| THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR MINUTES February 21, 2008 The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, February 21, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Bob MacPhail; Councillors, Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran, Pat Hayes; delegate; Bob Hall, Burk’s Falls Winterfest Committee, staff, Bill Stewart, Road Supervisor, Bob Miller, Municipal Planning Consultant, Wendy Whitwell, Clerk-Treasurer. CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: The minutes of the closed meeting on January 22, 2008 were approved as circulated. The minutes of the regular meeting on January 22, 2008 were approved as circulated. The minutes of the public meeting on January 22, 2008 were approved as circulated. DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST: None DELEGATIONS: - Bob Hall, Winterfest Committee attended to report on the 2008 event. Bob read and distributed a letter of thank you to council, particularly Rod and Marty who have volunteered for thirteen years at this annual event. Financial statement for 2007 - 2008 was also reviewed. Bob was thanked for attending. - Bill Stewart, Road Supervisor attended to discuss the following road issues: - resolution authorizing Bill’s registration for the OGRA conference - resolution authorizing Bill’s enrollment in the group benefit plan - following staff reports reviewed: - occupational health and safety, Bill was authorized to investigate used containers and purchase through Ritchie Bros auction - calcium chloride - emergency power, authorized to proceed based on best price - AORS challenge exam, resolution passed - road accounts were reviewed and approved for payment. - letter of thank you received from Robbi Haviland - Katrine Winter Karvnial, Bill will participate in the parade with the patrol truck ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL: - road accounts voucher # 2-2008 in the amount of $ 45,002.04 was approved for payment by resolution. - general accounts voucher # 2-2008 in the amount of $ 183,501.59 was approved for payment by resolution. - landfill accounts voucher # 2-2008 in the amount of $ 19,584.94 was approved for payment by resolution. APPLICATIONS: Raffle - Katrine Community Centre, March 2, 2008 raffle was approved by resolution. BY-LAWS: - # 6-2008, being a by-law to establish and maintain a system for the collection, removal and disposal of garbage, recyclable materials, yard waste and other refuse was read a third time. - # 8-2008, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of council was read a first, second and third time. - # 9-2008, being a by-law to provide for an interim tax levy and the payment of interim taxes for the year 2008, was read a first, second and third time. - # 10-2008, being a by-law to set tax ratio’s for municipal purposes for the year 2008, was read a first, second and third time. REPORTS: - Steering Committee, Jerry and Marty reported. - Library, Rod reported. - Arena, Jerry and Pat reported. - Fire Board, Bob and Marty reported, minutes included. - District Social Services Administration Board, Marty reported - Building report, January 2008 - Site Plan report by Bob Miller for Phase 1- Commercial Drive as distributed to council and will be forwarded to all parties involved. Council members Bob and Pat will be advised of any upcoming meetings regarding this development and if available will participate. - Bob Miller will also research and provide draft cash-in-lieu by-law. CORRESPONDENCE: - The Township of Greater Madawaska requesting support of a resolution requesting the province to establish a system whereby revenue from stumpage fees paid to the province by the logging companies be used to compensate municipalities for damages sustained to municipal roads as a result of the logging companies use of municipal roads and further that the province establishes the same system for compensating municipalities per tonne of logs in the same manner as currently occurs with aggregate extraction in municipalities. A resolution in support was passed. - The City of Port Colborne requesting support of a resolution petitioning the Federal and Provincial Governments to establish a national plan to eliminate the municipal infrastructure deficit through the provision of equitable long-term funding strategies. A resolution of support was passed. -The request from the Honourable Tony Clement, MP, regarding round table discussion for the Build Canada Stronger, Safer, Better, January 2008 program was supported by resolution. - The Township of Galway-Cavendish & Harvey is requesting support of their resolution petitioning the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to ban the ownership of handguns. No support was given. - The Township of Russell is looking for support of their resolution petitioning the Provincial Government consider amending the formula used to calculate a municipality’s debt capacity by excluding debts for public utilities in order to allow a municipality to increase the financing of capital projects such as roads, bridges and other municipal infrastructures which are reimbursed through property taxes. A resolution in support was passed. - Association of Municipalities of Ontario member communication; AMO’s pre-budget submission seeks continued transformation of fiscal arrangements. - Association of Municipalities of Ontario member communication; AMO’s response to a commentary in recent edition of the financial post. - District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board notification of the honorariums and expenses received by your representatives who are Board Members for the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board. - Ontario Good Roads Association notice of Municipal Dataworks training - Spring 2008. A resolution authorizing staff to attend was passed. - The request from the Western Ontario Warden’s Caucus regarding the Farm Tax Rebate Program was supported by resolution. - The Township of Machar is looking for support of a resolution petitioning the Provincial Government to properly fund English Public Schools in Northern Ontario as a special interest, to the extent needed to keep them open and operational in safe repair. A resolution of support was passed. - The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands is requesting support of a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario assume ownership of all municipal drinking water systems within the Province and the Province assume responsibility for the operation of all municipal drinking water systems subject to its regulation and oversight. A resolution in support was passed. - Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services letter acknowledging that our municipality fulfilled the municipal requirements of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and Ontario Regulation 380/04. - The City of Waterloo is requesting support of their resolution supporting the Waterloo Region CBC radio station which as an under serviced area, should have increased access to local public broadcasting services providing distinct coverage of local and regional news, culture and public affairs. A resolution of support was passed. - The CNIB 2008 Annual Appeal. A resolution authorizing a donation was passed. - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing news release; Province to consult on fire sprinklers. - Katrine Community Centre notice regarding the March 15th Election of Officers and Dinner/Dance. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: - Blue Sky Net, GIS Partnership update and cost projections - Bob Miller to contact Scott or Jeff and report back to council. - Working committee for alternative health care - copy of resolutions from Village of Burk’s Falls - resolution passed supporting nomination of Barb Marlow and Cathy Still and Dick Smith as other representatives to the Working Committee. - North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit - update on municipal reserve fund and memorandum of understanding - not approved. - Jim Mahoney, By-law Enforcement Officer - report regarding new legislation requiring paralegal certification, reimbursement of expenses approved by resolution. - 2008 Arena December 2007 unaudited - resolution to authorize payment in excess of budget - approved by resolution. - Draft Fire Prevention and Public Education service agreement with Sundridge/Strong - No concerns, will look at legal comments. - Munisoft - tax billing update information - Draft Council Newsletter - Spring 2008, no changes suggested by Council. - List of correspondence received - not on agenda. RESOLUTIONS: - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the minutes of the closed meeting held on January 22, 2008. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the minutes of the regular meeting on January 22, 2008 as circulated. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the minutes of the public meeting held on January 22, 2008 regarding the zoning application pertaining to part of Lots 1 and 2, Concession 8. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Bill Stewart for the OGRA/ROMA Conference scheduled for February 24th, to 27th, and agree to pay out of pocket expenses related to same. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour authorize the enrollment of Bill Stewart into the Township of Armour Group Benefit program effective February 1, 2008. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour authorize Bill Stewart to register for the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors certification challenge exam as outlined in the staff report and agree to pay for costs related to same. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that Road Accounts Voucher # 2-2008 in the amount of $45,002.04 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 General Accounts Voucher # 2-2008 in the amount of $ 183, 501.59 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 Landfill Accounts Voucher # 2-2008 in the amount of $ 19,584.94 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 authorize a raffle lottery licence be issued to the Katrine Community Centre Club, draw date March 2, 2008 licence fee of $ 5.00. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that by-law # 6-2008, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 21st day of February, 2008. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that leave be given to introduce a bill # 8-2008, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of council at its meetings. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that by-law # 8-2008 be read a second time. Carried - Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Pat Hayes, that By-law # 9-2008, be read a second time. Carried - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that by-law # 8-2008, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 21st day of February, 2008. - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that by-law # 8-2008, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 21st day of February, 2008. Carried - Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Pat Hayes, that leave be given to introduce a bill # 9-2008, being a by-law to provide for an interim tax levy and the payment of interim taxes for the year 2008. - Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Pat Hayes, that by-law # 9-2008, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 21st day of February, 2008. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that leave be given to introduce a bill # 10-2008, being a by-law to set tax ratios for municipal purposes for the year 2008. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that by-law # 10-2008, be read second time. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that by-law # 10-2008, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 21st day of February, 2008. Carried - Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Pat Hayes, that the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Township of Greater Madawaska and request the Province establish a system whereby revenue from stumpage fees paid to the Province by the logging companies for the logging of crown land, be used to compensate municipalities for damages sustained to municipal roads as a results of the logging companies use of municipal roads and that the province establish the same system for compensating municipalities per tonne of logs in the same manner as currently occurs with aggregate extraction. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the City of Port Colborne and petition the Federal and Provincial Governments to establish a nation plan to eliminate the municipal infrastructure deficit through the provision of equitable long-term funding strategies. Carried - Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, Whereas, infrastructure is critically important to our municipality, and Whereas, there is considerable infrastructure deficit throughout Ontario and, Whereas, Canada’s federal government has committed, in Budget 2007, a seven-year, $ 33 billion infrastructure program - the biggest federal commitment since World War 11 - the Building Canada Plan, and Whereas, in order to access the Building Canada program a province must sign a Framework Agreement with the federal government, and Ontario has not done this yet; Whereas four other provinces, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador have already signed a Framework Agreement with the federal government; Be it resolved that Reeve and Council of the Township of Armour call upon Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to direct his officials to work with the Government of Canada to develop an appropriate Framework Agreement under the Building Canada plan. As the elected representatives responsible for the continued prosperity and safety of our community, we urge our counterparts and the Province of Ontario to make negotiation of the Framework Agreement and access to this funding one of the highest priorities of their government. Carried - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the Township of Galway-Cavendish & Harvey and petition the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario to ban the ownership of handguns. Defeated - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Pat Hayes, that the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Township of Russell and petition the Provincial Government to consider amending the formula used to calculate a municipalities debt capacity by excluding debts for public utilities. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the Council of the Township of Armour authorize the registration of staff to attend upcoming Municipal Data Works Asset Management Training session and agree to pay out of pocket expenses for same. Carried - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Pat Hayes, Whereas the Province of Ontario moved from the Farm Tax Rebate Program to a 75% reduction in the agricultural property tax rate reduction program in 1998, at a cost in excess of 100 million dollars annually to the municipalities of the Province; Whereas the Province agreed to maintain municipal agriculture property tax revenue when they moved from the rebate program to the reduced tax rate program; Whereas municipalities have not received equivalent agricultural property tax revenue compensation from the Province of Ontario; Whereas this failure of the Province of Ontario to provide equivalent compensation has negatively impacted the financial position of all municipalities in Ontario with an agricultural tax base, at the above-noted costs in excess of 100 million dollars; Therefore be it resolved that the Province of Ontario be petitioned to provide compensating revenue to the municipalities in Ontario that have been negatively impacted by the transition from the Farm Tax Rebate Program to the agricultural property tax rate reduction program. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Township of Machar and Village of South River and petition the Provincial Government to properly fund English Public Schools in Northern Ontario as a special interest, to the extent needed to keep them open and operational in safe repair. Carried - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Pat Hayes, that the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands and requests the Province of Ontario assume ownership of all municipal drinking water systems within the Province and the province assume responsibility for the operation of all municipal drinking water systems subject to its regulations and oversight. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the City of Waterloo regarding the need for increased access to local public broadcasting services providing distinct coverage of local and regional news, culture and public affairs and call of the Federal Government and Heritage Minister to include sustainable funding to ensure this service can be provided to the Region of Waterloo and other regional radio stations. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the Council of the Township of Armour authorize a donation in the amount of $150.00 for the CNIB 2008 Annual Appeal. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the nomination of Barb Marlow and Cathy Still and Dick Smith as other representatives to the Working Committee examining alternatives for the provision of health care services including the Burk’s Falls and District Health Centre. Carried - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Pat Hayes, that the Council of the Township of Armour authorize the reimbursement to Jim Mahoney of expenses incurred to represent Armour as a paralegal in the P.O.A. Court, based on equal cost sharing by the six municipalities as outlined in report to council dated February 6, 2008. Carried - Moved by Pat Hayes, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the Council of the Township of Armour authorize payment to the Village of Burk’s Falls for the December 2007 arena in the amount of $ 12, 177.80, which represents a total over-budget expenditure of $ 5,457.63 for 2007. Carried - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Pat Hayes, that we do now adjourn this regular meeting at 10:54 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for March 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. Carried |