THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

July 8, 2003

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, July 8, 2003 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve Frank Gill, Councillors Marty Corcoran, Joanne Cripps, Gary McFarlane and Rod Blakelock; delegate Michael Turner, Municipal Auditor; guests Phyllis Leggett and Ed Robinson and staff Les Phinney, CRS-I, Wendy Whitwell, Acting Clerk Treasurer. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -The minutes of the June 24th, 2003 regular meeting and the minutes of the special meeting of June 25th, 2003 were approved by resolution as circulated

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

  • -No pecuniary interest was declared

DELEGATIONS:

  • -Michael Turner, Municipal Auditor, attended to review the 2002 financials and the proposed 2003 budget. Michael discussed the effect of a reassessment when trying to compare to previous years data. When comparing various scenarios its important to remember that not every property owner will be affected the same. The 2003 budget proposals include the 2002 surplus of $ 102,000. Council discussed capital projects and transfer to reserves for 2003. Scenario "A" would result in an average increase of 1.5% and scenario " B" with a 2.1% average increase. Other items discussed included the rate of inflation, reserve funds, and the tax rate increases for other municipalities in the District. Council thanked Michael for his assistance and comments. The Clerk was instructed to prepare the 2003 budget based on Scenario "B"- 2.1% average increase for the next meeting
  • -Les Phinney, CRS-I, attended to discuss the following road issues:
  • -road accounts voucher # 07-2003, in the amount of $ 40,308.08 was approved.
  • -aggregate testing
  • -Leggett Rd
  • -Bridge work
    • -construction projects - Paving. Three quotes were reviewed and discussed and a quote from Royel Paving was accepted by resolution
    • -wood furnace replacement - quotes reviewed and discussed and a quote from The Fireplace King was accepted by resolution.
    • -report regarding road issues and the new Municipal Act. Staff will do further research for by-law requirements.

  • -Resolution to move into closed session at 8:35 p.m. and resolution to move out of closed session at 8:45 p.m were passed.

ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL:

  • -The following road accounts voucher # 7-2003 in the amount of $ 40,308.08 was approved for payment:

Bell Canada $ 95.52

Bell Mobility cell 43.82

Co-operators Insurance benefits 498.96

Green Shield Insurance benefits 670.83

C.E. Stack Fuels Ltd diesel fuel & oil 1,748.44

Les Phinney mileage 462.04

Royal Bank Visa fuel 160.43

Bruce Sales parts 1461.41

Hydro One 322.11

Phinney's Auto Service inspection 96.30

E.S. Hubbell & Sons culverts 7,651.41

General Chemical Canada calcium 18,019.40

Ward's Tim Br. Mart posts 34.48

NOCS shipping parts 5.46

WSIB 180.98

Payroll March 8,856.49

  • -The following general accounts voucher # 7-2003, in the amount of $326,448.01 was approved for payment:

Bell Canada $ 247.43

Canon Business Solutions meter charge 96.93

Cintas Canada office mats 91.68

Co-operators Insurance benefits. 396.78

Green Shield Canada benefits 589.20

Hydro One service upgrade fee 342.40

Hydro One Three Mile Lk Rd. 9.48

Hydro One park 68.23

Hydro One CCC June 41.70

Hydro One TML rd. 36.32

Hydro One street lights 24.36

Hydro One office hydro 195.20

Hydro One final pymt north office 46.66

James Mahoney mileage May 25-Jun 20 159.53

McCabe Home Builders phase 3 - office reno 7,180.15

Royal Bank Visa cork board 64.43

Virus fee & internet 47.93

Almaguin Animal Shelter July 214.00

Almaguin Recycling Initiative spring hazmat 1,050.00

Nova Electric phase 3 reno 2,268.83

Christopher's Flowers Laura 55.20

Frank Gill July Council fee 550.00

Hal Corcoran new flooring 2,546.41

Gary McFarlane July Council fee 450.00

Grand & Toy supplies 324.74

Joanne Cripps July Council fee 450.00

Marty Corcoran July Council fee 450.00

Minister of Finance May policing 9,303.00

Near North District Sch. Brd June payment 112,760.93

Nipissing Parry Sound Catholic June payment 8,482.95

Le Conseil Scolaire June payment 1,031.42

Conseil Scolaire Catholic June payment 5,120.83

Personalized Corporate computer work stations 4,675.33

Michael Hardy & Assoc shore rd. closing 684.31

Petty cash 88.29

Dorothy Haggart petty cash summer rec 100.00

District Social Services 3rd quarter levy 41,828.55

Graham Wilson & Green 2000 election 1,139.59

Municipal World Election law books 48.15

Paul Schaefer June mileage 289.45

Pitney Bowes postage meter rental 175.43

Postage By Phone postage 2,140.00

Receiver General June payroll deductions 7,214.86

Rod Blakelock July Council fee 450.00

Canada Law Book 2003 Planning Act 58.17

Township of Perry CBCO 1,260.00

Wrightway Sportswear rec staff shirts 193.20

Village of Burk's Falls water 43.75

Katrine Community Centre sound system NOHF 1077.01

John Keizer pump repairs TML Rd 120.40

John Keizer 6 - 45 gal barrels 60.00

Hynde Paul Assoc. Planning services April 535.95

Fortier OMB hearing 579.63

Health Unit July 2847.00

Burk's Falls Home Hdw supplies, coffee maker 32.86

Canada Law Book Ontario Municipal Act 68.87

Kidd's Home Hardware pump & parts TML Rd. 299.00

G. F. Preston's backhoe purchase 91,375.55

Graham Wilson & Green shore road closing 712.09

Graham Wilson & Green water regulations 1,882.60

Graham Wilson & Green OMB hearing 3,867.79

Parker Pole Service meter base & park lights 490.97

Ken White 2 road name signs 495.94

B & D Imaging advertising placemats 80.00

WSIB June 128.14

Payroll June 6,708.41

  • -The following Landfill accounts voucher # 7-2003, in the amount of $ 29,252.03 was approved for payment:

Union Gas May - gas 37.39

Bell Canada 78.88

Hydro One 144.03

Co-operators Insurance benefits July 6.57

Green Shield Canada benefits July 213.79

Frank Gill AMRC meeting 88.80

Jim Russell tire repair 34.50

Whitmell's sand fill/ float 1,098.58

Whitmell's dozer rental 2,367.38

Toromont packer, head gasket, etc. 6,140.31

Broeckel's Truck Repair labour - packer 1,839.02

Jagger Hims Hydrogeologic assessment 6,495.81

Matrec Tire removal 5,917.81

Royal Bank Visa Wendy WDO seminar 112.35

WSIB June 86.93

Payroll June 4589.88

BY-LAWS:

  • -By-law # 16-2003, to enter into site plan agreement with New Hope Fellowship, third reading deferred.


  • -By-law # 35-2003, to authorize the sale of surplus lands to the Ministry of Transportation was read a first, second and third time.
  • -By-law # 36-2003, to execute an agreement between the Township of Armour and the Royal Bank of Canada, was read a first, second and third time.

REPORTS:

  • -AHIC, June 25th, Gary & Joanne, memo from Barb Marlow requesting the name of an interested Councillor for the co-ordinating committee. Gary has put his name forward.
  • -Steering Committee, June 26th, Marty gave a verbal report. Ducks Unlimited gave an informative presentation.
  • -Tri R Committee, July 2nd, Frank & Gary, updated Council on the status of the landfill expansion project and next steps.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -Village of Burk's Falls Groundwater Information Pamphlet.


  • -Industry Canada Spectrum Management, information on consultation pertaining to the siting of antenna towers. The clerk was instructed to forward a copy of the Township policy.


  • -Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, re SARS emergency, request for reporting of significant, extraordinary, incremental, expenses incurred relating directly to the SARS emergency.


  • -Norm Miller, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka, copies of correspondence to Chief Justice, Hon. Brian W Lennox and the Attorney General, Hon. Norm Sterling regarding the lack of Justice of the Peace and related lost revenue for municipalities in East Parry Sound.


  • -AMO, For Your Information, report on police restructuring. A copy of this report has been ordered.


  • -AMO, Alert, report on source water protection.


  • -Village of Burk's Falls, regarding Armour's request for support for 2003 swimming lesson program. No support was given.


  • -Town of Kearney, notice of passing of an Official Plan for the Corporation of the Town of Kearney.


  • -Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Bill C-68; request for support of a resolution to abolish the unworkable national firearms registry for long guns. A resolution of support was passed.


  • -Town of Ingersoll, request for support of a resolution to petition the Government of Ontario to enact legislation to prohibit smoking in all public and work places in Ontario.

No resolution of support was passed.

  • -Burk's Falls & District Emergency Food Bank letter of thank you.

NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Resolution re change of title for the Head of Council. This will be considered and discussed at the next council meeting.
  • -Village of Burk's Falls, Municipal representation on the Burk's Falls & District Health Centre Committee. Gary McFarlane will put his name forward to sit on this committee.

  • -List of correspondence received and not on agenda.

RESOLUTIONS:

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the minutes of the regular meeting held on June 24, 2003 be approved as circulated. (Carried)

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, that the minutes of the special meeting held on June 25th, 2003 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the Clerk Treasurer is authorized to prepare the 2003 budget based on scenario "B" - 2.1% average increase for the July 22, 2003 public meeting. (Carried)

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That Road Accounts Voucher # 7-2003 in the amount of $ 40,308.08 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal submitted by Royel Paving Limited in the amount of $ 21,320.00 (GST extra) to supply, haul & spray HF150S emulsion, for a distance of 1.3 km on Three Mile Lake Road; to be completed by July 22, 2003. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the proposal submitted by The Fireplace King. To supply and install the following wood furnace at the Township garage: Make Valley Comfort. Model VC 120. (Carried).

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, BE IT RESOLVED That the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 8:35 p.m in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 (2) (b) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 8:45 P.M. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, that the Council of the Township of Armour do hereby accept with regret the resignation of Allan Millar effective July 11, 2003. (Carried)

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That General Accounts Voucher # 7-2003 in the amount of $ 326,448.01 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 7-2003 in the amount of $ 29,252.03 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, Whereas notice of intention to dispose of the lands more particularly described in Schedule "A" hereto was given in accordance with the requirements set out in By-law No. 19-95 and no notice of objection to the proposed disposition was received;

Now therefore be it resolved that the Council of the Township of Armour does hereby declare the lands surplus to the needs of the Municipality

"Schedule A"

Part Lot 5, Concession 10, Township of Armour, District of Parry Sound, shown as Part 9 on Ministry Plan P-2127-230 (42R-15612). (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 35 -2003, being a by-law to enter into an agreement of purchase and sale for Part Lot 5, Concession 10, Township of Armour, District of Parry Sound, shown as Part 9 on Ministry Plan P-2127-230 (42R-15612); 1 foot reserve. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock That By-law # 35-2003 be read a second time. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 35-2003 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 8th day of July, 2003. (Carried)

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 36 -2003, being a by-law to execute an agreement between the Township of Armour and the Royal Bank of Canada, as amended. (Carried)

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 36-2003 be read a second time. (Carried)

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 36-2003 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 8th day of July, 2003, as amended. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, WHEREAS the federal government committed to the taxpayers of Canada that the National Firearms Registry for long guns under Bill C-68 would cost no more than $ 2 million dollars;

- WHEREAS the Auditor General's Report submitted to Parliament on December 3, 2002 determined that the minium cost of the federal firearms registry for long guns will exceed $ 1 billion dollars; that a recent administrative review by a consultant for the Justice Department verified that the gun registry will cost an additional $ 541 million before being fully implemented, and another $ 1 billion to operate; and that these spending estimates do not include the cost of associated programs;

WHEREAS The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has recently announced that they believe that the firearms registry for long guns will cost the taxpayers of Canada at least $ 2 billion;

WHEREAS the Auditor General of Canada determined that the Justice Department has consistently failed to provide both the Members of Parliament and the Auditor General with accurate information regarding cost overruns of the registry;

WHEREAS the government has failed to provide any conclusive or verifiable evidence that the registration of long guns is preventing crime or keeping guns out of the hands of criminals;

WHEREAS , the money spent on the firearms registry for long guns would have provided MRI's for every hospital in Canada, or provided for the hiring of at least 10,000 police officers;

WHEREAS municipalities across Canada are in dire need of funding assistance to assist with provisions of local services including public transit, the maintenance of local infrastructure such as roads, bridges, sewers, hospitals and local law enforcement;

WHEREAS eight Provinces, three Territories, police associations, police chiefs and police officers across

Canada have withdrawn their support of the firearms registry for long guns, five recent public opinion polls have demonstrated that a majority of Canadian taxpayers support the abolition of the firearms registry in favour of spending on other national priorities; and that six provinces are refusing to prosecute charges associated with the firearms registry;

NOW THEREFORE as elected representatives of the Township of Armour, we call upon Parliament to form a Royal Commission to evaluate the feasibility of continuing with Bill C-68 and consider significant changes or total rescinding of C-68 to avoid long term adverse financial commitments. (Carried)

- Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation of $ 380.00 to the Friends of Burk's Falls & District Health Centre, "Miles of Coins" campaign. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the donation of $ 250.00 to a the Katrine Community Centre Club to offset any costs associated to the Armour Summer Recreation Program. (Carried)

- Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we do now adjourn at 10:17 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for July 22, 2003, at 7:00 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)