Report to Ratepayers and Residents - April 2016

Council met on Tuesday, and we had a lot to discuss. In no particular order:

1. We passed our budget. The overall amount we will take in (the levy) will be around 9%, but the number that concerns you most - the rate of increase a property owner will see - will be, on average, 2.0%.

2. Council approved support of a new pavilion at the Parham Fairgrounds. The hard work, planning and fundraising, however, are a tribute to the District #4 Recreation Committee. They are the real engine driving this and deserve the credit.

3. Proposals for 3 by-laws were presented to Council (Noise, Dumping on Municipal Property, 'Safe Properties'). While in general I am supportive of the proposals, I am concerned about the enforcement clause in the Safe Properties draft and feel that it may adversely affect your private property rights. I will be asking for an amendment to that clause that will balance your rights with the objectives of the bylaw.

4. A presentation from MPAC was received, and residential homeowners will be getting new assessments in the next couple of weeks. Farms and businesses will get theirs in October. It is supposed to cover 4 years and if you have a dispute, you will need to file it with MPAC within 120 days from the date displayed on the envelope. For most people that will be September.

5. The new Parham Library will have its grand opening on May 28th from 10:00 to noon. The Kingston Frontenac Public Library Board has indicated that the future of the branch will depend upon how much public support it gets. I encourage people to come out, sign up for a library card if you don't have one, and take out a good read that interests you. Every bit helps!

6. The Frontenac Community Arena, in conjunction with our 40th Anniversary celebrations, is conducting a logo design contest for those 18 years, and younger, who reside in the Frontenacs. Local schools are being contacted and a panel of judges will pick a winning entry. Most notably, the winning logo will be painted on centre ice for the 2017-18 season.

7. The Arena's 40 Anniversary Dinner/Dance is scheduled for August 6th. If you have questions, please contact the arena at: http://www.frontenacarena.com/ . Details will be posted as they are known.

8. With the everchanging weather this Spring, roads have been an ongoing priority. Some have had to be done, redone, and redone again. Rain and snow, and the lack of enduring warm temperatures mean a muddy base for many. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a good week or two of warm and dry weather so we can get caught up and get some badly needed relief to many of you.

As always, keep well, take care of one another and let me know if I can help.

Cheers,

Brent