South Frontenac Council

Wilma Kenny | Jun 04, 2014

Sydenham: No More Water Exemptions

The township has recently received new enquiries requesting exemption from the Sydenham Water system. These may have been triggered by the recent increase in water rates: by 2016, a non-exempt residence that is not hooked up and/or is not using the water system will be charged a monthly rate of $104.57, vs the exempt rate of $66.37, a difference of $458.40 per year.

When the system was being set up, exemption requests were considered by Council on an individual basis if the cost to connect were deemed to be “unduly burdensome for the owner.” Total costs including frontage charges and well abandonment had to total more than $25,000. Only a few exemptions were granted.

Some applicants claim their request for exemption was never answered. Current staff can find no records to confirm or deny this. CAO Orr says the original intent of the exemption process appears to have been tied to the debenture calculation, which was finalized several years ago.

Council passed, without discussion, a bylaw revoking the exemption by-laws of 2002 and 2008, stating that they bewlieve all previous applications for exemptions under these by-laws were considered at the time, and that any outstanding exemption requests under these by-laws will be considered denied. The vote was unanimous, with the exception of Councillor McPhail, who abstained.

Long Swamp Road Closed

Public Works Manager Segsworth was granted permission to temporarily close the seasonally maintained Long Swamp Road, pending assessment of the structural integrity of the bridge, and the costs necessary to maintain the existing structure. The bridge is due to be replaced within the next 6-10 years, at an estimated cost of $400,000. However, it has been completely submerged this spring because of the heavy runoff, and there are concerns that the wooden plank decking may have been seriously damaged. Segsworth expects to have a report on the state of the bridge by the July 8 Council meeting.

Council also approved the Public Services Committee’s recommendation “that staff engage additional resources to develop criteria and identify liability with regards to increasing service levels on partially maintained roads.”

Energy Management Plan

Council endorsed Public Works’ Energy Management Plan: Segsworth introduced the ten-page document, a plan required by the Provincial Green Energy Act, by saying “It’s the right thing to do.” The plan will be published on the Township website and paper copies will be available by July 1st.

Cell Towers

Council endorsed Madawaska Township’s motion asking the Federal government to implement a moratorium on installation of cell towers and antennae until they have accepted a safety code that considers “the biological, non-thermal effects of microwave technology on the health of Canadians,” and until it “adopts a truly democratic process for locating new cell towers.”

‘Glendower' Now Official

Council passed a motion brought forward by Councillor Barr from the Bedford Recreation Committee, to replace the old sign on the district hall with one that reads, “Glendower Hall, Township of South Frontenac.”