South Frontenac Council - July 5/11

Wilma Kenny | Jul 07, 2011

New Sydenham Branch Library Opens Monday

Sydenham’s library has closed, and for the rest of the week library staff will be moving material to the new building. The ‘soft’ opening of the new library will be Monday July 11, at 10:00 am, when Mayor Davison will welcome a very special first patron. (The official opening date is Monday September 19, also at 10:00 am.)

Council received a letter from Chief KFPL Librarian Deborah Defoe thanking them on behalf of the library Board for their ongoing support of libraries in South Frontenac. “While the beautiful new building in Sydenham is an outstanding example, the allocation of funds to refurbish the Storrington Branch is equally appreciated.” She also reported that the library board had passed a motion in May asking that the Verona Project identified in the KFPL Branch Services Master Plan (a 5,000 to 6,000 square foot library building in Verona) be included in the South Frontenac 10-year Capital Plan. Councillor Ron Vandewal commented that although he agreed with the need to move forward, this size of project would have to depend on outside funding, similar to the provincial/federal grants that made it possible to build the new Sydenham branch.

Grass Drags Issue Drags On

Council denied third reading of a resolution which would have permanently rezoned a portion of the Bill Day farm in order to get it off the books before the August 2nd council meeting. The planner has been directed to bring a temporary use by-law to that meeting, outlining the requirements etc. which would permit a limited amount of racing for one year only. There will be a public meeting that evening before Council votes on the issue. CAO Orr said the new by-law and site plan will come in final form, so that if Council wishes, all three readings could be completed at that meeting, and approval would be given.

Ron Vandewal said that unless there was new information, he would be prepared to pass the temporary use by-law. Most of Council seemed to agree, except for Mayor Davison, who said he was not in favour unless there were more safeguards in place, addressing the neighbours’ concerns.

Verona Community Improvement Plan (CIP)

A public meeting at which County representatives outlined the proposed Verona CIP raised no comment from the several Verona residents who were present. The plan outlines four different financial incentive programs involving matching grants of up to $2,500 to help individuals and businesses improve community appearances, amenities and safety, as well as building conditions and land use. There is also a loan program to further assist projects and a grant program to help cover attendant municipal fees. Council approved the CIP, which is expected to run for four years. Further details are available through the township office, or on the township website.

Parks Maintenance Complaints

In response to complaints about garbage accumulating at parks in Sydenham and Verona, CAO Orr noted that the maintenance contracts call for twice-a-week pick-up. Because the local representatives on the recreation committees tend to be the first line of contact, they have all been provided with lists of the contractors, and details of the contract requirements. They will be sent follow-up letters with the same information. Councillor Vandewal asked why there were so many complaints this year, if the garbage situation had been under control with twice-weekly pickup other years?