THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

November 22, 2005

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, November 22, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Richard Thomas; Councillors, Rod Blakelock, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran and Bob MacPhail, delegates, Jim Mahoney, By-law Enforcement Officer; Dianne McIntyre and Bob Gray, Berriedale Community Centre Club; media representative Andy Culp, Almaguin News; guests, Rod Dechert, Roy McMurren, Gail and Harvey Mulligan, Steve Mulligan, Kirk Micallef, Robert Richard, Phyllis Leggett, Ed Robinson, and staff, Wendy Whitwell, Clerk-Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

The minutes of the regular meeting on November 8, 2005 were approved as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST: None

DELEGATIONS:

Jim Mahoney, By-law Enforcement Officer, attended to discuss the 3rd draft of the Woodland Conservation By-law. Council had an opportunity to review the by-law in detail. The application of the by-law was discussed and Jim described how the by-law would be applied and that certain sections still require some work, including the schedules. A question and answer period followed. Reeve Thomas explained the need to protect woodlots for future generations. Some members of the public voiced opposition to the by-law and consider the proposed controls an infringement of their rights as property owners. Others offered suggested changes to the by-law. A lengthy discussion resulted. Jim will make further amendments and the draft by-law will be reviewed again January 10th, 2006.

Dianne McIntryre and Bob Gray, Berriedale Community Centre Club attended to advise Council they are folding their club due to lack of active members and no interest in continuing the lease of the centre. Dianne provided a summary of costs and all bills are currently paid. An inventory of items at the community centre will be provided to the Township. Dianne and Bob would like to see another group use the centre. Reeve Thomas thanked Dianne and Bob and expressed his regret the club is no longer viable.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -A resolution was passed to name David Burr and Paul Wittig as members of the economic development committee.

    • APPLICATIONS:

    Shore Road Closing : Heuman, 148 Snowshoe Lane

  • -The following was reviewed by council:

- application submitted by Barbara Heuman

- property location map

- MNR fish habitat mapping

A resolution agreeing in principle, to the closing of the shore road allowance was passed.

Lottery Licence : Raffle - Magnetawan Ridge Runners

  • -The following was reviewed by council:

- application to conduct a draw on January 27, 2006.

A resolution authorizing a raffle licence was passed.

BY-LAWS:

  • -# 36-2005, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of Council, was read a first, second and third time.

  • -# 37-2005, being a by-law to enter into a lease agreement for 12 Three Mile Lake Road.

REPORTS:

  • -Fire Board, November 10th, Marty and Richard gave a verbal report.

  • -Planning Board, November 14th, Richard reported

  • -Library, November 16th, Rod advised council no meeting was held.

  • -Arena, November 17th, Jerry and Richard reported.

  • -Building report - October, was reviewed by Council.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -Township of Ryerson copy of correspondence to the Library board requesting a financial update.

  • -Municipal Property Assessment Corporation, updating council on the mailing of the 2005 assessment notices and the commitment to work with the Office of the Ombudsman.

  • -Township of Chisholm requesting support of a resolution to petition the Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources to reinstate the spring bear hunt. A resolution of support was passed.

  • -City of Niagara Falls, requesting support of the Canadian Independent Petroleum Marketers Association and request the Federal Government intervene in the wholesale gasoline sector to restore the free market system of competition to promote competitive gasoline pricing. A resolution of support was passed.

  • -Township of Coleman requesting support of a resolution to petition the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Provincial Government to ensure that none of our natural resources (wood) be sold and directed to other provinces. No support was given.

  • - - Loyalist Township requesting support to petition the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to include fishers as predators for which claims for injured or killed livestock can be reimbursed. A resolution of support was passed.

  • -City of Kitchener request for support of a resolution requesting the Province of Ontario commission an objective review of the results of amalgamation in Ontario relative to the principles of affordability, accountability and political accessibility with a view to determining the financial, service and other benefits and/or drawbacks of amalgamations. No support was given.

  • -AMO Alert, AMO comments of OMERS - Bill 206 Standing Committee including information on the standing committee process and the need for strong municipal employer representation and the highlights of AMO's submission to the Standing Committee on General Government.

  • -Village of Burk's Falls, copy of correspondence to the Ministry of Education regarding concerns with the condition of Almaguin Highlands Secondary school.

  • -Invitation to the Trails Stakeholders Meeting, Thursday, November 24, 2005 at the Royal Canadian Legion, 150 First Avenue West, North Bay.

  • -OMB Reform, information from the coalition for reforming the Ontario Municipal Board.

    • UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -Paul Schaefer, CBO, inspection request re Dell, 175 West Point Drive. A letter to schedule an interior inspection has been forwarded to the property owner.

    • NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Pickerel Lake Lodge, request for council to consider installation of speed bumps for Pickerel and Jack Lake Road. This item will be brought back for further discussion at the next meeting with the road superintendent.

  • -A resolution was passed to appoint Karen Fraser as the Health and Safety representative.

  • -North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit, correspondence regarding requirements for special events involving food sales/distribution.

  • -Verbal request for a $ 1,000.00 donation for start up funds for the arena project. Council requested this request in writing for discussion at the next meeting.

  • -Staff report regarding office hours for the Christmas holiday season. A resolution was passed authorizing the closing of the municipal office from December 26th to December 30th inclusive.

  • -Staff report regarding Christmas bonuses was reviewed and a resolution passed.

  • -MPAC, notification of a second open house scheduled for Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the Town of Kearney Municipal Office - Seniors Room from 10:00 am to 3:00 p.m.

  • -Invitation from the Near North District School Board to the "Education in the Highlands" symposium Tuesday, November 29, 2005 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Almaguin Highlands Secondary School.

  • -Discussion regarding a Core Team Official Plan meeting with Bob Miller and representatives from various Ministries on December 13th or 14th. Council prefer December 14th at 3:00 p.m..

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

  • -resolution to move into closed session at 9:50 p.m.

  • -resolution to move out of closed session at 10:02 p.m.

RESOLUTIONS:

Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the minutes of the November 8, 2005 meeting be approved as circulated. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour after reviewing the Ministry of Natural Resources fish habitat mapping, agree in principle to the closing of the shore road allowance in front of Part Lot 5, Concession 2, PSR 1348 Part 6, on payment of all associated fees and costs. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, The Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a raffle lottery licence to the Magnetawan Ridge Runners, for a draw to held on January 27, 2006 at Paul's Auto Glass. Licence fee of $ 5.00. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint the following individuals as representatives to the economic development committee: David Burr and Paul Wittig. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 36-2005, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of council. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 36-2005, be read a second time. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That by-law # 36-2005, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 22nd day of November, 2005. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 37-2005, being a by-law to enter into a lease agreement for 12 Three Mile Lake Road. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That By-law # 37-2005, be read a second time. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Marty Corcoran, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That by-law # 37-2005, be read a third time, signed and the seal of the Corporation affixed thereto and finally passed in open Council this 22nd day of November, 2005.(Carried)

- Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the Township of Chisholm and petition the Honourable David Ramsay, Minister of Natural Resources to immediately re-instate the spring bear hunt. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from the City of Niagara Falls and support the Canadian Independent Petroleum Marketers Associations and request the Federal Government intervene in the wholesale gasoline sector to restore the free market system of competition to promote competitive gasoline pricing. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour support the resolution from Loyalist Township and request the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs include fishers as predators for which claims for injured or killed livestock can be reimbursed. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby appoint Karen Fraser as the Township of Armour Health and Safety representative. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour approve the closing of the municipal office from December 26th to December 30th inclusive, to allow staff family time during the holiday season. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Jerry Brandt, That the Council of the Township of Armour authorize the following Christmas bonus for staff: full time staff $ 100.00; permanent part-time staff $ 50.00; by-law enforcement officer, cleaning staff, community policing representative, property standards representatives, library representative and landfill volunteers $ 50.00. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby move into closed session at 9:50 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 (2) (f) of the Municipal Act. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour move out of the closed session at 10:02 p.m.. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a payment of the OMEX retro-assessment as follows: $ 12,118.46 before November 25, 2005 and instruct the municipal lawyer to proceed with drafting an acceptable agreement. (Carried)

  • -Moved by Rod Blakelock, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That we do now adjourn at 10:10 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for December 13, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)