THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

April 12, 2005

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, April 12, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Richard Thomas; Councillors, Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran and Bob MacPhail; delegates, Sgt. Bill Ayotte, Almaguin Highlands O.P.P., Ron Russell, Reeve of Burk's Falls, Robert Miller, municipal planner; staff, Les Phinney, CRS-I and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk-Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

The minutes of the regular meeting on March 22, 2005 were approved as circulated and the minutes of the special meeting on April 7, 2005 were approved as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST: None

DELEGATIONS:

  • -Sgt. Bill Ayotte, O.P.P. presented Council with the calls for service report January 1 to March 31, 2005 and the report for the same time period for 2004. Calls for service are continuing to decline. The Policing cost levy received from the Province indicates a considerable increase for 2005 for all Almaguin Highlands municipalities. Sgt. Ayotte had no explanation for this and has made an inquiry for justification. Other items discussed including policing of the snowmobile trail system this winter, the cadet program, a summer student will be hired again this year for the Marine Unit. Reeve Thomas requested a letter supporting emergency turnarounds, to be used during negotiations with the Ministry of Transportation regarding four laning. Sgt. Ayotte will provide a letter of support.


  • -Ron Russell, Reeve of Burk's Falls, attended to discuss the proposal submitted by the Township of Strong, to the Ontario Realty Corporation, to provide land and a building for the re-location of the police detachment office. Ron would like Armour, Ryerson and Burk's Falls to consider also making an offer, in an effort to keep the detachment in the Burk's Falls area. Sgt. Ayotte will provide a copy of the accommodation services study detailing the requirements. A total of 9,500 feet, single storey structure on a minimum five acre parcel of land is required.

  • -Robert Miller, Land Use Planning Services, attended to discuss the proposal to revise the official plan. Considerations include the future uses of land along the Highway 11 corridor and the new Provincial Policy Statement which is effective March 1, 2005. Council approved by resolution, the proposal dated March 15, 2005.


  • -Les Phinney, CRS-I, attended to discuss the following road issues:

- road accounts voucher # 4-2005 in the amount of $ 43,061.37 was reviewed and approved.

- access road located at in Concession 4, Part lots 9 and 10.

- dumping of garbage on the roadsides. Council wish to proceed with signing in an effort to prevent dumping.

- railway crossings in the municipality remain in poor condition. Les will contact CNR.

- capital projects for 2005. Council have no input. Les and Wendy will prepare a budget for Council's consideration.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -Ministry of Transportation, proposed resolution to name the municipal service road and access road and accept them into the municipal road network. Council reviewed the resolution suggested by MTO and an alternative. The alternative resolution was passed.

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  • -MGP Information Systems Ltd. proposal to create a customized GIS Land Management System, digitize the official plan, integrate data into the GIS system was reviewed. The clerk will request a quote to also include the zoning by-law.

ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL:

  • -road accounts voucher # 04-2005, in the amount of $43,061.37 was approved for payment by resolution.


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  • -general accounts voucher # 04-2005, in the amount of $ 265,936.81 was approved for payment by resolution.


  • -landfill accounts voucher # 04-2005, in the amount of $ 5,401.09 was approved for payment by resolution.

APPLICATIONS: RAFFLE

  • -Katrine Community Centre Club, application to conduct a raffle on November 26, 2005. A resolution to authorize the raffle licence was passed with a $ 5.00 fee.

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  • -GROUNDSKEEPER

A total of five tenders were received ranging in price from $4500.00 -

$ 8000.00. Council reviewed the tenders and a resolution was passed accepting the tender from John Keizer in the amount of $ 4,500.00.

BY-LAWS:

  • -#16-2005, being a by-law to implement certain conditions of approval imposed upon consent B-031/04, Connolly, regarding Lot 21 and Lot 22, Concession 11. The zoning amendment will drop the "H" and permit the use of the lands for one single detached dwelling or cottage per lot as per the provisions of the Lakeshore Residential Zone. The by-law was read three times.

REPORTS:

  • -Steering Committee, March 24th, Richard gave a verbal report.
  • -Tri R Committee, April 6th, Bob and Richard gave a verbal report.
  • -Strong/Armour, April 7th, regarding Pevensey Road bridge, Richard gave a verbal report.
  • -Planning Board, April 11th, Richard gave a verbal report.
  • -Conflict of Interest seminar, Marty gave a verbal report.
  • -Budget to December 31, 2004 was reviewed by Council.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -Reeve Thomas circulated a proposed letter to Norm Miller, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka and Hon. Jim Wilson, MPP Simcoe-Grey seeking assistance in our appeal to the Minister of Transportation regarding four landing of Highway 11 between Burk's Falls and Sundridge. The proposed letter was approved by Council.

  • -John Brisbane, Fish and Wildlife Branch, Ministry of Natural Resources, seeking support on behalf of constituents, particularly farmers and rural landowners, to allow gun hunting on Sundays on private land during existing gun hunting seasons. A resolution of support was passed.


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  • -Municipality of Powassan, request for support of funding application to prepare a feasibility study and business plan for the public observation project. A resolution of support was passed.


  • -John Gerretsen, Minister Responsible for Seniors, requesting we support the declaration of June as Seniors Month. A resolution of support was passed.


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  • -Township of Machar, request for support for the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association to take action to prevent public school closures by the Near North Board of Education. A resolution of support was passed.


  • -Almaguin Highlands Festival & Event Listing Project, request for donation to continue with this project as the Fednor funding is coming to an end. A resolution authorizing a donation was passed.


  • -Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, request for a donation for the 2005 graduation awards program. A resolution authorizing a donation was passed.


  • -Armour Ryerson and Burk's Falls Agricultural Society, request for a 2005 donation. A resolution authorizing a donation was passed.


  • -AMCTO, Zone 7, Spring workshop agenda. A resolution authorizing the registration of the clerk to attend was passed.


  • -AMO, information on the federal gas tax revenue sharing for municipalities.


  • -Municipal Cultural Planning Forum, invitation to attend one of the upcoming sessions. No one will be attending.


  • -Township of Perry, confirmation that Mayor Core will represent our area on the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit.


  • -Ministry of Natural Resources, regarding Burk's Falls Dam Class Environmental Assessment Study, and notice of proposed work to be done on the dam in August 2005.
  • -Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, copy of correspondence to the Village of Burk's Falls regarding the one time Ontario Fire Services Grant recently received.


  • -Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, notification of the "Essential of Fire Protection" seminar to be held May 12 and 13th, at the West Ferris Centennial Community Centre. This will be discussed at the upcoming Fire Board meeting.

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -FONOM Conference May 11 - 13th, Parry Sound. Reeve Thomas is interested in attending if the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Harinder S Takhar has confirmed.
  • -Skylar Canada, requesting permission to use the municipal logo and contact information for a "Community Pride Poster" campaign. A resolution authorizing Armour to participate was passed.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Minister of Finance, information regarding the replacement of the CRF funding program with the Ontario Municipal Partnership Program. (OMPF). Council reviewed details of the 2005 allocation.

  • -Ministry of Northern Development & Mines, Hon. Rick Bartolucci, Minister, details regarding the Northern Ontario Grow Bonds program.

  • -Reeve Thomas circulated suggested wording for a resolution to be brought forward at the upcoming Parry Sound District Municipal Association requesting support from the Province regarding costs associated with the hiring of consultants required due to downloading from the Province. The proposed resolution was approved by Council, with additions.
  • -List of correspondence received and not on the agenda.

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  • -Resolution to move into closed session at 10:15. p.m. was passed.


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  • -Resolution to move out of closed session at 10:30 p.m. was passed.

RESOLUTIONS:

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the minutes of the March 22, 2005 meeting be approved as circulated. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the minutes of the special meeting held on April 7, 2005 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal submitted by Robert J Miller Land Use Planning Services dated March 15, 2005, to revise the Armour Township Official Plan. Total project costs not to exceed $ 12,000, including disbursement. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Road Accounts Voucher # 04-2005 in the amount of $ 43,061.37 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the following road names as required by the four laning of Highway 11, in the Katrine area:

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- the existing Highway which will become a municipal service road, will be known as "Katrine Road".

- the new access road to be constructed by the Ministry of Transportation in Concession 4, Part Lots 9 & 10, to the road allowance at Concession 4/5 will be known as "Reazin Lake Road".

And the Township will accept these roadways into the municipal system upon further negotiation with the Ministry of Transportation regarding the construction specifications of Reazin Lake Road.

  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal submitted by MGP Information Systems Ltd. dated March 15, 2005, to create a customized GIS Land Management System, digitize the official plan, integrate data into the GIS Land Management System, train and provide support for the GIS Land Management System, for a cost not to exceed $ 4,802.50 excluding GST. Cost for the data for the Ontario Parcel Index Fabric not to exceed $ 2000.00 excluding GST. (Tabled)
  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That General Accounts Voucher # 04-2005 in the amount of $ 265,936.81 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 04-2005 in the amount of $ 5,401.09 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize a raffle lottery licence be issued to Katrine Community Centre Club for a raffle to be held on November 26, 2005. Licence fee $ 5.00. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour accept the tender submitted by John Keizer for Groundskeeper for 2005, in the amount of $ 4500.00 .
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 16-2005, being a by-law to remove the "H" holding zone on Lot 21 and Lot 22, Concession 11, and permit the use of the lands for one single detached dwelling or cottage per lot as per the underlying Lakeshore Residential (LR) Zone. (Carried)

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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 16 - 2005, be read a second time. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 16-2005, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 12th day of April, 2005. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, Whereas the Council of the Township of Armour have reviewed the information provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources regarding allowing gun hunting on private lands on Sundays during regular hunting seasons,

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And whereas Council believe this will be an effective way to help reduce the wildlife-related crop and property damage currently experienced by farmers and rural land owners,

Now Therefore the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the necessary changes in legislation to facilitate Sunday hunting on private lands for our area. Recorded vote: opposed - Corcoran, supported - Blakelock, Brandt, MacPhail, Thomas (Carried).

  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support in principle, the Municipality of Powassan funding application to prepare a Feasibility Study and Business Plan for the Public Observatory project. (Carried)

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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, Whereas seniors' Month is an annual nation-wide celebration;

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Whereas seniors have contributed and continue to contribute immensely to the life and vibrancy of this community;

Whereas seniors continue to serve as leaders, mentors, volunteers and important and active members of this community;

Whereas their contributions past and present warrant appreciation and recognition and their stories deserve to be told;

Whereas the health and well-being of seniors is in the interest of all and further adds to the health and well-being of the community;

Whereas the knowledge and experience seniors pass on to us continues to benefit all;

I, Richard Thomas, de hereby proclaim June 1 - 30th, 2005 Senior's Month in the Township of Armour and encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our seniors. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the Township of Machar and request the Executive of the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association take immediate action to prevent public school closures by the Near North Board of Education. (Carried)

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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the Almaguin Highlands Festival and Events Project with a donation of $ 320.00 for 2005. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the Almaguin Highlands Secondary School 2005 Graduation Awards Program with a donation of $ 100.00. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation to the Armour Ryerson Burk's Falls Agricultural Society for 2005 in the amount of $ 500.00. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of the Clerk- Treasurer to attend the AMCTO spring 2005 workshop May 4 - 6, in Mattawa and agree to cover related expenses for same. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Reeve Thomas to attend the 2005 FONOM Conference, May 11- 13th, in Parry Sound and agree to cover related expenses for same, on confirmation of the attendance of Hon. Harinder Takhar, Minister of Transportation. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the "Community Pride Poster" program for our area and give Skylar Canada permission to list the Township of Armour, use the municipal logo and contact information. There is no cost or obligation to the municipality for this project. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, Be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 10:15 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 2 (e) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)

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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 10:30 p.m. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That we do now adjourn at 10:37 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for April 22, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)