South Frontenac Council

Wilma Kenny | May 22, 2014

New Building By-Law

Chief Building Official Brian Gass introduced a proposed update of the Building Code, which will reflect Provincial policy changes regarding construction. Among the highlights, the new by-law will; 1) allow staff to accept an incomplete permit application so construction can begin while staff are processing the permit; 2) allow staff, in the future, to accept electronic permit applications, once the department has the necessary hardware, software and staffing; 3) facilitate the process of closing building permits and abandoned permit applications.

The proposed new fees will raise the present fee of $10./thousand of project value to $14, and include a ‘reasonable’ increase to solar, wood stove ad demolition permit fees. The current fee schedule is 16 years old: the changes better reflect the true costs of delivering building department services.

During the public meeting, only one person commented: John McEwen spoke of his concerns around the issue of waterproofing both new and existing structures.

Copies of the new building by-law, which Council approved, are available at the Township office.

Rutledge Road Reconstruction

Mark Segsworth recommended K. Mulrooney Trucking’s low bid of $1,322,856 be accepted. References for Mulrooney gave mixed reviews: after having had discussions with the company concerning the very public nature of the project, staff were satisfied with the approach proposed by the contractor.

Due to the size and cost of the project, it has been divided into four parts; A) road and storm sewers from the bridge to Stormhaven Lane and sidewalk on the south side between the High School and Hillside; B) extension of south side sidewalk west to the bridge; C) installation of intermodal bike lane on the boulevard, adjacent to the proposed sidewalk; D) removing and reconfiguring the Mill Street sidewalk “to achieve a vertical alignment more suitable for accessibility purposes.”

Hydro One Permission

Council Granted Hydro One permission to use Garlon as part of its vegetation management program, on the condition that Hydro One reviews the program with Township staff, advises adjacent property owners in advance of spraying, and does no spraying adjacent to organic farming operations.

Pool Fence By-Law

As a result of changing the building by-law, the pool by-law needs to be updated: with the exception of minor wording changes, the technical aspects of how the existing by-law requires a fence around a pool have not changed.

Photo Contest Winners

CAO Orr announced the winners of the township’s photo contest; First - ‘Sugar Bush’ by Tracey Holand; Second - ‘Happy Kayaker on Sydenham Lake’ by Robert E. Charest; Third - ‘4 friends snowshoe against rock face’ by Robert Webster. These can be viewed on the Township website, along with some of the other 105 entries.

South Frontenac Museum

Council made a motion to accept the Portland Historical Association’s carrying out the preliminary investigations in advance of a final decision of opening a Township museum. Councillor McDougall will coordinate a joint meeting of community members interested in preserving local history.