Year: 2012

 

On January 10th, 2011, Chris McDonough became the first full-time fire chief for South Dundas.

Almost a year later, on January 4th, 2012, he talked with The Leader about the many changes that have taken place, including the amalgamation of three fire departments into one.

The Morrisburg, Iroquois, and Williamsburg stations came together to form what is now known as the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services (SDFES), a name chosen by McDonough to reflect the variety of services provided.

Such services include, but are not limited to: public education, inspections, suppression capabilities, water rescue, and auto extrications. As McDonough, attested, “it’s been a busy, but very positive year. I’ve really enjoyed the challenge.”

He went on to explain that, in addition to regular fire suppression services, “as the community grows, more services are required.” He pointed out, for example, that SDFES is also responsible for the area’s auto extrication calls as well as calls associated with incidents on the St. Lawrence River. 

McDonough attributes many of the changes to population growth. In the summer, with tourism and the addition of “more people coming to visit the community,” the SDFES is much busier. In fact, “call volume was up last year.”

According to McDonough, Christmas time and the winter months “people tend to get complacent in regards to fire and life safety.” Here he referred to the predominance of accidental fires due to improper use of candles, heating, decorations, and, in addition, to the lack of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in homes.

McDonough reminded that South Dundas council recently passed a by-law making carbon monoxide detectors in homes mandatory that have fuel fired appliances or attached garages. He believes that South Dundas  is the “first in the county to get that by-law in place.”

He would point out to residents that the by-law “is for their own safety.” In fact, McDonough reported that last week Ottawa Fire responded to an incident where a family was transported to hospital with severe CO symptoms due to a defective furnace.

The South Dundas firefighters have been promoting the carbon monoxide alarm program along with the smoke alarm program to great effect. So far, as promised earlier in the fall, they have been able to visit 50 homes in the township to check and install smoke alarms. The program, McDonough says, “has been well received in the community and has been very successful.”

As for the firefighters themselves, according to McDonough, the deputy-chiefs and firefighters from all the stations “really work well together. There’s no longer three separate fire stations.”

“We’re working together and moving forward in a really positive way.”

Representatives from each of the three stations have formed a training committee and a fire prevention committee, which meet monthly. Everyone is dedicated to ensuring that all members are “in line” with the section 21 training guidelines.

In fact, McDonough revealed that, going forward, the firefighters will be using the new training facility in Lyndhurst, Ontario.

In addition to the aforementioned monthly meeting, Chief McDonough also meets monthly with the three deputy and assistant deputy-chiefs from each station. As he explained, the stations are now working as one, which means assessing needs and helping each other out when necessary. 

“We rely on each other,” he said. “We’re all coordinating together now. The officers and firefighters are working really well together. It’s been quite a transition.”

Another positive change for the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services can be found in its administration. Reports, training records, and inventory from all three stations have been brought together to form one main archive. In addition to providing easier access to information, the new system also allows the chief to ensure that the SDFES records are complete and properly filed. 

“This has also been a cost savings to the residents; having everything centralized we can evaluate our resources and avoid duplication,” said McDonough.

As for fire team members, McDonough was quick to commend and applaud the generosity and professionalism of everyone. In terms of the number of volunteer hours many of the firefighters put in, he said, “it’s just been amazing… incredible. I’ve been very pleased with that.”

Firefighters meet three to four times a month for continual training, keeping everyone ready and prepared for whatever might arise. The chief tries to attend some of these meetings as well.

In addition to the volunteer hours they put in for training and for actual emergency response, the firefighters also make time for fun events with the public.

“We’re trying to get involved in community events and public functions,” because, as McDonough pointed out, “it’s all community services.”  

The three stations have also come together to work on renovations and to ensure that each station has what they need. The Morrisburg station is expecting the delivery of a new heavy rescue truck by the end of this month. And, in 2012, the Iroquois station may just find itself with a new pumper rescue truck.

“I’ve had a lot of positive feedback from the guys. They are happy with the changes,” McDonough confirmed.

With that said, due to some retirements, the South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services is looking for some new recruits for the Williamsburg and the Morrisburg stations. Those interested can go to www.southdundas.com for more information. Without a computer? Call the township office for additional information at 613-535-2673.

[…]

 

“We do appreciate staff’s due diligence in working with numbers,” said Mayor Steven Byvelds at the December 20th South Dundas council meeting.

He was referring to the three end-of-year reports from the township’s Treasurer, Shannon Geraghty: Year End Surplus/Deficits; Tax Write Offs for 2011 Taxation Year; and, Budget Amendments for 2011.

The second report requested the write-off of $88,446.89 for the 2011 taxation year. According to Geraghty, the number breaks down into $624.55 in residential write-offs and $87,822.34 in commercial write-offs.

He also reported that: “an amount of $75,000 was set by council in the approval of the final 2011 budget and therefore we are over budget by an amount of $13,447, which will be financed through the operations budget.”

The third report asked for council’s approval on $26,950.55 worth of amendments made to the 2011 budget during the year. 

The amendments consisted of the following previously approved expenditures: $2,000 to the Morrisburg Lions Club; $1,000 to the Iroquois Plaza Celebration; $6,086.70 to fix the Roof Top of the Iroquois Civic Centre; and, $17,863.85 to fix the Roof Top/Heat Exchanger for the Justice Building in Morrisburg.

[…]

 

“The services of the militia of Dundas County and sister counties deserve an honoured place in history, and in no better way can we cherish the memory of  those fellows than by paying tribute to the spot on which they fought and bled for their country,” wrote J. Smyth Carter in 1905.

Bill Shearing referenced this quote during his proposal to South Dundas council on December 20th where he recommended that council erect four signs along County Road 2 recognizing specific historical events connected to the War of 1812. 

“Our township has much forgotten history,” he said, “especially with the War of 1812.”

While council agreed with Shearing’s reasoning and historical documentation, they decided that Shearing needed to do more research into possible funding for the  signs as well as options for sign construction and design.

Councillor Evonne Delegarde was very supportive. “I think that would be nice to have,” she said, reminding council that “it’s going to be a great year for tourism.”

[…]

 

“We won’t change South Dundas overnight, but we do need to grow. How we grow is something that we will all have to work on,” said Steven Byvelds during his first year end review as Mayor of South Dundas, just 12 months ago. 

On December 16th, Byvelds had the opportunity to discuss and report on just how much South Dundas has changed in the past year, good or bad, and what council’s plans include for 2012.

Old High School

The refurbishment of the old high school, according to Byvelds, was and continues to be the big news item for this particular South Dundas council. He reported that, for the most part, he is hearing good comments from the public. 

Byvelds revealed that council is looking forward to the completion of the project, saying, “it holds great promise and hopefully we don’t hit too many roadblocks.”

He reiterated council’s stance on the reasoning behind the project, saying, “this building (in Williamsburg) was in theory a temporary building.” In any case, he also pointed out that council’s needs have “outgrown” the present building.

In terms of how this move will affect Williamsburg, Byvelds admitted that “from a municipal point of view, it will be good. From a Williamsburg point of view, it’s another thing leaving.”

He suggested that council will “work with them (residents) to see what we can bring here” to Williamsburg.

Byvelds admitted that, most often, South Dundas residents remark on the seeming favoritism toward Morrisburg and Iroquois. 

He reminded reporters that “council is always concerned that we have to think of all of South Dundas.” However, “we aren’t really growing as a community. Morrisburg and Iroquois are growing.”

Budget Talk

In terms of tightening the belts in 2012, Byvelds said, “it will be a little tighter of a year. Economically when things change in the world, we have to recognize that as a council, and work within those parameters.”

“Going forward, we’re certainly going to have to look at our budget. We don’t have the growth or the high income jobs.”

“I don’t see us overspending, but we have to do what we have to do to not get behind.”

For example, “we want to do something in Industrial Park (in Morrisburg). We think that is a good investment. We need to invest to get that going.”

He finished the discussion on budget concerns, reminding reporters of two things: “we’re in a very healthy fiscal position,” and, “growth has to pay for itself.”

Iroquois Golf Course

“It’s one less thing that we as council have to worry about,” said Byvelds, referring to the Iroquois Golf Course and the lengthy controversy that surrounded it.

“I think we were as open as we could be concerning that.” Referencing public meetings devoted to the issue, he continued, “we gave people an opportunity to voice their concerns.”

“They have a two-year lease there. They have the possibility of looking at development. It’s their business. They’ve paid their bills.”

“From a municipal point of view, we were looking at another 50 grand easy and we weren’t prepared to do that.”

Improvements

In discussing some of the improvements made during 2011, Byvelds talked about the boil water advisory protocol that was initiated. He referred to the drinking water and wastewater systems being upgraded and he talked of the study being done on the storm drain systems.

“Hopefully it will not only be better for the community, but it will hopefully drive more people into the community.”

Jim McDonell

Byvelds was asked to comment on how he thought the election of PC Jim McDonell would affect South Dundas considering that the province is run by a Liberal Premier.

Byvelds responded, saying, McDonell “will have his work cut out for him. It was easier for Jim Brownell. 99 per cent of rural MPs are progressive conservative. It will have its challenges. The money is not going to flow as easily. He has a tougher row to hoe.”

Byvelds reminded reporters that he would be attending the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference in February and, he noted, “the Premier will be there that day.”

Working as Warden

Byvelds assured reporters that he did not let his decisions as Warden for the United Counties interfere with his responsibilities as Mayor for South Dundas and, vice versa.

“When I’m for South Dundas, I’m thinking about what is best for South Dundas,” he said.

Byvelds pointed out that “lots of systems within our society are trust. You’ve got to have some trust in society.”

New Fire Chief

In January 2011, a new fire chief was hired, uniting the three South Dundas fire stations of Morrisburg, Iroquois, and Williamsburg. Byvelds stated: “Fire Chief McDonough has really done a good job. He’s getting our three stations working on the same page. Chris has brought a lot of expertise in fire prevention and how things should be done on scenes.”

“It’s been fully demonstrated that when we have to work with other municipalities that we have one point person. As council, we needed that,” he explained.

In assessing the new South Dundas Fire and Emergency Services, Byvelds said, “I think we’re starting to sinc up. It was an investment we had to do. It was just the right move to do. We did our research.”

He maintained that the decision was based on safety, not politics.

Byvelds pointed out that “after a year, we haven’t heard any significant negatives.”

Council’s Objectives

Byvelds maintained that council’s objectives have been and continue to be “reinvestment, to not raise taxes, and to keep community involved.”

He advised patience, saying, “You can’t expect those 10 issues to be dealt with in one day.” He wasn’t referring to any issues in particular, just the speed at which issues get resolved.

Byvelds believes that “overall, council has worked well together.”

He admitted, “we don’t always agree,” but, he continued, he would be concerned if they did always agree.

Attendance at Meetings

When asked how he felt about the low turnout of residents at the regular council meetings, Byvelds pointed out, “they’re always concerned for the most part, but if they feel things are going well” then they don’t feel the need to show up.

Strategic Plan

Byvelds told reporters that “the strategic plan will be rolled out in the new year. Council is hoping that the community does get involved.”

He hopes the plan is “steered more by the community rather than by the council.”

“Give us an idea of where you want to go with South Dundas,” he invited.

He pointed out that this plan is meant to cover all of South Dundas, including the smaller rural communities. He also said that council wants to hear from “everybody, not just the special interest groups.”

According to Byvelds, council is interested in learning about the attitudes of South Dundas residents and what it is “they want to grow in South Dundas.”

He would remind everyone: “It’s not council’s plan; it’s your plan.”

In Summation

There were “a lot of good things” in 2011. As Byvelds pointed out, the Iroquois Golf Course situation was resolved, council successfully completed their first budget, and council reinvested in the community.

Looking ahead to 2012, Byvelds admits that the “budget is going to be a challenge.” He and council want to “reinvest in the community without bankrupting the community.”

He maintains that it is important to “always have a vision.” And, in addition, he wants council to continue being open  to new ideas from staff, as well as from the community.

[…]