South Frontenac Council - February 20/24

Wilma Kenny | Feb 28, 2024

Sydenham Water: Annual Summary Report

Julia Runian, representing Utilities Kingston, reported that there had been no issues of non-compliance: none of the three reported ‘incidents’ presented any threat to public health. The water purification plant, which operates far below capacity (228 cu metres/day, vs the plant’s actual capacity of 900 cu metres/day) does not run daily.

Troy Dunlop, Manager of Engineering and Capitol Projects reported that some upgrading of equipment Is underway; CAO Fragnito confirmed the Township has received 67% funding grants for this work.

Mayor Vandewal thanked Runian for her report, saying “We have a great working relationship with Utilities Kingston.”

Details of the annual report can be viewed on the Utilities Kingston website.

Lane Name Change Request

No one spoke at a public meeting to hear comments on a proposal from Mr Bilkovski to change the name of Neill Lane to James Thomas Lane.

Complications followed: a staff report asking for direction in the matter brought forward a by-law from 2015 which provides a list of Township-approved names for roads and private lanes. This by-law directs that if a request for a road name not on this list is approved, the costs for associated advertising and administration would be borne by the applicant. Also, the County is currently developing a bylaw which would recommend no name be longer than one word, and states: “No proposed new name or change can conflict or be similar to an existing public or private road name within the same municipality, or an existing official road name within 5 km of any neighbouring municipality”. County staff advised that there is both a Thomas Road and a James Street just outside South Frontenac Township border (within 5 km) near Whitefish Lake.

Pegrum said that since the neighbours had all given consent to the name-change, he was in favour of it.

Councillor Ruttan said he couldn’t support it because of the policy, and Vandewal said this was a grey area; having been set up primarily to apply to newly created lanes.

Councillor Roberts asked, “If we accept this, will it open the floodgates?”

The resulting vote had the one side of the room (Sleeth, Leonard, Trueman and Pegrum) in favour of the name change, and the other side (Ruttan, Turcotte, Morey and Roberts) opposed. Mayor Vandewal, faced with the tie-breaking vote, recommended the issue be brought to a by-law, to be voted upon then.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority Board

Council voted to appoint Councillor Turcotte as the Township representative, replacing former Councillor Godfrey.

Amendments to Council’s Procedure By-law

Staff’s initial presentation of proposed amendments to improve the public’s access to Council is timely, given that the previous meeting had to be extended beyond 10pm, largely because of the numerous public responses to two planning proposals. Some of Council’s suggestions included developing a way of coordinating multiple similar concerns, and limiting presentations to five minutes. Mayor Vandewal said “When you’re running for election, presenters (at a Meet the Candidates event) are limited to a five-minute presentation.” Another suggestion was to prepare a template to help presenters focus their presentations.

There will be a public meeting on April 2 to discuss the proposed (and further revised) amendments to this by-law, which was last revised in 2017.

Extension of Draft Plan of Condominium; Dog Lake

Council agreed to extend the Shield Shores draft plan of condominium, requested due to service delays.

Snow Blower Attachment

Staff purchased a snow blower that was under budget with fiscal responsibility in mind but the configuration and quality of the equipment does not meet the requirements of the department. They are recommending the Township return the equipment and upgrade to an industrial snow blower better suited for public works operations. This will cost a further $10,000 which can be transferred from savings from capital project 24-22, which has come in well under budget.

Kyle Bolton, Dir. Public Services, spoke highly of the service they are receiving from Hartington Equipment. His only concern is that this late in the season, there may not be an opportunity to try out the equipment before next winter.

Noise Bylaw Exemptions

Council approved a proposal to delegate the Clerk’s office permission to process noise by-law exemption request applications in certain situations where the event in question is a single day request, concluding at 11pm, and relating to a special event such as a wedding or religious event, birthday party or family function.

When such an event is approved by the Clerk or Deputy Clerk, the following parties will be notified: applicant, Mayor and council, O.P.P., Detachment Commander and Frontenac Municipal Law Enforcement. Notification of neighbours will be the responsibility of the applicant. Clerk Thompson commented that last year, there had been few if any complaints from neighbours.

Zoning Amendment: 41 Bresee Rd Bedford

Council approved a change in zoning on this property which would expand the list of permitted uses to include a community service consisting of a learning centre, a retail store, a craft shop, a studio, and a nursery or garden centre.

“It is the opinion of staff that the proposed zoning by-law amendment is consistent and conforms to the Provincial Policy Statement 2020, the County of Frontenac Official Plan, and the South Frontenac Official Plan, and represents good planning for the subject property.” There were no objections from the public.

Cataraqui Conservation Offices Move

The CCA has moved into their new offices at the (recently renovated) Frontenac County headquarters on Battersea Road.

Congratulations

Deputy Mayor Leonard noted the great turnout at Frontenac Arena on Family Day, and thanked staff for their work organizing the event.

Mayor Vandewal announced that South Frontenac has been hailed as a ‘leader in sustainability’ for its excellent diversion of batteries.

“If there’s a reward ceremony in Vegas, I’ll pick it up,” he added.