TOWNSHIP OF MACHAR

MINUTES – REGULAR AND PUBLIC MEETING

MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2011

 

 

6:30 pm  Call to Order, Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest; nil.

 

Council present; Mayor Doug Maeck, Councillors Ron McLaren, Ron Bennison, Bill Russell and Bonnie Gagnon.  Staff present; Clerk-Administrator Brenda Paul.

 

1.  Adoption May 24 minutes, motion

 

207-11  Gagnon, Russell

THAT we adopt May 24, 2011 Regular and Closed Session minutes as printed,

FURTHER THAT the Regular minutes now be released for distribution.  CARRIED

 

Our application to Canada Summer Jobs for a student to work at the Landfill and Road Dept has been denied since the demand for funding exceeded the budget available in our constituency.  Human Resources Chairperson Bennison advised funding is still available in the Ontario program for summer students.  He will get the contact information.

 

Landfill Chairperson McLaren advised the survey, as part of the Life Capacity Study at the Landfill, started this morning.

 

Mayor Maeck advised our letter that we will not participate in the meeting proposed by South River was received.  South River wanted to host a meeting on renegotiating the Airport Agreement.  We have no interest in realigning costs based on assessment.  South River has now advised the meeting will discuss more than just costing, including the future of the Airport.

 

4.  Official Plan Update core team meeting with Ministries on Jul 12 @ 1:00 pm

 

We need to confirm at our next meeting with our Planning Consultants that GIS mapping done by them would be comprehensive, including culverts, etc.

 

5.  Fall newsletter; items to include, notice of 2 Public Open Houses, Ripples Jun/Jul

 

Drafts will flow to Council for suggestions and final approval at our 2nd meeting in Jul for mail out on Aug 1.  Posting community events on our website was discussed.  The Culture and Rec Committee are working on this and a link on our website may be the best answer.

 

7:00 pm Public Meeting on Sunday Hunting

 

Guests attending:  Almaguin News editor Rob Learn, Ken Miller, Linda Durance, Steve Ralston, Howard Osburn, Roy Warriner, Howard Wager, Wade Wager, Jim Hawthorne, Kara Mitchell, Scott Andres, Linda Mackenzie, Lynn Loney, Allen Hawthorne, Mike Droof, Calvin Gray, Clint Main, Cecil Thorsby, Bob Dreher, Bob Sohm, Joe Maeck.

 

Mayor Maeck welcomed the guests and advised the issue of Sunday Hunting has been raised since elections started last Oct.  The Public Meeting this evening is for residents to share their comments on the issue and for Council to hear their views.  Notice of the meeting was provided by an ad on our website, in the local newspaper and in the Municipal Office.  Each person in attendance was provided an opportunity to speak in support of or against Sunday Hunting.  At the conclusion, Mayor Maeck thanked the guests for their views and the respect shown towards each other, advising Council had correspondence to consider as well on the matter.  This is a challenging issue for Council.  The Council agenda is now available on our website (www.machartownship.net) and guests were encouraged to view it and can attend to hear the decision when it is reached.

                               

Letters received from Ronald and Barbara Ivory, Doug Winter and family, Lynn Loney and Bob Sohm.  Additional letters were received from Dave Jensen, Laurie Meloche, Lynn Loney, Helen Stall/Kathy Staal/Ingrid Perry.

 

6.  Update on Severance 2-110-01 and application for rezoning, motion

 

Further to Environmental Impact Report submitted and required for severances on Bray Lake. 

 

208-11  Bennison, Russell

THAT we receive report 2-110-01, the applicant be notified in writing that the rezoning application is complete and that a public meeting will be scheduled by the Clerk upon confirmation that provisional consent has been granted by the Central Almaguin Planning Board.  CARRIED

 

7.  Pay List by Fund as of 09 Jun 2011, motion

 

209-11  McLaren, Bennison

THAT we approve Pay List of $99,526.73.  CARRIED

 

                a.  Machar Crackers request for donation towards Canada Day Fireworks display on       Eagle Lake, motion

 

210-11  Bennison, Russell

THAT we forward a donation of $500.00 to Machar Crackers for Canada Day Fireworks at Eagle Lake on Jul 2, 2011.  CARRIED

 

                b.  Almaguin Highlands Judo Club request for donation towards the cost of travel,         tournaments and camp fees

 

211-11  Russell, Bennison

THAT we forward a donation of $100.00 to the Almaguin Highlands Judo Club.  CARRIED

 

                - Curling Club request to use Council Chambers for upcoming meetings

 

Council agreed as it’s during office hours and provided the room is left in the same condition.

 

2.  Adoption of May 19 minutes and 2011 Budget as amended, Landfill/Road Dept forecasts, motion

 

212-11  McLaren, Russell

THAT we adopt May 19, 2011 as printed.  CARRIED

 

213-11  Gagnon, Russell

THAT we adopt 2011 Budget of $1,370,771 to be raised from taxation being a 2.5% overall levy change with $126,292 into Road reserve and $20,000 into Landfill reserve.  CARRIED

 

3.  Adoption of By-Laws to set tax ratios and adopt the estimates required during the year and to strike the rates of taxation for the year 2011, motion

 

214-11  Bennison, Gagnon

THAT we give 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final reading to By-Law No. 24-11; being a by-law to set tax ratios for municipal purposes for the year 2011.  CARRIED

 

215-11  Bennison, Gagnon

THAT we give 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final reading to By-Law No. 25-11; being a by-law to adopt the estimates of all sums required during the year and to strike the rates of taxation for the year 2011.  CARRIED

 

COMMITTEES

 

8.  Machar By-Law Enforcement Report for May, motion

 

216-11  Russell, McLaren

THAT we accept By-Law Enforcement Report for May 2011.  CARRIED

 

Mayor Maeck instructed the Clerk to refer a complaint he had received regarding septic system 1-067.  The By-Law Enforcement Officer has already been acting on this matter.  It was noted that North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority are the appropriate contact for septic concerns and they can be of assistance to BLEO GAGW or taxpayers directly.

 

9.  South River Machar Fire minutes of May 10, motion

 

217-11  Bennison, Gagnon

THAT we rescind Resolution 185-11 accepting 2011 Fire Budget of $79,327.00 (our share reflecting an 8.5% increase)…

FURTHER THAT we refer 2011 draft Fire Budget back to Committee.  CARRIED

 

218-11  Bennison, McLaren

THAT we support motions 20, 21, 22 and 26 as contained in Fire minutes of May 10, 2011; AP Ledger/Income Statement, close the meeting, open session, now adjourned…  CARRIED

 

It was noted there is a resolution that any surplus from Fire Budget at year end, is placed in Fire Reserve.  Reserve amount was queried and the Clerk will advise Committee member Russell.

 

10.  South River Machar Arena minutes of May 4, motion

 

219-11  Russell, Gagnon

THAT we support motions 18-23 as contained in Arena minutes of May 4, 2011; adopt the minutes, investigate a price for the ends of the bleachers, AP Ledger/Income Statement, Option B for the draft Budget ($66,705.67 Machar share), adjourned…  CARRIED

 

11.  South River Sundridge Airport minutes of May 3 and Jun 7, motion

 

220-11  McLaren, Bennison

THAT we support motions 37-43 as contained in Airport minutes of May 3, 2011; accept the minutes, Income Statement AP Ledger, repair the runway rollers, approve the 2011 Draft Budget in the amount of $144,291.00 ($13,263.23 Machar share), advertise RFP for proposals for a third party operator for the Airport, adjourn…  CARRIED

 

221-11  Gagnon, Russell

THAT we acknowledge Airport minutes of Jun 7, 2011,

FURTHER THAT motions 48 and 50 be further investigated.  CARRIED

 

Motion 48 recommends rescinding item (i) on all future lease agreements and motion 50 requests that the administration apply for funding for the P3 funding application intake and that the municipal portion of funding be paid once funding has been approved.

 

12.  South East Steering sample resolution to ascertain interest in seeking legal counsel concerning bills that were received for Almaguin Website

 

222-11  McLaren, Russell

WHEREAS the Township of Machar has received a bill in the amount of $4,892.90 for Regional Portal Website which it didn’t contract services for,

AND WHEREAS other municipalities in the Almaguin Highlands have received a similar bill,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we agree that the South East Parry Sound Steering Committee seek a legal opinion as to what we should do about this bill and that this cost be billed to individual municipalities in proportion to the bill received.  CARRIED

 

13.  Central Almaguin Planning minutes of May 18, motion

 

223-11  Maeck, McLaren

THAT we acknowledge Planning minutes of May 18, 2011.  CARRIED

 

14.  Callander resolution that representatives of each of the 6 municipalities, attend a meeting for the purpose of determining an area rep for the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit

 

We have a conflict with Jun 16 @ 7:00 pm due to the retirement celebration for Arena Manager Carl Hann.  The meeting may be rescheduled to 3:00 pm.  The Clerk will advise Mayor Maeck and Health Unit rep candidate Russell.

 

15.  Joint Building minutes of May 20, update reports, 2011 budget, permit summaries for May, motion

 

224-11  Gagnon, McLaren

THAT we acknowledge Building minutes of May 20, 2011, Update Reports and permit summaries for May 2011.  CARRIED

 

INFORMATION AVAILABLE

 

16.  Township of North Stormont resolution on the wildfires that ravaged the community of Slave Lake Alberta, donation of $100.00 to Town of Slave Lake

17.  United Townships of Head, Clara and Maria resolution that the Province amend the Municipal Elections Act to ensure municipal candidates are held to the same standard as their provincial counterpart for non compliance to the election financial reporting

18.  Town of Thessalon resolution petitions Ontario to reconsider the provisions of the Green Energy and Green Economy Act to address the negative impact created by the installation of ground mounted solar systems within residential and commercial areas

19.  Community Schools Alliance Executive Membership needs additional community leaders from all parts of the Province to join www.communityschoolsalliance.ca

20.  Almaguin Highlands OPP Detachment Performance Measurement Program stats for 2010 and 1st Quarter Calls for Service/Total Stats, PCC CERB Queue Call Volume and Service Level

21.  North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit return of excess municipal revenue; $14,134 allocated to reserves, $90,534 remainder is being returned prorated; Machar $687.70

22.  North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit minutes of Apr 27, 2011

23.  District of Parry Sound Social Services Admin minutes of Apr 14, 2011

24.  The Ontario Family Fishing Week is back this summer for a full 9 days of licence-free fishing scheduled from Sat, Jul 2 to Sun, Jul 10, 2011 and as a reminder, there will again be an Ontario Family Fishing Winter Weekend in Feb 2012 (705) 748-6324, Ext 254

25.  Recreation and Parks Month is quickly approaching and June is also Seniors Month! www.recandparksmonth.ca www.ontario.ca/seniorsmonth

26.  May Elert from Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (May 2011 issue)

27.  Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs rebrands to Grow Winter Tourism

28.  Ontario Progressive Conservative “Changebook” Platform released – highlights of municipal related policies

29.  Ontario PCs pledge $60 million to municipalities not receiving Provincial Gas Tax for Transit

30.  Bill 181 passes Third reading; Mandatory Retirement at age 60 for Ontario’s salaried firefighters

31.  AMO Watch File Jun 2, 2011; Coming of Age, the Municipal Role in Caring for Ontario’s Seniors

32.  Ministry of Tourism and Culture is consulting on a draft guide for the conservation and protection of heritage places of worship in Ontario http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External.displaynoticecontent.do?noticeld=MTEzMzAw&statusld=MTY50DMy

33.  Our Communities…Our Potential 2011 AMO Annual Conference Aug 21-24 London

34.  An opportunity for Mayors, Councillors, Staff and Volunteers (until Jun 30) to nominate a community project, dedicated volunteers or special achievements in your community, the new Green for Life Community Award Program from Communities in Bloom Ontario

35.  AMO Watch File May 19, 2011; New Federal Cabinet in place, Occupational Health and Safety Statute Law Amendment Act will be presented for royal assent, Private Member Bill, Ministry of Energy has posted regulation requiring municipal energy plans

36.  Municipal Monitor May/Jun 2011; Growing Pains, integrated response necessary to combat illegal drug labs

37.  College Voice May 2011; Ad campaign breaks new trail, new partnership helps injured workers, Coldest Canadian in paradise, Aboriginal grads drill into success…

38.  Local Authority Services Limited (LAS) 2010 Report

39.  North Bay Mattawa Source Protection Committee anticipated info from MOE regarding Training of Risk Management Personnel to clarify its current relevance locally

40.  Municipal World Jun 2011; open government and why municipalities should care, bright shiny objects, integrated energy mapping, GIS and open government, blazing a new trail…

 41.  OMAFRA Connects, your link to Ontario Agriculture Jun 2011, local events, provincial events, updates, programs, services and resources, factsheets and publications

42.  2011 Federal Budget was tabled in the House of Commons yesterday; Jun 6

43.  Progress update on the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011, there is still time to register for ThinkNorth II, Northerners shaping regional economic development areas, Places to Grow website at www.placestogrow.ca to download a full copy with supporting docs

44.  AMO Watch File Jun 9, 2011; why plan, 2011 Federal Budget, the Ontario Legislature has been prorogued and will not sit again until after the Provincial election on Oct 6, 2011

 

ADDITIONAL – ROUNDTABLE

 

Central Almaguin Economic Development Association

 

Committee members Bennison and Maeck gave a report on Community Business Message Boards indicating we should apply to secure locations now.  The application fee is $150. and the annual renewal is $130.  The fee is refunded if the location is not used.  Each community can have 2 signs with 4 businesses on each.  Businesses eligible for TOD signs, ie tourism, are not eligible.  Council resolution to flow with CAEDA minutes at our next meeting.

 

Properties on the existing Highway 11 will need to be renumbered when it changes to Highway 124.  The new 4 laned Highway 11 is scheduled to open this Aug.  Mayor Maeck gave Section 7.7 of the Commercial Signing Policy on Decorative Municipal Identification Displays to the Clerk for our information.  We are currently working on this item. 

 

Narrows Bridge

 

Ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of upgrading work at the Narrows Bridge is scheduled for Fri, Jun 24, 2011 @ 1:00 pm at the bridge on Eagle Lake.  New Council and previous Council are encouraged to attend along with dignitaries and guests.

 

225-11  Russell, McLaren

THAT each motion, resolution and other action passed and taken by the Council at this meeting are, except where their prior approval of the Ontario Municipal Board is required, hereby adopted, ratified and confirmed,

FURTHER THAT the Mayor and Clerk-Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to do all things necessary to give effect to the said action or to obtain approval where required and except where otherwise provided, the Mayor and Clerk-Administrator are hereby authorized and directed to affix the Corporate Seal of the Municipality to all such documents,

NOW THEREFORE we adjourn until our next Regular meeting scheduled for Jun 27, 2011.

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                ___________________________________

                                                                                                                                                Mayor Doug Maeck

 

 

 

                                                                                                ___________________________________

                                                                                                Clerk-Administrator Brenda Paul, AMCT

BP Jun 16, 2011