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, January 9, 2023 and other items of interest. The public was provided with Zoom access to the meeting and one of our HIRA directors called into the meeting. Only matters of particular interest to Howe Island residents are highlighted here.
By-Law 2023-01: By-Law to Authorize Borrowing:
The by-law passed by council authorizes the township to borrow funds to support current year operations until taxes are collected or other revenue is received. Such borrowing is subject to the restrictions and limitations on borrowing that are contained in the Municipal Act (Ontario). It amounts to routine business.
By-Law 2023-02: By-Law to Authorize Interim Tax Levy
The by-law passed by council authorizes the township to levy 2023 interim property tax bills. Interim tax bills can be paid in two installments. The first installment will be due March 31, 2023 with the second installment due June 30, 2023.
The by-law authorizes the township to levy interest on overdue installments at the rate of 1.25% per month.
Garden Buds Funding Request
The Howe Island Garden Buds have requested funding support from the township in the amount of $1,500 in order to complete the work they have planned for the 2023 season.
Council agreed to take the request into their 2023 budget deliberations.
HIRA expects and hopes the funding will be approved. The work done each year by the Howe Island Garden Buds may be the best example of value-for-money spending we have ever witnessed.
Drydock Inspection Scheduled for Township (East) Ferry:
The township ferry is scheduled to go in for dry dock inspection on or about April 24 of this year. The inspection is a Department of Transport requirement and is performed every 5 years.
The ferry will be cleaned, scaled and paint will be touched up during the inspection. Any repairs/maintenance that are needed for the vessel to meet Transport Canada standards will be done during the inspection as well.
Norris Park Upgrades:
Construction on the washroom / storage building is now 90% complete.
The pavilion is now 95% complete.
The septic system design is now complete. Installation of the septic system is to be completed in the spring of this year.
Road Maintenance:
Hand patching of potholes is ongoing and will continue throughout the winter. Detail re road work plans for this year will emerge as township council and staff complete the 2023 budget process which is underway now.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and First Responders Committee Proposed:
Township council has endorsed a motion to establish an ad-hoc / Special Project Committee to operate as a committee of council. The proposed mandate of the committee will be to provide input to council with respect to the following:
The proposed structure calls for the committee to be comprised of:
No further detail is available at this time. HIRA will provide additional information as it becomes available.
County Ferry Service:
We understand Township Council intends to issue a formal request to County of Frontenac CAO Kelly Pender to provide a presentation at the next regular Council meeting scheduled for February 13, 2023. Mr. Pender will be asked to provide an update on the outstanding and ongoing issues plaguing the County ferry service.
HIRA will provide updates on this item as more information becomes available.
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. Yearly membership dues are due on January 1 of each year. If you have paid, thank you. If you have not paid, please send or deliver a cheque payable to HIRA to one of our Directors or place a cheque into the HIRA mailbox at the roadside at the Township Office. You can also pay by e-transfer to memberservices@howeisland.org.