January Report

After a hiatus for the holidays, the word is returning to normal. Your council has also resumed its work, and I’m glad to share with you my report on the month that was.

January 9th was our first regular council meeting of 2015 and it was an opportunity to receive reports and presentations. First, we received the report of the Septic Re-Inspection Program, which gave details on how many properties were involved and where. As expected, the focus of the program was in areas that were deemed more sensitive with regard to surface and ground water – namely the village of Sharbot Lake and properties in proximity to lakes. The report had interesting information, and we were grateful to receive it.

It is important, however, to note that the report that council received only related to the workings of the voluntary re-inspection scheme already in place. It was, in effect, a record of what has already taken place and how successful it has been. What council has not yet received is a second report – the one that will make recommendations related to a mandatory scheme. As you may already know, my chief concern about a mandatory system is that an inspection failure would force property owners to comply with an order within a set number of days, and that to do so would outstrip a family’s resources. The average two-income household in Central Frontenac had an after-tax income of roughly $45,000 in 2005. If you factor in inflation up to 2015, that number increases to around $55,000. When you consider that the University of Guelph pegs the average cost of a septic tank remediation at $25,000, and that an order to comply would have a time frame measured in days and weeks, not months and years, affordability is a major issue. During the election, I stated in a letter to the Frontenac News that I did not support a plan that did not address the issue of affordability for working families. I am still committed to that position, and I hope to see such thought incorporated in the draft that gets presented to us.

We also received a presentation on the condition of Bebris Road, which is subject to frequent flooding. While some improvements have been made in the past, staff will be investigating what more can be done.

On January 14th, I attended my first meeting of the Board for the Frontenac Community Arena. Councillor Sherry Whan and I join Councillors Alan Revill and Norm Roberts from South Frontenac Township. Congratulations to Sherry, who will serve as Board Secretary for 2015, and to Alan who will Chair the Board this year. All of us look forward to working with Arena staff to ensure the FCA continues to be an important part of life in our area.

January 27th was a busy meeting night, but a productive one. Fire Chief Bill Young presented his report, including the number of calls and types throughout the year. At the request of Council, these stats will come quarterly, and with a breakdown by district. Council has also requested that staff investigate speed limits on Long Lake Road. Deputy Mayor Riddell and Councillor Heese expressed their concerns about the speeds, particularly around the municipal beach, where the road meets Ducharme Road. The subject of having stoplights at 38 and Highway 7 were brought up, but it was acknowledged that the province has been reluctant to make this move in the past. MTO has cited a cost of $2 million to put one in place, and has not seen a case for such an investment.

We also received a number of presentations, including Mike Procter on behalf of the Frontenac Heritage Festival, and Maribeth Scott, representing North Frontenac Community Services. In both instances, Council members recognized the hard work and efforts of the people involved, as well as their contribution to life in our Township. We were happy to support those who support us all.

On the topic of money, Council will be meeting in a day-long session to work through the 2015 municipal budget. Together we set a goal of keeping any increase to no more than 2.5 percent – roughly the rate of inflation. Against that, we have a noticeable jump in what we have to pay the OPP for policing, as well as the ongoing challenges of road and building maintenance and replacing worn-out equipment. The key to it is simple – ‘priorities’. What do we really need, and when do we really need it. As much as I would like to see a tax freeze, I do not believe that is possible. My goal, therefore, is to work hard to ensure that whatever increase happens, it is the lowest possible number we can achieve. Every extra dollar has to come from a working household – most of who are struggling with other bills. I’m not keen on asking for more from people who have little to spare. We’ll do our best.

On a happier note, the Frontenac Heritage Festival takes place throughout the long weekend, with events throughout the Township. I’m looking forward to many of the events, and would love to meet up with many of you there!

Stay warm and stay well!