South Frontenac Council - July 12

Wilma Kenny | Jul 20, 2022

South Frontenac’s July Council meeting was a short one. Two public meetings to approve transfers of unopened road allowances, one on Dog Lake, the other on Bob’s Lake passed without any comments or questions from the public. Later in the meeting, 5 bylaws relating to previously discussed waterfront properties passed without comment.

Climate Change Action Committee

A motion to request a staff report to establish a Climate Change Action Committee passed without discussion.

Firefighter Recruitment and Tanker Replacement

In recognition of an average career span of 4 years for volunteer firefighters, Chief Darcy Knott requested pre-budget approval to draw $137,000 from the SFFR wage stabilization reserve for volunteer recruitment and training in 2023. In order to maintain its compliment of 108 firefighters, Knott reported that it is necessary to plan for continual volunteer firefighter recruitment every 2 years to replace members that have resigned or retired from active duty. This is evidently not unusual in many Canadian volunteer fire services. It can also be assumed that due to election of a new Council this fall, the 2023 budget approvals will be delayed, which could, in turn, delay the recruitment and training process. Council granted approval for this and for the (planned and budgeted) 2024 replacement of a tanker. The cost of this equipment has been rising steadily: waiting additional months to order it could increase purchase costs due to further price adjustments and increases. The tender will include detailed cost guarantees despite the purchase and delivery being 2 years away. Council agreed.

Timelines for New Official Plan

Council agreed to postpone public consultation on the draft South Frontenac Official Plan until after the October 2022 municipal election. Meantime, the draft will be circulated to external agencies and First Nations Communities for review and comment.

SF Records Retention

Council approved an updated records retention bylaw.

Councillor Comments

Sleeth thanked the Fire Department for all their help on Canada Day, making particular mention of the popular waterslides. Sutherland asked what is being done to address the problem of goose droppings at the point: CAO Fragnito said staff was doing daily clean-up, but the goose-deterrent pellets which are on order are not currently available. Deputy Mayor Leonard thanked Amanda Pantrey for organizing the popular and well attended Music in the Park events.

Council adjourned to closed session.