Author: John Rich

This is a brief note to HIRA members and other residents of Howe Island about the Township of Frontenac Islands regular council meeting held on Monday September 9, 2024 and a couple of other items of interest. Only matters of particular interest to Howe Island residents are highlighted here.

2023 Audited Financial Statements:

A presentation was made by Katie Mahon, KPMG audit partner, to table the audited  financial statements for the Township for the year ended December 31, 2023.

KPMG certified the 2023 financial statements accurately reflect the financial position of the Township at year end and the results of operations throughout the year.

Council approved the 2023 financial statements as presented.

Detail contained in the presentation can be accessed in Section 3.1 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of council held on September 9, 2024. The agenda is available on the Township website. 

Staff Reports

Administration Report No. AD-011-24:

A report tabled by the CAO, Vanessa Latimer, was received by Council for information.  The report provides a summary of various administrative and public works initiatives the Township is engaged in with respect to road maintenance, township ferry operations, recreation projects (mostly related to 

upgrades at Pat Norris Park), and various fire safety measures.

The content of the report, which touches on several topics, can be accessed via Section 5.1 of the Agenda for the regular council meeting held on September 9, 2024. The Agenda is available on the website for the Township of Frontenac Islands.

Finance Report  No. FN-009-24 re Conference Expense 

Reimbursement:

Council was asked by Township staff to provide direction with respect to a request from Mayor Greenwood-Speers for reimbursement of expenses she incurred to attend the annual conference staged by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) in August 2024.

Expenses at issue amounted to $2,397.90.

Council would not approve reimbursement on the grounds that the Mayor had not obtained Council approval prior to incurring the expenses.

Resolution Support Requests

Council was asked to support resolutions made by other municipalities seeking action from the Province of Ontario on various issues. A summary of these resolutions and the position taken by Council on each follows:

• Township of Emo requests the Province commit to undertaking, with the AMO, a comprehensive social and economic prosperity review to promote sustainable municipal finances across Ontario. 

• Council supported the resolution made by the Township of Emo.

• Township of Emo requests the Province treat all municipalities fairly and provide equivalent representative operational budget funding to all Ontario municipalities.

Council supported the resolution made by the Township of EMO.

• City of Belleville requests the Province take immediate action to encourage doctors to establish primary care practices by reducing administrative burdens (i.e. reporting and paperwork) family doctors face.

Council supported the resolution made by the City of Belleville.

• Township of New Tecumseth requests the Province reverse a proposal that would phase-out free testing services for private wells / drinking water.

Council supported the resolution made by the Township of New Tecumseth. 

Note:

We understand the KFL&A Public Health Authority still provides well water testing free of charge in the Kingston area and has no plan to suspend the service.

Statements By Council Members

• Deputy-Mayor Bill Saunders commented on the very successful end-of-summer barbecue and fireworks display staged by the Howe Island Recreation Committee. The Deputy Mayor gave a very well-deserved shout-out to Howe Island resident Mike Hart for his efforts over the last 25 years to lead this event.

Deputy-Mayor Saunders noted that the Township contributed $2,500 to the event. A further $1,500 was obtained from contributions from Councillor Bill Ackley and Island resident Mike Wertwyn.

HIRA, on behalf of all Howe Island residents, extends a sincere thank you to the Howe Island Recreation Committee, Mike Hart, Mike Wertwyn, Councillor Bob Ackley and Township Council for their efforts in staging another great event.

• Councillor Bob Ackley echoed the sentiments expressed by Deputy Mayor Saunders with respect to the end-of-summer barbecue. The Councillor also took note of the great job Mike Quinn is doing with management of the Township ferry and road maintenance on Howe Island. 

Councillor Ackley also extended his thanks to the Township’s public works staff for a job well done on a very limited budget.

By-Laws

• By-law 27-024, Swimming Pool By-Law:

The by-law which prescribes fencing requirements for private swimming pools in The Township received 3^rd and final reading

and is now enacted. Content of the by-law can be accessed via section 12.1 of The Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on September 9, 2024. The Agenda is available on the Township website.

• By-Law 28-024, Establish a Council-Staff Relations Policy:

The by-law establishes a code of conduct to be followed by members of Township Council with respect to interactions with Township employees. It also sets out broad principles that govern the conduct of Township employees.

The by-law received third and final reading and is now enacted. Content of the by-law can be accessed via Section 12.2 of the agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on September 9, 2024. The agenda is available on the Township website.

• By-Law 029-2024, Establish an Accountability and Transparency Policy:

The by-law seeks to codify the Township’s commitment to providing an accountable and transparent administration with an emphasis on openness, ethics, performance outcomes and fiscal responsibility. The by-law received 1^st and 2^nd reading at the regular meeting of Township Council held on September 9, 2024. 

Third and final reading is expected to take place at the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for October 15, 2024.

Content of the proposed by-law can be accessed via Section 12.3 of the agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on September 9, 2024. 

The agenda is available on the Township website.

• By-Law 030-2024, Establish a Pregnancy and Parental Leave Policy for Members of Council:

The by-law seeks to codify rights of members of Council to leave for pregnancy, birth of a child or adoption of a child. The by-law received 1^st and 2^nd reading. Third and final reading is expected at the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for October 15, 2024.

Content of the proposed by-law can be accessed via Section 12.4 of the

agenda for the Regular meeting of Council held on September 9, 2024.

The agenda is available on the Township website.

• By-Law 031-2024, Establish a Policy for the Giving of Public Notice:

The by-law identifies circumstances in which the Township shall provide notice to the public and, if notice is to be provided, the form, manner and times notice shall be provided.

The by-law received 1^st and 2^nd reading. Third and final reading is expected at the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for October 14, 2024.

Content of the proposed by-law can be accessed via Section 12.5 of the agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on September 9, 2024.

The agenda is available on the Township website.

• By-Law 036-2024, Establish a Communications Policy:

The proposed by-law is intended to ensure professionalism and consistency in how the Township communicates with its stakeholders. The purpose of the by-law is to establish a clear, consistent and manageable process for successful delivery of communications at the Township.

The by-law received 1^st and 2^nd reading. Third and final reading is expected at the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for October 15, 2024.

Content of the proposed by-law can be accessed via Section 12.6 of the agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on September 9, 2024. The agenda is available on the Township website.

END of COUNCIL BUSINESS

Other Items

• Input sought re 2025 Budget Deliberations:

Township Council and staff are gearing up for the 2025 Township budget process. The Township is asking for input from residents of Howe Island. Serious inquiries or feedback regarding the 2025 Budget can be emailed to:

lhughes@frontenacislands.ca.

Submissions must be made no later than November 12, 2024.

• Howe Island Ferry News:

The content of a letter issued by the CAO of the Township, Vanessa Latimer to the residents of Howe Island has been copied below. The letter was posted on the Township website on October 9, 2024.

October 9, 2024

Dear Howe Island Residents, 

We are pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is making steady progress toward improving ferry service for Howe Island. As part of their efforts, MTO has completed the necessary Vendor of Record process and will soon be obtaining proposals from prequalified companies to secure a naval architect.  We will keep you updated as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience and ongoing support as we work toward a more efficient and reliable ferry service for Howe Island.

 Vanessa Latimer, AMCT

 CAO/Clerk

END OF BRIEFING NOTE

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a member of HIRA, thank you for your support. If you are not a member, please consider joining at $10 per year. Alternatively, you may become a lifetime member with a one-time payment of $100.

Payments can be made by e-transfer to memberservices@howeisland.org. or by cheque payable to HIRA which can be placed in the HIRA mailbox at the roadside in front of the Township Office on Baseline Road or it can be given to one of the HIRA directors.