South Frontenac Council - Jun 16/15

Wilma Kenny | Jun 18, 2015

Council Disagrees with Planner on Rezoning

Township Planner Lindsay Mills brought a recommendation to Council that they approve a rezoning application which would enlarge an existing urban industrial lot on the southern edge of Harrowsmith. He stated that this zoning was within the intent of the Official Plan, and that a site plan could include “extensive extensive buffers and mitigating measures.”

Two adjacent landowners objected, saying that this is primarily a residential area and any expansion of the present industrial uses could make the area much less pleasant for residents, both current and future. Deputy Mayor McDougall and Councillor Sutherland both spoke strongly against the rezoning, agreeing that this is a residential area and the change of zone would permit too wide a range of options other than the current storage facility.

The motion to rezone was soundly defeated, with only Councillor Barr in favour.

Penalty ended for non-users of Sydenham Water

Speaking to his motion to remove the penalty (‘incentive’) fee for non-users of Sydenham water, Councillor Sutherland compared the additional fee to penalizing taxpayers for not driving on the roads or using the library. He said that if the Township could be held accountable for providing a supply of clean drinking water to all village residents, then perhaps they should require regular testing of the household water source of all those not using municipal water. Sutherland added that according to his calculations, even if all village residences and businesses were using the water system, the Sydenham water plant would still be operating far below capacity. He suggested that perhaps Council needed to look at ways of operating the plant more efficiently.

The motion passed, supported by Revill, Roberts, Schjerning, Sutherland and Sleeth.

Earlier community engagement possible

Councillor Sutherland brought a notice of motion that Council ask the Corporate Services Committee to look into the possibility of informing and engaging the public earlier in the process when subdivision and condominium developments first come to Committee of the Whole.

A Level Playing Field by 2016

Council authorized the Township to enter into an agreement with the Limestone Board, to cooperate in the upgrading and future use of the football field at the Point. The School Board will use their project management skills in working with Morven Construction to rehabilitate the field. Morven’s bid, lowest of five, is $296,000. The Township will lead in the ongoing management of the playing field. Both parties will share costs equally, with the Board carrying the costs until next year, to allow the Township time to budget an additional $98,000 to add to the $50,000 in this year’s budget. Once construction begins, the field will be closed until September 2016.

Rideau Lakes Cycle Rally concerns

Council agreed to send a letter to the Ottawa Bicycle Club asking that participants in any future rally down the Perth/Westport Road be reminded of their obligation to yield, stop and obey emergency responders.

Approved names for new public roads and lanes

The list can be located under section 11c (By-law 2015-310) of this week’s agenda. Council was assured that if landowners wanted a name other than one of the ones listed, they still would have the option to request it. This pre-approved list is intended to streamline the usual naming process.

FIT Solar projects

Council withheld support of only one of the 25 solar projects which are being proposed for installation in South Frontenac. They are waiting for a reply concerning the access route to one project, at 2496 Rutledge Road.

Coming soon to a road near you…

With agreement from the OPP, Council approved speed reductions on 20 segments of Township Roads: watch for the new signs!