Review-Mirror

By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror Township of Rideau Lakes councilors decided they would not open up the 2016 budget for dis- cussion after its approval last month at a special council meeting. Rideau Lakes Mayor Ron Holman reluctantly put a motion on the table from South Elmsley Councilor Arie Hoogen- boom to send the budget back to staff to recom- mend reductions of $400,000. "I am really having a difficult time that this falls under reconsidera- tion. Nobody's happy," said Holman of the 4.9 per cent overall tax increase. The actual township increase is 16 per cent but is softened by reduc- tions in the education and county tax rate. The mayor cited the budget's two largest increases, $250,000 for capping the Delta Land- fill and more than $300,000 for an increase in the cost of OPP ser- vices as a large part of the increase. "There are two things being imposed on us," he said. "The discussion should be on first and second reading," said Holman of the opportuni- ty to delay the budget's passing at the bylaw stage. Rules in the procedur- al bylaw don't permit an issue to go back to the table unless there is new information and there is support of council to put the issue forward again. "It's a dangerous diversion to take. I can't support it. I will put it on the floor. I feel it is a vio- lation of our policy," said Holman. Hoogenboom didn't take back his request. "I would like it reviewed. Right from the start we didn't set a tar- get. I don't think there is any harm in asking staff to do this. I'd like to see what a budget at three per cent would look like," he said. Hoogenboom got the support of Councilor Bob Lavoie to second his motion and might have gotten more support in a vote if Councillors Jeff Banks and Doug Good had been at the table on Monday. Councilor Lavoie complained the removal of the last scheduled bud- get meetings had reduced discussion. The resolution was defeated in a recorded vote with Councilors Linda Carr, Claire Gun- newiek, Cathy Liv- ingston, Cathy Monck, Ron Pollard and Mayor Holman voting against the motion. Seeking competitive bids for the growing vol- ume of wastewater the Vil- lage of Westport has to haul this spring resulted in potential savings of more than $80,000. Bartel Environmental Services, the hauler who provided the same service in 2014 and earlier this winter, bid $9.94 per cubic meter, compared to the $12 charged in January. They hauled 10,000 cubic metres to Smiths Falls for treatment in Jan- uary at a cost of $120,000. Westport estimates they may have to haul up to 40,000 m3 this spring so they can make it to June when land application is permitted. The tender for the larg- er volume got responses from three firms and sub- sequently ened with bids Justin Martin President 613-530-0773 RR 2 Westport, ON K0G 1X0 jtmartin@kingston.net 4 Septic Systems 4 Excavating 4 Landscaping 4 Road Work 4 Rock Excavating 4 Trucking 4 Residential & Commercial Snow Plowing & Sanding 4 Damp Proofing LTD. Mirror The Review Thursday, March 17, 2016 Serving North Leeds and area since 1893 Vol. 125, No. 11 $1 incl. tax •Continued on page 3 Councilors vote against re-opening 2016 budget talks Tender drops potential sewage haulage bill more than $80,000 Jim Moulton, above, along with Glen Morris and Laurie Langille were some of the musicians who performed at a St. Patrick's Day event on Sunday afternoon at the Seeley's Bay Olivet United Church. Call 359-5660 53 Main St., Elgin duncan s TV & APPLIANCES 15 cu. ft. Chest Freezer •Mechanical controls •Lock and key •Power on light •1 white plastic basket Reg. $799.95 Model #FFFC16M5QW $ 699 95 13 cu. ft. Upright Freezer •Manual defrost •Textured door •3 wire shelves •5 door racks Reg. $749.95 Model #FFFUBM1QW $ 679 95 5 cu. ft. Chest Freezer •Manual defrost w/ drain •Adjustable temp. control •1 white plastic basket Reg. $349.95 Model #FFFC05M1QW $ 329 95 FREEZERS Continuing a 30 year tradition serving North Leeds - Delivery & Set Up Available PRIDE IN YOUR RIDE Opening Friday, March 18 RUB'S CORNER DETAILING Ultramar, 2765 Hwy. 15, Portland Low Introductory Prices • Wash & Wax Hand Car Wash • Complete Detailing Call Keith at 613-803-9675 for an appointment Canada Post Contract No. 40021501 Former mayor, director, Frank Kinsella passes away Former Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Frank Kinsella died Wednesday, March 2 at Kingston General Hospi- tal while recovering from surgery for a brain tumor. Kinsella served dur- ing two terms as mayor of the township begin- ning in 2006 and was appointed mayor in 2012 to finish out the term. He was widely known around the region after serving as the director of education for the Leeds Grenville School Board from 1983 until 1996 when amalgamation began. "He was a leader in the community and he will be sorely missed," said TLTI Mayor Joe A service will be held for Frank Kinsella in Gananoque Saturday. 24 Family Lane, Smiths Falls Hwy. 15 S. & Bay Rd. 613-205-1212 streetmotorsales@cogeco.net streetmotorsales.com Charlie Franklin Sales Representative 2010 Ford Escape XLT, V6, AWD, blue, 108,705km $14,995 2009 Chrysler Sebring Touring V6, red, 124,603km $6,884 •Continued on page 3

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