South Frontenac Council - May 07/24

Wilma Kenny | May 15, 2024

Councillor Ruttan was absent.

Separation of Food Outlets

Mark Compton came to Council on on behalf of his family’s food truck the ‘Snack Shack’, which is located beside Foodland in Sydenham. He was querying a 2014 bylaw which requires a 500 metre separation from any similar style establishment, in this instance, ‘Lenny’s Deli’. Staff will bring back a report.

Concert Proposal

Jeremy Campbell, of Sydenham, brought a proposal for a July 20 concert that would fill the football field at the Point park. He said “Get to the Point’ would provide 9 hours of blues, country rock and pop featuring performers Madison Galloway, Kelsi Mayne and Chantal Krevcazuk. Tickets would be in the $50-$75 range, and estimating a catchment area of 300,000, the first year should draw 5,000, bringing in between $30,000 and $45,000. Donations would be made to local groups such as New Leaf Link and SHS, and the concert would occur after the osprey nesting season, so would not disturb the nest site at the ball field. The event would include a liquor license, and space for local artisans to set up tents.

Campbell’s presentation had to be rapid to fit into the recently allotted 5 minutes, and Council had received no prior information. There were no comments from Councillors; Mayor Vandewal said “ It’s unfortunate you had not brought your proposal much earlier in the year: it’s not as simple as saying you’re going to do it. We cannot turn the Point over to you blind; staff will need to have conversations with you.” CAO Fragnito said she would meet with Campbell.

Facility Condition Assessment

The Township owns and manages a diverse portfolio of facilities that provide various services to the community. Facility assets include administration offices, libraries, museums, operations facilities, emergency services facilities, cemeteries, recreation centers, and parks.

The last such review was carried out in 2017, and most of the recommended maintenance and improvements have been completed. A professional review of the current 76 structures and facilities will identify conditions and deficiencies, providing recommendations for preventative maintenance, repairs, and capital improvements over the next 25 years.

Of the nine bids, staff is recommending the contract be awarded to Accent Building Services for their bid of $120,331. This will require a budget increase of $50,331, to be funded from Asset Management Software and Document Update.

In reply to Mayor Vandewal’s query of “How long will this be good for?” Kyle Bolton replied “The next five years.” Council approved.

Piccadilly Sand Dome Demolition

In January 2024 the old MTO sand dome at the Piccadilly yard at 7635 Road 38 collapsed. The sand dome and two salt sheds on this property were in poor condition and not used for winter maintenance operations. Staff recommends accepting Environmental Contracting services’ bid of $25,171 to demolish and remove all three structures. Total project cost, including designated substance survey and contingency, will be $30,000, to be drawn from the $60,000 budgeted for the (now postponed) Verona Medical Centre second floor ramp. The clinic confirms that it had not requested the ramp, and does not see it as a priority.

Deputy Mayor Leonard asked when the work would take place: Bolton said it was considered ‘almost an emergency’; the demolition and removal would begin in two days.

Audio/Visual Equipment Upgrade

Clerk James Thompson brought a recommendation that the current substandard Township Hall audio visual equipment replaced by an updated system with improved sound quality and mobility to allow for the use of wireless equipment at select off-site meetings hosted by the Township. Also, given that Council and Committee meetings will now be permanently broadcast online, there is a need to visually capture meeting proceedings to provide greater accountability and transparency.

The recommended system is a hybrid, with one camera and speaker set to be permanently installed in the Council Chamber and another set of ‘mobile’ speakers, and a camera, projector and screen to be available for municipal events at Verona Lions Club and Storrington Hall. It will also be useful to Council for its relocation during the upcoming renovation of the Township Hall facilities. 

In response to Councillor Pegrum’s query, CAO Fragnito said there would be ‘a small circle of key staff’ trained to operate the equipment offsite, and it would be easily portable, with carrying cases.

Council approved the recommended bid award to SOLOTECH for $84,000, to be funded from the working funds reserves.

2024 Budget 

The 2024 Budget indicates a net change of $4,343,633, which largely reflects the use of reserve funds towards capitol projects. Mayor Vandewal commented that “(Though) it may look as if we are going backwards, we have drawn down reserves to make significant investments in several properties which will be major assets, showing forward thinking. We are still moving in the right direction.”

Summer Kickoff Music Festival 

Amanda Pantrey, Township Recreation & Events Coordinator, requested Special Occasion designation of this event, in order to permit a local craft beer and liquor garden. It is to be held May 25th, 2024, from 3:30 pm – 10:00 pm in Centennial Park, Harrowsmith. A place for the community to gather and connect before families begin their busy summer, it will feature activities geared towards adults, such as the craft beer and cider vendors, but also family friendly activities and a kid’s zone to balance out the target audience.

Automatic Aid Agreement with Central Frontenac

After some discussion, it was agreed that the current mutual aid firefighting system (which means that the closest fire station responds to an emergency, irrespective of municipal boundaries, where protection might otherwise be limited,) be continued with a further report and review in October.