South Frontenac Council Sept 05/23

Wilma Kenny | Sep 13, 2023

Community Grants

In the season’s second intake, Council approved two Community Grants; $5,000 to Harrowsmith S&A for hall renovations and sign upgrade, and $2,500 to Storrington Lions for Breakfast with Santa. Two other applications were deemed not eligible because they had already received one grant this year.

Plow and Sander Replacements

Council agreed to fund the purchase of two new plows and sanders from the Public Services Equipment Reserve, for a total cost of $56,000, to be offset by an estimated $12,000 trade-in value of the current plows and sanders. These will be attached to this year’s two new 1-Ton trucks. (Watch for them - they’re no longer orange! One was being admired in the township parking lot.)

Better Internet Service May be Coming…eventually

On April 12th, 2021, the Ontario Legislature passed the Supporting Broadband and Infrastructure Expansion Act to help speed up the construction of high-speed internet projects across the province. This was paired with the details of the new Accelerated High Speed Internet Program (AHSIP). The objective of the $4 billion dollar program was to connect every region in Ontario to reliable, high-speed internet by the end of 2025. The AHSIP project, which is led by Infrastructure Ontario, enabled internet service providers to bid for provincial subsidies for supplying service to a series of defined geographic areas.

On August 4th, 2022, the Province awarded Xplornet Communications Inc. with a $240 million dollar contract to service a long list of municipalities in Ontario including the Township of South Frontenac. The telecommunications equipment is to be installed on public right-of-ways, “provided such use will not unduly interfere with the public use and enjoyment of these ROW’s.”

Council authorized the Mayor and Clerk to execute a Municipal Access Agreement between the Township of South Frontenac and Xplornet Communications Inc for a period of 5 years expiring on December 31st, 2028.

Harrowsmith & Hartington Sidewalks

In response to Council’s request for further information about proposed sidewalks in Harrowsmith and Hartington, Public Services retained Jewell Engineering to complete the surveys for these two corridors: in Hartington, along road 38 from the gas bar, and along Boyce Road to link with the Hartington Subdivision (430m), and in Harrowsmith from 4369 Notre Dame north into Centennial Park (560m). In short, the basic costs of excavation, construction, road widening and driveway reinstatements for Hartington would start at $335,000, and for Harrowsmith, $370,000. There will be additional costs in both projects for engineering design and storm sewer replacements and in Harrowsmith, lighting. It is estimated that the total overall cost “will very well reach $900,000.”

Council’s direction on these two projects will be used to start the development of a 2024-2027 capital sidewalk program, which will move away from fixed funding for new sidewalks towards a program built on project locations based on needs. The program will use the active transportation master plan for new sidewalk consideration and the minimum maintenance standard sidewalk hazard inspections and asset management plan for existing sidewalk reconstruction.

Mayor Vandewal said he agreed with proceeding with the design work for these projects this year, funding them with $44,300 from the Asset Investment Reserve, and addressing the timing of construction during the 2024 budget deliberations. Deputy Mayor Sleeth and Councillor Roberts concurred. The recommendation passed without further comment.

Township Flag Policy Updated

The Flag Policy lays out a protocol for the flying of flags at Township of South Frontenac municipal facilities or properties. In acknowledgement of inclusion and reconciliation, a new section was added, in which a community flagpole would be erected at the Township Hall. It would fly the Township of South Frontenac flag with two exceptions: 1: the Pride Flag is to be flown annually during the entire month of June to recognize Pride Month, and 2) the Survivors Flag is to be flown on September 30th (or the entire weekend in which that date occurs) of each year to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The amended policy passed without comment.

2024 Budget Planning Schedule Presented

Sept 11-Oct 13: Public Engagement Survey

Nov 07: Public Delegations and Long-Range Financial Plan (report to Committee of the Whole)

Nov 21: All Departments Capital Presentation

Dec 1: Full Budget Document tabled

Wed Dec 13, 9:30 am-3 pm: All-day Budget Session

Dec 19 (& Jan 9/16, 2024 if necessary) Revisions, based on Council Direction, Budget Debate and Approval.

Noise Bylaw Exemption

Council agreed to grant a noise bylaw exemption to M.East, Starlight Lane Hartington, to permit amplified music and fireworks during a wedding on September 30, 2023 from 11am to 11pm.