THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

March 9, 2004

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve Richard Thomas; Councillors Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, and Marty Corcoran. Councillor MacPhail was absent; delegate; Karen Kowalchuk, Christine Lauffer, and Daryl Annesley, Earthwatch Almaguin, Ken White, Gail Sawyer, Lorne Maine and Linda Maurer, Burk's Falls & District Historical Society, and Dave Langerud, guests; Joanne Cripps, Phyllis Leggett, Ed Robinson, Paul & Sylvia Robinson; Jessie Kohl, Huntsville Forrester, and staff Les Phinney, CRS-I and Wendy Whitwell, Clerk Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -The minutes of the regular meeting February 25, 2004, were approved by resolution as circulated

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

  • -Councillor Brandt declared pecuniary interest on item # 11, general accounts voucher, general nature thereof, payment to Almaguin News, wife's place of employment

DELEGATIONS:

Earthwatch Almaguin, Christine Lauffer, Karen Kowalchuk, and Daryl Annesley, attended Council to discuss the possibility of a by-law to phase-out pesticide and herbicide for cosmetic use in the municipality. Earthwatch would like to assist by creating an information pamphlet which could be mailed with the tax bills. Earthwatch gave a presentation last year to the steering committee, and can make this package available to educate the public as well.. North Bay is currently looking at a draft by-law and Toronto has a ban effective April 2004. Reeve Thomas indicated Council will consider this and thanked the members of Earthwatch for attending.

Ken White, attended to inform Council of two upcoming meetings, regarding the re-location of the Almaguin Highlands Information Centre, March 30th at the Sundridge Community Centre and March 31st at the Katrine Community Centre at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of the meetings is to bring the business community together to discuss the relocation, and possible benefits of keeping the information centre at its present location. Ken advised Council of the history regarding the current location, Ministry involvement at that time, and believes that pressure should be applied to the Ministry of Transportation to approve fast lane access at the current site. Ken was thanked for bringing this information to Council.

Gail Sawyer, attended to discuss a property issue and presented a letter from her solicitor, Robert J van der Wijst. The letter requesting a title correction, was reviewed by Council, and will be forwarded to the South East Parry Sound District Planning Board for consideration.

Dave Langerud, has submitted a zoning amendment application which was included in the agenda package, and was present to answer any question Council may have. Council had no questions, and a resolution authorizing the clerk to forward the application to the municipal planner to prepare an amendment was passed.

Lorne Main, Burk's Falls and District Historical Society presented the financial statements, March 1, 2003 to February 20th, 2004 and gave Council a brief review of the projects and events held last year. Lorne advised Council of a CHIN grant they have received approval for which will allow a history of the area to be produced on a compact disc. The history will be titled " The Steamboat Era". The historical society is requesting a donation of $ 500.00 again this year to help offset the cost of hiring students for the museum. A resolution authorizing the donation was approved. Lorne was thanked for attending.

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

- road accounts voucher # 03-20004. A resolution authorizing payment was passed.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -Correspondence was reviewed from Doug Landry regarding an the assessment of trailers.

Reeve Thomas commented on a number of inaccuracies included in the letter and commented he would like to provide input for a reply.

  • -County of Prince Edward, requesting support of a resolution regarding "omitted assessment" for trailers for the 2003 taxation year. A resolution in support was passed.


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  • -Armour's proposed resolution regarding "omitted assessment" for trailers for the 2003 and 2004 taxation year. This resolution was passed.


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  • -Staff report on proposed ATV by-law was reviewed and discussed. The consensus of Council is not to proceed at this time with this bylaw.

ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL:

  • -Road accounts voucher # 03-2004, in the amount of $ 23,175.66 was approved for payment.


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  • -General accounts voucher # 03-2004, in the amount of $ 77,820.85 was approved for payment.


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  • -Landfill accounts voucher # 03-2004, in the amount of $ 5,991.73 was approved for payment

BY-LAWS:

  • -By-law # 08-2004, to provide for an interim tax levy, was read a first, second and third time.


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  • -By-law # 09-2004, to enter into an agreement to provide joint operation of an arena/community centre was read a first, second and third time.


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  • -By-law # 10-2004, to confirm the proceedings of Council was read a first, second and third time
  • -February 26th, Steering Committee. Marty and Richard gave a verbal report. Vaughan Adamson, CEO Hunstville Hospital and Susan McCallum, Chair of Algonguin Heath Centre attended this meeting.


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  • -March 3rd, Tri R. Richard gave a verbal report informing Council of the many issues relating to landfill expansion costs and the urgent need to reduce waste.


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  • -March 3rd, MNR Nuisance Bear. Richard provided information for Council to review which was available from this meeting.


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  • -March 8th, Planning Board. Richard gave a verbal report.


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  • -OGRA/ROMA Conference. Councillor Brandt read a detailed report on the conference, and provided a copy for Council.

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CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -City of Sarnia, request for support of a resolution regarding municipal rebates for GST, and sharing in the revenue from Federal Gas Tax. A resolution in support was passed.


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  • -Minister Responsible for Seniors, request to proclaim June as Senior's Month. A resolution to do so was passed.


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  • -Corporation of the Township of St. Joseph, request for support of a resolution to petition the Provincial Government to defer implementation of the Drinking Water Systems Regulation (O. Reg. 170/03) and review the impact on small business operators and service providers in Ontario. No support was given.


  • -Horton Township, request for support of a resolution to petition the Province to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and its regulation removing the need for additional testing of water beyond the regular testing for coliform and e-coli in small municipal non-residential systems, in small community businesses and local community churches if the current test results indicate the water is safe to drink. A resolution in support was passed.


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  • -Letter from City of Cornwall, requesting support of a letter proposing a by-law to regulate wheelchairs operating upon city highways and sidewalks. No support was given.


  • -Town of Parry Sound, copy of media release regarding Ministry audit of POA concerns, and notice of meeting on Tuesday, March 9th, 1:30 p.m. at the Parry Sound Fire Hall.


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  • -Armour Ryerson and Burk's Falls Agricultural Society, request for donation for 2004 fall fair. A resolution authorizing a donation of $ 400.00 was passed.

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  • -Village of Burk's Falls, request for contribution of $ 205.14 plus GST for repairs to the War Memorial. A resolution authorizing this donation was passed.


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  • -Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited, notification of Public Information Centre to be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2004 from 4 - 8 p.m. at Katrine Community Centre to present the design proposal for the four-laning from north of Highway 518 W to south of Highway 520 at Burk's Falls.


  • -Travelling Harvest, South River, request to attend open house on April 7th, 1 to 3. Reeve Thomas will attend.
  • -Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM), notice of the 2004 Conference to be held May 5 - 7th, 2004 in Mindemoya, Manitoulin Island. No one will be attending
  • -Almaguin Highlands Strategic Plan Implementation Committee, notification of next meeting Thursday, March 11, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. at the South River Community Centre. No one will be attending

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -Senator, Mira Spivak, letter to update Council on Bill S-8, The Personal Watercraft Act

NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Proposed by-law to provision of security boxes containing fire safety plans, hazardous materials, and hazardous physical agent information or keys for the fire department to prevent the spread of fire. Council have some questions, John Stark, Fire Prevention Officer will attend the next meeting.


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  • -Summer Recreation Programs for 2004. Council authorized the clerk to proceed with the normal programs for 2004.


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  • -Staff report dated March 4, 2004 regarding the postage/mailing machine and folding machine. Council reviewed the report and quotes submitted by Pitney Bowes. A resolution was passed authorizing the purchase of a Model DM330 mailing machine with Intellilink Control Centre
  • -Eastholme, Home for the Aged, notice of increase in the 2004 levy and invitation to the annual general meeting scheduled for March 24, 2004 at 4:00 p.m. No Council member will attend, the clerk will confirm our representative Jack Miners, can attend.
  • -List of correspondence received and not on the agenda.
  • -Resolution to move into closed session.


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  • -Resolution to move out of closed session.

    RESOLUTIONS:

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 25, 2004 be adopted as circulated. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, The Council of the Township of Armour hereby support, in principle, the application submitted by Dave Langerud and Jill Latendre for the re-zoning of Part Lot 5, Concession 8, Part 47 of RCP 315 and request the clerk forward the application to the municipal planner. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation in the amount of $ 500.00 to the Burk's Falls and District Historical Society for 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That Road Accounts Voucher # 03-2004 in the amount of $ 23,175.66 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 Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution from the County of Prince Edward and request the Minister of Revenue pass a regulation to exempt the "omitted assessment" for trailers for the 2003 taxation year. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, WHEREAS Regulation 390/03 was filed on October 30, 2003, exempting "omitted assessments" for the trailers for the 2001 and 2002 taxation years but not for the 2003 taxation year; and

WHEREAS not all campgrounds have been re-assessed for 2003 and thus not all campgrounds are being treated the same; and

WHEREAS notice of "omitted assessments" to date have not yet been issued for campgrounds in the Township of Armour, and will likely not be issued until 2005;

WHEREAS this situation puts campground owners in the Township of Armour at a considerable disadvantage;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation of the Township of Armour hereby requests the Minister of Revenue to pass a regulation to exempt the "omitted assessment" for trailers for the 2003 and 2004 taxation year. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That General Accounts Voucher # 03-2004 in the amount of $ 77,820.85 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. Pecuniary interest declared by Brandt. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 03-2004 in the amount of $ 5,991.73 be paid as presented and the Reeve and the Treasurer are hereby authorized to sign cheques for same. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 08-2004, being a by-law to provide for an interim tax levy and the payment of interim taxes for the year 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 08-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 08-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 9th day of March, 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 09-2004, being a by-law to enter into an agreement to provide for the joint operation and management of an Arena/Community Centre. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 09-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 09-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 9th day of March, 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 10-2004, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 10-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 10-2004 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 9th day of March, 2004. (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 Sarnia, regarding the Gst rebate and gas tax rebates. (Carried)

- Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, WHEREAS Senior's month is an annual nation-wide celebration;

WHEREAS seniors have contributed and continue to contribute immensely to the life and vibrancy of this community,

WHEREAS seniors continue to serve as leader, mentors, volunteers and important and active members of this community,

WHEREAS their contributions past and present warrant appreciation and recognition and their stories deserve to be told;

WHEREAS the health and well-being of seniors is in the interest of all and further adds to the health and well-being of the community;

WHEREAS the knowledge and experience seniors pass on to us continues to benefit all;

I, Reeve Thomas, do hereby proclaim June 1 - 30th, 2004 Senior's Month in the Township of Armour and encourage all citizens to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our seniors. (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 Horton and petition the Government of Ontario to amend the Safe Drinking Water Act and its regulation removing the need for additional testing of water beyond the regular testing for coliform and e-coli in small municipal non-residential systems, in small community businesses and in local community churches and community centres if the current test results indicate the water is safe to drink. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation of $ 400.00 to the Armour, Ryerson and Burk's Falls Agricultural Society for 2004. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of

Armour hereby authorize payment of 25% of the cost to repair the War Memorial as submitted by Morning Dove Monuments, being $ 205.14 plus gst. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Council of the Township of Armour accept the quote submitted by PGE Business Solutions for the purchase of a new/demo mailing machine and a CCP2DM Series Intellilink Control Centre. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, BE IT RESOLVED That the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 9:47 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 2 ( b) (e) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 10:00 P.M. (Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby accept the offer submitted by Pickerel Lake Lodge in settlement of outstanding planning and legal fees relating to their proposed development. (Carried)

- Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That we do now adjourn at 10:08 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for March 23, 2004 or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)