THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Frank Gill, Councillors Rod Blakelock, Marty Corcoran, Joanne Cripps, and Gary McFarlane. Also attending were Sue Mahoney, Marie Stitt, Carl Martin, Peter Brooke, Linda Brooke - Groom and staff, Laura Rowley, Clerk Treasurer. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. and the minutes of the regular meeting on February 13, 2001 and the minutes of the special meetings on February19, 2001 were adopted as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

No pecuniary interest was declared.

DELEGATIONS:

• •Sue Mahoney & Marie Stitt attended Council on behalf of the Katrine Community Centre Club. A 2001 proposed budget was received & reviewed as well as a letter detailing the Club's need for financial assistance to remain solvent. Four factors contributing to the Club's situation were outlined as well as further information given by the delegation. The Club is getting their request for financial assistance into the municipality before the municipal budget process is complete. The consensus of Council is that they fully support the Club; that a member of Council could attend an executive meeting in April to discuss programs and various ways for the Club to increase the use of the Centre and attract members; and the Clerk will investigate any grant opportunity that is available for Community Centres.



• •Peter Brooke, supporting the Katrine Community Centre Club, praised the annual Winter Carnival and the need to support and maintain a place for recreation within the community of Katrine. He gave Council information on a project he is currently working on to have both motorized & non-motorized trails in the Almaguin area to accommodate both winter and summer activities.



• •Carl Martin attended Council to request a break in penalty charges on outstanding taxes. The Reeve explained the need to charge penalty on unpaid taxes to off set borrowing charges and expressed Council's regret that they were unable to be of assistance.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING:

• -A resolution was passed accepting the proposal from On-Line Community Planning Services Ltd. for the maintenance of the Township website for the year 2001.



• -Minutes of Settlement on roll # 2-239 were discussed and accepted.



• -Appointment to Ward 5 - District Municipal Association.

A resolution was received from the Township of Ryerson and from the Village of Burk's Falls appointing Glenn Miller. Frank Gill, previously appointed by Armour, declined and a resolution was passed supporting the appointment of Glenn Miller.

• -By-law Enforcement Officer. A resolution was passed accepting the proposal by James Mahoney Services for 2001.



• -Animal Shelter Services. A resolution was passed accepting the proposal of the Almaguin Animal Shelter for 2001.

• -Eastholme. A resolution was passed and the Clerk instructed to circulate it and a letter to Eastholme, Premier Mike Harris, Minister of Long Term Care, Hon. Tony Clement and all contributing municipalities.



• -Amalgamation sub-committees. Resolutions were passed appointing representatives to the following sub-committees; Planning & Development; Community Services; Protection & Property; and Public Works.

BY-LAWS:

- By-law # 4-2001, being a by-law to appoint a Deputy Reeve was read a third time.

• -By-law # 6-2001, being a by-law to appoint officers and set rates of pay for the year 2001 was read a third time.



• -By-law # 7-2001, being a by-law to provide for an Interim Tax Levy and the Payment of Interim Taxes for the Year 2001 was read a first, second and third time.

REPORTS:

• -The following reports were given:

- AHIC - Feb. 15^th - Frank Gill - discussion on the move to the new location at Fern Glen Road; no financial report available, will be ready for next meeting.

- Special meeting of Council - Feb. 19^th - a written report from Councillor McFarlane and an invitation from Stantec to attend a second PIC on February 27^th were included in the agenda package. The Clerk distributed copies of a letter from Stantec dated February 26^th in response to Council's letter of February 6^th. The Clerk was instructed to set up a special meeting with Ray Mantha, MTO, for Thursday, March 15^th and a public meeting at the Katrine Community Centre for Wednesday, March 28^th.

- Almaguin 2000 - Feb. 20^th - Marty Corcoran & Rod Blakelock - Al Denis attended the meeting and there was a discussion regarding funding and duplication of a book printed and distributed by Almaguin 2000. Hub Fedeli is retiring at the end of March and the position is being advertized now.

- Arena Board - Feb. 21^st - a written report was circulated by Councillor Cripps.

- Library Board - Feb. 21^st - Rod Blakelock - a letter and the 2001 proposed budget was included in the agenda package. The Board Chair and the CEO are scheduled to attend the March 14^th meeting to discuss the budget. Items discussed at the 21^st meeting included sending 3 people to the cap conference; Bob Gouett, representative appointed by Armour, did not attend the meeting; investing funding for training & upgrade on the Winnebego software; more programs & hours than previous.

- POA - Feb. 22^nd - Frank Gill - the 2001 budget was discussed & approved; staffing expenses will be kept at $ 25,000.00 for this year; next meeting will be May 24^th.

- Steering Committee - Feb. 22^nd - a written report from Councillor McFarlane was included in the agenda package. The majority of the meeting was the discussion regarding Eastholme and this issue was dealt with by Council under business arising from last meeting.

- OGRA/ROMA Conference - Feb. 26^th to 28^th - Frank Gill & Gary McFarlane -

panel discussion with Ministers', useless; OSTAR and similar programs are competitions - municipalities with the ability to pay a large portion of the project will receive the first approvals; workshops were too generalized; attended the amalgamation workshop and got some good info; overall a disappointment.

- MTO PIC - Feb. 27^th - a written report was circulated by Councillor Cripps.

CORRESPONDENCE:

- Ted McMeekin, M.P.P., Municipal Affairs Critic, open for discussion on the Provincial Government activities; what's working; what's not; how is the Province helping; how is it making the job harder, etc.

- Ministry of Finance, notification that the 2001 Community Reinvestment Fund will be equal to the 2000 year-end levels with adjustments.

- MFOA, information and registration for a Property Tax Policy training session to be held in Sudbury, March 19^th. A resolution was passed authorizing the Clerk to register.

- Emsdale Lions Club Inc., notification of a Raffle Licence and that the draw will be held in the Township of Armour.

- Canadian National Institute for the Blind, request for donation. A resolution was passed donating $ 100.00 for the year 2001.

- Cliff Reeds, Chairman, The Ralph Bice Sustainability Centre & Wilderness Experience, request for support of the project. A resolution of support, in principle, was passed.

- Near North Industrial Solutions, information and registration form for a W.H.M.I.S. seminar to be held in Sundridge, March 1^st. A resolution was passed to register three road employees.

NEW BUSINESS:

• -Burk's Falls & District Fire Department, prices for new & used pumper trucks. This issue to be discussed at the Fire Board level and at budget time.



• -DSSAB - the following items were included in the agenda package for discussion; minutes of meeting January 11^th; newsletter from reps, Barb Marlow & Tom Roduck; a copy of a resolution from the Township of Perry and a request for support. A resolution of support was passed and Barb Marlow is scheduled to attend the next meeting of Council, at which time, Council will address their concerns with her.

• -Mosey & Mosey, April 1^st renewal action for employee benefits.



• -Application by property owners, roll # 3-007, for reduced assessment for 2001 due to house being destroyed by fire. A resolution to reduce the assessment was passed.



• -Application under the SCP program for three students. A resolution was passed authorizing the submission of the application.



• -Newsletter to go out with the interim tax bills was discussed and changes made.



• -Audit is done. When does Council wish to have Mike Turner attend a meeting and what information do they want prior to the meeting? Mr. Turner is scheduled for the March 14^th meeting and the Income Statement, computer printout, and summary of 2000 surplus is to be included in the agenda package.



• -Council moved into closed session at 11:04 and out of closed session at 11:25.

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

RESOLUTIONS :

• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 13, 2001 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the minutes of the special meeting held on February 19, 2001 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal from On-Line Community Planning Services Ltd. for the maintenance of the Township website in the amount of $ 50.00 per month for the year 2001 and with the increased services as discussed. (Carried)



• -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the appointment of Glenn Miller as the Ward 5 Director on the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association. (Carried)



• -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Corporation of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal for By-law Enforcement Officer for the year 2001 as submitted by James Mahoney Services. Contract to commence March 1, 2001. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal of the Almaguin Animal Shelter for Animal Shelter Services for the year 2001. (Carried)

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

That Whereas there is a lack of regional (i.e. local) facility for the Aged/Homeless,

That Whereas there is a high cost associated with the expansion proposal of Eastholme to contributing municipalities,

That Whereas there presently exists inadequate representation on the Board in proportion to the level of municipal financial contributions,

That Whereas Area Representatives on the Board are not voting in Board meetings in accordance with the majority opinion of their respective Areas,

That Whereas expansion plans for Eastholme have been presented as urgently needed and hence require immediate approval wherein the Ministry allows six (6) years to upgrade from Class "D" beds,

Now Therefore, be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Armour petition the Provincial Government and associated Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to consider the following,

• Instruct Eastholme to remain with the present Home condition until such time as the contributing municipalities can complete a dialogue with the Ministry on,
• -Adjusted representation by Area vote on the Board,
• -Feasibility of a local facility and funding for same,
• -Transfer of Eastholme financial support to a local facility,

• Issue a clear and concise statement on Ministry requirements for Classification upgrading, associated available funding and impact on the present facility without expansion options being considered.
• Avoid ratification of future issues with the Ministry until such time as the concerns of contributing municipalities are effectively dealt with at the local level and a consensus is achieved.

And that all contributing municipalities to Eastholme be circulated this Resolution for their immediate support. (Recorded vote - unanimous) (Carried)

• -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint Gary McFarlane to the Planning & Development sub-committee of the Amalgamation Committee. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint Joanne Cripps to the Community Services sub-committee of the Amalgamation Committee. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint Marty Corcoran to the Protection & Property sub-committee of the Amalgamation Committee. (Carried)



• -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint Rod Blakelock to the Public Works sub-committee of the Amalgamation Committee. (Carried)



• -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, Be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Armour define the title of deputy Reeve as "Deputy Reeve". (Carried)



• -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 4-2001 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 28^th day of February, 2001. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 6-2001 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 28^th day of February, 2001. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 7-2001, being a by-law to provide for an Interim Tax Levy and the Payment of Interim Taxes for the Year 2001. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 7-2001 be read a second time. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 7-2001 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 28^th day of February, 2001. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the Clerk to register for the Property Tax Policy training session to be held in Sudbury, March 19^th and authorize expenses for travel, accommodation & meals. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby donate $ 100.00 to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for the year 2001. (Carried)



• -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support, in principle, the concept of the Ralph Bice Sustainability Centre and Wilderness Experience in Kearney. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of three road employees in the W.H.M.I.S. Seminar to be held in Sundridge, March 1, 2001. (Carried)

-Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the Township of Perry with regards to donations by the Parry Sound District Social Services Administration Board. (Carried)

• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby reduce the assessment on roll # 3-007 from 107,000 to 11,000 for the year 2001. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the submission of an application under the SCP 2001 program for three students. (Carried)



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



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 11:04 P.M. in order to discuss personnel matters and legal matters pursuant to Section 55 (5) (d) & (e) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That we move out of the closed session at 11:25 P.M. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That we do now adjourn at 11:30 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for March 14, 2001, or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)