South Frontenac Council - Nov. 19/13

Wilma Kenny | Nov 20, 2013

Proposed Budget calls for 5.59% levy increase

Among the highlights of the draft 2014 South Frontenac budget is a $700,000 increase in the total levy to ratepayers, an increase of 5.59%.

Council went over the budget in detail during a 5 hour meeting on Saturday, November 16, and will meet again to look for potential savings in late November or early December. The impact of the proposed levy increase will vary among ratepayers, based on variations in individual property assessment increases that are determined by MPAC (the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation)

The preliminary budget for 2014 can be viewed here. South Frontenac 2014 Preliminary Budget.

Township Planner to Address County

Council agreed that Lindsay Mills, the township’s planner, should request delegation status at the County’ Council’s December 4 meeting to present his comments on the second draft of the County’s Official Plan.

Dog Tag Costs Raised

Following discussion at Committee of the Whole, Council voted to raise animal control fees and shorten deadlines: dog tags purchased prior to the last day of February will cost $15: after that the cost will increase to $30. Kennel licences will go up to $125 before the end of February, and $150 afterwards. The charge for reclaiming dogs from the Humane Society will be increased from $75 to $100, and the duration dogs will be held will be reduced from five days to three.

The fees charged by the Kingston Humane Society have increased to the point where they are not adequately offset by the township’s animal control budget, and this is the first increase in township fees since 2002.

Concerns re Proposed Hartington Subdivision

A lengthy letter from Hartington resident Michelle Foxton was tabled. In it, Foxton, a former township councilor, listed a number of issues that would need to be addressed in relation to the proposed 47-unit subdivision, which would run from Boyce Road to Petworth Road. In particular, she expressed grave concern about the effects the development might have on water quality and quantity in what seems to be an area with a history of water problems.

Mayor Davison said that although final approval of subdivisions lies with Frontenac County Council, the county will require the township to hold a public meeting to hear residents’ concerns. Davison added that most of Foxton’s questions will be addressed during the processing of the application, by the various agencies that will be consulted.