South Frontenac Council March 25

Wilma Kenny | Mar 26, 2014

Annual Report: Sydenham Water Plant

Kevin Riley, water treatment plant manager, presented the 2013 annual report to Council. All of the contaminants tested for were below the maximum acceptable levels set by the Ministry of Health. The full report, which describes the water treatment process in detail, is available on the Township website. In reply to a query from Councillor York, Riley said that the plant would be able to operate more efficiently if all households in the village area were hooked up and using the water.

Cemetery Report

Louise Fragnito, Treasurer presented a year-end summary of amalgamated cemetery operations. On January 1, 2013, new rates were set for lot sales and interment charges; April 1st, centralized administration and sales were contracted out, and May 1st, new contracts began for grass cutting and maintenance. Considerably fewer lots were sold than anticipated, but there were more burials, especially cremations. The overall result was an operating deficit of $17,598. CAO Orr said that by the end of 2014, Council will be able to include cemetery costs in their budget discussions, based on a full year of amalgamation.

Winter Control Reserve

Fragnito reported on the winter control (ie; snow clearance, etc) reserve over the past five years. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, the Township contributed to the reserve, but in 2013 and 2014, they drew from it. The reserve continues to have sufficient funds to stabilize annual fluctuations, as it is based on a rolling five-year average of actual winter expenses.

Petworth Road Quarry

CAO Orr included copies of correspondence received from residents concerned about the proposed expansion of a stone quarry near their homes in the Petworth Road area. Councillor Stowe said that he felt it was important that the footprint, or ‘area of influence’ of the quarry be reduced, so that it would not prevent local landowners from developing their road-front properties.

Councillor McDougall brought a notice of motion that Council reiterate their opinion that the present area of influence is unfair, and needs to be adjusted.

Once the Ministry of Municipal Affairs has commented on the zone change application (from Rural to special Quarry “A”), the matter will return to Council for a final decision. (Orr reminded Council that in addition to the zoning change, an application has been made to the Ministry of Natural Resources for a licence to expand the quarry area under the Aggregate Resources Act.)

Question of Renaming Roads

In response to ongoing requests from Bedford resident Fred Bresee to rename two roads, Council directed CAO Orr not to open the issue. “Once you open the door, you may be flooded with similar requests,” said Bedford Councillor Stowe. Mayor Davison agreed, saying a name change would require all residents on the road to change their addresses on all personal documentation.

Welcome and Long Overdue Announcement! Councillor McDougall reported that County Council has declared: “The word ‘sustainability’ is used too much.”