THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

February 25, 2004

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Wednesday, February 25, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve Richard Thomas; Councillors Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran, and Bob MacPhail; delegates Doug Heal of Water Healer; Manel Kasim and Tim Rogers of the Ministry of Transportation and Robert Kivi and Robert Kleine of Marshall Macklin Monaghan ; guests Karen Kowalchuk, Joanne Cripps, Lorne Dyck, Jack Murray, Phyllis Leggett, Ed Robinson, Astrid Taim, Almaguin News, and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -The minutes of the regular meeting February 10, 2004, were approved by resolution as circulated

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

  • -No pecuniary interest was declared

DELEGATIONS:

Doug Heal, owner of the Water Healer Co. attended at Council's request to discuss the responsibilities of the municipality under the Ontario Safe Water Drinking Act. Reeve Thomas indicated the municipality is looking at how it can supply clean, safe drinking water, for a reasonable cost. Doug gave Council a history of his fifteen plus years experience in the water business, and indicated that he has designed and installed many systems which have been certified and meet the requirements under the current legislation. Doug has read the engineering report prepared by Jagger Hims including the water sample reports for Katrine Community Centre. Doug indicated the reports for Katrine show a very good quality water supply. Council also discussed the public park building at Doe Lake, and drilled versus dug wells and the required treatment. A resolution was passed directing Doug Heal to design and cost systems for three locations at this time. Doug was thanked for his time.

Robert Kivi and Robert Kleine, from Marshall Macklin Monaghan and Manal Kasim and Tim Rogers, Ministry of Transportation attended the meeting to update Council on the status of the Highway 11 four-laning detail design project from Highway 518 West, to just south of Highway 520 at Burk's Falls. Maps displaying the route for this section were highlighted and discussed. The Ministry is currently continuing with the purchase of property required. A public information session will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Katrine Community Centre. Council and other interested agencies may also attend from 2 to 4 p.m. The Ministry will take into consideration, comments from the information session and move forward with the detailed design. The Ministry was asked when we can expect the properties which have been purchased and are now surplus to their needs, to be put back on the market? This is not normally done until construction is complete. Council indicated that is not acceptable due to the number of properties involved on what will become the municipal service road. The Township has lost a significant amount of assessment, which we need to recover as soon as possible. It was suggested a letter be forwarded to the Managing Engineer for this project. Other items discussed and to be considered in the detail sign stage included deer crossing area south of Burk's Falls, highway signage and emergency turnarounds. Reeve Thomas thanked the Ministry for the presentation and keeping Council informed.

REPORTS:

  • -Tri R, Feb. 11th, minutes included in the agenda package. Richard also gave a verbal report
  • -Fire Board, Feb. 17th, Richard and Marty gave a verbal report.
  • -Arena Board, Feb. 18th, Jerry gave a verbal report.
  • -Library, Feb. 18th, Rod had been excused from the meeting, no report available.
  • -By-law Officer's report - January was reviewed by Council.
  • -Councillor Brandt gave a verbal report on the OGRA/ROMA conference and will provide a written report.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -Muskoka Parry Sound Heath Unit, regarding municipal responsibilities under the Ontario Regulation 170/03 ( Drinking Water Systems Regulations). The clerk was instructed to reply.


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  • -Town of North Perth, request for support of a resolution to request the Government of Canada to invest in a plan to help fund universal metering programs for small municipalities. A resolution of support was passed.


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  • -Township of Ramara, request for support of a resolution requesting the Liberal government retain all Power Generation in public ownership. A resolution of support was passed.


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  • -Village of South River, request for support of a resolution requesting the current protection afforded trails remain in the 2004-2024 Forest Management Plan for the French- Severn Forest and support the maintenance of the 30 meter no cut zone and the additional 45 meter modified cut zone area around authorized trails in the South River area and the Almaguin Highlands. Council requested further information.


  • -Loyalist Township, request for support of a resolution requesting the Minister of Finance be aware of the municipalities concerns regarding the lack of commitment in advance to a fall 2004 reconciliation of the CRF funding. No support was given.


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  • -Association of Municipalities of Ontario, notification of the 2004 AMO Conference scheduled for August 22- 25th, in Ottawa. A resolution authorizing the registration of Richard Thomas was passed.


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  • -Ministry of Natural Resources, notification that the Ministry is committed to engaging municipalities in the refinement and implementation of the nuisance bear management strategy, and schedule for two upcoming consultations in Parry Sound and Huntsville.


  • -Joint operation and management agreement for the Burk's Falls arena/ community centre. The Council reviewed the agreement and instructed the clerk to prepare a by-law for the next meeting.


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  • -Burk's Falls & Area Special Events Committee, thank you for support of the first annual Greg Boyes Day, and request for our portion of the costs for stamps and photocopies. A resolution authorizing payment of $ 56.09 was passed.


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  • -The Greer Galloway Group Inc., reply to our letter of February 12, 2004 regarding the proposed relocation of Almaguin Highlands Information Centre .


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  • -Village of Burk's Falls, notice of the upcoming meeting with Ministry of Transportation, Greer Galloway and the supporting municipalities of AHIC scheduled for Monday, March 29th, at 2.p.m. at the Village of Burk's Falls Council Chambers.
  • -John Stark, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Burk's Falls & District Fire Department, notice of John attending at the Katrine Community Centre with members of the community centre club and Muskoka Fire Protection, for instruction on the fire alarm system and the required testing. John also advised Council he is working on revising the fire safety plan for the Centre.

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NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Staff report regarding the Almaguin Animal Shelter was reviewed and discussed. A resolution authorizing the extension of this contract to December 2005 was passed.
  • -Groundskeeper for 2004. Council reviewed a staff report and job description. A resolution authorizing advertising for a contract position for 2004 was passed.


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  • -Council Newsletter. Richard and Bob will provide input for the newsletter to be sent with 2004 spring tax bills.


  • -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 Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 10, 2004 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, the Township of Armour direct Doug Heal to design and cost safe water drinking systems for the Armour Municipal office, the Katrine Municipal Park Beach and the Katrine Community Centre. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the Town of North Perth and request the Government of Canada invest in a plan to help fund universal water metering programs for small municipalities. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That Council of the Township of Armour ask the Liberal Provincial Government to retain all of Ontario Power Generation in public ownership, so that the residents of Ontario can have power at cost and a reliable system. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize the registration of Richard Thomas to attend the 2004 AMO Conference being held in Ottawa, August 22- 25th, 2004 and agree to pay related out of pocket expenses for same. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby agree to pay to the Village of Burk's Falls $ 56.09 which represents one third of the stamps and photo copies used by the Burk's Falls and Area Special Events Committee for Greg Boyes day last year. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour accept the contract with the Almaguin Animal Shelter at a rate of $ 200.00 plus GST a month to December 2005. Recorded Vote: opposed, Corcoran; for, Brandt, MacPhail, Thomas. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour advertize for the position of Groundskeeper for the 2004 as a contract position. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, BE IT RESOLVED That the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 10:30 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 2 (e) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 10:45 P.M. (Carried)

- Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That we do now adjourn at 10:46 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for March 9, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)