South Frontenac Council – February 17

Wilma Kenny | Feb 18, 2015

South Frontenac budget passes - $1 million more to come from ratepayers

Council approved a 2015 capital and operating draft budget of $15.5 million to be raised by taxation, an increase of $993,000 or 6.85% over 2014. This only amounts to a 2% increase in the tax rate thanks to increases in property assessment values. In order to hold the increase to the level directed by Council, the fire hall value in the capital budget was cut from $2,200,000 to $1,000,000; a $30,000 fire master plan was added to capital, to be funded from reserves; the replacement of one backhoe was postponed by a year; and $1,000 was removed from professional consulting fees. The school board has not yet announced the education levy.

Mayor Vandewal thanked staff and council for their cooperation and hard work during the budget process.

End-of-Year building report

Both building permits issued (471) and construction values ($29 million) for 2014 are up from last year, but are still 72 fewer permits and almost $4 million less in value than the 2011 record high.

County Sustainability Advisory Committee report

Deputy Mayor McDougall drew Council’s attention to the recommendations proposed by the County’s SAC December report, which makes interesting reading (See township website) but cautioned that it is at the information stage only, and is meant to provide the townships with opportunities to work with the County when developing their own strategic plans.

South Frontenac rides

Councilor Ross Sutherland (the “cycling campaigner’) reported briefly on the inaugural meeting of 18 residents interested in encouraging bicycling in South Frontenac. Their first project is to hold a bicycle promotion day on June 7, during National Bike Week. As a long-range goal, they see cycling as one way to help attract tourism and jobs to South Frontenac.

Family Day a success

Deputy Mayor McDougall commented on the huge success of Family Day at the Piccadilly Arena last Monday. There was a great turnout and everyone seemed to have a good time. Mayor Vandewal said that he talked to one participant who recently moved here from Toronto and was ‘absolutely amazed’ at the number of attendees, the enthusiasm, and the fact that everything, including food, was free.

Emergency Plan

Council approved making Harris Park Hall in Perth Road Village available to Brooks Landing Retirement Home for emergency short-term evacuation.