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Council Minutes Jan 11/06
January 11, 2006
INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
January 11, 2006
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Reeve Hore and Councillors Crack, Hope and Stevens. Councillor Sullivan had advised that she would be late.
Christian Provenzano, Federal Liberal candidate, was in attendance to introduce himself and indicate his intention, if elected, to work with area Councils and ratepayers. Council raised the issue of the slow payment process on grants and in particular the OSTAR program while other programs seem to have efficient administration.
06-01 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to approve the minutes of the December 7th, 2005 meeting as presented.
Carried
06-02 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to approve the minutes of the December 14th, 2005 meeting as presented.
Carried
Councillor Sullivan arrived at this time.
06-03 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #05-12 in the amount of $102,818.41.
Carried
The Problem Detail Sheet Summary was reviewed. No new items were added. The ditching had been done so that item was closed.
The Clerks report was reviewed. Some progress has been made on getting items completed and it is expected that gains will continue to be made.
A report prepared by Valerie Obarymskyj, Clerk for the Township of Hilton on the Essentials of Fire Protection seminar held in November was reviewed. There are increased responsibilities for fire protection and accompanying administrative requirements. Council appreciated receiving this thorough report, as the Village Clerk could not attend.
Notification was received that funding was approved by the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund for the water project. The project costs are split equally among all three levels of government and this NOHFC funding covers one-half of the municipal share. Thus, the municipality is responsible for one-sixth of the cost. The final cost will not be known until the quotes are in for the ultra-violet system and well head protection plan. It is expected that with the changes to the design that the project will come in under the original cost estimates. The by-law to accept the funding will be considered later in the meeting.
The Ministry of the Environment has introduced the Clean Water Act, 2005, which will, if passed, mandate source water protection planning in Ontario.
Notification was received from the Ministry of the Environment that funding was available for technical studies on municipal drinking water systems including source water protection planning.
The Ministry of Municipal Affairs provided notification that the proposed Official Plan Amendment to re-designate the property to be used for a teahouse on the A Line from Rural to Rural Commercial has been screened and is under review.
The 2006 levy for MPAC was received. It is quite close to that of 2005.
Acknowledgement was received from the Ombudsmans Office of the Villages submission regarding MPAC. They indicate that there will be a systematic investigation into the issues relating to the transparency of the property assessment process and the integrity and efficiency of decision-making.
The Workplace Safety ad Insurance Board provided notification that the Villages rate will increase 8% to $1.64 for 2006 after the reduction for merit adjustment for lack of claims.
The Alzheimer Society requested acknowledgment that January is Alzheimer Awareness Month.
06-04 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to proclaim January as Alzheimer Awareness Month.
Carried
The East Algoma Community Futures Development Corporation is coordinating a Regional Economic Development Strategy for East Algoma. The process will include a review of the work that has been done, individual interviews and public focus groups. The objective is to determine where the region is at, where does it want to be and how does it get there. All members of the public are invited to participate. The dates for the public sessions will be advertised.
A complaint was received regarding a dog attack in December. An unleashed large dog attacked a small dog that was being walked on a lease. The owner of the dog did pay the vet bill. A letter will be written to the owner who was visiting in the Village, informing him that the dog will have to physically controlled or confined when in the community because of the incident.
One application was received to serve on the Recreation Committee and one for the Seniors/Disabled Advisory Committee. These persons were included on the appointment by-law.
Notification was received on a one-day workshop regarding emergency management to be held in Echo Bay. More responsibilities are being mandated in this area too.
06-05 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to authorize the Clerk to attend the Emergency Management Ontario seminar on January 24th in Echo Bay.
Carried
An annual update was received from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. They represent and lobby on behalf of all Ontario municipalities with the two senior levels of government.
The annual meeting of the Matthews Memorial Hospital Association will be held on January 19th at 7:30 p.m. at the Trefry Centre.
The most recent draft of the long-term plan was reviewed. The input from interested ratepayers had been considered by Council during an earlier review. Council thought that the plan reflects the priorities for the next period of time. It will be reviewed annually. Once the few minor changes are made, it will be available both in hard copy and on the website.
The financial statements are available for 2004. There was an operating deficit in 2004 due to lower income than anticipated from both taxation because of the massive writedowns by MPAC and the fact that there were no lot sales. As well, a formula error impacted the bottom line. There are small reserves for both recreation from the fundraising activities of that committee and volunteers and for special projects primarily from the open air market operations.
06-06 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #866 being a by-law to appoint Officers, Servants, Boards and Committees for the year 2006.
Carried
06-07 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #867 being a by-law to enter into an agreement with the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for the Water System Upgrades, Agreement #27070.
Carried
The by-law to accept the agreement for the Retroactive Reciprocal Assessment was received and considered.
06-08 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #868 being a by-law to authorize signing of a Settlement Agreement and Promissory Note for the payment of the ROMA Retroactive Assessment.
Carried
Council had to go into closed meeting to discuss an item protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
06-09 Moved by J. Sullivan Seconded by W. Stevens
Resolved to go into closed meeting.
Carried
06-10 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to return to open meeting.
Carried
06-11 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to give first, second and third readings to By-law #869 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held on January 11th, 2006 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried
06-12 Moved by W. Stevens Seconded by J. Sullivan
Resolved to adjourn to meet again on February 8th, 2006 or at the call of the Reeve.
Carried
APPRECIATION CORNER
To Jake Cormier who once again put together a tremendous visual presentation of the community for the year and showed it at the hall during the Christmas Community Potluck.
To the person who one again gave $100 to be provided to a person or persons who could use a boost. The person does not want to know the identity of the recipient(s) or for the recipient(s) to know the donors identity. Each year this kindness has given a lift to the recipient(s).
To those who are willing to remain on one or more committees or boards and to those who put their name forward for the first time. It is this volunteerism that makes our community a great place to live.
LANDFILL HOURS
The landfill hours are now:
Sat: 10 3
Sun: 2 6
From May 15 to Sept. 15 it will also be open on Wednesday from 2 7 and Monday of a long weekend from 2 6.
RECREATION ACTIVITIES
The Recreation Committee is very pleased with the turnout for the Christmas events. The members are now planning for the winter months.
Jan. 28 with Feb 4 as an alternative date in case there is inclement weather: Games and a wiener/marshmallow roast for people of all ages. Activities will run from 4 to 6 p.m.
Feb. 12th is the annual Chocolate Festival. Watch for the posters. If you would like to bake and enter the contest, the categories this year are: Cakes, Cheesecakes, Cookies/Muffins/Cupcakes, Other, Candy/Confection and Under 12. There will be prizes for the first place winner in each category as well as ribbons for first and second winners in each category. There is a trophy and prize for the Best in Show. As in other years, donations of chocolate desserts not to be judged are also welcome and appreciated. Everyone is invited to come and sample the creations.
There will also be activities for both children and youth during the winter. Watch for the posters as the details for these activities are finalized.
