THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES


February 27, 2002

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Wednesday, February 27, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve Frank Gill, Councillors Rod Blakelock, Marty Corcoran, Joanne Cripps, and Gary McFarlane; delegates Linda Maurer, Burk's Falls & District Historical Society, Jean Baptiste Laurent Robert, Barb Marlow & Bob Hall, Winterfest Committee, Gord Parker, Matthew Haggart, Bob MacPhail, and Dave Laungerud; guests, Earl Haggart, Gail and Harvey Mulligan, Gloria Wilde, Richard Holloway, Joy Murphy, Roberta De Haviland, Richard Thomas, Phyllis Leggett, Glen Beddows, Marie Stitt, Dona Crawford, Melissa McMurren, Jill Ludow, Jenny Thomas, Carl Martin, Lorne Main, Diane McIntyre, Ken McIntyre, Henry Elliot, Wilma Robert, Ron Russell, Dalton Healey, Peter Brook and Jeff Renaud from the Almaguin News; staff Laura Rowley Clerk-Treasurer. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.

There was a request from the guests to introduce the members of Council which was done by Reeve, Frank Gill.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS FROM FEBRUARY 12, 2002 MEETING:

- A resolution to introduce a bill # 9-2002, being a By-law to appoint officers and set rates of pay for the year 2002 was read, a vote called, and carried.

- By-law # 12-2002, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at the February 12th meeting was read a first, second & third time.

FEBRUARY 27, 2002 REGULAR MEETING:

- The minutes of the regular meeting of February 12, 2002 adopted as amended.

- Councillor Cripps requested permission to put a resolution on the table. Procedure was checked. The resolution was moved, seconded, a vote called and carried.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

PERSONAL interest was declared by Joanne Cripps, on item # 7 on the delegation list.

- Richard Thomas asks for permission to speak. The Reeve states he is out of order. Richard continues to question the definition of a public meeting. Councillor McFarlane tells Richard Thomas that he is disrupting the meeting. The Reeve asks the Clerk to call the police. Councillor Blakelock explains the difference between a public meeting and a council meeting open to the public. Mr. Thomas subsided.

DELEGATIONS:

  • -Linda Maurer, Burk's Falls & District Historical Society. Linda brought Council up to date on the activities at the museum last summer; the hiring of a student for this summer; requested a donation for this year; and invited all members of Council to their upcoming spring tea. A resolution to donate $ 500.00 was passed.


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  • -Jean Baptiste Laurent Robert attended Council to request that minutes of meetings be converted into French. He points out that the Oath of Allegiance taken by members of Council is in both English and French. Mr. Robert hands out a package to each member of Council asks them to check the meaning of the words impartial and democracy. The Clerk had some information on a program on the internet that can be downloaded to convert documents. A suggestion was made that these types of programs lose something in the translation. The Clerk is to investigate further.

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  • -Barb Marlow & Bob Hall, Winterfest Committee. Bob Hall read a letter thanking members of Council for their generous support with special thanks to Rod Blakelock and Marty Corcoran who volunteer their time every year. He highlighted the activities in this years program and the possibility for new activities next year. Barb Marlow passed out the financial statement and asked if Council had any questions. Bob then explained a new project for next year which will be a story board of Pete the Bear and pointing out that they are financially in good shape, and stated that their biggest need is volunteers.


  • -Gord Parker attended Council to discuss road maintenance on the Three Mile Lake hill and damage to his vehicle. Mr. Parker quoted dates and times that certain winter maintenance functions were performed on the Three Mile Lake hill and questioned if these activities where done in a timely fashion. He also questioned winter maintenance functions that were not performed when he thought they should have been. He explained damages to his vehicle as a result of winter maintenance not being performed and requested that some of the damages be paid by the municipality. The Reeve requested that Mr. Parker provide, in writing, the cost of repairs to his vehicle for the next meeting of Council for Council's review.


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  • -Matthew Haggart. As per the resolution passed following the minutes of the meeting on February 12th being approved, Matthew Haggart was not permitted to submit his questions re Armour issues as received on February 26, 2002.


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  • -Bob McPhail. As per the resolution passed following the minutes of the meeting on February 12th being approved, Bob McPhail was not permitted to submit his question from the meeting of February 12th re insurance and as received on February 25, 2002. Mr. McPhail advised Council that he would be going to the police with a charge of abuse of authority.


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  • -Dave Langerud. A copy of a proposed agreement for the use of the municipal road allowance between Conc. 6 & 7 in Lots 9 & 10 was included in the agenda package for Council's perusal. The Reeve informed Mr. Langerud that he had gone over the property file and had found a lot of problems. He suggested that the Clerk should be instructed to send the pertinent information to the municipal lawyer so he could discuss it with Mr. Langerud's lawyer. Councillor Blakelock asked what problems. The Reeve replied zoning and a letter from Sue Heffernan of Ministry of Municipal Affairs. The Clerk asks what specifically the Township lawyer is to address and Councillor McFarlane replies zoning, building permits, private right-of-way, potential access. The Clerk asks who will pay the municipal lawyer's bill and after due consideration is informed that the municipality will absorb the cost. The Clerk requests that a resolution be passed and it is written and passed.

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BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING:

  • -Trans Canada Trail Foundation. A resolution was passed to support the Foundation with a pledge of $ 400.00.


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  • -Computer Software Upgrading. Councillor McFarlane report on a discussion with Leanne Crozier regarding the upgrading and a demonstration by MuniSoft, Armour's software provider, at the OGRA conference and his conclusion that the upgrade will provide more flexibility and assist with the new performance measurement requirements. Two resolutions were passed.


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  • -Invoices from Hynde Paul. Councillor McFarlane requested a breakdown of the hours per job for the January invoice. Councillor Cripps questioned the last two invoices being discussed in open Council instead of closed session. A resolution was passed to pay the invoices and invoice # 5126 & # 5127 will be discussed in closed session at the next meeting.

BY-LAWS: - By-law # 9-2002, being a By-law to set rates of pay for the year 2002 was read a second & third time, as amended.

      • -By-law # 11-2002, being a By-law to authorize Voting by Mail for the 2003 Municipal Election and the entering into an agreement with Canada Post to provide mail services was read a third time. Before the final reading a lengthy discussion was held amongst members of Council. Mr. McPhail presented concerns from the Concerned Citizens meeting.


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      • -By-law # 13-2002, being a By-law to Appoint a By-law Enforcement Officer was read a first, second and third time.


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      • -By-law # 14-2002, being a By-law to adopt a policy on the dedication of parkland or cash-in-lieu on subdivisions and severances was tabled. A staff report included in the agenda package asked four questions to be considered before passing the By-law. After a general discussion, the consensus was to ask Robert Miller, planner with Hynde Paul Assoc. to reply to the questions.

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REPORTS:

  • -Steering Committee - minutes of the Jan. 24th meeting were included in the agenda package. A resolution was passed to pay the $ 10.00 annual fee for 2002.


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  • -AHIC - Feb. 14th - Councillor McFarlane reported.


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  • -Almaguin 2002 - Feb. 19th - no one attended.


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  • -Arena - Feb. 20th - minutes of the meeting were included in the agenda package. Reeve Gill and Councillor Cripps reported.


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  • -Library - Feb. 20th - Councillor Blakelock reported.


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  • -OGRA - Feb. 25th to 27th - Councillor McFarlane will prepare a written report.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -Graham, Wilson & Green, apologizing for canceling attendance at the regular Council meeting on February 12th and rescheduling for the regular meeting on March 26th.


  • -Graham, Wilson & Green, letter re Township of Armour et al ats Jerry Brandt et al.


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  • -Almaguin Highlands O.P.P., media release announcing the detachment's name change.


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  • -AMO, information on municipal insurances.


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  • -AMO, Update on Municipal Act Training Initiatives.


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  • -AMCTO Express, information on the Vacancy Rebate Program and Council Remuneration in the new Municipal Act.


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  • -Letter from Christine Lauffer with concerns about recycling and the toxic waste program. Council discussed Mrs. Lauffer's concerns and the consensus was to forward to the Tri-R Committee to address.


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  • -MPAC. Notice of an information session to be held in Magnetawan on Feb. 26th. A resolution was passed authorizing the attendance of the Clerk and Leanne Crozier.

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  • -Northeastern Fire Education Conference. Information on the conference to be held in North Bay, April 5th to 7th. A resolution was passed authorizing the registration of Marty Corcoran.


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  • -City of Thunder Bay. Resolution regarding the Northern Ontario Rural Medical School. The Clerk was instructed to write a letter and include a resolution previously passed by Council.


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  • -Municipality of Huron East. Request for support of a resolution requesting the Government of Canada to not include road salts on the list of CEPA toxic substances. A resolution of support was passed.


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  • -City of Clarence-Rockland. Request for support of a resolution to petition the government of Ontario to declare daycare services an essential service and that unionized daycare personnel have no right to strike. No support was given.


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  • -Seguin Township. Request for support of a resolution to petition the Minister of Northern Development & Mines to amend the definition of population used in providing funding from permanent population to municipal electors. A resolution of support was passed.


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  • -Graham, Wilson & Green. Invoice # 49083 re Armour et al ats Jerry Brandt et al & 2000 Election. A resolution was passed authorizing the payment of the invoice.


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  • -Almaguin - Nipissing Travel Association Incorporated. Request a payment of 10 cents per capita in support of regional tourism marketing programs. A resolution was passed.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -Proposed zoning amendment for Vern Leggett, Pt. Lot 12, Concession 4. Council requested that Mr. Leggett be invited to the next meeting to discuss the proposed zoning amendment.


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  • -Proposed zoning amendment for Rick & Angela Steengaard, Pt. Lot 22, Concession 8. Proposed zoning amendment looks good. Hold until agreements can be worked out so all information would be available for the public meeting.


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  • -Letter from Robert Miller, planner with Hynde Paul Assoc. regarding the two amendments and copies of by-laws from two municipalities for licensing and regulating salvage/wrecking yards. The Clerk was instructed to contact other municipalities for more regulations.


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  • -Emergency Operations Update from the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Council discussed Armour's plan and the consensus was to mark any changes or additions to the first draft and have them to the Clerk in time for a second draft to be prepared for the March 26th meeting.


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  • -2002 projects for funding applications. Following a short discussion, Council decided that road projects will be decided at the meeting on March 12th and further discussion will be held for other projects.


  • -Councillor Cripps handed the Clerk, written questions for the municipal lawyer regading "cash-in-lieu" and for Municipal Affairs regarding Section 53(13) of the Planning Act.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Quote from Ann Gignac to lease the property and buildings at 12 Three Mile Lake Road was received and discussed by Council. The Clerk was instructed to enquire as to the length of term required and to inform Ms. Gignac that the lease would specify, no boarding of dogs.


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  • -Groundskeeper for 2002. The job description was reviewed, changes made and the Clerk instructed to advertise the position.


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  • -Spring newsletter. All of Council are to review the fall newsletter, make recommended changes, and have them to the Clerk in time for a draft to be prepared for the next meeting.


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  • -Procedural By-law. Council are to make recommended changes and give them to the Clerk to prepare a draft.


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  • -Councillor Cripps gave two written resolutions to the Clerk for preparation and passing at the next regular meeting on March 12th.


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

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RESOLUTIONS:

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 9-2002, being a By-law to appoint officers and set rates of pay for the year 2002. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 12-2002, being a By-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 12-2002 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 12-2002 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 27th day of February, 2002. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 12, 2002 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane,

Be it resolved that the council of the township of Armour requests that the following delegations scheduled on tonight's agenda, Mr. M. Haggart and Mr. Bob McPhail and their concerns be rescheduled at their convenience in accordance with Armour's procedural bylaw section E(b) as advised by Municipal Affairs. Hereafter let it be resolved that any future questions pertaining to the court proceedings or the municipal election 2000 prior or pending, will not be acknowledged. Nor will any personal questions be allowed to be directed to individuals of council. All questions hereafter will be addressed to council as a whole and will be responded to as such. (Carried) (Recorded vote - For - Cripps, Gill, McFarlane)(Opposed - Blakelock, Corcoran)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby donate $ 500.00 to the Burk's Falls & District Historical Society for 2002 (Carried)
  • -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize the Clerk to seek legal advise regarding zoning, building permits, private right-of-way, potential access and agreement for use of a municipal road allowance as it pertains to the development of Pt. Lot 10, Concession 6, along with the draft agreement. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the Trans Canada Trail Foundation with a pledge of $ 400.00. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the purchase of payroll software, Paymate, and training at the quoted price of $ 2,129.40. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize training for all the office staff on the new version of the AP/GL to a maximum cost of $ 1,300.00 plus expenses. Council authorize the closing of the office for staff training. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the payment of the following invoices;

# 5125 professional planning services for January 2002 $ 729.53

# 5126 Steengaard rezoning $ 421.31

# 5127 Leggett rezoning $ 421.31

(Carried) (Recorded vote - For - Blakelock, Corcoran, Gill, McFarlane)(Opposed - Cripps)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 9-2002 be read a second time, as amended. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 9-2002, as amended, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 27th day of February, 2002. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That By-law # 11-2002 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 27th day of February, 2002. (Carried) (Recorded vote - For - Cripps, Gill, McFarlane)(Opposed - Blakelock, Corcoran)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 13-2002, being a By-law to appoint a By-law Enforcement Officer. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 13-2002 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 13-2002 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 27th day of February, 2002. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the payment of the $ 10.00 annual fee to the South East Parry Sound District Steering Committee. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we continue beyond the 11:00 o'clock curfew. (Carried)

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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the attendance of the Clerk and Leanne Crozier at the MPAC Information Session to be held in Magnetawan on March 4/02. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Marty Corcoran to attend the Northeastern Fire Education Conference to be held in North Bay, April 5th to 7th. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the Municipality of Huron East requesting the Government of Canada to not include road salts on the list of CEPA toxic substances. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the Township of Seguin to petition the Minister of Northern Development & Mines to amend the definition of population used in providing funding from permanent population to municipal electors. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the payment of invoice # 49083, Armour Et Al Ats Jerry Brandt Et Al & 2000 Election, in the amount of $ 753.21, to Graham Wilson & Green. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the payment of $ 123.90, based on per capita, to the Almaguin-Nipissing Travel Assoc. Inc. for 2002 in support of regional tourism marketing programs. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That we do now adjourn at 12:30 a.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for March 12, 2002, or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)