THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

January 25, 2005

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Richard Thomas; Councillors, Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran, and Bob MacPhail; delegates, Robert Miller, Planning Consultant, Ryan Worral, Iqbal Muhammad from Greer Galloway Group, Lois Cookman and Gwen Anderson from Burk's Falls and District Food Bank; guest, Karen Kowalchuk; and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk-Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

The minutes of the regular meeting January 11, 2005 were approved as circulated and the minutes of the public meeting on January 11, 2005 were approved as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

  • -None

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DELEGATIONS:

  • -Robert Miller, Robert J Miller, Land Use Planning Services, attended to discuss the proposal submitted for 2005 planning services and web site maintenance. Council reviewed the proposals for these services and accepted them by resolution. Bob discussed the need to update the Official Plan indicating that there have been many changes in recent years, that are not reflected in our document. The process would take a year to two to complete. Bob is also looking into improved mapping capabilities that Armour may be interested in. Council authorized Bob to prepare a proposal for an official plan update.


  • -Ryan Worral, P. Eng. and Iqbal Muhammad, P. Eng., Greer Galloway Group, attended to present the detailed structural evaluation report for Ferguson Road Bridge and Pevensey Road bridge. Ryan highlighted the areas of concern and what options Council may want to consider. Ryan is still working on a repair plan for the Pevensey Road structure, and hopes to have it completed in the near future. The environmental assessment process will include a public information session and Ryan is suggesting Council may wish to consider holding one which includes both bridges. COMRIF have acknowledged receipt of our complete application for the Ferguson Road bridge replacement project. Reeve Thomas thanked Ryan for his informative presentation.

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  • -Lois Cookman and Gwen Anderson, Burk's Falls & District Food Bank,

updated Council on the events of this volunteer organization including the numerous benefits of their new location in the lower level of the Employment Resource Centre building. Lois brought a sample hamper of goods provided to a single person for eight to ten days. The food bank distributed 105 boxes at Christmas in their service area. Lois and Gwen were thanked for the information provided. A resolution was passed authorizing a donation of $ 500.00.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -Councillor Blakelock mentioned the ongoing problem with garbage and appliances being dumped on South Service Road. Council discussed signing roads with the appropriate by-law # and fee for dumping. The clerk will get costs for signs.

APPLICATIONS: CONSENT - B-063/04 - WALLACE

  • -This application is to sever Concession 5, Lot 23 & 24. Council reviewed the application and cover letter, comments from the planning board planner, Tunnock Consulting and a staff report. A resolution approving the consent was passed.

BY-LAWS:

  • -By-law # 06-2005, being a by-law to enter into an agreement with the Corporation of the Township of Ryerson, Village of Burk's Falls and the Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Zone, Burk's Falls Branch, to provide Emergency Social Services was read a first and second time.


  • -By-law # 07-2005, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council was read a first, second and third time.


  • -By-law # 08-2005, being a by-law to appoint a municipal auditor was read a first, second and third time.

REPORTS:

  • -Muskoka - Parry Sound Health Unit, Transition Board, information meeting Jan. 23, 2004. Jerry updated Council with the following information:

- boundary between north and south has not yet been determined

- satellite offices are to remain open at this time.

- the same services will be provided

- levy to the municipalities will remain the same for 2005 as in 2004

- recommendations from the transition board are due by February 14th.

  • -Ontario Municipal Board hearing Jan. 13th. Richard gave a verbal report on the hearing. The road closings were approved.


  • -Arena Board, Jan. 19th. Jerry gave a verbal report and the minutes were included in the agenda.


  • -Library Board, Jan. 19th. Rod gave a verbal report and the minutes were included in the agenda.


  • -Tri R, Jan. 24th. Richard and Bob gave a verbal report. Jack Miners is chairman for 2005 and Bob is co-chair. Terms of Reference will be forwarded to the MOE.


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  • -Building permit report to December 31, 2004.


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  • -Budget report to November 30, 2004.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -County of Northumberland request for support of a resolution to request the Provincial Government to take the necessary steps to enact an amendment to the legislation that clarifies the position the government that the introduction of the Ontario Health Premium is intended as an increase to individual provincial income tax. A resolution of support was passed.


  • -Village of Burk's Falls, request for the name of any Council member interested in sitting on the Burk's Falls Health Centre - Algonguin Health Services Board as a result of Tony Ersham no longer being available. No name from Armour is forthcoming.


  • -Township of Perry, request for support of a resolution to petition the Provincial Government to declare a firm time-line, including a deadline, for the completion of the four-laning of Highway 11 between Emsdale and South River. A resolution of support was passed.


  • -East Parry Sound Regional Science Fair, request for donation for the 2004 fair. A resolution authorizing a donation of $ 50.00 was passed.


  • -Ontario Municipal Water Association, information and request to become a member. No support was given.


  • -South Muskoka Memorial Hospital and Algonguin Health Services, news release announcing the "The Stronger Together" Initiative. A review of health care services and patients needs indicates an integration of the governance and administration would be a benefit. Further information will be available in the near future at town hall meetings, and group presentations.

  • -Ministry of Finance, information regarding the review of the Community Reinvestment Fund (CRF). 2005 funding will remain at the same level as 2004.
  • -Micro Business Development Centre, thank you for the recent donation in support of the centre.


  • -Village of South River and the Almaguin Highlands Strategic Plan Implementation Committee, one day seminar "Shared Growth: Community Opportunities and Festivals and Events, Thursday, February 24th, South River-Machar Community Centre. A resolution authorizing the registration of Councillor MacPhail was passed.


  • -Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing, reminder to ROMA/OGRA delegates that delegation request forms are due by Tuesday, February 1, 2005. Armour will not be requesting a delegation.

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -Katrine Community Centre water system. Council reviewed a staff report and AMO Alert. The clerk will request quotes for the certification of the water system.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Township of McKellar, request for support of a resolution requesting the resignation of the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association executive. Council reviewed the resolution passed by the association dated October 28, 2004 and reaffirm their support of the resolution. No support was given to the Township of McKellar resolution. A resolution supporting the position taken by the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association was passed.


  • -Village of Burk's Falls, notification of an AHIC meeting to be scheduled. Tentative date of February 21, 2005 and items to be discussed.


  • -Capital Commodity Tax Consultants Inc. request for a charitable property tax refund on behalf of Outward Bound Canada. Council reviewed the application, letter of authorization from Outward Bound, Canada Revenue Agency letter dated January 7, 2005 and a staff report detailing rebate program and excerpt from the Municipal Act. A resolution authorizing the payment of the rebate was passed.
  • -Regular meeting of Council scheduled for February 22, 2005 was discussed. Councillor Brandt will be attending the OGRA/ROMA conference. The consensus of Council is not to change this meeting date.


  • -Ministry of Transportation, letter dated January 19, 2005 confirming the Ministry will provide a plan that shows service roads, interchange locations and connections and modifications to existing roadways that will be constructed as part of the four laning program through the municipality. This plan will be provided prior to the meeting, and no date has been set as yet.
  • -List of correspondence received and not on the agenda.

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  • -Resolution to move into closed session at 10:45. p.m. was passed.


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  • -Resolution to move out of closed session at 10:59 p.m. was passed.

RESOLUTIONS:

  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the minutes of the January 11, 2005 meeting be approved as circulated. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the minutes of the public meeting held on January 11, 2005 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal submitted by Robert J Miller Land Use Planning Services for 2005 services. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal submitted by On-Line Community Planning Services Limited for 2005. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation of $ 500.00 to the Burk's Falls & District Food Bank for 2005. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve consent application # B-063/04 (Wallace), Concession 5, Lot 23 & 24. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 06-2005, being a by-law to enter into an agreement with the Corporation of the Township of Ryerson, the Corporation of the Village of Burk's Falls, and the Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Zone, Burk's Falls Branch, to provide Emergency Social Services as outlined in the agreement attached hereto. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 06-2005 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 07-2005, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 07-2005 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 07-2005 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 25th day of January, 2005. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 08-2005, being a by-law to appoint an auditor for the Township of Armour. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 08-2005 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 08-2005 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 25th day of January, 2005. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the County of Northumberland, in regards to the correspondence from the City of Vaughan and request the provincial government take the necessary steps to enact an amendment to the legislation that clarifies the position of the government that the introduction of the Ontario Health Premium is intended as an increase to individual provincial income tax. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Township of Perry and request the Province declare a firm time-line, including a deadline, for the completion of the four-laning of the Provincial Highway between Emsdale and South River. Recorded vote: for - Corcoran, Blakelock, Brandt, MacPhail, Thomas. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation in the amount of $ 50.00 to the 2005 East Parry Sound Regional Science Fair. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Bob MacPhail to attend the workshop hosted by AHSPIC and the Village of South River, "Shared Growth: Community Opportunities through Festivals and Events", scheduled for Thursday, February 24th, 2005 at the South River - Machar Community Centre and agree to cover out of pocket expenses for same. (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 Township of McKellar and request the Executive of the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association immediately resign their positions. (Defeated)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour do not support the resolution from the Township of McKellar requesting the Executive of the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association resign. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize payment of the 2005 District of Parry Sound Municipal Association Annual Fees in the amount of $ 150.00. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, WHEREAS Outward Bound Canada through its agent Capital Commodity Tax Consultants Inc. has applied for tax relief for a registered charity

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AND WHEREAS Section 361 of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended states that a municipality shall have a tax rebate program for eligible charities

NOW THEREFORE The Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the rebate of eligible taxes to Outward Bound Canada for 2004. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, BE IT RESOLVED That the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 10:45 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 2 (b) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 10:59 P.M. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour accept the proposal submitted by James Mahoney for by-law enforcement services to December 31, 2005. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That we do now adjourn at 11:00 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for February 8, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)

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