have become faded or damaged (ie, no longer meet the retro-reflective requirements of Ontario Traffic Manual.) For $45,991, Advantage Data Collection Ltd will bring in their retro-reflectometers(!) to inspect, inventory and barcode all 5,000 signs in the four Frontenac Townships. (This service is currently being used by over 150 Ontario municipalities.) South Frontenac’s share of the costs will be $27,000, and has been budgeted for 2019. Segsworth said both Central and North Frontenac are interested.  Annual re-inspection would cost $13,625, but is not in the current proposal