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 12, 2025. This note deals with Council business that is of particular interest to residents of Howe Island.
Staff Reports
Finance Report No. FN-005-25, Q1 Year-to-Date Financial Reports:
A report prepared by Township treasurer, Jesse Collins, was received by Council. The report details the results of Township operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and financial position at the end of March.
Separate reports were provided for:
- The Township as a whole
- Wolfe Island
- Howe Island
The Township as a whole:
Revenue has been realized in line with 2025 budget expectations. Expenditure control has been good and, with 80% of the expense budget still available for use, expectations are the Township will remain on budget for the balance of the year.
As of March 31, 2025 the Township has a surplus of $ 344,325.
Wolfe Island:
Wolfe Island departments are in a favourable financial position at March 31, 2025, operating with a surplus of $ 98,239.
Howe Island:
Revenue realization in 2025 has met or exceeded budget expectations and spending has been contained within 2025 budget guidelines.
Overall, Howe Island departments are in a strong financial position with a surplus of $ 142,198 after the first quarter of operation.
The full report cited above can be accessed via a link provided in Section 5.2 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on May 12, 2025,. The Agenda can found on the Township website.
Finance Report No. FI-006-25, Parish Hall Lease Agreement:
To provide Howe Island residents and community groups with a place to stage community events, the Township is investigating a proposal to lease the St. Philomena Church parish hall from the Archdiocese of Kingston.
Township treasurer, Jesse Collins, submitted a report that provided an estimate of the annual operating costs the Township would assume under the terms of the proposed lease. Net operating costs that would be assumed by the Township are estimated to be approximately $ 14,335.00 per year.
The report was received for information but Council was not prepared to enter into a lease agreement at this time. Council did direct staff to continue discussions with the Archdiocese and to report back to Council with a more comprehensive analysis of expected operating costs and terms of a proposed lease before Council can determine “next steps”.
The full report can be accessed via a link found in Section 5.3 of the Agenda for the regular meeting of Council held on Monday, May 12, 2025. The Agenda can be found on the Township website.
Action Required Items
David Chesebrough, Request for Noise By-law Exemption:
Mr. Chesebrough, organizer of the 2025 Howe Island Rockin’ the Rockmusic festival, requested an exemption from the Township’s Noise By-law for the one-day event to be held on July 19, 2025.
Council granted the exemption. The concert is scheduled to run from 3:30 p.m. to approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday July 19, 2025.
END of COUNCIL BUSINESS
END OF BRIEFING NOTE