Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Greater Napanee council kicked off a lengthy meeting July 23 on a light note, offering their congratulations to local business owners Bill and Marina Kosmopoulos.
The married couple has owned and operated La Pizzeria for 43 years and are set to retire at the end of July.
“Amazingly, 43 years ago Bill and Marina opened the small and inviting pizza shop on the north side of Dundas Street in the downtown,” said Greater Napanee mayor Terry Richardson. “Over the next four decades they were able to provide a spot which became a staple in our area. They survived the tough economic times experienced in our downtown core. They raised their three children there and they were able to provide a consistent and inviting place for residents of Napanee to feel welcome. Not only that, but you also left the store with a great tasting pizza.”
Richardson noted he was once one of the many high school students who would make the trek from NDSS to La Pizzeria on their lunch break.
“We thank all the people of Napanee because they were beside us for 43 years and I’m going to miss them, but we’re not going anywhere. We’re going to stay around here,” said Bill.
As anyone who has visited the restaurant over the years knows, the owners have always had a special connection to Avril Lavigne, who has always been a big fan of their pizza. Her signed memorabilia lines the walls of the shop.
“We want to thank Avril too, she made us famous all over the world,” added Bill.
Greater Napanee mayor Terry Richardson (centre) presents a certificate of recognition to La Pizzeria owners Marina and Bill Kosmopoulos as they get set to retire after 43 years in business. Photo by Town of Greater Napanee.
The Kosmopoulos family was presented with a certificate of recognition on behalf of the town.
-An unscheduled deputation by Robert Brown addressed a topic that has been on many people’s minds of late. Noting the number of tents that have been set up in the Springside Park, Brown asked what the town was planning to do in response. He cited concern for kids who play in the green space and the presence of used needles in the area.
“Your timing is really quite good,” said Richardson. “At our next regular session of council, which will be the end of August (Aug. 27), we’re hoping to review a by-law with respect to maybe how we can deal with some of the homeless problem. As you’re probably aware, it’s right through every municipality in this country and its multi-faceted and it’s not an easy problem to solve, its been generations ion the making.”
-Though the average temperature these days reach the high 20s, a discussion on snowplows took up a good chunk of the meeting.
Jeff Cuthill of the town’s Infrastructure Services, joined by Ellen Hamel of Financial Services, appeared before council with a staff recommendation to approve the purchase of two new plow trucks. Ordering them in the summer of 2024 would ensure they are on the road for the winter of 2025-26.
Council had previously approved the purchase of a single truck for $430,000-which inclusive of a HST rebate is quoted at $442,000, the additional $12,000 overage funded through a fleet reserve.
While they approved the plan to go ahead with that purchase, council balked at the notion of ordering a second truck this year, with the intent that it would be financed through the 2025 budget. The second truck would be equal value to the first and would need to be ordered a year and a half in advance of its intended use.
Councillor Mike Schenk was particularly hesitant to commit that much money from 2025’s budget here in July 2024, saying it would leave them in a vulnerable position should another huge cost crop up, such as the need to replace another vehicle in their fleet.
Council directed staff to put together a full report on all vehicles, which will come back to the Aug. 27 meeting before any decision is made on the second plow.
“One of the things that I have heard from council members this evening, and I agree with you, is a long term fleet maintenance and replacement policy that actually lists all vehicles,” said Greater Napanee CAO Matthew Grant. “Whether it be snow plows, whether it be fire trucks. Council’s not necessarily making a decision on one vehicle in one area of business, but can see the complete picture.”
-Council narrowly passed a motion, by a count of 4-3, to approve staff to bid up to $25,000 on a 2013 Prinoth Sw4s Sidewalk Machine. The hope is they’ll be able to secure it for less than that. If successful, council approved an additional $60,934 for the purchase of attachments for the machine, which include a boom flail mower, dual tire kit, 60” power angle sweeper and a water tank. The flail mower attachment in particular would allow the town to address the concern of wild parsnip that has been spreading on town property.
-Plans to use town hall for a handful of community events were put on ice, at least for the time being.
A report to council had proposed the idea of using the main level of town hall as a community art space to showcase the work of local artists. There are also plans to once again use the space for Culture Days events on Sept. 21 as well as the Downtown Shopping Party in December. A grand unveiling of the newly renovated town hall is also planned for Oct. 18.
Richardson said committing to those events while the town hall is still under renovations was premature.
Known as Art in the Square, the proposal would see the downstairs open to tour the art displays Thursdays and Saturdays.
“The facility or the room downstairs was an area that was designed for employees, not designed to host members of the public,” said Richardson. “It’s still only that. Until we make a decision on that and create a space that’s open for the public, I really don’t think we’re in a position to offer it up at this point. While the ideas may be very good, I’d like to see them via the proper channels, I don’t think we’re in a position to honour them.”
-Council will now enter its summer schedule and has just one meeting planned for the month of August, the aforementioned Aug. 27 date. They’ll return to two meeting month slate in September.