THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

 

MINUTES

February 14, 2006

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Acting Reeve Marty Corcoran; Councillors, Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt and Bob MacPhail; delegates, Hans and Eleanor Junger, Almaguin News representative Chris Hope ; 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 January 24, 2006 minutes were approved as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST: None

DELEGATIONS:

Hans and Eleanor Junger

  • - Resolution was passed to move into closed session.
  • - Resolution to move out of closed session was passed.
 

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

  • - 2006 budget considerations including heating system for township garage and tendering for a single axle truck.
  • - review letters regarding road safety and deer feeding, Les will order signs and the clerk will reply to the letters.
  • - approval to send Glenn Middlebrook for health and safety training
  • - road account voucher # 02-2006 in the amount of $ 30,081.52 was reviewed.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING:

 
  • - Katrine Community Centre Club, Council reviewed a summary of quotes received for replacing flooring. A review of the quotes indicates inconsistencies. Clarification will be required. The clerk will follow up with a representative from the centre.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

 
  • - Councillor MacPhail discussed with council the new economic development committee, how and when to move forward. Bob will follow up with Burk's Falls and Ryerson representatives and advise Council.

ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL:

 
  • - road accounts voucher # 02-2006, in the amount of $ 30,081.52 was approved for payment by resolution.
  • - general accounts voucher # 02-2006, in the amount of $ 119,613.09 was approved for payment by resolution.
  • - landfill accounts voucher # 02-2006, in the amount of $ 9,289.02 was approved for payment by resolution.

APPLICATIONS:

LOTTERY: RAFFLE

  • - Council reviewed the application and staff report. The consensus of council was to ask the applicant to research obtaining a Provincial Lottery Licence.

BY-LAWS:

  • - # 05-2006, being a by-law to establish policies for the use of unopened road allowances was read a second and third time.


  • - - #06-2006, being a by-law to close and sell streets within Plan 27, was read a first, second and third time.


  • - - # 07-2006, being a by-law to fix a scale of costs for sale of land for tax arrears, was read a first, second and third time.


  • - # 08-2005, being a by-law to appoint a municipal auditor, was read a first, second and third time.

REPORTS:

 
  • - Energy Reduction Workshop, February 1, Jerry gave a verbal report.
  • - Arena, January 25th, Jerry reported verbally.
  • - Steering Committee, January 26th, Jerry gave a verbal report
  • - Tri R, February 1st, Bob gave a verbal report.
  • - Fire Brd, February 2nd, Rod reported.

CORRESPONDENCE:

 
  • - FONOM, thank you for support.


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  • - Municipality of Grey Highlands, requesting support of a resolution opposing Bill 51 which proposes to exempt projects in Ontario from the Planning Act if they are an undertaking within the meaning of the Environmental Assessment Act. A resolution in support was passed.


  • - Niagara Region, requesting support of a resolution to petition the Province of Ontario to remove the obligation of funding many social programs through the municipal property tax base. A resolution in support was passed.


  • - City of North Bay, request for support of a resolution to request the Province of Ontario not approve the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit 2006 budget. This resolution was defeated.
 
  • - County of Brant, request for support of a resolution to petition the Province of Ontario to not implement recommendations 5.1 and 5.2 of the Expert Panel Report "Watertight: the Case for Change in Ontario's Water and Wastewater Sector". A resolution in support was passed.


  • - County of Northumberland, regarding Bill 206 OMERS, requesting support for a resolution to put the Province of Ontario on notice they refuse to accept the transfer of administration and financial costs associated with the OMERS Program. A resolution in support was passed.


  • - FONOM Conference, May 10th - 12th, Blind River. No one will be attending.


  • - Ontario Provincial Police, information regarding the resolutions forwarded from Township of Clearview, Township of Springwater and Town of Wasaga Beach and equitable treatment of non contract municipalities.
 
  • - Near North District School Board, letter requesting support for the concept of the New Almaguin Highlands Education Centre. Council will request trustee Al Bottomley attend a council meeting to discuss.
  • -Canadian National Institute for the Blind, request for donation. A resolution authorizing a donation was passed.


  • -East Parry Sound Veterinary Service Committee, request for support for 2006. A resolution authorizing the payment of $ 150.00 was passed.


  • -Katrine Community Centre Club, request for support for the Katrine Winter Karnival. A resolution authorizing a donation was passed.


  • -The East Parry Sound Regional Science Fair, request for a donation for 2006. A resolution authorizing a donation was passed.


  • -AMCTO 2006 Election Training. A resolution authorizing the registration of Wendy and Leanne was passed.


  • -AMO Alert, Bill 206, Proposed strike action by CUPE.


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  • -MNDM, notification of Sustainable Communities - A Community Development and Revitalization Forum, March 21 - 22 in North Bay. No one will be attending.


  • -Ministry of Natural Resources, 2006-2007 Bear Wise Funding.


  • -Township of Carling, supporting Armour's resolution to petition the Province to amend the Ontario Building Code Act to allow municipalities to administer sewage systems.


  • -District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board, notice re Section 284 (3) of the Municipal Act - honorariums and expenses for representatives.


  • -Request for authorization to pay interest charges to ROMA Insurance Program regarding retro assessment. A resolution authorizing same was passed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 
  • - Correspondence from municipal planner, Robert Miller regarding January 30, 2006 meeting with Ministry of Transportation. Council requested Bob Miller respond to Ministry of Transportation.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • - 2006 Municipal Elections, discussion. The consensus of Council is to use vote by mail for the 2006 elections.


  • - Ministry of Finance, information regarding the 2006 Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF).


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  • - Outward Bound, request under the Section 361 of the Municipal Act for a tax rebate. Council reviewed a staff report and authorized a rebate in the amount of $ 7,949.94 for 2005 taxes.
 
  • - Township of Strong, correspondence regarding AHED.


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  • - Sam Dunnett, Mayor, Magnetawan, copy of correspondence to AHED
  • - AHED, copy of terms of reference and special meeting minutes and invitation to appoint a representative. No representative will be appointed at this time.


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  • - Bruce Simmons, request for permission for geocaching sites in Armour. The clerk will request further information.


  • - Discussion regarding Armour Township's 125th Anniversary. Council will consider this and bring ideas to another meeting.


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


  • - Resolution to move into closed session.


    •
  • - Resolution to move out of closed session.

RESOLUTIONS:

 
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the minutes of the January 24, 2006 meeting be approved as circulated. Carried


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby move into closed session at 7:33 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 (c) of the Municipal Act. Carried.
 
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 7:45 p.m. Carried.


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  • - Move by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That Road Accounts Voucher # 02-2006, in the amount of $ 30,081.52 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 Rod Blakelock, That General Accounts Voucher # 02-2006 in the amount of $ 119,613.09 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 # 02-2006 in the amount of $ 9,289.02 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 Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 05-2006, be read a second time. Carried
 
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That by-law # 05-2006, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2006. Carried


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  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 06-2006, being a by-law to close, sell and convey certain streets in the Township of Armour within Registered Plan 27 (Heintzman). Carried


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  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 06-2006, be read a second time. Carried
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That by-law # 06-2006, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2006. Carried


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 07- 2006, being a by-law to fix a scale of costs for the processing of properties under Part XI Sale of Lands for Tax arrears. Carried


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 07-2006, be read a second time. Carried


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That by-law # 07-2006, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2006. Carried
 
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 08- 2006, being a by-law to appoint an auditor for the Township of Armour. Carried.


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 08-2006, be read a second time. Carried


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That by-law # 08-2006, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 14th day of February, 2006. Carried.
 
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, The Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the Municipality of Grey Highlands and the position taken in opposing Bill 51 which proposes to exempt all energy projects within Ontario from the Planning Act if they are undertaking or class of undertaking within the meaning of the Environmental Assessment Act. Carried
 
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Regional Municipality of Niagara and petition the Province of Ontario to remove the obligation of funding of many social programs through the municipal property tax base. Carried


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the City of North Bay and request the Province of Ontario not approve the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit 2006 budget. Defeated


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the County of Brant and petition the Province of Ontario to not implement recommendations 5.1 and 5.2 of the Expert Panel Report "Watertight: The Case for Change in Ontario's Water and Wastewater Sector". Carried


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Northumberland County and put the Ontario Provincial Government on notice that we refuse to accept the transfer of administration and financial costs associated with the OMERS Program. Carried
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Armour put the Ontario Government on notice that we refuse to accept the transfer of administrtion and financial costs associated with the OMERS program;

 

AND FURTHER this transfer represents additional downloading on municipal governments which are already financially strapped due to programs downloaded by the previous Ontario government;

AND FURTHER that this motion be circulated to AMO, ROMA, FONOM, Minister of Finance and Premier of Ontario. Carried

  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in the amount of $ 150.00 for 2006. Carried


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  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize support to the East Parry Sound Veterinary Service Committee for 2006 in the amount of $ 150.00. Carried


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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 $ 300.00 to the 2006 Katrine Winter Karnival. Carried


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize a donation in the amount of $ 50.00 to the East Parry Sound Regional Science Fair for 2006. Carried


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Wendy Whitwell and Leanne Crozier to attend the AMCTO Municipal Elections Training, April 6th, Callander and agree to cover related costs for same. Carried


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize payment in the amount of $ 1,051.66 to ROMA Insurance Program Inc. as per the agreement and by-law # 39-2005. Carried


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  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a rebate of 2005 taxes paid by Outward Bound Canada for tax relief for a registered charity as per Section 361 of the Municipal Act. Total rebate approved (40%) $ 7,949.94. Carried


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby move into closed session at 10:50 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 (d) of the Municipal Act. Carried


  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we continue beyond the 11:00 o'clock curfew. Carried


  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of closed session at 12:20 p.m. Carried
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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail,

WHEREAS The supporting municipalities are negotiating an agreement with the Township of Perry regarding the ownership and operation of the Almaguin Highlands Information Centre;

 

AND WHEREAS supporting municipalities have requested amendments to the agreement previously presented which have not been included in the most recent agreement presented;

NOW THEREFORE The Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the agreement forwarded February 10, 2006 by Powell Cunningham and Grandy on behalf of the Township of Perry, subject to the following condition:

That the supporting municipalities receive a signed copy of the agreement between the Township of Perry and the Ministry of Transportation which sets out the number of days per week and hours of operation for the Almaguin Highlands Information Centre. Carried.

 
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That we do now adjourn at 12:20 a.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for February 28, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. Carried