South Frontenac Committee of the Whole Dec. 8

Wilma Kenny | Dec 16, 2020

Asset Management Plan and Public Services Capitol Budget

CAO Carbone introduced the asset management plan relating to roads construction by reminding Council that even with the best of planning, not everything can be predicted: “The roads have to be reviewed in spring: things can change, depending on conditions over the winter.” For example, last winter was exceptionally hard on North Shore Road with the result that work scheduled to be done later, had to be brought forward to this past summer.

Noting the two tractor-mowers to be ordered in 2021 for delivery in 2022, Mayor Vandewal suggested snowblower attachments could be added, to extend the use of the machines: Brian Kirk agreed to do this.

Councillor Revill said he thought the guide rails specified for the ramp and steps for the Township Hall entrance were well over compliance; “You could drive a tank over them and not damage them.”

There was discussion over the proposal to replace and repurpose the current Fire Station 8 (Storrington), using a design similar to Perth Road Fire hall, with three bays two vehicles deep. The question of ownership of the architectural drawings used in the construction of Perth Road station will have to be clarified before they can be used.

Vandewal questioned the need for a $20,000 study to assess options and location for additional office space for administrative staff, which would “review the use of existing facilities such as Town hall and library versus the need to build a new facility which might be a joint or multi-use facility.” Carbone replied that in spite of recent renovations at Keeley Road and the Township hall, all available space was being used to full capacity. Although the actual expansion project would not be undertaken for another five years, a study done now would provide a clearer sense of direction.

Mayor Vandewal also questioned the proposed $698,000 recreation budget: “I think there are a lot of things people want to have, but we don’t have any statistics of actual use. For example I’ve never seen anyone using the tennis court at Glendower. I’d like more statistics. Perhaps we need to hold off until the recreation master plan is done, for it may not reflect the same things: without a master plan, how can we make these projections?” Councillor Roberts said that $350,000 of the recreation budget was for renovation of the Storrington Centre, and had been planned well before the recreation needs study was initiated.

The Hinchinbrook Road project has been drawing a lot of complaints: Vandewal asked whether there was any way it could be completed in the coming year: “It’s a mess; it’s not fair to make it into a three-year project.” Segsworth said he would try hard to complete the surface treatment in 2021: “Our original plan was overambitious - we’ll have to scale back some of the rock removal and corner work, and do all we can to complete the surface treatment.” Asked if there was a ‘plan b’, Carbone replied, “The question is, do we have the budget to do it this year? We have already had feedback about overages; we’re trying to stay within a fixed allotment for capital expenditures.” Segsworth said, “If we can’t complete (Hinchinbrook Road) within the budget, we will come back to Council.”

Councillor Sutherland asked what had become of the $1million for a library in Verona: Carbone said that this report only includes items for which there is an actual plan, and is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Coming to Council Dec 15:

Burning By-law

A report from Fire Chief Knott recommending Council repeal the updated Open Air Burning By-law, and bring forward the proposed Open Air Burning By-law for further discussion in early 2021 with the intent of making amendments and conducting additional public consultation. This is accompanied by a copy of the proposed By-law, with the areas requiring discussion highlighted.

2020 Arena Levy including the additional funding needed from reserves for major renovations.

Agreement between the Frontenac Townships for the Delivery of Part 8 (On-site Sewage System) Services by South Frontenac.

Post Media’s Community Newspaper Boxes to prevent roadside litter.