South Frontenac Council

Wilma Kenny | Jul 15, 2020

Council’s July meeting was held online via teleconference and broadcast live to South Frontenac’s Facebook page. The Mayor, Clerk, CAO and several Councillors and staff were present in the council chambers, arriving masked and social distancing; others chose to participate online. Councillor Barr was absent.

“Winter Starts in Four Months!”

Public Works Director Mark Segsworth expressed some frustration when Council stalled at approving his recommendation that they approve a one season contract extension with K. Mulrooney Trucking for arterial snow plow operations, based on updated pricing. Segsworth’s report said the renewal rates with Mulrooney are very reasonable when compared with other winter plowing contracts in the region; “however, these rates will still represent a significant increase from the previous contract.” The sticking point for Council was the addition of standby charges of $500/week for each tandem snowplow. Segsworth pointed out that South Frontenac’s been paying below the industry rate for several years, and standby is standard in neighbouring Counties and Kingston. “Are we getting what we pay for?” asked Councillor Ruttan; “for I get complaints.” Mayor Vandewal said he had no objection to paying standby on days the plows were available but not running, but he didn’t feel it was fair to pay standby when the plows were working full out. Several other Council members agreed. Segsworth said he had to go back to the contractor tomorrow, for there is very little time to get this winter’s contracts in place: he is planning to use the coming year to explore alternate service delivery options. CAO Carbone said staff needs specific direction from Council as to what sort of proposal they want to take back to the contractor. Revill said he agreed with Vandewal about reluctance to pay standby on days when the plows were working. Council decided to defer approval of Segsworth’s recommendation.

Public meetings

Two public meetings were held, both around rezoning properties from rural to Pit “B”, to establish a licensed pit for extraction of sand and gravel. Most of the first property, just south of the Washburn Road, and north of a wetland bordering the Cataraqui River (River Styx) is already designated as a mineral aggregate resource. The impacts on groundwater and surface water, environmental and natural heritage, and archaeological and cultural heritage have been addressed through several studies attached to the report, and necessary mitigation measures will form part of the approval for the pit licence. No formal comments were put forward by the public. Council members Sleeth, Roberts and Revill, all of whom are familiar with the site, supported the zone change.

The second rezoning application was located in Bedford District, on Buck Bay Road, and that site is expected to produce three types of good quality sand: hydro sand, brick sand and tile/septic sand. Significant ‘Pre-Contact’ archaeological resources were discovered at two locations on the east side of the property and were addressed with participation of Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation and under discussion with Algonquins of Ontario. Councillor Revill spoke in support of the zone change, and there were no comments from the public.

Both applications will be brought forward to a future Council meeting for final consideration.

Private Docks on Public Property

Council quickly agreed upon a notice of motion that staff be directed to develop a policy addressing private docks on Municipal propert. The intent is to prohibit private docks on public property, with the provision for “exceptions to the rule based on unique and compelling circumstances that have a public interest benefit.”

Community Grants

A total of over $30,000 in community grants were awarded to eleven applicants: Wintergreen Studios, Lions Clubs of Verona and Sydenham, South Frontenac Museum, Happy Tails Farm Sanctuary, Sydenham Canoe Club, Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre, Lakes and Trails, Sydenham WI, and Bellrock Community Hall. Most got the full amounts for which they had applied. This program was set up seven years ago, to support and encourage community organizations for projects or events supporting community initiatives.

Hartington Post Office will remain

Mayor Vandewal asked if Council had any objection to his replying to a recent letter to the township from Canada Post which requested that the Hartington Post Office’s name be changed to Harrowsmith. Council agreed that this change was a bad idea: Vandewal will notify Canada Post that the name should remain as it is.

Gypsy Moths in northern part of township

Councillor Sutherland asked whether Council should contact the MNR about the gypsy moth infestation that is defoliating trees in some parts of the Township, to see if they plan any action to prevent this happening again next year. Clerk Angela Maddocks said she has already been in contact with the Ministry, and their response was that this is a regular cyclical event: the moths not likely be this severe for another 7-10 years. More information is available on the Ministry website.