THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

November 13, 2001

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve Frank Gill, Councillors Rod Blakelock, Marty Corcoran, Joanne Cripps, and Gary McFarlane; delegates Mike Nychuk, Almaguin Highlands Development Agency, Hector Levigne, Almaguin Highlands Community Adjustment, Jack Backus, Almaguin District Snowmobile Club; and staff Les Phinney, CRS,I, Jim Mahoney, By-law Enforcement Officer and Laura Rowley, Clerk-Treasurer. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. The minutes of the special meeting of October 23, 2001; the minutes of the regular meeting on October 23, 2001; the minutes of two special meetings on October 29, 2001 were adopted as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

No pecuniary interest was declared.

DELEGATIONS:

• -Hector Levigne attended the meeting, at Council's request, on behalf of the Almaguin Highlands Community Adjustment Committee. Information included in the agenda package from the Committee was the Background, the Mission Statement, the Terms of Reference for a Feasibility Study, a Labour Study and a Strategic Plan. Mr. Levigne explained his involvement in the Committee, his opinion as to the need and viability of the Committee and answered questions from Council. The Committee has hired Lawlor & Associates as the consulting firm to complete the studies. Mr. Lavigne was looking for acknowledgment of the letter and report information received by Council and someone to volunteer to sit on the Committee. Councillor McFarlane volunteered. A letter is to come from the Chair of the Committee asking Council to appoint someone and Council will do a resolution at that time.



• -Jack Backus attended the meeting on behalf of the Almaguin District Snowmobile Club. A letter was included in the agenda package from Mr. Backus asking permission to utilize the unopened road allowance between Perry and Armour Township in Concession 1, Lot 32. Mr. Backus explained that the current location of the trail across private property was causing some problems for the property owner and the Club wished to relocate the trail. Tembec had opened and used the unopened road allowance as far as Lot 31 last winter and the Club would be using that logging road and needed to use an excavator for approximately another 1000 feet. The Club will enter into a Land Use Permit, Memorandum of Understanding with the municipality and the Club's insurance policy will cover all sections of trail on municipal land that the Club uses. Jack answered questions from Council and Council passed a resolution giving permission to use the excavator.



• -Michael Nychuk, Director of Marketing & Business Development, Almaguin Highlands Development Agency, attended the meeting, at Council's request, to update Council on the status of the Agency's business development efforts. Mr. Nychuk explained what his job is and then showed Council a communication piece that is being sent to 250 companies. Mike answered questions from Council and was thanked for coming.



• -Les Phinney, CRS,I, re road department. Items discussed were;

- Road Accounts Voucher # 11-2001 in the amount of $ 96,492.98 was approved;

- Road budget to September 30^th;

- a letter from R.W. Haviland regarding beaver activity on her property, a staff report on information received from MNR re beaver control, and policy respecting nuisance beavers and beaver dams adopted by the Township of Perry. The Road Superintendent indicated that the water level is not a problem at this time and discussed his activities with regard to trapping of beaver on Township property.

- a letter from Mrs. Eileen Maurer regarding the ploughing of snow and resulting ridge of snow and ice build up on the side of the road and in front of their driveway. The Road Superintendent explained how the plow and wing works on the trucks and it was determined that the municipality does not have the equipment to keep the ends of driveways clear when they are removing snow. The Clerk was instructed to reply to Mrs. Maurer's letter.

- Logging of Township property

- Bridge report done by the Greer Galloway Group Inc. should be in this week.

• -Jim Mahoney, By-law Enforcement Officer

- October activity report

- Council moved into closed session at 9:20 P.M. and out at 10:30 P.M.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING:

• -A resolution to rescind resolutions # 7 & 8 passed on October 23, 2001 was passed.



• -Comments from Bob Miller regarding the letter from Mr. Tunnock, planner for the Planning Board, was reviewed and will be discussed with Bob at the special meeting on Wednesday, November 14^th.



• -Hydro One, additional information on the Herbicide, Garlon 4. The Clerk was instructed to reply to Hydro One and reiterate Council's position.

ACCOUNTS FOR APPROVAL:

• -The following road accounts, voucher # 11-2001, in the amount of $ 96,492.98, were approved by resolution:

Bell Mobility cell phone $ 41.85

Leslie Phinney mileage $ 667.83

C.E. Stack Fuels Ltd. Diesel fuel & oil $ 1,622.35

Bell Canada garage phone $ 82.68

Lou Dennis Automotive truck parts $ 513.38

Ward Tim-br Mart lights & sign material $ 450.60

Canadian National Railway Sept & Oct mtc $ 1,456.90

Hydro One garage $ 320.54

Fowler Const. Co. Cold mix & surface treatment $ 48,508.61

Royal Bank Visa parts truck # 4 $ 1,143.08

Assoc. of Ont. Road Supt. 2002 membership $ 51.50

ATCO International grease & degreaser for trucks $ 576.30

E Grigg & Assoc. Propane handling course $ 388.79

The Fastener Centre supplies $ 166.41

Huntsville Truck Repair parts $ 9.99

Lewis Motor Sales parts $ 196.34

Superior Propane Inc. cylinder rental $ 29.97

Tims Delivery delivery charges $ 16.48

Total Products supplies $ 269.03

Whitmell's gravel crushing & hauling $ 28,610.77

Workplace Safety & Ins. Benefits $ 148.27

Payroll Oct $ 11,221.31

- The following general accounts, voucher # 11-2001, in the amount of $ 66,878.86 were approved by resolution:

Bell Canada office $ 336.54

Almaguin Animal Shelter Nov. $ 206.00

Rod Blakelock Nov. Council fee $ 318.93

Cintas Canada Ltd. Office supplies $ 71.62

Co-operators Insurance benefits $ 493.31

Marty Corcoran Nov. Council fee $ 318.93

Joanne Cripps Nov. Council fee $ 318.93

Frank Gill Nov. Council fee $ 368.58

James Mahoney mileage Oct. $ 200.90

Gary McFarlane Nov. Council fee $ 318.93

Minister of Finance OPP - Sept. $ 9,096.00

Bev Moore cleaning Oct. $ 80.00

Nipissing Copier Ltd. Meter charge $ 407.36

Township of Perry CBO - Oct. $ 850.50

Receiver General Payroll deductions - Oct. $ 5,252.57

Paul Schaefer mileage - Oct $ 160.37

Hydro One Park $ 63.89

Street light $ 25.15

TML Rd $ 28.79

Office $ 348.35

CCC $ 105.84

Hynde Paul Retainer - Oct $ 874.78

Zoning - digital maps $ 2,163.00

John Keizer groundskeeper contract $ 560.00

Village of Burk's Falls Arena - Sept $ 2,239.67

Water $ 43.75

Green Shield Canada benefits - Nov $ 1,149.16

Russell, Christie, Miller General $ 244.42

Doherty S/d $ 1,429.93

OMB / MTO $ 1,390.61

Almaguin News advertising $ 752.93

Court document $ 597.92

Town of Parry Sound Land ambulance - Nov $ 3,995.86

Royal Bank Visa Municipal Conference $ 262.21

OMB appeal $ 50.00

Internet $ 10.25

Grand & Toy office supplies $ 364.63

Purolator Courier Ltd courier charges $ 16.60

Township of Ryerson Fire dept. expenses - Sept $ 1,310.95

Christophers Flowers sympathy $ 138.75

Canadian National Railways tax overpayment $ 940.36

Munisoft computer program final billing $ 1,266.46

MPAC quarterly billing $ 8,776.00

Almaguin Recycling Initiative HAZMAT 2001 $ 450.00

Arrow Printing & Pub. Office expense $ 35.52

East Parry Sound Special Christmas Fund - donation $ 100.00

Hutcheson - Barnes Titles TR; Operators agreement; site plan $ 489.83

Brian & Jean Kittel tax refund $ 90.74

Pitney Bowes postage meter charge $ 169.33

Royal Canadian Legion wreath & donation $ 157.00

Sharon Worth Doe Lake washrooms $ 1,150.00

Ward Tim-br Mart repairs to KCC $ 618.77

Tranter's Office Equip. office supplies $ 16.84

E.J. Williams Surveying survey $ 3,300.69

Workplace Safety & Insurance Oct $ 105.93

GST & ITC $ 4,178.27

Payroll Oct. $ 8,066.21

• -The following Landfill accounts, voucher # 11-2001, in the amount of $ 5,832.45 were approved by resolution:

Bell Canada landfill site phone $ 69.79

Co-operators Insurance benefits - Nov $ 19.47

Green Shield Canada benefits - Nov $ 176.32

Whitmell's sand cover $ 1,250.77

Landfill Accounts Cont:

Leggett Propane propane $ 39.85

Union Gas natural gas $ 9.47

Christophers Flowers sympathy $ 81.00

Bonazza Fire Extinguishers ABC extinguishers $ 234.98

E Grigg & Associates propane handling course $ 93.46

Hydro One landfill site $ 194.21

Esso Home Comfort diesel fuel $ 265.64

Ward Tim-br Mart supplies $ 62.07

Burk's Falls V & S supplies $ 30.33

Workplace Safety & Ins. Oct $ 43.77

Payroll Oct $ 3,261.32

BY-LAWS: - By-law # 31-2001, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings was read a first, second & third time.

• -By-law # 32-2001, being a "Culvert" by-law was read a first & second time.



• -By-law # 33-2001, being a by-law to enter into an agreement with the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Recreation for the provision of provincially recorded archaeological resource data for planning purposes was read a first, second & third time.

REPORTS:

• -Arena Board - Oct. 24^th - minutes of the meeting were included in the agenda package; special meeting - Nov. 2^nd - minutes of the meeting were included in the agenda package.



• -AHIC - Oct. 25^th - minutes of the meeting were included in the agenda package; special meeting Nov. 7^th - report by Frank; regular meeting Nov. 8^th - agenda for meeting included in agenda package.

• -Steering Committee - Oct. 25^th - minutes of the meeting were included in the agenda package.



• -Tri-Council meeting - Oct. 29^th - re Emergency Measures. Report given by Gary McFarlane. Council decided to have staff prepare a Plan for Armour using the OPP sample, for Council's review.



• -OMB Hearing - Oct. 30^th - a copy of the Memorandum of Oral Decision was included in the agenda package.



• -Tri-R Committee - Nov. 7^th - a Landfill Capacity Review was included in the agenda package and Gary McFarlane spoke to it. Marty Corcoran asked for clarification of an incident that was supposed to happen at the landfill site. Reeve Gill responded.

CORRESPONDENCE:

• -Minister of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs; Andy Mitchell, M.P.; and AMO Alert, information on the funding of the OSTAR program.



• -AMO Alert & AMCTO Express, information on Bill 111, The New Municipal Act.



• -FONOM, requesting support of a resolution passed by the City of Greater Sudbury regarding the relocation of Clinton Suzack to the William Head Institution. A resolution of support was passed

• -Township of North Huron, requesting support of a resolution regarding provincial legislation to permit Municipal Councils to pass by-laws prohibiting certain breeds of dogs within municipal boundaries. No support was given.



• -City of North Bay, requesting support of a resolution regarding the announcement of MCTV to lay off 14 employees and the failure of CTV to uphold its commitment and conditions of license. A resolution of support was passed.



• -City of Greater Sudbury, requesting support of a resolution to request Parliament to implement such policies, programs and legislation which will encourage broadcasters to put in place and promote local programming including a requirement for dedicated amounts of prime time devoted to local news coverage. A resolution of support was passed.



• -Wendy James Landry, request for relief from penalty on unpaid taxes, Pt. Lot 6, Concession 4. No relief was given.



• -Winterfest Committee, information and date for the 2002 Winterfest and requesting support. A donation was given.



• -OGRA/ROMA Combined Conferences, information on the 2002 conference to be held in Toronto, February 24^th to 27^th. A resolution was passed to register Frank Gill & Gary McFarlane.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

• -Graham, Wilson & Green, letter regarding legal costs and a letter which was sent to the Almaguin News.

• -Industry Canada, comments on Armour's Telecommunication Policy. The staff will modify the Policy, with comments from Gary McFarlane, for Council's review.



• -Joint Fire Protection Agreement. The Clerk was instructed to put in writing, Council's suggested changes to the Agreement and prepare a resolution for the meeting on November 14^th.

NEW BUSINESS:

• -The Burk's Falls & District Fire Department, letter regarding the five year fund raiser, the "pumper fund" and an invitation to attend a meeting at the Burk's Falls firehall on Monday, November 26^th.



• -Near North District School Board, information on the Student Accommodation Review.



• -Lease to Bowes & Cocks. The Clerk will prepare a resolution for the next meeting to continue the lease for a final six months.



• -Xmas bonuses. The Clerk will prepare a resolution for the next meeting.



• -Office closure over Xmas. Council authorized the office to be closed from December 21^st to January 2^nd.



• -Councillor McFarlane introduced a resolution regarding Vote-by-mail for Council's consideration. A discussion and presentation was followed by the resolution being passed.



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

RESOLUTIONS:

• -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the minutes of the special meeting held on October 23, 2001 at 6:30 P.M. be adopted as circulated. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That the minutes of the regular meeting held on October 23, 2001 be adopted as circulated (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the minutes of the special meetings held on October 29, 2001 at 6:30 P.M. and 6:36 P.M. be adopted as circulated. (Carried)



• -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the Almaguin District Snowmobile Club to use an excavator on Armour's portion of the unopened road allowance in Concession 1, Lot 32 subject to assigned agreement and approved by By-law. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That Road Accounts Voucher # 11-2001 in the amount of $ 96,492.98 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 Gary McFarlane, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby rescind resolutions # 7 & 8 re MTO road closings passed on October 23, 2001. (Carried)

• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 9:20 P.M. in order to discuss personal matters pursuant to Section 55 (5) (b) of the Municipal Act.(Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we move out of the closed session at 10:30 P.M. (Carried)



• -Moved by Gary McFarlane, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That General Accounts Voucher # 11-2001 in the amount of $ 66,878.86 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 Gary McFarlane, That Landfill Accounts Voucher # 11-2001 in the amount of $ 5,832.45 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 Rod Blakelock, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 31-2001, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council at its meetings. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 31-2001 be read a second time. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That By-law # 31-2001 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 13^th day of November, 2001. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 32-2001, being a by-law to permit and regulate the size and mode of construction of culverts and entrance ways in the Township of Armour. (Recorded vote - For - Blakelock, Cripps, Gill, McFarlane - Opposed - Corcoran)(Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Gary McFarlane, That By-law # 32-2001 be read a second time. (Recorded Vote - For- Blakelock, Cripps, Gill, McFarlane - Opposed - Corcoran)(Carried)

• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 33-2001, being a by-law to enter into an agreement with the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation for the provision of provincially recorded archaeological resource data for Municipal planning purposes. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That By-law # 33-2001 be read a second time. (Carried)



• -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Joanne Cripps, That By-law # 33-2001 be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 13^th day of November, 2001. (Carried)



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



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the City of Greater Sudbury and FONOM regarding the relocation of Clinton Suzack to the William Head Institution (Recorded vote - For - Blakelock, Corcoran, Cripps, Gill, McFarlane)(Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support the resolution of the City of North Bay regarding the announcement of MCTV to lay off 14 employees and the failure of CTV to uphold its commitment and conditions of license. (Recorded Vote - For- Blakelock, Corcoran, Cripps, Gill, McFarlane)(Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution of the City of Greater Sudbury to request Parliament to implement such policies, programs and legislation which will encourage broadcasters to put in place and promote local programming including a requirement for dedicated amounts of prime time devoted to local news coverage. (Recorded vote - For- Blakelock, Corcoran, Cripps, Gill, McFarlane)(Carried)



• -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby donate $ 150.00 to the 2002 Winterfest, to be paid in January, 2002. (Carried)



• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize the registration of Frank Gill & Gary McFarlane to attend the combined OGRA & ROMA conference to be held in Toronto, February 24^th to 27^th, 2002 plus transportation and meals. (Carried)

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

Whereas the Corporation of the Township of Armour has experienced significant difficulties with the appointment of Proxy Voting system in past municipal elections,

And Whereas such difficulties have resulted in legal action and significant costs in legal fees to the Township,

And Whereas it is desirable to improve and increase eligible voter participation in municipal elections as well as the ease of use of voting procedures,

Therefore be it resolved that the Township of Armour approve the use of a viable and workable Vote-by-mail procedure for future elections and/or Referendums and that such a new method of casting a ballot involve the following,

1. Be considered as an alternate form of voting to the Proxy vote system as is allowed for in the Municipal Elections Act,

2. Be instituted to ensure all eligible voters are given every opportunity to cast a ballot regardless of their circumstance and/or physical location on prescribed voting days,

• Be evaluated to ensure workability for the Township of Armour in regards to its understanding by the electorate and submission procedures to the Township for vote validation purposes,

• Be considered as confirmation of Council's agreement, in principle, of July 1999 to bring into effect a Vote-by-mail system for the Township and its electorate.

(Recorded vote - For - Cripps, Gill, McFarlane - Opposed - Blakelock, Corcoran) (Carried)

• -Moved by Joanne Cripps, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we do now adjourn at 12:40 a.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for November 27^th, 2001, or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)