Kincardine council

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While last year was dominated by large infrastructure projects, this year it's all about sticking to the basics.

That's the word from Kincardine mayor Larry Kraemer who outlined the highlights of 2010 and predicted what's in store for 2011.

Thanks to the infrastructure stimulus funding from the federal and provincial governments, Kincardine has a number of projects on the go, including the new gymnasium at the Davidson Centre, and the restoration of the Kincardine Arts Centre, he said.

Also under way is a study on bringing water and sewer services to Inverhuron.

"That would fix a lot of problems there," said Kraemer. "I believe with storm sewers on those roads, it would bring some relief to that area."

In addition, the water quality along the beaches in Inverhuron is suspect because of all the septic systems nearby, he said. 

Another major project the municipality embarked on last year was taking over the water and sewer utilities at the Bruce Energy Centre, said Kraemer. "Council has approved the transfer of those utilities to the municipality."

Personally, Kraemer is pleased to see work moving ahead to turn the old Westario Power building into a learning centre, operated by the Lake Huron Learning Collaborative.

"With the former council, everything was stalled," he said, "but now, the new council has approved the lease and the project is moving forward."

Last year saw many community events, including the Kincardine Scottish Festival and Canada Day. "Kincardine is always a busy place," said Kraemer.

It was also an election year in which Kraemer faced off against former deputy mayor Laura Haight for the top job on council. He won by 38 votes.

"It was a big deal for all of us," said Kraemer, "and it dominated the second half of the year. It affected the lives of those running for election and the constituents who turned out to vote. 

"An election takes over everything. I'm glad it's over, I'm honoured to be re-elected mayor and I'm pleased with the new council. I believe we will serve the municipality well together."

Kraemer was hoping that the new council would select a more efficient governance system, such as the proposed committee-of-the-whole. And in fact, council has now approved that system.

Bruce Telecom, the municipal telephone company, had a couple of difficult years, but has started to turn around, said Kraemer. "We hope over the next year, things will improve and that will provide the municipality with some budget relief."

He noted that council will soon be embarking on budget talks which will be a real struggle with the loss of provincial funding, education tax money through the nuclear site (payment in lieu of taxes), and the reduced Bruce Telecom dividend.

"Every $55,000 we have to raise on the tax rate, means an increase of one percentage point on the taxes," said Kraemer. "So, if we're looking at a loss of $400,000 to $600,000, that's a lot of percentage points."

There is good news, however, he said. The $1-million debenture, which paid for the municipal administration centre, ends this year so that will provide some relief on the capital expenditure side of the budget.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011