South Frontenac Council - May 16/23

Wilma Kenny | May 24, 2023

Frontenac Citizens for Climate Action

Jerri Jerreat, speaking on behalf of the group Frontenac Citizens for Climate Action, presented a proposal for a South Frontenac Climate Action Plan. Introducing examples of plans and actions adopted by comparable areas (Halton Hills, Lanark, Halliburton, Gananoque and Orillia), she outlined 6 suggestions for South Frontenac: 1) Public Transportation, beginning with North/South connections during commuter times, which might grow to provide more independence for seniors and teens; 2) Electric Charging Stations in the larger villages - good for local residents and tourism; 3) Small Electric Generating station powered by wind or water for help in blackouts; 4) gradual retrofitting of municipal buildings (and congratulations on the design of the Battersea Fire Station!) 5) A Climate Action Information page on the Twp website, listing grants such as the Canadian Green Homes grants for switching from propane to heat pump; 6) Setting up more car pool areas like the one in Verona.

CAO Fragnito confirmed that there is a staff climate committee, and money in the budget for hiring a consultant, with the target of having a draft climate action plan by this fall. Another $100,000 is budgeted for investigation of climate initiatives.

The Township is already participating in a joint transportation study being done by Kingston, and a climate information website is pending. Mayor Vandewal said the Township has set up bus transportation for children's summer recreation and swim programs and July 1st fireworks: Jerreat said it was important that the community be made more aware of these programs.

Community Grant Projects

Out of twenty applications, eleven were deemed eligible for a total of $34,395. (A full listing of all applications is included in the online report in the meeting agenda). An additional $32,397 remains for future funding: Council approved the recommendation that there be a second intake for Community Grant Projects with an application deadline of July 31, 2023.

Replacement Tanker Truck

Council approved the award of contract to Dependable Emergency Vehicles Ltd. of Brampton On for $604,500.19 for the purchase of one tanker and additional equipment such as radios, tools, firehose. When questioned by Councillor Leonard about the cost coming in over the budgeted $575,000, Fire Chief Alex Bennett referred to current inflation, noting that this was the lowest bid received, and there would be a considerable advantage in having a (well-recommended) Ontario supplier, which would provide nearby maintenance. The previous supplier had been located in Florida.

McMullen Net Sport Court Upgrade

Council approved a $245,546.22 bid submission from Crains Construction Limited for reconstruction, resurfacing and fencing of the Verona net sport courts, which will provide a full-sized two-court tennis area as well as a small basketball area and shuffleboard. The scope of the project was increased to address concerns with site drainage, site access, and the proximity of the facility to the surrounding Verona Cemetery. By replacing the current black asphalt surface with a coloured surface using acrylic, water-based materials there is a positive mitigative result: in addition to the materials having low levels of volatile organic compounds, the colour rubberized material reduces the ‘heat island’ effect of a black surface, resulting in a safer more enjoyable playing surface that reduces impact on the users and environment.

Amendments to Council Procedure By-law

A public meeting to hear comments from the public on amendments to the Council Procedure By-law passed with no comments or questions from either Councillors or members of the public. However, these documents might be of interest to anyone planning to make a delegation to Council, and could be helpful for anyone considering running for a position on Council. The changes in these lengthy (23 and 14 pages) documents are marked in red in the online agenda for this meeting.

Council Remuneration

Council remuneration was increased by $750 (annually $17,240.68) to recognize that the scheduled COW meetings will be replaced by Council meetings on the second Tuesday of each month, and the Deputy Mayor’s will become $24,321.70. Vandewal commented “The Mayor’s salary didn’t change: just sayin’…”

By-law Enforcement and Short-Term Rental: “Bare naked and Trespassing?”

Councillor Program noted that the 1350 responses to the Township’s survey represent (from a population of 22,000) represent a significantly high result. Greatest support was shown for ensuring owner responsibility for behaviour on their properties, followed by a code of conduct for renters and noise complaints.

Councillor Ruttan spoke in support of enforcing property standards, but Mayor Vandewal disagreed, saying property standards encouraged people to ‘tattle on their neighbours’ and in the past, recent arrivals have been very critical of long-time rural residents having what they perceived to be untidy properties.

Clerk Thompson said the Township is now in a stronger position to deal with property owners using existing bylaws and emphasized the importance of complaints being submitted in real time. “Staff are also taking steps to raise awareness regarding the By-law Enforcement programs and services currently in place.”

“ What about ten of ‘em runnin’ around bare naked and trespassing?” asked Councillor Sleeth.

“That’s a matter for the OPP” was Thompson’s response.

Councillor Pegrum added that it’s important to continue to keep the public informed and to maintain good communication with the OPP.