South Frontenac Council - Apr 18/13

Wilma Kenny | Apr 17, 2013

Township to Reopen Negotiations with Limestone Board

In 2008, the Limestone School Board contributed a lump sum of $695,000 to the Township as their share of the cost of providing municipal water services to the two schools and greenhouse located in Sydenham.

Since this initial decision, circumstances have changed: the water plant has undergone a significant upgrade, the high school is building “a significant addition,” and as part of this building program, the Board has demolished some former rental properties which had water hook-ups.

Recognizing these changed circumstances, Council has directed staff to reopen funding negotiations with the Limestone Board.

Highway 38: A Road by Any Other Name?

The City of Kingston has proposed renaming that portion of Road 38 which runs from 401 to the boundary of South Frontenac, and has asked the Township for its comments. Township Planning & Roads department recommends the road name remain as it is, and would like to discuss the matter with City staff before making a formal comment. Council agreed, and passed a motion to ask the City to defer their decision until Township and City staff can meet.

Truck to be Replaced through Insurance

Public Works Manager Segsworth reported on an adjustment to the 2013 vehicle replacement program. A township truck which was budgeted to be replaced next year was recently destroyed by fire. The Township’s insurance policy covers the full replacement value, so the truck can be replaced with a current model for the cost of the $10,000 deductible. Councillor Vandewal expressed concern that this might affect the overall insurance premiums.

The High Cost of Protecting Our Lakes

Planner Lindsay MiIls reported to last week’s Committee of the Whole that over the past five years, staff have had to deal with five serious infractions of site plan agreements. All cases have involved the illegal clearing away of natural vegetation near the shoreline, and disturbance of natural soil cover. Some have also involved illegal construction of buildings and retaining walls. Rectifying these infractions has cost staff considerable time and expense.

Several council members suggested charging a much more substantial deposit, which would be returned once the property is developed, unless there are infractions to the site plan agreement. There was agreement that Council supported their staff in enforcing protection of township lakes.

Cemetery Board Amalgamation

In late 2012, following input from all three cemetery boards, Council made it clear that it wanted the Township to have one amalgamated cemetery board, one set of by-laws, and new rates that would be the same across the township, and more nearly cover the cost of operation. The service components were to be separated into three parts: administration, grounds and excavation.

Further to Council’s direction, CAO Orr met with representatives from the three township cemetery boards to outline Council’s direction and the next steps for implementation.

Orr reported back to Council on April 2: “The tone of the meeting was very angry and bitter… members felt they had not been heard or valued for their knowledge and experience.”

The lengthy meeting ended with no agreement on a process for establishing the new amalgamated board, or the details of a new by-law. All did agree that Orr should write to each member of the present Boards asking them if they wished to continue their involvement with the Cemetery Board.