Region of Queens Council Notes

Mayor John Leefe said the surplus is greater than they anticipated.

The report shows about $37-million has been expended on capital projects since the regional government began 11 years ago, he explained,

The outstanding debt for these projects sits around $6.2-million.

Projects include the landfill, which accounts for $2.3-million, the call centre building accounts for $700,000, and the sewer lagoon $1.5-million.

Mayor Leefe said these project debts do not affect the tax rate because they are paid through user and lease fees.

The Region of Queens Municipality has an accumulated reserve of $6.8-million, most of which is “marked for specific purposes,” he explained.

The Region is very pleased with the audit report, said Mayor Leefe.

“It certainly reinforces that finances are being well managed.”

Vending fees questioned

Committee of the Whole members questioned the purpose of a vending bylaw during the Aug. 14 Committee of the Whole meeting.

Mayor John Leefe said the vending bylaw goes back to the previous Town of Liverpool.

The regional government is in its eleventh year.

It is fair to say that council along with many people and merchants agree vendors working at such places as the waterfront are not a threat to local businesses, stated the mayor.

Vendors in the area may also enhance local business by drawing people into the community, he added.

Committee of the Whole members discussed whether a fee of some kind should be required for vendors wanting to set up shop in the region.

They are hoping to have the issue with the bylaw cleared up in advance of the Great Canadian Lumberjack Challenge taking place Sept. 15 in Privateer Park, he added.

He explained a number of vendors would be working during the Challenge.

Possible loan write-off

The Region of Queens Municipality could write off an “outstanding” loan of $11,143.85 if the recommendation is passed during the next regular council meeting.

Mayor John Leefe said the Region of Queens, under the Municipal Government Act, is very restricted in regards to loans it can make.

The only loans municipalities offer now, he stated, is to fire departments.

The outstanding loan to the Queens County Fair Association dates back to the days of the former municipality, explained Leefe.

The association has been struggling, he added, and, therefore, during the Aug. 14 Committee of the Whole meeting, members recommended to council “that the debt be written off.”

Paying off the debt will not have any significant implications for the region, said Mayor Leefe.

Astor needs upgrades

Installing a new HVAC system in the Astor Theatre/former town hall will cost more than $300,000.

The Astor Theatre needs a number of improvements, said Mayor John Leefe, including a new heating system, washroom upgrades, and lobby, stage and lighting improvements.

The Region of Queens Municipality is working with ACOA, the Astor Theatre Society plus Heritage Canada, said Mayor Leefe.

He explained the Region of Queens Municipality could pick up either one-third or two-thirds of the cost of a new heating system, which costs over $79,000 alone.

A new heating system would use less fuel and cost less money resulting in an “environmental plus,” added the Mayor.

Mayor Leefe said the Region of Queens Committee of the Whole recommended council apply for a total project cost of about $300,000, which includes the HVAC system and the numerous other improvements.