Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Frozen treats could be soon available at Napanee’s Conservation Park.
The possibility was discussed during Greater Napanee council’s regular meeting, held virtually on Aug. 17.
Local businessman Kevin Cropper appeared before council to request permission to set up a mobile ice cream truck at Conservation Park. Council was supportive of the idea but moved that Cropper speak with the town’s facilities department to work out details such as storage, location and health and safety measures. Cropper is aiming to have a soft opening to close out this summer and then be ready for a full season starting in May 2022.
-Council voted to declare Oct. 21 as Child Care Worker and Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day.
The motion was made in response to a correspondence sent to council in early July on behalf of the Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, which was sent to municipalities across the province. Though this will mark the 21st annual appreciation day for the profession, the OCBCC says this year is particularly important as they push for not-for-profit, accessible, affordable, high-quality care in Canada. The issue is expected to be debated frequently throughout the ongoing federal election cycle.
“We really do have to get into some sort of shape that we can make sure that we can get our people to have good daycare, especially the early childhood educators and the childcare staff to be well paid,” said Mayor Marg Isbester.
Councillor Terry Richardson agreed.
“This is very important,” said Richardson. “This is the future with our children, they’ve gone through a very tough time not being in school and the early childhood educators and child care workers have filled that void that we’ve had so I’m supportive of this venture and appreciation day.”
-The town’s Infrastructure Services’ staff report provided a brief update on the Tomlinson permanent asphalt plant. The air quality assessment, dust management plan and odour management plan is still yet to be submitted to the town and provided to KFLA Public Health. Once submitted it’s expected KFLA Public Health’s evidence brief will be completed within a ‘handful of weeks’.
The report also mentioned an application for a site plan approval and zoning amendment has been received for approval for the construction of a 76 unit, five storey hotel directly south of Shoeless Joe’s restaurant on the east side of McPherson Drive.
-A request for proposal process for a drinking fountain at Rotary Park and Splash Pad have been completed with only one submission which was over budget. The town opted not to award the contract.
-Council approved a tender to replace a pumper tanker for Greater Napanee Emergency Services for a cost of $417,487, taxes included.