Mild weather cash windfall unlikely says Public Works Manager

Posted Jan 19, 2012 By Craig Bakay

EMC News The mild winter (up until last Thursday) has meant fewer accidents and less mileage on snow-removal equipment, but don't expect any financial windfalls, at least until the winter's over, Public Works Manager Mike Richardson told Central Frontenac Council at its regular meeting last week in Sharbot Lake.

"We've had slippery conditions and we tend to use more sand with that," Richardson said in response to a wishful thinking query from Coun. Norm Guntensperger. "Without lots of snow, our trucks don't tend to be out as long and when they are out they're not pushing heavy snow which cuts down on fuel consumption.

"There are some potential savings but not much."

Richardson also said the new list of acceptable recycling items (milk cartons, clamshell plastic, paper coffee cups, etc.) has been well received but could use a little more advertising until residents become aware of what's now acceptable.

Coun. Frances Smith had a suggestion.

"We should get something into the schools," she said. "Those little guys are good recyclers."

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Coun. Bill Snyder (District 4, Hinchinbrooke) was acclaimed as Deputy Mayor for the second year of this Council's mandate at the first regular Council meeting of 2012 last week in Sharbot Lake.

Coun. Jeff Matson was also nominated but no one seconded his nomination.

Snyder was gracious in accepting the post.

"I look at it as an honour to serve as Deputy Mayor," Snyder said.

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Central Frontenac is looking at reassessing the fees it charges for municipal services, many of which haven't been updated for "several years," according to Clerk/CAO Shawn Trepanier.

"Most fees are currently not allowing for effective cost recovery," Trepanier said. "The municipality is losing money in certain services that we offer."

Trepanier said in addition to looking at whether any fees should be increased or decreased, he'd also like to see a standard fee policy bylaw which would include all service fees except for planning services.

Coun. John Purdon questioned the need for such a bylaw.

"We already have fees outlined in the waste management bylaw," he said. "Do we need them in two places."

Coun. Frances Smith didn't care where the fees were, she only had one concern about them.

"Keep them (fees) reasonable," Smith said.