South Frontenac Council - Aug. 13/11

Wilma Kenny | Sep 15, 2011

Review of Minimum Standards for Private Lanes

Fire Chief Rick Chesborough has requested a review of the present lane standard policy that would bring all private lanes with new development up to standards that would allow safe passage for emergency vehicles. His recommendation would be a roadway fifteen feet wide cleared to a height of fifteen feet, which would have a base support of 35,000 lb. He noted that legally, the rescue vehicle driver has the right to refuse to take a truck over a road that does not meet fire department standards. If this should happen, the municipality would not be liable for any resultant losses. This would no apply to presently existing lanes, although if they do not meet criteria, they may have reduced services. In referring this back to the Public Works Committee, the Public Works Manager and the Fire Chief for further recommendation, Mayor Davison said that the argument that “A cement truck got in with no problem” does not prove the road is suitable for an emergency vehicle.

Outdoor Furnaces

In 2007, Council considered, but did not pass a zoning by-law amendment that would restrict outdoor furnaces to be permitted only in areas zoned rural or agricultural. Vandewal, who owns an outdoor furnace himself, had asked that this issue be brought forward for further consideration, as more of the furnaces were being brought into residential areas, where their smoke could become a problem to nearby residents. Robinson said that several furnaces in Harrowsmith had had ten-foot chimneys added, which seemed to lessen complaints about the smoke. vandewal said that while the older models were smoky, the new furnaces now have a blower on the door, so that they burn hotter. He also said that there should be a seasonal restriction, perhaps May to October, during which the furnaces would not be burned. The issue was referred to the development services committee for research into ways other townships are dealing with such burners, and for recommendations.

Format for Minutes of Council Meetings

CAo Orr brought forward a recommendation that Council consider complying with a strict interpretation of the Municipal Act, which states: “A municipality...shall record without note or comment all resolutions, decisions and other proceedings at a meeting...” He gave Council two versions of last month’s minutes, one which summarized councillors’ comments, and a considerably shorter version which followed the Act. (Public meetings are excepted, as they must record the comments from citizens.) Vandewal said sometimes it was useful to be able to review the discussion that led to a particular decision. Orr agreed, but pointed out that if a person felt passionate about an issue, they could request a recorded vote. Consensus was in favour of going forward with the new format.

Streamlining Meetings

Council agreed to begin all council meetings with the in-camera session at 6:00 pm, in another room,so the public would have access to the council chambers before 7:00 pm, at which time the regular public part of the meeting would begin, as usual. All delegations will be heard at the Committee of the Whole, and must be preceded by a written summary. Council was less in agreement about having one or two meetings a month in July and August, but Orr reminded them this could be decided in June, at which time they could make a resolution to dispense with two of the summer meetings. “I’d like to point out that I’ve been here for almost eleven years, and I’ve never missed a meeting,” announced Councillor Robinson.