TOWNSHIP OF MACHAR

MINUTES – REGULAR MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2011

 

 

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.

 

Declaration of Office

 

Read, signed and declared by Councillor Gagnon.

 

101-11  Bennison, McLaren

THAT we adjust Committee representation as follows:  Airport/Vet Unit – Ron McLaren, Arena/Culture & Rec/Building/Library – Bonnie Gagnon, Culture & Rec – Bill Russell, Human Resources – Doug Maeck and other Councillors as necessary, Human Resources Chair – Ron Bennison.  CARRIED

 

Guests:

 

7:00 pm  Al Bottomley for presentation on new Almaguin Highlands Secondary School

 

                Presentation included pictures, floor plans and an in depth discussion of the school and the community aspects.  The Almaguin Highlands community can look forward to a new 2 storey facility with many “green” features incorporated into the design.  The new AHSS is not your typical high school, it is a Life Long Learning Centre of Excellence nestled in the unique picturesque landscape of the Almaguin Highlands.  The site development which includes a sports field and running track, as well as a network of existing four season trails will provide the surrounding communities with a state of the art educational and environmental centre.  The new school is scheduled to open on time for September 2011.

 

                ACCESS 2011 is a registered non-profit community based organization whose purpose is to enhance the new school.  The Committee is fundraising for the following: retractable seating (312 seats for student and community use), a trail system, refurbish the shop equipment, apparatus for the snoezelen room (multi-sensory for children suffering from developmental disorders), and a greenhouse.  Donations are encouraged, either specific to one of the goals or general for all of them.  They are selling seats for the theatre at $250. and each party who buys a seat will receive recognition by having a plaque placed on a theatre seat.  All other donations will be recognized by donors names on wall plaques. 

 

                It was stressed that the Provincial Government does not adequately fund Rural Schools.  This is a big issue for our area and MPP Bill Murdoch has a petition available for support.  

 

                Donation to be considered.

 

7:20 pm  Seniors Club requesting to include us as one of their annual sponsors, motion

 

                Presentation was given advising that our senior population is on the incline.  The South River Friendly Circle whose membership includes a significant number of Machar seniors, receive the brunt of their funding from the Government of Ontario, Village of South River and their membership.  Their building is of an age that it needs constant attention and the government is now insisting they have an annual audit by a registered chartered accountant which has added an extra strain on their budget.  They have requested the Township see its way clear to include support for them in our annual budget.

 

                In times of emergency, such as prolonged power outages, the Seniors Centre is equipped with a generator to provide temporary shelter.  The first concern is to assist seniors, but their doors are open for any other member of the community who may be in need.  The centre can provide heat, light, games, books and kitchen facilities as well as tea and coffee.  The centre cannot provide transportation, blankets, pillows, beds, pet space or food.

 

                Seniors Club membership to be queried.

 

Roundtable:  Procedural By-Law to come forward for review.

 

BUSINESS

 

1.  Adoption of Mar 14 minutes & By-Law for Official Plan Amendment 2, motion

                a.  Joint Meeting proposed for Apr 18 items forthcoming

                b.  Update on OMB Appeal 4-453-10, motion

 

102-11  Russell, Bennison

THAT we adopt Regular and Closed Session minutes of Mar 14, 2011 as amended,

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

 

Other municipalities to be surveyed on Sunday hunting and number of dogs permitted.  Admin to send a letter to complainant 1-067 that the matter is under investigation.

 

103-11  Bennison, McLaren

THAT we give 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final reading to By-Law No. 12-11; to adopt an Official Plan Amendment No. 2 for the year round maintenance of Riding Ranch Rd beyond King Lake Rd.  CARRIED

 

104-11  Russell, Gagnon

THAT status memo on OMB Appeal 4-453-10 be received and the Clerk be directed to prepare a letter to neighbor advising that a settlement of the variance has been reached and offering to provide this information to him prior to the Board Hearing.  CARRIED

 

2.  Almaguin Highlands Secondary School request contribution towards Graduation Awards, motion

 

105-11  Gagnon, McLaren

THAT we give a donation to the Almaguin Highlands Secondary School for the Graduation Awards Program in the amount of $100.  CARRIED

 

3.  Women’s Own Resource Centre request per capita support for new and continuing initiatives, motion

 

106-11  Bennison, Russell

THAT we give a donation to the Women’s Own Resource Centre in the amount of $100.  CARRIED

 

4.  Tariff of fees for processing of applications & Magnetawan by-law, motion

 

107-11  Russell, McLaren

THAT we prepare a by-law to require applicants to pre-consult with the Municipality prior to submitting planning applications to the approval authority.  CARRIED

 

We have a tariff by-law from 2006 that specifies application fees for various planning matters and requires a $1,000. deposit against costs incurred.  Any costs above or under the deposit are billed or refunded at completion.  Strong and Magnetawan are to be surveyed for their fees.

 

COMMITTEES

 

5.  Machar Road minutes of Mar 18, motion

 

108-11  Bennison, Gagnon

THAT we accept Road minutes of Mar 18, 2011 as amended.  CARRIED

 

Official Opening for the Narrows Bridge was discussed and proposed for mid Jun.

 

6.  Machar Landfill minutes of Mar 18, motion

 

Proposed budget was queried.  Road Dept has been asked to look for a reduction.  Committee indicated they were proposing a responsible budget.

Waste Management Co-ordinator contacted the Ministry regarding becoming an OES Collector Site for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment and was advised a change to our Certificate of Approval was not anticipated.

 

Staff time before Open Hours was queried.  It was suggested that we need a constant opening time and that 1.5 hours on site before opening to the public may be too long.

 

109-11  McLaren, Russell

THAT we accept Landfill minutes of Mar 18, 2011 including that we become an OES Collector Site, THEREFORE that we enter into a Collection Site Operator Agreement with Ontario Electronic Stewardship for Acceptable Waste 2 WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) as recommended by the Waste Management Co-ordinator and that he is authorized to sign the Agreement.  CARRIED

 

7.  South River Machar Arena minutes of Mar 2, motion

 

110-11  Russell, McLaren

THAT we support motions 11-13 as contained in Arena minutes of Mar 2, 2011; minutes, AP/Income Statement, meet again…  CARRIED

 

8.  South River Machar Fire minutes of Mar 8, motion

 

111-11  Russell, Bennison

THAT we support motions 10-15 as contained in Fire minutes of Mar 8, 2011; minutes, AP/Income Statement, closed session, pursue recommendation of electrical outlets to plug in vehicles/the gas detector and the SCBA packs, meet again…  CARRIED

 

                a.  Forest Fire Management Agreement Renewal, motion

 

Discussion ensued.  Agreement expires on Mar 31, 2011 and MNR recommend extending the present agreement for one year due to the new Forest Fire Management Agreement process being implemented in 2012.  Changes to the Comprehensive Protection Charges (CPC) process were presented and accepted at the AMO-MOU municipal forum in Dec 2010.  The CPC process will move to a unified rate for all municipalities that will see incremental changes applied over a 5 year period beginning Apr 1, 2012.  CPC payments to be made to the Ministry are:  2011 = $2486.12, 2012 = $2595.40, 2013 = $2841.28, 2014 = $3059.84, 2015 = $3305.72, 2016 = $3524.28.  The Agreement is with respect to the prevention and control of grass, brush and forest fires and reduces MNR rates to 50% should we require their fire fighting assistance.  In the event of such a fire the costs would be significant and we may need to apply to the Province for special assistance.  Accordingly, Council felt the Agreement was prudent and goes a long way in proving our due diligence.  Presentation from MNR to be requested.

 

112-11  Russell, Bennison

THAT we renew Municipal/MNR Forest Fire Management Agreement.  CARRIED

 

9.  South River Sundridge Airport minutes of Mar 1, motion

 

113-11  Bennison, McLaren

THAT we acknowledge Airport minutes of Mar 1, 2011; minutes, income statement, repeal the offered fuel discount, price average the aviation fuel on a weekly basis, closed session, non-airport sanction events held at the airport shall have a blanket insurance policy, pay the Airport Manager retroactively as per the agreement, commence the RFP process to finish the surveying of future lots, meet again…  CARRIED

 

Discussion ensued.  A letter similar to that sent by South River may be necessary.  Ownership Agreement to be researched for Apr 11.  Business case comments on Apr 26.

 

10.  Central Almaguin Economic Development Assoc minutes of Feb 16 & Mar 16, motion

                a.  Community Business Message Board information

 

114-11  Bennison, Russell

THAT we acknowledge CAEDA minutes of Feb 16 & Mar 7, 2011; minutes, next regular meeting, minutes, accept Joly Township as a member, next regular meeting…  CARRIED

 

                A recent revision to the Ministry of Transportation’s sign policy will allow each community to apply for 2 Community Business Message Boards in each direction (four total per municipality).  Each municipality will be responsible for applying for and paying the annual permit fee for each sign location as well as constructing and installing the sign at a Ministry approved location.  Each board can have up to 4 businesses.

 

                An Economic Development Officer is being considered.  Fednor representative has reminded the group that an EDO would take years to lay a foundation for economic development and should be offered for a longer work contract (over 1 year).

 

                Friends of Mikisew will be holding a 2nd Orientation Meeting at 7:00 pm on Apr 20 at the South River Arena.  Ad cost is going forward to CAEDA for payment from FOM budget.

 

11.  District of Parry Sound Municipal Assoc Spring Meeting on Apr 29 in McKellar, motion

 

Clerk-Administrator is unavailable due to Office being short staffed and taxes due.  Councillor Gagnon wasn’t sure of her schedule.

 

115-11  Russell, McLaren

THAT we register 4 delegates to attend the Spring Municipal Association Meeting.  CARRIED

 

12.  Almaguin Highland Health Centre meeting Mar 31

 

13.  N Bay Parry Sound Health Unit 2011 3% overall increase in levy; $25,966 up 7.2%

 

14.  Joint Building Committee minutes of Feb 17 and Mar 17, motion

                a.  Permit summary for Feb, motion

 

116-11  McLaren, Russell

THAT we acknowledge Building minutes of Feb 17, 2011; minutes, expenses, Barb Marlow as chair for the 2011 term, meet again…and,

FURTHER THAT we acknowledge Building minutes of Mar 17, 2011; minutes, expenses, GIC, meet again…  CARRIED

 

117-11  McLaren, Russell

THAT we acknowledge Building permit summaries for Feb 2011.  CARRIED

 

The Clerk advised we have received information and by-law for change in permit fees from the CBO.  We inquired with him about the JBC holding the public meeting (rather than each individual municipality) to no avail, so we will co-ordinate this item with our advertised public meeting for Budget where other fees requiring public notice are considered.

 

15.  Emergency Medical Services funding formula from Province, motion

 

118-11  Bennison, Gagnon

THAT we support Town of Parry Sound Resolution No. 2011-041 requesting a change to the MoHLTC, Emergency Medical Services funding formula that is more in line with the funding formula for DSSAB.  CARRIED

 

INFORMATION AVAILABLE

 

16.  Ministry of Community Safety & Correctional Services writing to congratulate your municipality for completing all of the mandatory activities required for Emergency Plan

17.  Ontario Government released the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, 2011 under the authority of the Places to Grow Act, 2005 to build a strong, prosperous Northern Ontario…

18.  Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration to inform you that nominations for the Newcomer Champion Awards are now being accepted to Apr 29; www.ontario.ca/honoursandawards

19.  AMO Watch File, Mar 10, 2011; Ministry of Transportation calling for input from munic into the use of segways in public places, fact finding panel on 2, 4, 5-T herbicides in 1950-70s…

20.  AMO Watch File, Mar 17, 2011; AMOs key concerns about the ability of municipalities to implement the government’s accessibility standards, why plan, fire safety for vulnerable…

21.  AMO Watch File, Mar 24, 2011; Ministry of Finance released the final reconciliation of 2009 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund, 4th annual Urban Symposium, OSUM Conference…

22.  MNDM has launched the Northern Summer Jobs Service; Ontario.ca/northernsummerjobs

23.  Regional Tourism Organization Region 12 application for Board of Directors by Apr 1

24.  2011 Senior of the Year Award by Apr 30; www.ontario.ca/honoursandawards

25.  Public Notice Approved 2011-2012 Annual Work Schedule Algonquin Park Forest

26.  District of Parry Sound Social Services Admin Bd minutes of Feb 10 and 24

27.  Meeting to discuss the homeless/stray/feral cats in our communities; Apr 9 10-12 Sundridge Community Centre, contact Sylvia Green, Joanne Fisher or Tracy Frost

28.  Ministry of Natural Resources holding a Special Consultation Session in Parry Sound on Tue, Apr 12 for species:  eastern foxsnake, gray ratsnake, ben spike-rush, cucumber tree, common five-lined skink, rapids clubtail, various fresh water mussels…

29.  2011 FONOM/MMAH Northeastern Municipal Conference May 11-13, Timmins

30.  Communities in Bloom Ontario; now easier to enter categories for 2011 Programs

31.  Earth Hour Canada is taking place on Mar 26, 2011 from 8:30 pm-9:30 pm

32.  AMO Breaking News; Emerging Fire Services Issues, two items of interest to municipal Councils, all party support for mandatory retirement, broadening the dispatch of firefighters…

33.  2011 Federal Budget Tabled; reaffirmed the 2008 commitment to make Gas Tax permanent source of financing, volunteer firefighters $3,000 tax credit, attract doctors/nurses to rural parts of the province with student loan forgiveness, investments in forestry…

34.  2011 Volunteer Recognition Programs including the Heritage Community Recognition Program, Young Heritage Leaders Program and the Community Leadership Program, new annual nomination deadline for all programs by Jun 30 www.heritagetrust.on.ca

35.  Copy of Taking care of Your Drinking Water:  A Guide for Members of Municipal Councils from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment developed with the help of Advisory Group

 

Official Plan Update

 

Discussion ensued on draft received today.

 

119-11  McLaren, Russell

THAT we authorize RFP as amended to remove item 5 and to close Apr 26, 2011.  CARRIED

 

Health Unit representative

 

E-mail received from candidate Hec Lavigne further to article in the North Bay Nugget “Health Unit Space Squeeze” and the need to resolve the matter of our representation (tie vote with Bill Russell).  Council agreed and authorized our support for a draw.  The Mayor will advise.

 

Severance 2-110-01

 

Environmental Impact Report has been received as required for Severance 2-110-01 per the Official Plan and is available for distribution.  Report to be put in Council mailboxes.

 

Adjourn

 

120-11  Bennison, Gagnon

THAT we give 1st, 2nd, 3rd and final reading to Confirming By-Law and adjourn until our next Regular meeting scheduled for Apr 11, 2011.  CARRIED

 

 

                                                                                                ____________________________________

                                                                                                Mayor Doug Maeck

 

 

                                                                                                ____________________________________

                                                                                                Clerk-Administrator Brenda Paul, AMCT

 

BP Mar 31, 2011