South Frontenac Council - Nov. 9/11

Wilma Kenny | Nov 10, 2011

County Discusses Planning Updates

Joe Galllivan, planner for the County of Frontenac, reported that his department was interested in working more closely with the Townships, by contracting out the County’s planning services on a cost-recovery, non-profit basis. Recognizing that South Frontenac already has its own planner, Lindsay Mills, on staff, Gallivan said they would be available to consult with Mills if needed.

He said that the upcoming County budget discussions will include consideration of developing an official plan for the County. He introduced Mike Elms, local planning representative for the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, who explained that such a plan would in no way replace the Townships’ plans, but would deal with broader issues relating, for example, to economic development, environmental issues and cultural heritage. One perceived advantage would be that if approval of Official Plan amendments and updates were to be done by the County, rather than the Ministry, processing time could be greatly reduced without affecting day-to-day planning issues and local decisions. By removing the Ministry from the lower-level decision-making process, “The three-legged stool becomes a two-legged stool.” No one commented on this somewhat wobbly metaphor.

Southern Frontenac Community Services

David Townsend and Joan Cameron reported on the progress of the development of Grace Centre and the programs their agency provides to the community. Currently there are fifteen different programs for seniors: this year alone,they expect to help almost 1,000 different seniors in South Frontenac. In the area of Family Services, SFCS has served 100 individuals and families with housing assistance, food bank services and counseling. They asked for whatever support Council could provide,either in kind, or financial, and referred to the fact that Grace Centre would be subject to property taxes for the first time. Councillor Vandewal summed up the sentiments expressed by several others by saying, “If we can find a solution that works without opening the floodgates, we want to do it.” Councillor Stowe offered to talk further with SFCS staff to get more information about what help might be needed, before budget planning day (Nov 19).

Potentially Hazardous Ditch

In regard to recent ditching across the unopened road allowance south of Rutledge Road at the foot of Boundary Road, Council directed that the ditch should be filled, and a checkerboard sign erected to prevent traffic.

When is a Dog Like a Car?

In August, Councillor Naish had raised the question of whether it was appropriate to continue having the bylaw officers going door-to-door in Loughborough and Storrington in search of unlicensed dogs. In September, the issue was referred to the Corporate Services Committee, which considered it in the light of how a driver’s license works: late renewals still have to pay a full year, as well as a penalty. The committee felt that not enforcing the dog licensing by-law near the end of the year would only encourage dog owners to try to get away without paying. Councillor Naish said he didn’t think it was fair to compare licensing a dog to licensing a car, but agreed that it seemed the wish of Council to continue seeking unlicensed dogs. CAO Orr’s report noted that the door-to door review was being conducted in order to create a database of current dog owners: a similar review will be conducted in the other two districts next year. The program is structured to be self financing: there is no cost to the township.

New Staff Position Proposed

Council received the recommendation of the Corporate Services Committee, to include a permanent full time position in the 2012 operating budget to fulfill the responsibilities of facility and solid waste management.