THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

 

MINUTES

January 10, 2006

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, January 10, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Acting Reeve Marty Corcoran; Councillors, Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt and Bob MacPhail; delegates, Bruce Campbell, Chair Arena Fund-raising Committee; guests, Roy McMurren, Kirk Micallef, Lorne Dyck, Rod Deckert, Trevor Hammond, Jim MacKinnon, Phyllis Leggett, Ed Robinson, Steve Mulligan; media, Astrid Taim, Almaguin News; staff, Jim Mahoney, By-law Enforcement Officer, Bob Miller, Municipal Planner, Les Phinney, CRS-I, and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk-Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

The minutes of the regular meeting on December 13, 2005 were approved as circulated.

The minutes of the special meeting of December 14, 2006 were approved as circulated. Councillor Brandt voiced an objection which was noted by the clerk.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST: None

DELEGATIONS:

Jim Mahoney, By-law Enforcement Officer attended to discuss draft # 4 of the woodlands conservation by-law. Jim highlighted the changes made to specific sections of the by-law and discussed the sections still requiring input from council.

A lengthy discussion with council and the public was held. The public were advised more research/discussion will be done and the proposed by-law will be discussed at a future meeting.

Bruce Campbell, Chair, Arena Fund-raising Committee attended to update council on this project. This campaign will be called "Our Community Works". Council reviewed a letter dated December 19, 2005 regarding surplus funds and a request to include a solicitation letter with the 2006 interim tax bills. Bruce also requested support for an application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund. Two resolutions of support were passed. Bruce was thanked for his update and information.

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

  • - road accounts voucher # 01-2006 in the amount of $ 25,455.87 was reviewed.

ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL:

 
  • - road accounts voucher # 01-2006, in the amount of $ 25,455.87 was approved for payment by resolution.
  • - general accounts voucher # 01-2006, in the amount of $ 95,370.27 was approved for payment by resolution.
  • - landfill accounts voucher # 01-2006, in the amount of $ 10,156.31 was approved for payment by resolution.

BY-LAWS:

 
  • - # 01-2006, being a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing was read a first, second and third time.
 
  • - - # 02-2006, being a by-law to establish a penalty charge for non-payment of current taxes was read a first, second and third time.
  • - # 03-2006 being a by-law to provide for interest to be added to tax arrears was read a first, second and third time.


  • - # 04-2006 being a by-law to establish a committee of adjustment was read a first, second and third time.


  • - # 05-2006 being a by-law to establish policies for the use on unopened road allowances for motor vehicle travel was read a first time.


  • - draft by-law to establish fees for tax registrations was reviewed and approved for advertisement.

REPORTS:

 
  • - Dec. 21st, Arena, Jerry gave a verbal report.
  • - Jan. 5th, Fire Brd, Marty reported
  • - Steering Committee - November 24th minutes.
 

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • - Ministry of Natural Resources, notification of "Municipal Planning and Species at Risk Conservation" workshop, January 25, 2006, McKellar Community Centre. No one will be attending.
  • - Northeastern Fire Education Conference, March 23rd - 26th, 2006, North Bay. A resolution authorizing the registration of Marty Corcoran was passed.
 
  • - Invitation to participate in "Sustainable Communities" forum March 21 - 22, 2006 North Bay. No one will be attending.


  • - 2006 OGRA/ROMA Conference, February 19 - 22, 2006, Toronto. A resolution authorizing the registration of Jerry Brandt and Rod Blakelock was passed.


  • - Township of Strong, letter expressing Strong's dissatisfaction with the DSSAB decision to not fund the local food bank and a request to support the food bank. Township of Armour has donated to the food bank in 2005.


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  • - Worldwide Wellness Pain Control Organization, request for a donation. A donation was authorized by resolution.


  • - The Town of Niagara-On-The-Lake, request for support of a resolution disapproving the recommendations contained in the Report of the Expert Panel on Water and Wastewater Strategy. A resolution in support was passed.


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  • - Township of Severn, request for support of a resolution to lobby the Provincial Government to create an appropriate tax class under the Assessment Act for Canadian Heritage museums and other similar type non-profit operations. A resolution in support was passed.
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  • - Corporation of the Nation Municipality, request for support of a resolution to petition the Federal Government to review the existing method of distribution of gas tax and establish a fair and equitable formula based on kilometres of highway and per capita basis per municipality. A resolution in support was passed.
  • - City of Sarnia, request for support of a resolution to lobby the Minister of Finance and Municipal Affairs to defer the 2006 MPAC assessment values until the Ombudsman's investigation has been completed. A resolution in support was passed.
 
  • -City of North Bay, request for support of a resolution to petition the Province of Ontario to honour its commitment to supporting Strong Community by directing the Chief Medical Officer of Health to encourage local Health Units to substantially reduce their levy to municipalities. A resolution in support was passed.


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  • -City of Port Colborne, request for support of a resolution to lobby the Province of Ontario to provide relief and remedy for working families and seniors who are hardest hit by unacceptable spikes in the cost of living and property tax increases and further request the Province end its downloading of provincial programs and the use of property tax dollars for the subsidization of provincial health and social service programs. A resolution in support was passed.


  • -Ministry of Environment, notification regarding funding for technical studies on municipal residential drinking-water systems. Robert Miller, municipal planner, has made an inquiry on behalf of Armour Township for clarification.


  • -Ministry of the Environment, announcement regarding the introduction of the Clean Water Act and background information.


  • -AMO Fact Sheet regarding the 3 million dollar gap.


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  • -John Tory, MPP , letter regarding Bill 37 - "The Disrespect for Taxpayers Act".


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  • -AMO Alert, MMAH introduces proposed amendments to the Planning Act and Ontario Municipal Board.


  • -Katrine Community Centre Club, notification of the Katrine Winter Karnival scheduled for February 3 - 5, 2006. A resolution was passed.

  • - Staff report regarding Bear Wise Program Funding. The clerk was instructed to request this be discussed at the upcoming Tri R Committee.


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  • - AMO Alert, OMERS Bill 206 update.

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  • - Ernie Hardeman, M.P.P. regarding Bill 206.
 
  • - Bill 206, Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Act, notice of public hearings.
 
  • - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, information on Bill 206.
 
  • - Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, information regarding regulations and tools to better manage municipal finances.
 
  • - City of Kawartha Lakes, request for support of a resolution to petition the Province of Ontario to create a new Water and Wastewater Partnership Funding Program to assist Ontario municipalities and the users they serve. A resolution in support was passed.
  • - AMO, information on upcoming workshop "Towards a Greater Efficiency" an Energy Reduction Workshop for municipalities. The clerk will get further information.
 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • - Ministry of Transportation, Osmo Ramakko, Regional Director, letter dated December 19, 2006 advising representatives are available and willing to meet to discuss Township of Armour, Strong and Village of Burk's Falls outstanding issues regarding the four laning of Highway 11. The clerk was instructed to reply.
 
  • - North Bay- Mattawa Conservation Authority, copy of correspondence to District of Parry Sound Municipal Association regarding private sewage disposal systems program. The clerk was instructed to forward a reply to the municipal association.
 
  • - Ferguson Road Bridge Replacement. The following documents were reviewed by council:

- Fisheries and Oceans - letter dated November 30th.

- Transport Canada - CEAA Screening report.

A resolution authorizing the clerk to sign-off the screening report was passed.

  • - Commercial Drive/ Valuemart parking lot. This item will be discussed with the O.P.P. when they next attend a council meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

 
  • - AMO, 2006 membership was approved for payment by resolution.


  • - Blue Sky Economic Development Corporation, request for contribution for 2006. No support was given.


  • - FONOM, 2006 membership was approved for payment by resolution.

  • - MPAC, 2006 funding requirements.
 
  • - District of Parry Sound Municipal Association, correspondence and resolution regarding the Watertight - the Report on the Water Strategy Expert Panel. A resolution supporting the positions taken by the association and municipalities was passed.
 
  • - Request to close the beach on Saturday, August 5, 2006 to the public for a private function was discussed. Council did not support this request.


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  • - Discussion regarding Section 259-267 Municipal Act, comments from Municipal Affairs. Acting Reeve Corcoran will assume Reeve duties for the interim, appointments made to committees as needed, by resolution.


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

    • RESOLUTIONS:

  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the minutes of the December 13, 2005 meeting be approved as circulated. (Carried)
 
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the minutes of the special meeting held on December 14, 2005 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)
 
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour appoint Bob MacPhail as the representative to the South East Parry Sound District Planning Board for the balance of this term of council. (Carried)
 
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, The Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint Rod Blakelock as the representative to the fire board for the balance of this term of council. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour appoint Jerry Brandt as the representative to the Steering Committee for the balance of this term of council. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour approve the distribution through the 2006 interim tax bills, of the letter from the Community Centre Fundraising Committee for donations to the Arena/Community Centre upgrade project. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour supports the application to the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHF) for the arena project to upgrade the facility for year round use in the amount of $ 1,200,000. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That Road Accounts Voucher # 01-2006 in the amount of $ 25,455.87 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That General Accounts Voucher # 01-2006 in the amount of $ 95,370.27 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)
    •
 
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 01-2006 in the amount of $ 10,156.31 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 Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 01-2006, being a by-law to authorize temporary borrowing for the year 2006. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 01-2006, be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That by-law # 01-2006, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 10th day of January, 2006. (Carried)
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 02-2006, being a by-law to establish a penalty charge for non-payment of current taxes. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 02-2006, be read a second time. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That by-law # 02-2006, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 10th day of January, 2006.
    • (Carried)
 
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 03-2006, being a by-law to provide for interest to be added to tax arrears. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That By-law # 03-2006, be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That by-law # 03-2006, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 10th day of January, 2006. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 04-2006, being a by-law to establish a committee of adjustment. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 04-2006, be read a second time. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 04-2006, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 10th day of January, 2006. (Carried)
    •
 
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 05-2006, being a by-law to establish policies for the use of unopened road allowances for motor vehicle travel. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Marty Corcoran
    • to attend the Northeastern Fire Education Conference scheduled for March 23rd - 26th, 2006, North Bay and agree to cover related costs for same.(Carried)
 
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Jerry Brandt and Rod Blakelock to attend the 2006 OGRA/ROMA Conference scheduled for February 19 - 22, 2006, Fairmont Royal York, Toronto, and agree to cover related costs for same. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation in the amount of $ 200.00 to the Worldwide Wellness Pain Control Organization for 2006. (Carried)
  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Town of Niagara-On-The-Lake and Council express its disapproval of the recommendations contained in the Report of the Expert Panel on Water and Wastewater Strategy. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the Township of Severn, and petition the Province of Ontario to create an appropriate tax class under the Assessment Act for the Canadian Heritage museum and other similar type non-profit operations. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Corporation of the Nation Municipality and petition the Federal Government to review the existing method of distributing the gas tax and establish a fair and equitable formula for distribution of the gas tax rebate as follows: 50% be calculated based on the number of lane kilometers of highway per municipality and 50% be calculated on a per capita basis per municipality. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the City of Sarnia and request the Minister of Finance and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing defer the 2006 MPAC assessment values until the Ombudsman's investigation into the MPAC process of property assessment has been completed. Further be it resolved that the 2004 assessment values remain in place until the Ombudsmen's report and its recommendations have been reported to the public. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the City of North Bay and petition the Province of Ontario to honour its commitment to supporting Stronger Community be directing the Chief Medical Officer of Health to encourage local Health Units to substantially reduce their levy to municipalities. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the City of Port Colborne and petition the Province of Ontario to provide relief and remedy for working families and seniors who are hardest hit by unacceptable spikes in the cost of living and property tax increases and further request the Province to end its downloading of provincial programs and the use of the property tax dollars for the subsidization of provincial health and social service programs. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby declare the Katrine Winter Karnival, February 3rd - 5th as a community festival, and appoint Jack Murray to look after the interests of the municipality for this festival. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the City of Kawartha Lakes and lobby the Government of Ontario to create a new Water and Wastewater Partnership Funding Program to assist Ontario municipalities and the users they serve. (Carried)
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Jerry Brandt to attend the "Towards Greater Efficiency, Energy Reduction Workshop scheduled for February 1, 2006, Orillia, and agree to pay related costs for same. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour, after consultation with Greer Galloway, Engineering Consultants, hereby authorize the clerk to sign the CEAA Screening Report for the Ferguson Road Bridge Replacement Project. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the renewal for 2006 to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, The Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the renewal of the membership to FONOM for 2006. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour acknowledge receipt of the information and resolutions from the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association regarding the Watertight - The Report of the Water Strategy Expert Panel and hereby support the positions taken by the municipalities and the municipal association. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, 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 Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby move into closed session at 11:01 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 (c) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)
 
  • - Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 12:25 a.m.. (Carried)


    •
  • - Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the Treasurer to pay council fees at the appropriate rate (Reeve rate of $ 600.00) to the Acting Reeve while he is performing the duties of the Reeve. (Carried)


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  • - Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we do now adjourn at 12:25 a.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for January 24, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)