Flags at the Civic Centre flew at half-mast on Tuesday in memory of Nick Kingerski, one of the town’s longest-serving employees.
During Monday night’s regular meeting, council also stood for a minute of silence in memory of Kingerski, who spent more than 40 years as an town employee from 1945-1986, including as clerk from 1963-1975 and clerk/administrator from 1975-1986.
“I had the privilege of working 14 years ago with Nick and he was a very dedicated employee to the Town of Fort Frances,” noted Mayor Glenn Witherspoon.
“There was many times when, as a councillor or mayor, you are looking for a sounding board and a little bit of advice. He certainly gave good advice,” added Coun. Deane Cunningham.
“We certainly lost a valuable person.
“He was a great family man, loved his wife and his family and his town . . . we’ll miss him,” he added.
Kingerski passed away Friday at La Verendrye General Hospital. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church.
Also during Monday night’s meeting, council approved the location at Pither’s Point for a plaque commemorating the Calders, one of the town’s founding families.
The Calder clan is planning a family gathering and will unveil the plaque this Saturday (June 30).
Meanwhile, councillors approved the timetable for the 2002 budget process during the committee of the whole meeting beforehand.
“We feel that this particular timetable is just that, a guideline, however a lot of this that has come to us, on June 19, will go to the administration so they can begin compiling,” said Coun. Sharon Tibbs.
The committee yesterday also approved two new due dates for 2001 tax bills, which will be sent out in August and due in two instalments of Aug. 31 and Sept. 28.
The original due dates of June 29 and July 31 cannot be met because of regulatory changes imposed by the province and the time needed for the town to understand and implement the changes.
One change–Bill 140–had been cause for concern across the province and, the mayor indicated, some relief may be on the way.
“With Bill 140, apparently we are going to get some indication that there will be some relief to be had,” he noted.
Council also passed two resolutions in support of pursuing plans and lobbying for a new jail here as well as a young offenders’ facility on Couchiching.
During the committee of the whole meeting, Coun. Dave Bourgeault also noted the town should look into setting up a means for residents to dispose of hazardous waste.
“I think we can be a little more pro-active in terms of our own environment. We could have a place for people to put it,” he noted.
The suggestion was referred to the Operations and Facilities committee for consideration.
Fort Frances Times
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