HIRA BRIEFING NOTE- March 16, 2025
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 February 10, 2025. This note deals with Council business that is of particular interest to residents of Howe Island.
Staff Reports
Public Works Report No. PW-0001-25 – Additional Maintenance Times Township operated 3-car (East) ferry:
Howe Island Public Works lead hand, Mike Quinn, reported that Transport Canada will be conducting an “in-water” safety inspection of the Township’s 3-car ferry later this spring. To prepare for the inspection, the Township will:
- Replace navigational lights on the vessel.
- Complete needed repairs to the bilge pump.
The anticipated cost of this maintenance has already been provided for in the 2025 Township budget. However, the vessel will have to be taken out of service temporarily to complete the maintenance (a matter of a few hours). This work cannot be completed in conjunction with the normal bi-weekly maintenance schedule.
The date and time for the required repairs/upgrades has yet to be set.
Mike Quinn advised that residents will be given ample advance notice of the service interruption to allow residents to make alternate travel arrangements.
Administration Report No. AD-002-25 – Draft Personnel Policy:
A draft personnel policy prepared by Township staff and approved by the
Township’s legal counsel was received by Council. The policy is intended to govern the relationship between the Township and its employees. The policy deals with a wide range of topics (e.g. wage administration, vacation and leave policies, performance appraisal processes, disciplinary policies etc.)
Council is expected to adopt an amended version of the policy, in by-law form, at the March 10, 2025 Council meeting.
For residents who are interested in reviewing a copy of the draft policy, it can be accessed via a link contained in Section 5.3 of the agenda for the February 10, 2025 regular Council meeting. The agenda can be located on the Township web site.
Action Required Items
Council Supports Construction of a Cenotaph on Howe Island:
The Howe Island Cenotaph Committee, chaired by Island resident Joe Forsythe, requested support from Council for the construction of a permanent Cenotaph to be erected on Howe Island to honour Island residents who served Canada in the two World Wars and all other past, present and future military veterans.
The Township provided the support requested and agreed to contribute a 12 ft. x 12 ft. plot of land to house the cenotaph at the municipal offices located At 50 Baseline Road. The cenotaph is to be located between the municipal office building and the Howe Island firehall.
The project will be financed entirely from private sources.
Anonymous Howe Island residents will contribute the Armour Stone required for the base of the cenotaph The same property owners have offered to donate poppy seeds from Flanders Fields to create a flower bed.
A local artist and welder has volunteered to construct a steel topper for the Cenotaph at no cost.
A stonemason, who specializes in limestone work, has been secured to build the base of the cenotaph. Cost is yet to be determined.
The Township will provide staff and equipment needed to deliver the Armour Stone to the site and to excavate the foundation for the cenotaph.
The Howe Island Ratepayers Association (HIRA) has donated $1,500 towards the cost of the project (proceeds from a Pancake Breakfast hosted by HIRA in 2019).
A five-person committee of Howe Island residents is in place to manage design, logistics and any fundraising that may be needed.
HIRA extends appreciation and thanks to all who are contributing to this very worthwhile project.
Council Recognizes Howe Island Resident Stephen Sorensen:
Howe Island resident Stephen Sorensen recently made a monumentally generous donation of $500,000 to Kingston Health Sciences Centre. The funds are to be used to purchase a new MRI machine for the centre’s diagnostic unit.
By-Laws Enacted
By-law #039-2025 – General Fees & Rates:
The by-law, intended to establish general fees and charges for a range of various services provided by the municipality (e.g. animal control, waste disposal, burn permits etc.) received first and second reading at the February 10, 2025 regular meeting of Council. It is expected the by-law will receive third and final reading at the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for March 10, 2025.
For those who wish to review a copy of the proposed by-law, it can be accessed via Section 11 of the agenda for the regular meeting of Council February 10, 2025. The agenda can be found on the Township web site.
END of COUNCIL BUSINESS
END OF BRIEFING NOTE