THE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ARMOUR

MINUTES

October 26, 2004

The regular meeting of the Council of the Township of Armour was held on Tuesday, October 26, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. Those in attendance were Reeve, Richard Thomas; Councillors, Jerry Brandt, Marty Corcoran, Bob MacPhail and Councillor Blakelock arrived at 8:45 p.m.; delegates, Sgt. Bill Ayotte, O.P.P., Paul Robinson, Paul Schaefer, CBCO, staff Wendy Whitwell, Clerk-Treasurer.

CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING:

The minutes of the regular meeting October 12, 2004 were approved as circulated.

DECLARATION OF PECUNIARY INTEREST:

  • -None.

DELEGATIONS:

Sgt. Ayotte, O.P.P., circulated and discussed with Council the statistical report from January 1, 2004 to August 31, 2004. Calls for service are down considerably for the same period last year. This trend is across the entire Almaguin Highlands detachment area, with property crimes and general calls for service decreasing the most. Problems with the communication tower in Ryerson was discussed. Bell Mobility is responsible for the service and have been notified. Sgt. Ayotte thanked Council for the donation to the Near North Crime Stoppers program.

Paul Robinson attended to discuss and answer any questions Council had regarding the letters included in the agenda package regarding road maintenance and building issues. Paul has recently spoken to Les regarding the sanding requirements for his road. Paul voiced his concerns with regards to garages being renovated without proper permits and used for a seasonal residences, with no proper septic systems. These renovated units are not assessed properly and not paying taxes accordingly.

Paul is requesting Council investigate this issue further.

Paul Schaefer, C.B.C.O. attended to speak to the concerns raised by Paul Robinson. Permits issued for garages indicate no human habitation is allowed. Permits are issued for improvements to existing garages, but again no human habitation is indicated on the permits. Garages are an accessory use and permits will not be issued for a garage or storage structure without the principal use already established. Septic inspection becoming the responsibility of the local municipality was also discussed. Paul believes this may be a possibility in the future. Paul is currently certified and Rob will be by next summer. Paul was thanked for attending.

Ron Russell was unavailable.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING:

  • -Micro Business Development Centre, request for funding on a per capita basis. This request for Armour is $ 371.70. After a discussion and clerk was requested to get budget information.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING:

  • -Smith/Judd proposed rezoning, Concession 9, Part Lot 9. Council reviewed a staff report and comments from planner Robert Miller dated October 25, 2004. Council do not wish to proceed with an official plan amendment at this time.
  • -The clerk was requested to get a clear, detailed sketch outlining the building envelope to facilitate the removal of the holding zone on the building envelope only.

BY-LAWS:

  • -By-law # 34-2004, being a by-law to enter into a lease agreement for 12 Three Mile Lake Road with Brian Williamson, Canadian Shield Log Home Craftsmen was read a first and second time.

REPORTS:

  • -Arena, October 20th, minutes included in the agenda, Richard gave a verbal report.
  • -Library, October 20th, Rod gave a verbal report.
  • -By-law enforcement report for September.
  • -Building report for September. Council discussed the problem brought forward earlier regarding accessory buildings being upgraded and used for habitation, rather than storage. The clerk is to discuss with the building official and by-law enforcement officer, and follow up with a staff report.

CORRESPONDENCE:

  • -Township of Ryerson, notification of the South East Parry Sound District Steering Committee meeting on Thursday, October 28th. John Kearns will be presenting the "Disintegrator" system. All are welcome.

  • -copy of response from Ministry of Transportation to Terry Forde's letter of concerns regarding the four laning of Highway 11.


  • -copy of letter from Terry Forde dated October 18, 2004 to Ministry of Transportation, in reply to this response.


  • -Burk's Falls Winterfest Committee, request for support for the 2005 Winterfest scheduled for January 15 & 16th. A resolution authorizing a donation was passed.


  • -Branch No. 405, Royal Canadian Legion, request for donation for the 2004 Poppy Fund. A resolution authorizing a donation and purchase of a wreath was passed.

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UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

  • -Staff report regarding the clearing of snow at the municipal office for the 2004- 2005 season. A resolution to hire Michelle Putman was passed.

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NEW BUSINESS:

  • -Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, regarding the Muskoka Parry Sound Health Unit; copy of news release dated October 21, 2004; assessment of the Muskoka-Parry Sound Health Unit; Executive Summary - Assessors Report by Graham Scott, Q.C.

  • -Council discussed the reports and Reeve Thomas advised council of the conference call he participated in. Richard will continue to investigate the roles and responsibilities of the board and municipalities.


  • -Advisory Council on drinking water quality and testing standards consultation invitation and schedule. Councillor MacPhail advised he could not see the benefit of attending a session for the municipality.
  • -Ontario Municipal Board, copy of correspondence regarding the order for the approving of the closing of certain roads to facilitate the Highway 11 four laning project.


  • -MFOA, Training Workshop, "It's all about Tax, Round 2, Gearing up for 2005 Taxation. A resolution authorizing the registration of Wendy Whitwell to attend was passed.


  • -Proposed resolution to meet the requirements of the Municipal Act, Subsection 255 (2). A resolution was passed.


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  • -Dumping of garbage on South Horn Lake Road was discussed. Councillor Blakelock is concerned by the amount of garbage and old furniture that has recently been dumped and requested Council consider action. Rod checked the contents of the garbage to determine origin, and after discussion the consensus of Council is to have the by-law officer send a letter of warning.


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

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RESOLUTIONS:

  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the minutes of the October 26, 2004 meeting be approved as circulated. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That leave be given to introduce a bill # 34-2004, being a by-law to enter into a lease agreement for 12 Three Mile Lake Road. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That By-law # 34-2004 be read a second time. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby authorize a donation in the amount of $ 250.00 to the Winterfest committee for 2005. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby support Branch 405 Royal Canadian Legion 2004 Remembrance Day and authorize a donation in the amount of $ 100.00 and the purchase of a wreath for a cost of $ 57.00. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Marty Corcoran, That the Council of the Township of Armour hereby approve the hiring of Michelle Putman for the snow clearing at the municipal office for the 2004/2005 season for a cost of $ 125.00 monthly. (Carried)
  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That the Council of the Township of Armour approve the registration of Wendy Whitwell to attend the MFOA tax training workshop on November 29, 2004 in Sudbury, and agree to pay related expenses for same. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Jerry Brandt, Seconded by Bob MacPhail, That the Council of the Township of Armour has reviewed a resolution passed by Council dated June 11, 2002 regarding that one third of the remuneration paid to elected members of council shall be considered as expenses, as required by Section 283 (7) of the Municipal Act, 2001. Council hereby re-confirms the resolution dated June 11, 2002. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, BE IT RESOLVED That the Council of the Township of Armour move into closed session at 9:20 p.m. in order to discuss matters pursuant to Section 239 2 (c) (e) 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 9:49 P.M. (Carried)


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  • -Moved by Bob MacPhail, Seconded by Rod Blakelock, That we do now adjourn at 9:50 p.m. until the next regular meeting of Council scheduled for November 9, 2004 at 7:30 p.m. or at the call of the Reeve. (Carried)