THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

February 10, 2004

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, February 11, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve Richard Thomas; Councillors Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran, and Bob MacPhail; delegates; Bob Hall, Chairman, Winterfest, Matt and Sandi Zimmerman, Russ Haven Resort, guests Karen Kowalchuk, Joanne Cripps, Raija Rosenthal, Lorne Dyck, Paul and Sylvia Robinson; staff Les Phinney, CRS-I, and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -The minutes of the regular meeting January 27th, 2004, were approved by resolution as circulated.

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DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

  • -Jerry Brandt declared pecuniary interest on item # 8 and # 9, accounts: payment to Almaguin News, nature thereof: wife's place of employment, payment to Graham Wilson and Green, Election 2000.


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  • -Bob MacPhail declared pecuniary interest on item # 4 and # 5, assessment of trailers; general nature thereof: owner/operator of campground.

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DELEGATIONS:

Bob Hall, Chairman, Winterfest.

Bob attended to thank council for their support in the past for the Winterfest and answer any questions council may have on the financial statement provided for 2003- 2004. This event continues to be very successful and brings community service groups together to provide this a family fun weekend. A total of 384 buttons were sold this year. Bob thanked Marty and Rod for their continued involvement in the event.

John Langridge, did not attend.

Matt & Sandi Zimmerman, Russ Haven Resort.

Council reviewed and discussed a letter from the Zimmerman's, which was included in the agenda package, requesting Council to pass a resolution, using the authority of Section 365 of the Municipal Act, to forgive taxes to be levied on 2003 omitted assessments for trailers in their campground. They also requested Council to consider passing a resolution to forgive taxes to be levied on 2004 omitted assessment for trailers if they do not receive the notices from MPAC by April 1, 2004. Council also read and discussed email correspondence received from Barry Fry, Margaret Herrington and Gordon Isbister on the same subject. A staff report prepared by the Clerk was also reviewed. Council agreed that continued lobbying of the Province was needed to deal with the problems created by this situation, and that this is ongoing through AMO and similar groups. Council thanked Matt and Sandi for bringing their concerns to them and requested the Clerk research this further.

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

- road accounts voucher # 02-2004 in the amount of $ 34,596.44 was reviewed.

- WHMIS Training seminars. Council passed a resolution authorizing the training of four road department staff.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING:

  • -A resolution was passed opposing the use of the herbicide known as Garlon 4, within the Township of Armour by Hydro One.

APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS:

- Road accounts voucher # 02-2004, in the amount $ 34,596.44 was reviewed and approved for payment.

- General accounts voucher # 02-2004, in the amount of $ 66,389.73 was reviewed and approved for payment.

- Landfill accounts voucher # 02-2004, in the amount of $ 8,424.79 was reviewed and approved for payment.

BY-LAWS:

  • -By-law # 07-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council was read a first, second and third time.

REPORTS:

  • -Feb. 9th, Planning Board, Richard gave a verbal report.
  • -CBO report for January was reviewed.
  • -Treasurer's report on remuneration paid to Council for 2003 was accepted by resolution.
  • -CEMC, staff report dated January 30th, 2004 was reviewed.
  • -2003 budget to November 30, 2003 was reviewed.
  • -Fire board minutes, January 20th were reviewed. All Council members are invited to the next meeting on February 17th, at the Fire Hall.
  • -Councillor Brandt gave a verbal report on the federal budget preparation meeting he attended on January 30th, with Andy Mitchell.

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CORRESPONDENCE:

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


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  • -Huntsville Forrester, request to sponsor an "Introducing our Columnists" advertisement page. No sponsorship was approved.
  • -AHSPIC, request for donation towards Almaguin Highlands promotional items including window or bumper stickers and lapel pins. No support was given.


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  • -Township of Perry, notification of the closure of the Almaguin Highlands Information Centre for a two week period from February 9th, to allow for renovations.


  • -The Greer Galloway Group Inc., notification of the study for the relocation of Almaguin Highlands Information Centre. The clerk was instructed to forward a letter requesting clarification of the proposed relocation site and how it will be accessed.


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  • -Township of McMurrich/Monteith, copy of correspondence forwarded to Ministry of Transportation requesting to be kept informed of all aspects of the relocation of AHIC and requesting legal fees associated with this be paid by the Ministry.

  • -Village of Burk's Falls, request for support of a resolution to lobby the Province for funds for the Muskoka Community Network project, to bring high speed internet to our area. A resolution of support was passed.
  • -AMO, regarding Doctor shortages, information on the NOW Alliance and the 19 point Rural Heath Action Plan. This information will be forwarded to the upcoming Steering Committee meeting with health officials.


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  • -Township of Ryerson, Steering Committee minutes from January 22, 2004 and notice of the meeting February 26, 2004. All Council will try to attend this meeting.


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  • -Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, information regarding the collection of "good practices" regarding the implementation of the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, and the required accessibility plans.


  • -Copy of correspondence sent to Norm Millar, MPP, from the Ontario Provincial Police, indicating the lack of funding available for the renovation or relocation of the Almaguin Highlands Detachment, but confirming that the Township of Armour will be included in the consultation process for this project when it moves forward.


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  • -AMO, news release regarding the Federal Throne speech indicating the recovery of municipal tax dollars currently being forwarded to the Federal government and the commitment to work on the distribution of a portion of the federal gas tax.


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  • -AMO, news release regarding Bill 31, Heath Information Protection Act, 2003.


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  • -AMO, notification of the TVOntario televised campaign.


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  • -OGRA, welcomes announcement regarding gas tax revenues and GST rebates.


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  • -Women's Own Resource Centre, requesting a letter of support for the Rural Outreach Program Endeavour (ROPE), a program that delivers self-employment, employment, networking and mentoring workshops. A letter of support will be forwarded.


  • -Graham Wilson & Green, acknowledgment of our letter of January 29th and the closure of this file.

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -Discussion regarding a draft A.T.V. By-law. The Clerk was instructed to pole the surrounding municipalities to determine if they are considering a by-law. The possibility of a public meeting to receive input was discussed.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Township of Perry, notice of cessation of shared services for chief building official, effective June 30, 2004.


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  • -Resolution passed to affirm bond coverage of municipal employees was passed.


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  • -List of correspondence received and not on the agenda.
  • -Resolution to move into closed session.


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  • -Resolution to move out of closed session.

RESOLUTIONS:

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 27, 2004 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Road Accounts Voucher # 02-2004 in the amount of $ 34,596.44 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 Rod Blakelock, The Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of four road department employees to attend the upcoming WHMIS training seminars. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour oppose the use of the herbicide known as Garlon 4, within the Township of Armour, by Hydro One during the scheduled brushing program this season. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That General Accounts Voucher # 02-2004 in the amount of $ 66,389.73 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. Pecuniary interest, Brandt. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 02-2004 in the amount of $ 8,424.79 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. Pecuniary interest, Brandt. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 07-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 07-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 07-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 10th day of February, 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the Treasurer's Report of Remuneration and Expenses Paid to the Council of the Township of Armour for 2003. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint John Stark as the alternate, Emergency Plan Coordinator, CEMC for the Township of Armour. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby donate $ 100.00 to the CNIB 2004 annual appeal campaign. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the Village of Burk's Falls, and request the Province of Ontario commit funds for the Muskoka Community Network project and facilitate the availability of high speed internet for this area. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby affirm that bond coverage of their employees was reviewed at the time of renewal of the municipal insurance. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, BE IT RESOLVED That the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 9:20 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 (b) (d) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 10:27 p.m. (Carried).

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, that the Council of the Township of Armour hereby agree to the wage review as per the policy of employment discussed and hereby authorize the clerk to update the policy for 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That we do now adjourn at 10:37 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for February 25, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)