THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

April 13, 2004

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, April 13, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve Richard Thomas; Councillors Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran and Bob MacPhail.; delegates; Eric and Mary Searle; Gail Sawyer; guests; Les and Angela Eliot, Karen Kowalchuk, Laurie Mutton, Mary Geertsma, Clair Worth, Bev Regan, Tom Stevenson, Bill Van Grootel, Jack Blackwell, Lorne Dyck, Easter Tonelli, Paul Rivais and Henry Tanner; staff, Les Phinney, CRS-I and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

The minutes of the regular meeting March 23, 2004 were approved as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

Councillor Brandt declared an exemption from pecuniary interest on all payments to the Almaguin News, his wife's place of employment.

DELEGATIONS:

Eric Searle, regarding Highway 11 four-laning attended to discuss his concerns regarding access from the municipal service road which is to run behind his property. Council reviewed a map supplied by Eric, as well as correspondence from the Ministry of Transportation, and a letter and resolution of Council previously sent to the Ministry of Transportation on behalf of Mr. Searle. Eric is requesting the Council support his position and request the Ministry of Transportation provide him access to the municipal service road, with no barrier. Eric is also requesting a letter of support be forwarded to Trans Canada Pipeline. The clerk was instructed to forward this correspondence.

Gail Sawyer, regarding her property at Concession 13, Part Lot 7. Council reviewed comments from municipal planner, Robert Miller. Mrs. Sawyer has applied for a severance as this appears to be the only way to split her lot. A resolution was passed supporting the consent application in principle. A second resolution authorizing the clerk to forward the zoning amendment application to the municipal planner was also passed.

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

- projects for 2004, complete bridge work on steel bridge (Katrine)

- accounts voucher # 04-2004 for approval. Approved by resolution.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -Micro Business Development Centre - "Proposer from the Pavement" Conference, May 5th at the South River Machar Community Centre. A resolution authorizing the registration of Councillor MacPhail was passed.

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APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS:

  • -Road accounts voucher # 04-2004, in the amount of $ 21,546.41 was approved for payment.


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  • -General accounts voucher # 04-2004, in the amount of $ 235,459.24 was approved for payment.


  • -Landfill accounts voucher # 04-2004, in the amount of $ 5174.67 was approved for payment.

APPLICATIONS:

GROUNDSKEEPER

  • -A total of six submissions were received for groundskeeper. Four individuals submitted resumes only, and two completed the form from the Township office. The clerk was instructed to contact all six, clarify that a total price for the season is requested, and ask for submissions for the Council meeting of April 27th.

BY-LAWS:

  • -By-law # 11-2004, being a by-law to require the provision of security boxes containing fire safety plans, hazardous materials and hazardous physical agent information, or keys for the fire department to prevent the spread of fire, be read a first, second and third time.


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  • -By-law # 12-2004, being a by-law to regulate the use of All Terrain Vehicles, was read a first time.


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  • -By-law # 13-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council, was read a first, second and third time.

REPORTS:

- Sterring Committee, March 25th, no report.

- MTO/Greer Galloway, regarding the relocation of the Almaguin Highlands Information Centre, March 29th. Richard and Marty gave a verbal report.

- POA, March 31st. Council reviewed a POA media document dated March 24th and response to questions asked at the March 9th, meeting. Richard also gave a verbal report.

- Tri R, April 7th. Richard and Bob gave a verbal report.

- Planning Board, April 12th, Richard gave a verbal report.

- By-law officers report - March

- Travelling Harvest, open house April 7th. Richard gave a verbal report.

- Request from concerned ratepayers regarding the ongoing problem with geese at the Doe Lake municipal park. Council reviewed a drawing submitted by Jack Blackwell proposing to place a wire along the beach area. A plastic coated wire has been placed along the river channel and has been successful in deterring geese from this area. Safety concerns were discussed. Council agree to cover the minimal costs for material and the Doe Lake Ratepayers Association will install the fence. The effectiveness with be monitored.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -Ontario Provincial Police, Staff Sargeant W. D Ayotte, reply to the concerns raised in the petition forwarded from Sundridge Seniors Group. Our local OPP detachment will see no layoffs.


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  • -Leah Casselman, President, Ontario Public Service Employees Union, concerns with the service quality at the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.


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  • -Robert A. Richards, President and Chief Administration Officer, Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, reply to Ms. Casselman.


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  • -Cole Layer Trumble Inc. Canada, information regarding services and experience of this organization in private sector property assessment and a request for support by way of resolution, supporting the concept of competitive property assessment system in Ontario. No support was given.
  • -Ministry of Tourism and Recreation, highlighting the vital role of the tourism industry in contributing to Ontario's economic health and well being, tourism background and statistics, and a key contact sheet.


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  • -ANTA, Invitation to attend the Northern Partnership Forums 2004 being held in North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Dryden, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste Marie, April 21 to April 30th. No member of Council will attend.


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  • -AMO Alert, Federal budget highlights including 100% GST rebate effective February 1, 2004 and federal investment in municipal rural infrastructure over five years.


  • -AMO Alert, Premier McGuinty including open letter to all heads of council highlighting partnership initiatives.


  • -AMO Alert and Backgrounder, regarding the rent bank program and the energy emergency fund.


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  • -The Salvation Army, request for a donation for 2004. A resolution authorizing a $ 100.00 donation was passed.


  • -CNIB, request for a donation for 2004. A resolution authorizing a $ 100.00 donation was passed.


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  • -Women's Own Resource Centre, thank you for the letter of support for their application to the Rural Outreach Program Endeavour.


  • -Association of Municipal Tax Collectors of Ontario, request for support of a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario amend the Municipal Act, 2001 so that any appeal to the Assessment Review Board, where the property value is, or may be, an issue, the appropriate subsections of S.40 of the Assessment Act apply. A resolution in support was passed.


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  • -Peter Gendron, Resident Three Mile Lake, requesting location of public access to drinking water for the summer of 2004. The clerk was instructed to reply.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -Report from Paul Schaefer, Chief Building Official regarding the new Ontario Building Code Act and Regulations (Bill 124).

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  • -Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, update on the implementation of changes to the building regulation system and a municipal checklist.


  • -Staff report dated April 6, 2004 regarding meeting held on April 5, 2004 at the Township of Perry office attended by Reeve Thomas and Wendy Whitwell. A resolution was passed accepting, in principle, the continuation of shared Chief Building Official service with the Township of Perry.
  • -NOHF Projects - Community Centres. Council reviewed the projects approved and not completed to date. The clerk is to forward a letter to Chetwynd Community Centre Club to confirm when the work will be commencing. The clerk will also forward a letter to Berriedale Community Centre Club confirming their decision not to proceed with a well and pump system. The clerk will forward correspondence to NOHF to confirm options.
  • -Report from the Water Healer Corporation received by fax on April 13th, including a quotation for Katrine Community Centre and the washrooms at Doe Lake municipal Beach was reviewed by Council. Discussion regarding the need for water at the second building at Katrine Community Centre, and what alternatives may be available for the beach washrooms. Councillor MacPhail will attend the upcoming meeting of the Katrine Community Centre Club and will discuss issues and concerns.


  • -Ministry of Transportation, Dave Vail, Head of Property Section, confirming our letter regarding surplus lands, and a commitment to dispose of surplus lands in areas where the land is no longer required for four-lane construction. The process will begin as soon as staff can be made available.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Katrine Lucky Dollar, request for approval for a propane exchange facility. A resolution was passed giving approval with conditions.


  • -AMCTO zone workshop, April 21 - 23rd, North Bay. A resolution authorizing the registration of the clerk to attend was passed.


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  • -2004 proposed fire budget. A resolution approving the proposed budget was passed.


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  • -Staff report, Candlelight Communications. Request for a sign to be placed on municipal property was denied.
  • -List of correspondence received and not on the agenda.

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RESOLUTIONS:

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the minutes of the regular meeting held on March 23, 2004 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour will hereby support in principle a severance of Part of Lot 7, Concession 13, PSR - 1664 Part 2 and 3 by the property owner Jack and Gail Sawyer, and recommend the owner proceed with an application to the Planning Board. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby agree in principle, to the the zoning amendment application of Gail and Jack Sawyer, re Concession 13, Part Lot 7, and instruct the clerk to forward same to the municipal planner, Robert Miller. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Road Accounts Voucher # 04-2004 in the amount of $ 21,546.41 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Bob MacPhail to attend the "Prosper from the Pavement" conference being held on May 5, 2004 at the South River Machar Community Centre. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That General Accounts Voucher # 04-2004 in the amount of $ 235,459.24 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 Landfill Accounts Voucher # 04-2004 in the amount of $ 5174.67 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 Jerry Brandt, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 11-2004, being a by-law to require the provision of security boxes containing fire safety plans, hazardous materials, and hazardous physical agent information or keys for the fire department to prevent the spread of fire. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 11-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 11-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 13th day of April, 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 12-2004, being a by-law to regulate the use of All Terrain Vehicles within the Township of Armour. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 13-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 13-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 13-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 13th day of April, 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve a donation in the amount of $ 100.00 to the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal for 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve a donation in the amount of $ 100.00 to the CNIB for 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the Association of Municipal Tax Collectors of Ontario, and request the Province of Ontario take the necessary steps to amend the Municipal Act, 2001 so that any appeal to the Assessment Review Board, where the property value is, or may be, an issue, the appropriate subsections of S.40 of the Assessment Act apply. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support in principle, the continued purchase of Chief Building Official service from the Township of Perry as per the staff report dated April 6, 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the clerk to request Jagger Hims to proceed with an exemption from the requirements for water regulations for the municipal garage location. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour has no objection to the installation of a propane exchange station to be located at the Katrine Lucky Dollar by Moore Propane Limited, provided copies of any required approval from Ministry of Transportation and/or Fuels Safety Branch have been received by the Township. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Wendy Whitwell to attend the AMCTO Zone 7 spring workshop, April 21 - 23, in North Bay, and agree to cover all related out of pocket expenses for same. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour approve the 2004 Burk's Falls and District Fire Board budget as presented. Armour's portion $ 60,414.20. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we do now adjourn at 10:31 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for April 27, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)