John Rich – Howe Island Ratepayers Association

HIRA BRIEFING NOTE- October 14, 2024

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.

HIRA BRIEFING NOTE- August 18, 2024

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 July 8, 2024. Only matters of particular interest to Howe Island residents are highlighted here.

National Indigenous Presenters Gathering:

Terri-Lynn Brennan made a presentation to Council to promote a National Indigenous Presenters Gathering to be held on Wolfe Island and in the City of Kingston October 7-10, 2024. The event, hosted by the Lodgepole Arts Alliance, will consist of Indigenous and non-Indigenous presenters, artists and agents from across Canada to taking part in panel discussions, interactive workshops and inspiring performances.

The objective of the event is to “….build a relational exchange of knowledge and creativity rooted in respectful reciprocity.” We expect more information to be available as we get closer to the event date.

Howe Island County Ferry – Vendor of Record update:

The Township is in receipt of a letter from Franca Sachetti, Director, East Operations, MTO. The letter was dated June 21, 2024.

Ms. Sachetti advises that a Request for Bids (RFB) has been issued by MTO to retain a naval architect to provide “expert marine engineering advice on long-term options to improve ferry service” to the residents of Howe Island.

The RFB was to close July 11, 2024.

MTO advises they intend to have a naval architect in place by “early fall”. The architect is expected to assess options “that best restore the capacity of the ferry for the long term.” The review will include options available to modify the existing ferry as well as options for procuring a new vessel.

MTO proposes to schedule quarterly meetings with the Township and the County to update both levels of government on progress.

Treasurer’s 2023 Report re Development Charges – Finance Report FN-006-24:

Development charges collected in 2023 for Howe Island totalled $24,349.00.

Interest accrued on Howe Island’s portion of the Development Charges Reserve Fund was $3,530.33.

A total of $ 27,879.33 will be transferred to Howe Island reserve funds as follows:

Howe Administration – $ 1,225.13

Howe Fire Protection – 15,358.35

Howe Public Works – 11,295.85

Total transferred $ 27,879.33

Volunteer Firefighters Eligible for Enrollment in Pension Plan – Finance Report FN-007-24:

Pursuant to a policy direction received from the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) in March of 2024 and a legal opinion provided by the Township’s legal counsel, the Township treasurer recommends the Township offer enrolment in the OMERS pension plan to all volunteer firefighters currently employed with the Township. The firefighters would be enrolled as non-full time employees.

Annual cost to the Township is estimated to be approximately $5,400 annually.

Council received the report for information. A decision on the issue will be made by Council in due course.

Year-to-Date Financial Reports June 30, 2024 – Finance Report FN-008-24:

Township staff submitted YTD financial reports detailing actual vs. budget to June 30, 2024. With respect to Howe Island, the report shows actual numbers in line with 2024 budget expectations.

- 47% of budgeted revenue for the year has been recognized.

- Overall, Howe Island expenditure categories have 57% of budget remaining.

- All Howe Island departments have more than 50% of budget room still available.

- The only capital cost incurred year-to-date for Howe Island is $19,591 for the purchase of two mowers for the roads department.

- Assuming Howe Island is entitled to a 30% split of the overall Township budget surplus ($157,750) Howe Island enjoys a year-to-date budget surplus of $35,979 at June 30, 2024.

Open Farm Days August 16-September 30, 2024:

The County of Frontenac has proclaimed August 16-September 30, 2024 to be Open Farm Days in Frontenac County. Township and County administrations encourage all residents to support local farmers and food businesses to recognize the contributions made by these folk to life in Frontenac County.

By-Laws proposed and/or enacted:

- By-law #027-2024 – Swimming pool by-law:

A By-law that will prescribe requirements for fences and gates around privately-owned outdoor swimming pools installed in the township received 1^st and 2^nd reading. A copy of the draft by-law can be accessed via Section 11.1 of the agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on July 8, 2024 that is posted on the Township website.

It is expected the by-law will receive third and final reading at the next regular Council meeting in September, 2024.

- By-law #032-2024 re Canada Community Building Fund:

A By-law that authorizes the Mayor and the Township Treasurer to enter into an agreement with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario which is intended to provide the Township with access to the federal Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) received third and final reading at the Council meeting.

Contents of the by-law can be accessed via Section 11.3 in the By-Law section of the agenda for the July 8, 2024 regular meeting of council that is posted on the Township website.

- By-law #33-2024 – Township Indemnifies County of Frontenac:

A By-law that authorizes the Mayor and Township Clerk to enter into an Indemnification agreement with the County of Frontenac received third and final reading. The Township intends to indemnify the County of Frontenac for any costs or damages that result from the lifting of weight restrictions on vehicles boarding the County (West) ferry.

Contents of the By-law can be accessed via Section 11.4 in the By-law section of the agenda for the July 8, 2024 regular meeting of Council that is posted on the Township website.

END of COUNCIL BUSINESS

END OF BRIEFING NOTE

HIRA BRIEFING NOTE- July 8, 2024

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 May 13, 2024. Note to report on the June 3, 2024 Council meeting will follow soon.

Only matters of particular interest to Howe Island residents are highlighted here.

Letter from MTO re Howe Islander (County) Ferry:

The township received correspondence from MTO dated May 6, 2024 whereby MTO advises Township CAO that the ministry has committed to reviewing options for the Howe Island ferry service. Per MTO, in order “….to determine a reliable long-term solution that meets the current and future Howe Island needs, the Ministry plans to review various options that include modifications to the existing ferry and procuring a new vessel”.

MTO claims to be in the process of retaining a certified naval architect to provide advice on long-term options to improve the ferry service and to restore the capacity of the existing vessel. MTO hopes to have the naval architect on board by the fall of this year.

In addition, MTO claims to be exploring “….all feasible options to ensure service reliability for residents….while a long-term solution is being developed.”

The letter was signed by Franca Sacchetti, Director, East Operations and by Colin Simons, Director, Transportation User Services.

Howe Island Projected Road Work – Public Works Report PW-005-24:

Council received for information a report submitted by Mike Quinn, Public Works Lead, that outlined proposals for road work to be performed on Howe Island roads for the balance of 2024. The Public Works department proposed the following:

- Periodic grading of Baseline Road, Spithead Road, Lighthouse Lane, Fuller Road, Driscoll Road and Lower Side Road.

- Gravel application on as needed basis only.

- Dust control measures to be assessed pending cost of liquid calcium.

- Shoulder edging and removal of sod to assist with drainage on roads that were not done in 2023.

- Shoulder / edge work on asphalt surface edges. Will include grading, application of recycled asphalt and packing.

Howe Island / Wolfe Island Future of Recycling Ontario-Public Works Report No. PW-006-24:

With recent changes to Ontario Regulation O. Reg 391/21, the province of Ontario has signalled a move is underway to change the existing Ontario Blue Box recycling program. The province is moving towards a “producer responsibility” approach to recycling where the producers of recyclable materials will be responsible for recycling costs associated with those materials.

Effective July 1, 2025 responsibility for the collection, transportation and disposal of recyclable materials will become the responsibility of a provincially appointed firm known as “Circular Materials”. The company will be collaborating with all municipalities in the province to make the transition to a new recycling program successful.

At this point, the Township has been given no clear path to transition. It is not clear, at this point, if the Township will continue to offer collection depots on both Wolfe and Howe Islands after July 1, 2025.

Transition mechanisms will be the subject of negotiations between the Township and Circular Materials that will take place over the next year. Township Council and staff will provide updates as information becomes available.

Howe Island Fire & Rescue to receive grant funds- Public Works Report

No. PW-007-24:

Howe Island Fire & Rescue was a successful applicant for grant funding from the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. The amount of the grant awarded is $2,261.07. The funds will be used to replace CPR manikins used to train first responders on correct CPR techniques and to acquire a manikin that can be used on training for airway management.

2023 Operating Expenses Report- Finance Report No. FN-004-24

Treasurer Jesse Collins submitted a report comparing 2023 budget amounts to actual 2023 expenditures by department. Although some departments did have significant variances, the Township as a whole experienced a budget variance of only 1.89%….so effective cost control overall.

New Ferry or Bridge? Formal survey requested:

Howe Island resident Alison Healy submitted a letter to Council to request the Township conduct a formal survey of Howe Island residents to obtain an accurate reading of opinion on the question:

- Do you want a new ferry?

- Do you want a fixed link to the mainland i.e. a bridge?

Council received Alison’s letter for information but declined to pursue the survey issue at this time.

Notice of Motion made by Deputy Mayor Bill Saunders re County ferry service:

A motion was made by the deputy-mayor that proposed the following:

- Township staff are directed to communicate Howe Islander’s strong desire for a new ferry directly to the Ontario Minister of Transportation and senior MTO staff.

- Request the MTO identify and implement options to improve the reliability of the Frontenac Howe Islander until such time as the new ferry is available for service.

- Request MTO to prioritize these issues and take measures to address them effectively.

Motion was carried.

Statement by Members of Council:

On behalf of the Howe Island Recreation Committee Deputy Mayor Saunders advised:

- The committee has been working diligently to arrange events for Island residents.

- Saturday morning coffee and the farmer’s market have been a big success

- The bon-fires planned have been postponed a couple of times due to inclement weather

- Monthly Euchre sessions will resume in the fall.

By-Laws passed that affect Howe Island residents:

- By-Law #019-2024 – limits access to the Township East End ferry to passenger vehicles, cyclists and pedestrian traffic. No heavy vehicles or trailers will be permitted to use the Township ferry.

- By-Law #021-2024- authorizes the Township to levy property taxes pursuant to tax rates set out in Schedule “A” to the by-law.

END of COUNCIL BUSINESS

END OF BRIEFING NOTE

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a member of HIRA, thank you for your support. If you are not a member, the annual $10 membership fee, or a lifetime membership fee of $100, can be paid via cash, cheque or etransfer to memberservices@howeisland.org.

Cheques payable to HIRA can be given to one of our Directors or placed into the HIRA mailbox at the roadside at the Township Office.