South Frontenac Council

Wilma Kenny | Oct 19, 2022

SF Township Financial Audit

KPMG Accountant Lori Huber’s summary of South Frontenac’s financial audit for 2021 was very positive: "You have a strong cash position, and overall, are in a sound financial state.”

The report lists over $96 million in tangible assets: roads & bridges, (60%) buildings, machinery and water infrastructure. They consider the amount of roads and bridges appropriate for the large geographical area of the township, and found Township buildings to be well maintained, indicating an investment in community higher than that of many municipalities. A further $26 million in reserves provides flexibility to be able to take advantage of opportunities for Government grants, and to cope with unexpected costs. They noted that the Township was sustainable on its own resources, and would not be in extreme jeopardy if government grants dried up.

Councillor Ron Sleeth asked how SF compared to other similar municipalities: the answer was “very well.” Mayor Vandewal asked how the fact that salaries accounted for 27% of the budget compared to others: they replied that the normal salary range was 25%-30%.

Mayor Vandewal thanked CAO (and former treasurer) Louise Fragnito, and Director of Corporate Services and Treasurer Shelley Stedall and their staff for all their work.

Second House on One-acre Rural Lot?

A public meeting was called to obtain public, input on an application to rezone a one-acre lot on Morrison Road in order to permit the construction of a second dwelling unit with a separate sewage system. The Township Official Plan (currently in the process of being updated) does not provide specific direction on how many dwellings or dwelling units may be permitted on a property. Bill 108 of the Provincial Planning Act permits an additional residential unit on a property with a house on it, in support of the accommodation of affordable housing in local municipalities. The County of Frontenac Official Plan requires the Township Official Plan to permit additional residential units.

Clerk Angela Maddocks read a letter from a neighbouring property owner in which several objections were raised: the possible negative impact of another septic system in a low-lying area where there are several neighbouring properties; concerns that it might become a short-term rental a few years down the road, possible lowering of property values, and questions about the height of the proposed structure. Councillor Randy Ruttan said he was very strongly opposed to permitting this development on a one-acre lot in a rural area, reminding Council that they had recently been reluctant to approve a two-acre lot in a settlement area for a single dwelling, well and septic: “There is a history of significant flooding behind these houses.”

He added that this was a rural area, not a settlement, where it “makes no sense to have two houses on one acre.” Mayor Vandewal asked, “Is there a site drainage plan for this lot?” Planner Woods said that although Council cannot apply conditions, the Committee of Adjustment could require a site plan which would address drainage.

Staff will bring a more detailed report, considering applicable policy and public comments, to a future meeting.

Cemetery Contract Amendment

Council agreed to a cemetery contract amendment for sales/administration services, grave excavation and cemetery maintenance to D.G. Younge Concrete Burial Vaults, in order to reflect the addition of two new cemeteries to the contract. The company has “continued to provide a high level of customer service and professionalism.”

Review of Township Recreation Facilities and Fees

Council approved the release of a budgeted $25,000 in order to issue a Request for Proposal for a comprehensive review of South Frontenac’s recreation fee and facility allocation processes. The review would include: a break-down of cost of service (maintenance, support, program delivery), extensive community engagement, recommendations and comparators, so that the Recreation Committee will be able to provide Council with a well-informed background to making decisions about setting (or, in some cases not setting) township-wide fair and consistent fees and management for recreation facilities. Councillor Morey said he could support this because he liked the phrase “consistent and equitable”

Federal Electoral Districts Redistribution 2022

Mayor Vandewal reported that the County and South Frontenac were in agreement in their opposition to this proposal, and plan to hold a special meeting to plan their response to the Federal Government.

Dog By-law Revision

In response to an appeal from the Ontario Sheep Farmers, Council agreed to revise their dog control by-law to make certain specific exemptions for livestock guardian dogs and herding dogs,

Wayfinding Signage

Council approved awarding a $71,298 contract for the development a wayfinding strategy for the Township, including the fabrication of signage, to the Maritime-based company Fathom. This company provided the strongest proposal and demonstrated their experience both in the municipal sector within Ontario and also within a rural environment. CAO Fragnito assured Councillor Revill that the contract was being funded by a grant which would also be sufficient to cover creation of “gateway signs” for the Township boundaries. She also told Council that they would have the final choice of the design/format of the signs.

McDougall’s Farewell

Councillor John McDougall thanked Council for giving him “the wonderful opportunity to return to Council for the past year.” (replacing the late Pat Barr). “I really enjoyed it, and wish best of luck to those in the election.” He ended on a warning tone: “I’ll be watching you!”

Mayor Vandewal thanked McDougall, saying “You made the fill-in very easy.”