Howe Island resident Rozanne Moizer was the recipient of the 2009 Senior of the Year award presented at the December meeting of Frontenac Islands council held on the Island. In announcing the award, Mayor Vanden Hoek commented that it was always satisfying to recognize citizens who have contributed to their community. “And you Rozanne, have always had Howe Island’s interests at heart.”
The award was presented by Deputy Mayor Mat Fiene who extended congratulations on behalf of the community. Moizer’s delight was contagious where smiling faces prevailed.”I had no idea why I was invited to come, sneaky, sneaky. Thank you, thank you,” she said. “You are wonderful guys.” (Rozanne left and came back to the meeting bearing a large plate of Christmas cake for everyone.)
The Moizers have resided on the Island since 1981 where Rozanne taught music (piano and organ) and was a real estate agent. She also attended any and all township meetings on Howe, both before and after amalgamation, where she became known as the community’s ‘watch dog.’ She was a regular contributor to “The Heritage Newspaper’ for some 10 years, presenting articles about Howe Island. Moizer had a particular way of challenging council members, frequently shaking her finger and was rarely silenced if she was not happy with “you boys.”
Frontenac Islands council passed a resolution at their December meeting supporting changes to the composition of Frontenac County council, one of which includes the appointment of a second member of council to County Council.
“I will support the changes to County Council as long as it is spelled out clearly that the second representative from Frontenac Islands is from the opposite ward than that of the mayor as described in our original amalgamation agreement,” Howe Island’s Councillor Pat Norris said.
The proposed changes to County Council include an increase in membership from 4 to 8 (4 mayors and 1 elected member from each of the 4 councils) appointed for 4 years where each member will have one vote with the exception of the Mayor of South Frontenac who will have 2 votes.
“Councillor Norris has made a valid point, here are two things that have to happen,” Mayor Vanden Hoek said. “The other representative should be from the opposing ward from where the Mayor is elected and Howe Island residents should know, before they go to the ballot box (November 2010), that the person elected (most votes ?) for 4 years becomes the Deputy Mayor of Frontenac Islands, and becomes the second representative, along with the Mayor, on Frontenac County Council for 4 years. As the only area rated service in the county this representation is a good move for Howe Island. This will clear up some of the confusion that exists now,” he said.
In response to a question from Mrs. Moizer, Mayor Vanden Hoek promised that a newsletter would go out to all residents in advance of the next election explaining the whole process and the implications. (All 4 townships have now supported the changes to the composition of Frontenac County Council. The by-law to take effect on the day the new council is organized following the 2010 regular municipal election.)
In other business:1. Council passed a resolution to close and sell a portion of a road allowance (Lot 1, South of Base Line between Concession 14 & 15) on Wolfe Island. Money from the land sale (price to be determined) will be for community projects. Island residents Norma O’Shea and Neil and Ruth Bryson were on hand to express concerns regarding the property’s closure and sale. Bryson’s concern related to the loss of access to the water while O’Shea was concerned about a new road or creating a road allowance in Lot 1. Bryson expressed irritation that the issue regarding Wolfe Island property was being heard on Howe, a situation that has occurred not for the first time. With clearer information neither resident opposed the closure.
Bryson did add that her friend, Clare Muller, (an ardent canoeist), would like a picnic table, out house etc. at end of 14th line road which, according to the mayor, would require significant work. “But if it is a landing spot Muller is looking for, a separate request could be made to the township. Every municipal road allowance is there. Just because someone puts a fence across it, it has no bearing as to the ownership. The municipality has privilege over that until it goes through this process and closes it,” the mayor said.
2. KFLA Health Unit: An issue of grave concern to the mayor and council was a letter from Scootamatta District Ratepayers Association asking what decisions Frontenac Islands had made regarding a KFLA Health Unit decision under discussion, that it (KFLA) will not perform inspections for septic approvals because they have too much to do and lack personnel. (ref.Addington Highlands Council)
“I wonder what new legislation is coming down the pipe,” Mayor Vanden Hoek said. “If you think this is a service (KFLA) should be providing, we must deal with it. The fact that some lakefront counties have taken on this responsibility is unfair and threatens to change the nature of the debate,” he said. “Surrounded by water, we are more impacted than other communities and must have the opportunity to study the KFLA decision. Council passed a resolution to ask the KFL&A Board of Health to postpone any decision on vacating the septic approvals process until Frontenac Islands can assess any implications to the municipality. The resolution will be circulated to the other municipalities in KFL&A.
3. Other decisions: 1. Council passed a by law to appoint a Closed Meeting Investigator. The contract is between Frontenac County and Fournier Consulting Services. 2. Adopted an Emergency Plan governing the provision of services during an emergency. 3. Approved the payment voucher ($ 248,379.81) and $50.00 Christmas bonuses for permanent staff, and $25.00 for part time staff. 4. Approved livestock payments for the loss of 5 calves, 9 hens, and 11 pheasants. 4. Accepted the Frank Cowan Company Comprehensive Insurance 2010 proposal.
Correspondence: a. WIRE (WI residents for the Environment) is asking for answers to a list of questions at the next WI meeting. b. A ‘heads up’ from a Wolfe Island family informing council about a suggested commercial (factory) use of rural/agricultural property and their concerns; c. Notification from Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic School Board offering Frontenac Islands a May 31st deadline to determine their interest in the old school house on Howe Island when it will then be put of for sale. A number of Howe residents have expressed interest in saving the school for heritage reasons. But more discussion is required to determine quality of the land, the building, whether to buy it or move it etc. “We must beat the bushes before we let it go,” Councillor Fiene said.
Councillor Concerns: Councillor Doyle is looking for more clarity regarding the road work to be completed on Wolfe Island, and the different ‘pots’ of money available to complete the work, the possibility of bicycle paths, and loose ends regarding the wind farm, all of which will be brought to the township’s budget meetings.
Residents pumping water onto roads in Marysville during heavy rains is a concern for Councillor Grant. “It is a danger particularly during the winter months,” he said. The cost of a drainage plan will be considered. Next meeting. Jan.11th, Wolfe Island.
Around Town: 2009 New Year’s Eve Dine & Dance, Sacred Heart School, Cash bar, Live entertainment with James Kirkham, Disc Jockey, $45.00 Advance tickets only at Megaly’s & Fargo’s. Info: 385-2278.* Euchre WI United Church Hall returns 7 pm, Thurs., Jan. 7th . * Winter Euchre, St. Margaret’s Hall begins 8 pm, Jan. 11th