South Frontenac Council

Wilma Kenny | Jun 19, 2014

Meeting was opened with one minute’s silence, to honour the memory of Debbie Bracken, who for many years was Township treasurer.

Banking Bid Decided

Treasurer Fragnito reported that, of the five proposals from area banks, two stood out from the rest: National Bank and RBC. After satisfying interview requirements, she and CAO Orr recommended continuing the Township’s banking relationship with the RBC: “…we both strongly felt that…although National Bank offered the best net position to the Township, there would be a loss functionality and internal controls.” Council agreed to enter into a five year agreement with the RBC, with an option to renew for a further two years.

Surplus Money

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) announced in May that they had surplus funds from Gas Tax money set aside for administration, and would be distributing, on a one-time basis, the unused funds back to municipalities to invest in infrastructure. South Frontenac’s share of $14,937.65 will be allocated to the Township’s Federal Gas Tax reserve until a project is chosen.

ComplIance Audit Committee

Amendments to the Municipal Elections Act require Council to appoint a committee to review written complaints about campaign finances. Council approved the appointment of three qualified applicants: Roxy Dennison-Stewart and Christine Bell, both of Loughborough, and Sandy Cameron of Bedford.

“We Need a Policy”

A proposal for a Storrington subdivision draft plan hit a snag over a comment from Public Works advising that 712 metres of municipal road between the firehall and the subdivision entrance should be surface treated by the developer.

Public Works Manager Segsworth said this was based on the projected increase of traffic over this portion of gravel road, citing similar requirements for passing lanes and upgrades to intersections which developers have been required to provide before gaining approval for other projects. Planner Mills confirmed that there were provisions in the Planning Act which would allow this.

Councillor McPhail agreed that if such improvements were required, saying they should not become a burden on all taxpayers. Mayor Davison and Deputy Mayor Vandewal both said that although the road upgrade sounded like a good idea, the Township needed a clear policy before requiring a private developer to upgrade a public road.

Council voted to defer a decision to forward the draft report to the County, pending further discussion.