South Frontenac Council - Oct 20/15

Wilma Kenny | Oct 21, 2015

Heritage Conservation Award

Mayor Vandewal presented Barbara Stewart with a plaque from the Frontenac Heritage Foundation recognizing the transformation of the former Hartington stone schoolhouse into the South Frontenac Museum. Mrs Stewart is chair of the Portland and Area Heritage Committee, which initiated and carried out the project with support from South Frontenac’s elected officials and Public Works employees, along with many craftsmen and volunteers. David White also received special commendation for his restoration of the windows. The new museum was one of only six buildings in southeastern Ontario (including the Tett Centre) honoured with this award in 2015.

Zoning by-law amendment on Big Clear Lake

A public meeting introduced rezoning of land on Big Clear (Concession 11, Bedford) to permit three new waterfront residential lots. Only one person spoke: Matt Rennie asked why the staff of Frontenac Park had not been notified, for the park is located directly across the lake from the property in question, and therefore could be considered a “neighbouring property”. The zoning amendment passed without comment later in the meeting.

Sell Sydenham Water?

A motion introduced by Councillor Sutherland asked: A) that Kingston Utilities be asked to confirm the actual capacity of the Sydenham water plant (currently available but unconfirmed figures indicate the plant may be operating well under capacity), and B) that staff report on the feasibility of selling water to bulk haulers as a possible means of increasing income for ongoing operation and maintenance of the plant. After some discussion about potential liability and costs, Mayor Vandewal suggested that Kingston Utilities be asked to research and include all the requested information in their annual operating report re the plant to Council. This was agreed upon, and the motion passed.

Recovery of Lane Naming Expenses

Council passed a by-law amendment which would require the applicant to pay for all costs associated with advertising and administration when a road name is approved by Council other than a name on the pre-approved list. (On October 06, when asked about the costs associated with approving the name “Passchendaele Lane”, planner Mills had said there were none.)

Canoe Lake Beach Issues

The question of water access to a small beach on Canoe Lake along James Wilson Road first came before Committee of the Whole on Sept 22, when James Campbell applied for permission to create three new waterfront residential lots on Canoe Lake.

Opinion about public use of the area is strongly divided. Township planner Mills has received letters from Campbell and nearby property owners objecting to any public use of the area in dispute, stating traffic hazard, lack of parking, danger to children, trespassing, vandalism and garbage among their concerns. More recently, Mills has received several letters in favour of maintaining the sandy beach because there are very few natural beaches in the area for children to swim at. One other letter-writer is concerned about damage to loons, herons and turkey vultures if swimmers continue to use the area, another fears a decrease in property values and still another refers favourably to the sandy strip as “this small amenity”.

Presently, there seems to be no clearly agreed-upon survey, and the full extent of the abutting road allowance has not been established. In his report to Council, Planner Mills recommends against encouraging use of the swim area.

Mayor Vandewal suggested any decision be deferred until Council is able to view the area in dispute during their upcoming fall road-viewing tour, and perhaps a further public meeting might be necessary. This was agreed upon, and the matter was deferred.

Shoreline Restoration at The Point

CAO Orr reported that due to changes in the original plan to include upland sandy play areas, unanticipated rock removal and improved accessibility etc, costs of the project exceed the $100,000 originally budgeted. Lowest of the ten bids received was Crains' Construction, at $109,085. Council approved awarding the bid to Crains', and agreed to an additional $16,085 from the parkland reserve fund to cover the additional costs, which include $7,500 for project management by Riggs Engineering.

Procedural By-Law

The updated procedural by-law was passed, with informal agreement that there needed to be some flexibility about display or wearing of the mayoral chain of office, for it is a heavy item, which some future mayor may find too uncomfortable to wear. (Councillor Schjerning had objected to the idea of merely displaying the chain, contending that this would be inappropriate.)

Public Services Committee Resurrected

A new Public Services Committee was formed, consisting of Councillors Sleeth, Schjerning and Revill.