TOWNSHIP OF MACHAR
MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2011
Call
to Order, Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest; nil.
Council present; Mayor Doug Maeck, Councillors Ron McLaren, Ron Bennison and Bill Russell. Staff present; Clerk-Administrator Brenda Paul.
Roundtable: EMS (Emergency Medical Services) budget to be
added to agenda.
1. Adoption of Jan 24 minutes, motion
45-11 McLaren, Russell
THAT we adopt Regular meeting minutes of Jan 24, 2011 as printed,
FURTHER THAT they now be released for distribution. CARRIED
a. Draft ad for Councillor vacancy and criteria,
motion
46-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we approve draft ad for Councillor vacancy to be published Feb 17 & 24 and on the website to close on Mar 4, 2011. CARRIED
b. Official Plan Update and request for proposal
Letter from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing dated Oct 28, 2008 was provided referencing that changes to the Planning Act via Bill 51 require Councils to update their Official Plans every 5 years to ensure consistency/conformity with the Provincial framework of planning policy.
Administration has surveyed area municipalities; one sent out a letter inviting quotations with Terms of Reference, one provided a sample RFP from another municipality and one has not replied. RFP for the Airport, RFP for Municipality of Callander and Generic Terms of Reference prepared by the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing were reviewed.
We currently have several initiatives ongoing including the Official Plan Amendment 2 , Audit for 2 days, Interim tax bills to get out, Union negotiations for another 2 days in Mar, Budget, etc. that Administration cannot immediately allocate time to get an RFP drafted. Mayor Maeck is familiar with a consultant who may be able to draft an RFP for us and requested permission to get a price from him. Permission was given and price to be considered by Council at next meeting.
c. Official Plan Amendment No. 2 and Notice of a
Public Meeting, motion
47-11 Russell, McLaren
THAT we circulate the Notice of Public Meeting for Official Plan Amendment 2 in accordance with the Planning Act requirements and that our planner be directed to finalize a draft Official Plan Amendment for public review. CARRIED
d. Feasibility Report Provision of Barrier Free
Access to the Municipal Office, motion
48-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we accept Feasibility Report; Provision of Barrier Free Access to the Municipal Office date: Feb 2011. CARRIED
We continue to work towards accessibility and this will allow us to pursue funding opportunities when they arise for entry accessibility as the costs are substantial. Addressing accessibility will be ongoing, ie. bathrooms, etc.
2. Request for exception to Noise By-Law at
MTO’s ASL quarry, motion
Project Superintendent had visited our office on Jan 27 to request an exception to the Noise By-Law starting on Jan 31, 2011. Administration requested details in writing on the proposed work, specific location and time frames. A letter was received including permission/approvals from residents on Mill Rd. The permission is requested to allow the contractor 24 hour crushing operations to continue until Jul 31, 2011. They will take all necessary steps to insure that any issues raised by the local residents during such operations are addressed appropriately and in a speedy fashion. They also understand we have the right to revoke this permission at any time if necessary. We expressed our displeasure at the short notice provided and requested permission/approvals from residents in the local vicinity on Highway 11. The contractor apologized for the short notice and provided the additional 3 permission/approvals that we requested.
49-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we grant an exception to the Noise By-Law to Aecon Construction and Materials Ltd to crush asphalt aggregate 24 hours at the ASL quarry located 1.1 km north of Ottawa Av for the MTO four laning of Highway 11 project as they have obtained permission/approvals from local residents. CARRIED
3. Report on Taxes Receivable, motion
Administration estimates the net taxes receivable as a percentage of total taxes will be 9.0% for 2010 subject to Auditor year end adjustments. These percentages are very good, among the best of the area municipalities. It is something we have focused on and we exhaust all avenues possible before proceeding to Tax Sale procedures.
50-11 McLaren, Bennison
THAT we accept report dated Feb 3, 2011 on Taxes Receivable. CARRIED
4. 2011 Interim Newsletter from Council, motion
Various suggestions were put forward including names for the newsletter, the 1st page should be customer related and the 2nd page business related, a message from the Mayor and or Councillors. Mayor Maeck will compose his message and submit changes for Administration to revise and forward for Council review.
a. Access to AboutMyProperty (Municipal Property
Assessment Corporation) now available
at South River Machar Library at no charge to property taxpayers www.mpac.ca
Clerk Paul inquired about including this info in the Newsletter and Council confirmed.
5. Pay List as of 10 Feb 2011, motion
51-11 Russell, Bennison
THAT we approve Pay List as of 10 Feb 2011; $149,026.13. CARRIED
**Payment on page 4 to Minister of Finance Policing Contract 2011 is for CERB 911 invoicing (Central Emergency Response Bureau) Jan 1-Dec 31, 2011.
a. Request to sponsor annual South River Spring
Skating Carnival, motion
52-11 Russell, McLaren
THAT we send a donation of $150.00 to the South River Figure Skating Club for the annual Spring Skating Carnival; Wild and Crazy on Skates to be held on Sun, Mar 27, 2011 at 2:00 pm. CARRIED
Emergency
Medical Service Budget
Further to a meeting hosted by our EMS representative for Mayors on Feb 9 and Five Year EMS budget forecast for Land Ambulance Services from the Director of Emergency Services, Council considered 4 different options provided. Council selected the Break Even 5 Year Forecast, No Change in Service Levels where our levy is $50,827.75 for 2010 through 2015. It was noted that we pay a large contribution in comparison to some neighbouring municipalities and Council feel the weighted assessment method is not an equitable way to apportion the levy. Also, Council have several costs to manage and a number of priorities for our municipality, noting that even a 5.5% increase (the lowest proposed) is not acceptable to impose on our taxpayers.
53-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we acknowledge Budget scenarios for EMS and select Option B. CARRIED
BOARDS & COMMITTEES
6. Machar By-Law Enforcement Report for Jan,
motion
54-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we accept By-Law Enforcement Report for Jan 2011. CARRIED
a. Dangerous Dogs Legislation refresher training
By-Law Enforcement Officer registered for 3 sessions.
7. Machar Personnel; Vacation Schedule PAUB,
motion
55-11 McLaren, Russell
THAT we acknowledge Vacation Scheduled PAUB for Mar 2011. CARRIED
8. South River Machar Arena minutes of Feb 2,
motion
56-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we support motions 7-10 as contained in Arena minutes of Feb 2, 2011; Bill Russell as Vice Chair, adopt the minutes, Account Payable Ledger/Income Statement, meet again… CARRIED
a. Elevator Entrance Renovation change for 6”
feed to sprinkler system cost
$5,600. Is just sub trade cost, price is going to be a little higher, approx. $6,250. Sketch requested that shows us what we are getting for this extra, perhaps we may be able to shave off some of the runs and heads, which might get us back to the $5,600.
b. RinC/Ontario Infrastructure Project
additional project cost $29,462 each
Informational to new Council, authorized by previous Council on Nov 8, 2010.
c. Scope Change No. 1
Forwarded from South River for consideration. Clerk Paul has discussed the increased project costs with Clerk Arnold and the financing will need to be done for a longer term.
57-11 Russell, Bennison
THAT we acknowledge Arena Elevator Entrance Renovation Scope Change No. 1 for an increase in consultant fee of $8,500.00 due to changes requested after the preliminary layout. CARRIED
9. South River Machar Medical minutes of Jan 18,
motion
58-11 Bennison, McLaren
THAT we support motions 1-4 as contained in Medical minutes of Jan 18, 2011; Bill Russell as Chair, adopt the minutes, Pay Lists/Budgetary Control, adjourned until… CARRIED
The caretaker will be attending the next meeting. Mayor Maeck advised funding may be available for a generator if the Lower Level was deemed a Command Centre in Emergency Plans.
a. Elevator inspection Report Feb 7, 2011
Clerk Paul received a telephone call from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority on Feb 7, 2011 advising the elevating device was not operational. Inquiries are being made with the company responsible for the maintenance per contract.
10. South River Sundridge District Airport
minutes of Feb 1, motion
59-11 Russell, McLaren
THAT we acknowledge Airport minutes of Feb 1, 2011. CARRIED
a. South River letter to municipalities that it
intends to withdraw from airport ownership and participation
by Jan 1, 2012 unless a viable approved business/operational plan is developed
Costs have escalated over the past few years, our 20% share has went from $2,600 in 2006 to almost $20,000 in 2010. This service may not be a priority to our taxpayers.
11. Central Almaguin Planning minutes of Jan 19,
motion
60-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we acknowledge Planning minutes of Jan 19, 2011. CARRIED
Upcoming severance application for 2 new lots on Bray Lake Rd was referred as decided by previous Council. An e-mail will be going out from Planning Board to the lake/cottage associations regarding a presentation on lake water testing.
12. South East Parry Sound Steering minutes of
Jan 27; rep from Ministry of Municipal Affairs, motion
61-11 Russell, Bennison
THAT we acknowledge Steering minutes of Jan 27, 2011. CARRIED
The Ministry recommends that Committees should be at least 50% Council/elected officials.
13. Parry Sound Provincial Offences Act Partners
minutes of Jan 20, motion
62-11 McLaren, Russell
THAT we acknowledge POA minutes of Jan 20, 2011. CARRIED
**POA revenue to our municipality for 2010 = $17,852.64.
14. Parry Sound Emergency Medical Services; Round
4 to apply for automatic external defibrillator
Council directed Administration to submit for the Landfill (Waste Recycling Centre).
15. Appointment to the Board of Management of
Eastholme; Jim Coleman, motion
63-11 Russell, Bennison
THAT we appoint Jim Coleman as our representative on Eastholme Board of Management. CARRIED
16. Appointment to North Bay Parry Sound Health
Unit; Bill Russell & Hec Lavigne tie
No resolution in sight. Councillor Russell has contacted Norm Miller’s office to inquire on the Provincial appointment and may contact Chief Medical Officer Chirico to suggest a draw.
17. Almaguin Highlands Health Centre agenda for
Feb 26, Magnetawan & Ryerson resolutions to support in the operation of the
newly incorporated Almaguin Highlands Health Centre
Resolution considered and to be drafted for next meeting.
18. Joint Building Committee permit summaries for
Jan, motion
64-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we accept JBC permit summaries for Jan 2011. CARRIED
Discussions ensued on Building staff wage increase and Permit fee proposed increase. Council felt 2.5% wage increase was acceptable, however were not in favour of Permit fee increase indicating acceptance of the Base Fee from $50 to $100 but not the $9.00 per $1,000 of value to $10.50. As proposed, this would raise the fee for a 1,500 sq ft home from $1,598 to $1,942.
Building minutes of Jan 20 were not provided in Council packages as they were just received.
INFORMATION AVAILABLE
19. Resolution from FONOM that the Province of
Ontario increase the Northern Communities Grant on the OMPF (Ontario Municipal
Partnership Fund) by $75.00 per household, motion
20. Ontario Tourism compiling an inventory of
attractions and partners in the new RTO12 tourism designation, activities
within RTO, RTO 12 covers Algonquin Park, Almaguin Highlands, Georgian Bay
Country, Muskoka and the Township of South Algonquin www.rto12.ca e-mail info@santasvillage.ca
21. Your New Hospital is open Jan 30, 2011
22. Go Snowmobiling; Ontario Federation of
Snowmobile Clubs celebrates National Snowmobiling Environment Month with
Reduced Sled Emissions www.ofsc.on.ca or Leta Elsner 705-739-7669
23. OPP Machar 2010 Total Stats and 4th
Quarter Total Calls for Service and PCC CERB Queue Call Volume and Service
Level Jan 2011 North Bay as a whole, not for individual contract location
24. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Parry Sound is
holding the 2nd Annual Bowl for Kids Sake event in Parry Sound and
would like the Mayors from surrounding townships to enter in a team with
friends/family
25. N Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority Drinking
Water Source Protection stakeholder roundtable discussion (Feb 15 Agriculture
stakeholders & Feb 16 Community stakeholders), municipal roundtable
discussion (Feb 24 Part 1 Threats & May 11 Part 2 Threats), be a part of
the policy making process
26. Proposed Integrated Accessibility Regulation
under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, draft
regulation released, comments due Mar 18, Ministry website accessed: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/accessibility/OntarioAccessibilityLaws/DevelopingStandards/IAR/introduction.aspx many requirements will need to be met by
larger municipalities
27. N Bay Parry Sound Health Unit 6th
annual Driven to Quit Challenge www.driventoquit.ca
encourages Ontario adults who smoke or who use tobacco products to quit
for the month of Mar
28. N Bay Parry Sound Health Unit free workshop;
Municipal Alcohol Policy on Mar 4 for municipalities interested in developing
an effective Alcohol Policy or updating existing policy
29. Communities in Bloom Ontario Jan 2011; do you
have a project to shout about? Town of Huntsville Community Award of Excellence
Program, the Brunel Historic Lift Locks Renewal
30. On Feb 17, WWF-Canada is calling on Canadians
to turn down their heat wherever they are and show that they’ve taken action by
sporting their favourite, fun, quirky sweater wwf.ca/sweaterday
31. RTO12 Information on 2 very valuable sessions
on how to use Social Media to market your business, Feb 23 in Parry Sound,
Jason from ONCOR did a presentation at Showcase Almaguin
32. WORC (Women’s Own Resource Centre) e-mail on
event: presents Disney Institute,
Disney’s approach to Business Excellence on Mar 10 in Parry Sound, contact www.thelabourmarketgroup.ca
33. Feb 2011 issue of Municipal World magazine is
out; Canada is a Young Country?
Hogwash!, Learning from Canadian Heritage Leaders, Oakville recognized
with Prince of Wales Prize, Canada’s Growing Municipal Archives, Moving Forward
while looking back, Understanding what makes people “tick”, Prosperity without
growth – financial capital: an essential piece of the puzzle…
34. Jan 31, 2011 AMO’s 2011 Pre-Budget Submission
calls for Increased Infrastructure Investment, Continue to honour the
Provincial-Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review agreement,
Infrastructure Investment Fund, Household Waste Policy, Policing Costs and the
Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund, Municipal Liability and Insurance Costs
35. FONOM e-mail on proposed approach for Habitat
Protection for Woodland Caribou, Environmental Registry Posting #011-2303
comments closing Mar 10, 2011 www.fonom.org
36. AMO Watch File Jan 27, 2011; Small Waterworks
Assistance Program OSWAP 3, Mandatory Municipal Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act, Ministry of Natural Resources’ letter announcing updates
to fire service agreements and costs, New Urban Visions symposium…
37. AMO Watch File Feb 3, 2011; Small Waterworks
Assistance Program OSWAP 3, Broader Public Sector organizations in Ontario have
been receiving new procurement guidelines from the provincial government, AMO
has learned from the Province these guidelines do not apply to municipalities,
Mr. Tadeusz (Ted) Wieclawek as the Province’s Fire Marshal, instruction manual
available to assist in Gas Tax on line reporting, petition to the Government of
Canada volunteer firefighters $3,000 tax credit, City of Windsor resolution
requests electricity and heating be exempt from the HST, motion
38. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is
working with Municipal Finance Officer’s Association to fund a number of
municipal finance interns for 2011, considering a deadline in early Mar
39. OMAFRA Connects; your link to Ontario
Agriculture for the region of Parry Sound, Nipissing and Sudbury East, Jan 2011
and Feb 2011 local events/provincial events listings, updates…
40. Further to the Minister’s letter introducing
A Land Use Planning Guide for Businesses, a few brochures have been mailed to
municipalities, bus improvement assoc and Chamber of Commerce, additional
copies can be downloaded at Ontario.ca/MunicipalLearning
41. WORC e-mail; huge opportunity to stop
Internet metering and to ensure Canadians have access to an unlimited interest;
CRTC message here http://openmedia.ca/crtc
over 420,000 signed petition…
42. AMO Town Hall Sessions Spring 2011; LAS
Procurement Programs (Fuel, Electricity, Natural Gas), Federal Gas Tax Program,
Eliminate Waste and Earn Money with Energy Management and Solar Energy,
networking lunch provided, Risk Management Education Partnership, Admin
Programs
43. Ombudsman Ontario providing Second Edition of
the Sunshine Law Handbook reflects their experience as the investigator for
closed meeting complaints, questions, tips, legal…
44. RTO12 working out the final details for the
print ads they are placing in larger provincial and regional magazines, looking
for expressions of interest, ads will be available for $2,000-5,000…
44. New publication in the area and invitation to
be one of their very first advertisers, the Great North Arrow launched this
Dec, 3rd edition is coming out of the printers Feb 15 & rates
65-11 Bennison, Russell
THAT we support Resolution from FONOM that the Province of Ontario increase the Northern Communities Grant on the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund by $75.00 per household. CARRIED
66-11 Russell, Bennison
THAT we support Resolution from City of Windsor that requests electricity and heating be exempt from the HST. CARRIED
ADDITIONAL
CAEDA (Central Almaguin Economic Development Assoc) wants to hire an Economic Development Officer and this will entail significant contributions from the 4 municipalities. South River is completing a tourism booklet and perhaps Machar should become involved.
Orientation Meeting for the Creation of Friends of Mikisew Provincial Park will be held on Thu, Feb 17 @ 7:00 pm at the Sundridge Community Centre.
ARI Hazmat Committee requested to volunteer for Hazmat days. The cost has been adjusted to $2.00 per household for 2011. Next ARI Hazmat meeting will be held in Apr.
ADJOURN
NEXT MEETING – MAR 3, 2011?
67-11 Russell, McLaren
THAT we give 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final reading to Confirming By-Law and adjourn until our next Regular meeting rescheduled to Mar 7, 2011. CARRIED
___________________________________
Per Mayor Doug Maeck
___________________________________
Per Clerk-Administrator Brenda Paul, AMCT
BP Feb 24, 2011