Kingston keeping closer eye on money

BY NANCY KELLY

Kings County Register



Members of the Kingston village commission were not receptive to the high costs associated with installing recycling receptacles in the village when the issue was raised at the commission’s monthly meeting May 8.

Tourism commissioner Muriel Craig made two motions, both of which were defeated; to purchase and install recycling containers at both the visitor information centre and Stronach Park. Estimates on the units were close to $2,000. Public works commissioner Scott Peckford said people need to be encouraged to sort their garbage, but “$1,000 is a lot to spend on a garbage can.”

Steve Nickerson, new to the commission, agreed with the principle but said he couldn’t support the motions because of the costs.



Spending concerns

Commissioners also shared their concern over accountability for recreation spending.

Pointing to a lack of information on how money is dispersed for recreation expenses, commission chairman Murray Kinsman said the village will now review recreation-related finances on a regular basis. Before the issue received further attention at an in-camera session, Craig indicated “obviously, we haven’t known everything and we need to know how this committee is set up.”

The committee charged with overseeing recreation spending in the village has not been amended, in spite of the fact four of five original members are no longer involved.



Water study complete

Phase one of the Kingston water study has been closed, and committee members have made their recommendations.

Based on the fact the water supply and quality could face future challenges from environmental pressures and accidental contamination, the committee has recommended the village “press ahead and establish a partnership with Kings County to extend the Greenwood water system to Kingston.”

The plan calls for the development of a village-wide water system over the next 12 to 15 years. A public meeting to review the work and recommendations of the water committee will be held June 13 at 7 p.m. at the Kingston fire hall.



DOT request

Calling the condition of the Highway 1 “terrible,” and following a request received at the village’s recent annual meeting, commissioners agreed to press the Department of Transportation to repave Highway 1 from the Kings/ Annpolis county line east to Greenwood Road.