THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

December 14, 2004

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, December 14, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Richard Thomas; Councillors, Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran and Bob MacPhail; delegates, Joe van Gaal and staff, Les Phinney, CRS-I and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk-Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

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

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

  • -Councillor Brandt declared pecuniary interest on the following items which are included in the agenda for Armour Council on December 14, 2004, item # 33, tender for printing contract from the Almaguin News.


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  • -Councillor Corcoran declared pecuniary interest on the following items which are included in the agenda for Armour Council on December 14, 2004, item # 34, Chetwynd Cemetery, lawn mower repairs.

DELEGATIONS:

  • -Joe van Gaal, regarding the policy for the use of unopened road allowances, particularly, the allowance between Concession 8 and 9, through lots 22, 23 and 24. Mr. van Gaal is looking for guidelines/policies to provide potential purchasers regarding access to Concession 9, Lot 24. A resolution was passed setting out requirements.


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

- road accounts payment voucher # 12-2004

- COMRIF - memo from Greer Galloway and staff report

- Staff report regarding vacation time. A resolution was passed regarding payment of vacation owing.

- road accounts voucher was approved for payment by resolution.

The clerk distributed a draft copy of the COMRIF funding application for review. A special meeting of Council was scheduled for Thursday, December 16th, at 4:45 p.m. to review this application in detail.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING:

  • -North Bay Regional Health Centre, request for support. A resolution was passed authorizing total support in the amount of $ 35,000, over six years.

  • -Muskoka Parry Sound Health Unit, the following items were reviewed:

- appointments to the transition board; resolution was passed supporting the nomination of Bruce Campbell, Village of Burk's Falls Councillor.

- Township of Archipelago, request for support of the nomination of John Cochrane. No support was given.

- Transition Director, Paddy Buchanan, information update.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -Councillor MacPhail requested discussion regarding No Smoking By-laws.

He would like Council to consider polling the restaurants and businesses in Armour to determine if they feel they will be impacted by a no smoking by-law. Notification via the 2005 newsletter, placing an ad in the local paper and letters to specific property owners requesting comments were discussed.

ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL:

  • -road accounts voucher # 12-2004, in the amount of $ 37,108.91 was approved for payment by resolution.


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  • -general accounts voucher # 12-2004, in the amount of $ 189,161.23 was approved for payment by resolution.


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  • -landfill accounts voucher # 12-2004, in the amount of $ 13,152.69 was approved for payment by resolution.

APPLICATIONS: Re-zoning

  • -Sterritt & Smith, Concession 2, Lot 21.

Council reviewed the application and previous comments from the municipal planner, dated August 28, 2003, regarding a consent application (B-019/03) and a recommendation to include a rezoning as a condition of approval. This consent application will be forthcoming from the planning board in the near future. A resolution authorizing the clerk to forward the rezoning applications to the planner for review and by-law preparation was passed.

BY-LAWS:

  • -By-law # 39-2004, being a by-law to authorize the sale of land to the Ministry of Transportation was read a first, second and third time.


  • -By-law # 40-2004, being a by-law to establish a hiring policy for Township employees was read a first, second and third time.


  • -By-law # 41-2004, being a by-law requiring an emergency management program for the protection of public safety, health, the environment, the critical infrastructure and property, and to promote economic stability, and a disaster-resilient community was read a first, second and third time.


  • -By-law # 42-2004, being a by-law to enter into an agreement with Environment Canada to operate a water monitoring station located on Doe Lake, 1014 Ferguson Road, was read a first, second and third time.

  • -By-law # 43-2004, being a by-law governing procurement policies and procedures, was read a first, second and third time.


  • -By-law # 44-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings was read a first, second and third time.

REPORTS:

  • -POA, November 25th. Richard provided the office with a copy of the agenda, minutes, etc. from this meeting.


  • -Steering, November 25th. Marty gave a verbal report.


  • -Tri R, December 1st. Richard reported on Ecoseal and landfill mining.


  • -Planning, December 6th. Richard gave a verbal report.


  • -Fire, December 9th. Marty gave a verbal report. The ambulance and fire department will be notified of the meeting with the Ministry of Transportation in January regarding the four laning project.


  • -Richard reported on a meeting with Skylar Canada, producers of community pride posters. They are working on a poster promoting local businesses.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -City of Ottawa, request for a resolution of support requesting special legislation that would allow an endowment fund to be established and proceeds of the fund to be invested under the Trustees Act. Reeve Thomas will research this further.


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  • -Township of Algonguin Highlands, request for support of a resolution to petition the Minister of Environment and the Ontario Government to implement a system of deposit returns for all metals, glass, plastic beverage containers and consider mandating reusable plastic drink containers. A resolution in support was passed.


  • -City of North Bay, request for support of resolution to petition the Province of Ontario to continue to recognize the theme of revenue neutrality with respect to local service realignment costs by maintaining the reconciliation process for 2003 and future years. A resolution in support was passed.


  • -Muskoka Parry Sound Health Unit, request for support of a resolution urging the government to implement the call to action recommendations for achieving a Healthy School Nutrition Environment, including implementing mandatory food standards for all Ontario elementary and secondary schools. This resolution was tabled for further information.


  • -Township of South Algonguin, request for support of a resolution requesting the Ontario government recognize that all property assessments not be allowed to increase from year to year unless a property has been improved, renovated during the year. No support was given.

  • -Cole Layer Trumble Canada Inc., copy of letter to Premier McGuinty regarding needed improvements to the property assessment in Ontario, request for a resolution supporting competitive property assessment services, list of municipalities who are supporting such a resolution. No resolution was passed.


  • -Federation of Canadian Municipalities, request to join. No support was given.

  • -City of Pickering, request for a donation to the fundraiser for the purchase of the Victoria Cross Awarded to Corporal Fred Topham. No support was given.
  • -AMO Alert, announcement regarding the expansion of services and details regarding the "Best Start Plan", improvements to child care and early learning in Ontario.


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  • -Ted Arnott, MPP Waterloo-Wellington, letter of thank you for support of the Double Hatter fire fighter issue.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -letter from Terry Forde dated November 24, 2004, regarding Highway 11 four laning project, concerns with proper service roads to meet the needs of the residents of Armour Township and a request to invite Regional Director for the Northeastern Region, Osmo Ramakko to the Janaury meeting with Ministry of Transportation representatives. The clerk will forward a reply.


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  • -Omex, regarding insurance, retro assessment. Council reiterated their position, they are not prepared to accept the suggested promissory note at this time. Payment of the retro assessment is not authorized.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Staff report regarding taxes to be written off, was reviewed and a resolution authoring same was passed.


  • -AMO, notification of training opportunities for Heads of Council. Reeve Thomas will not be attending.


  • -Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, information regarding the reporting requirements for 2004 municipal performance measurement program.


  • -Almaguin News, tender proposal for the 2005 printing services. A resolution was passed accepting the proposal as submitted.


  • -Staff report regarding the Chetwynd Cemetery lawn mower repair was reviewed and accepted.


  • -Staff report updating Council on the status of the NOHF, Community Centre Projects.


  • -Staff report, request from employee, Karen Fraser, requesting Council support for continuing the municipal administration program . A resolution was passed authorizing the registration of Karen for unit # 3 of this program.


  • -Ministry of Natural Resources, notification of the 2005/2006 Bear Wise Funding program. This information was directed to the next Tri R Committee meeting.


  • -letter from Mr. Gerry Church received December 14th, requesting Council consider reimbursing him costs associated with court case. Council requested the clerk forward a reply, further consideration is required.

  • -List of correspondence received and not on the agenda.

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RESOLUTIONS:

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the minutes of the November 23, 2004 meeting be approved as circulated. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support in principle the use of the unopened road allowance between Concessions 8 and 9, Lots 23 to 24, with the following conditions:

- road allowance must be surveyed

- proponent must agree to enter into a use agreement detailing conditions

- proponent provide liability insurance with the Township named insured

- road allowance will not be maintained by the municipality (Carried)

  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby agree to support the North Bay Regional Health Centre with a commitment of $ 35,000.00 over six years ; 2005- 2011. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the nomination of Village of Burk's Falls Councillor, Bruce Campbell, for the Muskoka Parry Sound Health Unit Transition Board. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That General Accounts Voucher # 12-2004 in the amount of $ 189,161.23 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 Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 12-2004 in the amount of $ 13,152.69 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the clerk to forward the zoning by-law amendment for Garry Sterritt et all and Timothy and Deborah Smith, Pt Lot 21, Concession 2, to the municipal planner Robert Miller for review and by-law preparation. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 39-2004, being a by-law to authorize the sale of land to the Ministry of Transportation. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 39-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 39-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of December, 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That Road Accounts Voucher # 12-2004 in the amount of $ 37,108.91 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 Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour approve the payment of unused vacation time (three weeks) to Les Phinney for 2004. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 40-2004, being a by-law to establish a hiring policy for Township employees. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 40-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 40-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of December, 2004. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 41-2004, being a by-law requiring an emergency management program for the protection of public safety, health, the environment, the critical infrastructure and property, and to promote economic stability and to a disaster-resilient community. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 41-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 41-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of December, 2004. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 42-2004, being a by-law to enter into an agreement with Environment Canada to operate a water monitoring station located on Doe Lake 1014 Ferguson Rd, Part Lot 8, Concession 3, Township of Armour. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 42-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 42-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of December, 2004. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 43-2004, being a by-law to establish the authority and sets out the methods by which Goods, Services, and Construction will be purchased for the Township of Armour. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 43-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)

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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 43-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of December, 2004. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 44-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 44-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 44-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of December, 2004. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Township of Algonguin Highlands and petition the Minister of Environment and Ontario Government implement a deposit return system for all metal, glass and plastic beverage containers. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the City of North Bay and request the Province of Ontario recognize the theme of revenue neutrality with respect to Local Services Realignment Costs by maintaining the reconciliation process for 2003 and future years, AND FURTHER that the review and alignment of the CRF for 2004 recognize and reflect the reason the CRF was created initially, that being to ensure revenue neutrality with respect to downloaded services. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit and petition the Premier of Ontario to request the government implement the proposed Call to Action recommendations for achieving a Heathy School Nutrition Environment including implementing a mandatory Food Standards for all Ontario elementary and secondary schools. (Tabled)
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the Township of South Algonguin and request the Province of Ontario not allow property assessments to increase unless property improvements have been made, and return stability to municipal tax systems and ensure fairness and predictability. (Defeated)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize the payment of a membership to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for 2005. (Defeated)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation in the amount of $ to the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Museum Trust Fund to help secure a Victoria Cross medal from being sold to a private collection. (Defeated)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the write-off of taxes and penalty as per the staff report, item # 30. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal submitted by the Almaguin News for printing services for 2004, in the amount of $ 280.00 plus gst. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize the registration of Karen Fraser for the MAP Program Unit # 3, and agree to pay related costs for same. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we do now adjourn at 10:06 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for January 11, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)