News

 

“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.

[…]

 

“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 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.

[…]

 

“A lot of people didn’t even know it had happened until it was over,” said South Dundas Councillor Evonne Delegarde, in reference to the Boil Water Advisory in August.

On December 20th, Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald put forth a final version of the new Boil Water Advisory Protocol. Discussion ensued and it was eventually decided that more work needed to be done on the protocol, leaving the motion deferred until a later date.

The report included lists of establishments to be notified, lists of places to mount warning advertisements, and lists of media to be contacted in the event of another emergency situation. 

It was also suggested that a database of resident contact information be compiled so that people might be contacted via phone, whether by township employees or by a paid outside source.

After reading the report and listening to McDonald’s recommendation, Delegarde pointed out, “a lot of elderly don’t get out” to see posted signs in the community.

She told council: “my preference would be to go door-to-door right off the start.”

Councillor Archie Mellan reminded council: “the first few hours are probably the most critical.” He maintained that “whatever (method) is the most thorough and the quickest is the best, in my mind.”

Council discussed the positives and negatives of several methods  for conveying critical news to the residents of South Dundas. 

In terms of telephone versus door-to-door, Mayor Steven Byvelds said, “most young people don’t use land lines anymore and most cell phones aren’t listed. Door-to-door is our best and most economical option.”

McDonald reminded council that “our response is contingent on how many people we have available to do it.”

Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke suggested the Lions Clubs as possible volunteers to help in such a situation.

It was agreed by everyone that a resource base of volunteers would be a very valuable tool. The  underlying idea being that the more people on hand to spread the information, the quicker people are informed. 

In the end, McDonald agreed to come back to council, in January, with revisions to the protocol.

[…]

 

It’s the topic many prefer not to discuss: death and funerals.

At the December 20th South Dundas council meeting, it was brought to council’s attention that there are many within South Dundas who are in need of financial assistance when it comes to funeral costs.

Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke, referring to local funeral homes who, at times, provide funeral services at basically no cost, said, “private businesses shouldn’t be expected to provide social assistance as the norm.”

Councillor Jim Graham agreed, saying, “I certainly think indigent funerals are our responsibility, not the responsibility of the funeral homes.”

“It’s our responsibility to look after our residents be they rich or poor,” he continued.

Mayor Steven Byvelds agreed and it was decided that the township should look into setting up a reserve fund for the purpose.

[…]

 

Although there has been some growth, the Zandbergen late 1800’s-early 1900’s village, located just east of Brinston, remains a constant source of holiday pleasure to all those who visit the home of Bill and Coby Zandbergen.

In 2006, The Leader featured the wonderful miniature village assembled by Coby, and now five years later, a return finds the village has grown by “one full sub-division”, or, in reality, a third sheet of plywood.

Coby first began to develop her village in the early 1980’s. It began with the purchase of a miniature church, and it started out on her buffet.

By 2006, it covered two full sheets of plywood or about 60 square feet. And it hasn’t stopped growing, as Coby continues the hunt for unique and unusual pieces.

“I’m missing one item and that is the old fire house with the horse drawn water wagon,” says Coby explaining that part of the pleasure she has received in developing her village has been the “thrill of the hunt.”

The hunt has had her purchasing pieces everywhere from yard sales to retail stores to large department stores. She has even managed to persuade salespeople to sell an item or two she has discovered in a display.

“I’m not a shopper, that’s the funny part. But I’m always looking. The toy shoppe, I found at a yard sale. It is so unique,” she says as she points to the couple she has smooching behind a building. “Over behind the trees there, another fellow is proposing to his lady.”

Her hobby now includes everything from the toy shoppe, to the post office, the cheese factory, bakery and of course a town hall and train station. “I have five churches now. They are all different. Some are fancy and some are plain.”

All of her buildings and lampposts light up and that is where Bill comes in.

Coby estimates that if she sticks with it, “it takes me a good week to get it all set up. Once the base is in place, the mountain to the back of the display is added. I work from the back to the front. I set the houses in place and then Bill wires it all.”

“Then I have my famous kitchen tongs. When you have to place something, while balancing on one leg, they come in handy.”

The village and surrounding countryside remains in the Zandbergen’s front porch area until March break, when it is all packed up and put away.

Coby says she has no idea the population of her village. A quick count locates 53 people just in the town square and another 23 children playing in the school yard. The whole layout easily includes several hundred people all busy with their daily lives…skiing, chopping wood, cutting ice from the pond…ice skating…cutting down trees…

For years now the display has been a delight for the Zandbergen family and visitors to their home. “We have 10 grandchildren, all of whom enjoy it. I have one granddaughter who thinks she has to re-arrange everything,” says Coby with a chuckle. “The kids love it in here.”

[…]

 

 this holiday season.

Exchange organizer, Carol Richer said the number of boxes packed by the Exchange was down from last year. However, there were more registrations for single persons, 30, who pick up their supplies at the Food Bank.

Figures this year show that almost 200 children benefitted from the Exchange dinners and the various Angels Trees that collected gifts.

“With the adults (13 years and up), the children and the 30 singles, we probably provided enough food for about 465 people,” said Richer.

While the Exchange makes use of the canned food that is donated by the community, much of the ingredients for the meal are purchased through cash donations.

“Seaway High did a great job with their food drive and Ross Video also held a food drive. That is all in addition to the food donated through area churches and by individuals,” said Richer. “Those receiving boxes have the choice of ham or turkey which we buy along, with the fresh vegetables and fruit.”

These include potatoes, carrots and oranges.

“We are very fortunate here,” said Richer. “Our donations have come in enough to cover our expenses. I have heard that other areas haven’t been as fortunate.”

In addition to the food, cash and toys/gift donations, the Exchange counts heavily on other sorts of donations.

“The Seaway Valley Pharmacy covers all of our advertising in the newspaper. We have businesses and churches all supporting us, along with private donations. Then there is Craig Packaging that supplies us with the boxes. Where would we be without the boxes. It would be impossible. And we have the use of the Legion Hall here every year.”

“We have the banks who allow us to set up the Angel Trees and the Lions Club, Sandra Johnston in Iroquois and Beavers Dental who take care of the Angel Tree program. Then there are the kids, like those from St. Mary/St. Cecilia’s who step in and put the boxes together.”

“Sometimes stuff just shows up and I have no idea where it came from.”

“I get cards in the mail with cheques. Some come from people living on pensions, who feel this is so important.”

Richer explained that the Exchange also counts on its volunteers who organize, transport and sort the food and then pack everything in the boxes.

“Some volunteers have been doing this for many, many years. This year we had a healthy group of new volunteers which is nice to see.”

“The whole process is like a well-oiled machine. Everyone knows what has to be done. They latch onto the new people and the job gets finished.”

For the last several years the Exchange has coordinated its effort with the Food Bank. All non-perishable food that does not go into a food box goes to the Food Bank.

 

[…]

 

When is a township responsible for snow removal on township roads?

This question created a heated debate at the December 20th South Dundas council meeting with Deputy-Mayor Jim Locke voicing outrage at the township’s intention to charge local developer, Swank Construction Ltd., for snow removal in the new subdivision east of Iroquois.

He pointed out that there are already two houses in the subdivision whose occupants will be paying taxes to South Dundas. He also reminded council that Swank Construction does a lot for the township in terms of supporting growth.

According to Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald, however, the agreement surrounding snow removal is in the legal contract signed between Swank Construction and South Dundas township.

He maintained, with input from the Manager of Public Works, Hugh Garlough, that the $125 fee for snow removal is within reason. He suggested that Swank hire someone else to clear the roads if he thought the cost was too high.

He further explained that “there are a whole bunch of requirements” that need to be met before the township takes over the responsibility for snow removal in the new subdivision.

Councillor Jim Graham agreed saying, “this is basically a construction site until it’s finished. It doesn’t get turned over to the township until it’s finished.”

Mayor Steven Byvelds added, “you may have a point Deputy-Mayor Locke, but it is what it is.”

Locke put forth a motion: “that we plow the road for zero dollars like we would any other road.”

No one seconded the motion.

Swank Construction will continue to be responsible for snow removal until the new subdivision meets the township’s requirements for completion.

[…]

 

A new strategic plan outlining and evaluating growth potential for South Dundas was deemed a priority for the township more than a year ago.

At the December 20th council meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald brought forward a report, which recommended council hire Dillon Consulting Limited at a cost of $24,870 plus HST. 

Dillon Consulting was one of 10 proposals received. Each proposal was then evaluated by McDonald, Mayor Steven Byvelds, and Economic Development Officer Nicole Sullivan.

Dillon Consulting, an Ottawa-based company, will be holding four Community Cafés throughout South Dundas in the new year because, as McDonald explained, “the whole intent of this was to get good feedback from the community and hear what they have to say.”

“I do hope we get as many as possible to participate,” said Byvelds. “Their proposal was strong. I’m looking forward to getting this underway and getting some good results,” he concluded.

[…]

 

The Iroquois Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade will be moving ahead now that a construction contract has been approved.

At the December 20th South Dundas council meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Stephen McDonald submitted the recommendation that J.C. Sulpher Construction Ltd. be awarded the contract with their tendered bid of $12,299,808 excluding HST.

The bid was one of seven received, coming in at $176,792 lower than the second lowest bid.  AECOM reviewed all bids and recommended J.C. Sulpher Construction Ltd. to the Ontario Clean Water Agency, who, in turn, agreed and passed on the recommendation to South Dundas council.

In addition to being the lowest bid, J.C. Sulpher Construction Ltd. also provided excellent references, which included work done on the Morrisburg Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Councillor Jim Graham added his recommendation saying, “I’m glad to see Sulpher back. They did a fantastic job.”

[…]