Council Minutes Feb 1/12

February 1, 2012

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HILTON BEACH
Council Meeting
February 1, 2012

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Mayor Stevens and Councillors Barich, Crack and Hope.

The annual update was received from Algoma Power. Peggy Lund provided information on the recent changes such as an updated telephone system that will make the operation more efficient. It was noted that there is confusion over the time-of-use rates. This will not be in effect for our area until later this year as there are limitations with the software. It is being brought on-line gradually and not even all of the area of one utility happens at the same time creating confusion on who is on and who is not. There will be an announcement when the Island is on and it will be included in the Council minutes. Ms Lund also indicted that there are programs available to assist low income users with power bills. Information may be obtained from the Village Office. Jennifer Rose of the Forestry Division reported that no major forestry work is to occur in the Village this year. They will be back on the Island in 2013 and 2014. Dan Richards also indicated that there are no infrastructure upgrades or large capital projects planned in the Village. There may be some work required to accommodate the streetlight project. They will provide brochures on various topics to the municipality.

12-10 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to approve the minutes of the January 11th, 2012 meeting as presented.
Carried

12-11 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to authorize payment of Voucher #12-1 in the amount of $63,761.92.
Carried

Note that the insurance coverage for the year in the amount of $31,222.88 is in the total.

The Project Summary was reviewed and there were no changes as most are items that have to be done in the spring.

The Clerk’s Report was noted. Work continues for the audit as well as preparations for 2012. The implementation of the system to accept electronic payments is taking time. If all goes well it will be in place on March 10 in time for the interim tax bill.

Information on the FONOM conference to be held in North Bay was considered. The conference will be held in May.

Information was received from the Building Inspector Ron LeBlanc regarding the new energy efficiency requirements for new construction. Information can be obtained on the Ministry website, the Village Office and the Building Inspector.

An update was received from the READ committee. The Village is one of the eleven area municipalities that belong. The Village share of the 2012 budget is $53.60.

Several items on the blood services issue were noted. A press release was received detailing the new service which will provide blood services for those who are not included under the current arrangements. It will be weekly at the Trefry Centre and appointments will be necessary which can be booked by calling LifeLabs at 705 946-5543.

Information was received from the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Province on the availability of defibrillators in publically funded buildings. There is already one in the Mariners’ Lounge and council decided to request one for the Hilton Hall.

The annual tax ratio by-law was considered. There is no change from previous years. This in the ratios among tax classes and not the tax rates which will be calculated at the end of the budget process.

12-12 Moved by C. Barich Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to adopt By-law #1040 being a by-law to establish tax ratios for the year 2012.
Carried

Due to the death of Karen Scott, Council had to declare the seat vacant. Persons wishing to apply for the position may do so in writing by March 2nd at 4:30 if they are a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age and a ratepayer or tenant.

12-13 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to declare the seat held by Karen Scott to be vacant and to advertise for applications from interested persons to fill the vacancy.
Carried

Applications for the Canada Summer Jobs program are due at the end of the month. The Village always applies for this grant.

12-14 Moved by C. Barich Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to apply to the Canada Summer Jobs program for three positions for the summer.
Carried

The landfill was discussed. Work has been done in preparation for a new trench that will be available in the spring. Scrap has been removed which improves the appearance of the site. The recycling bins are well used and the need for emptying will be monitored. They filled quickly the first month but this is partially due to the holiday season and the fact that people were holding their material until our bins arrived. The electronic bin will be in place very shortly. The shelter for the attendant is under construction. It is 10’ X 10’ and will be very well insulated. A small propane heater will be installed.

Use of the old office as a training centre for the Hilton Union Fire Dep’t was discussed. They moved their furniture and equipment in to prepare for the new fire truck. Council had to consider the terms of use and decided that only the minimal items would be charged. The building is of course insured under the Village policy. This information is needed for the Fire Board to consider in preparing the 2012 budget if they decide to use the facility.

12-15 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to offer the use of the old office to the Hilton Union Fire Dep’t provided that they will pay the hydro and sewer/water costs with the length of tenure to be determined in the future.
Carried

A recommendation was received from the Fire Board on the appointment of a new Deputy Chief. Both the Township and Village have to pass by-laws to appoint.

12-16 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to adopt By-law #1041 being a by-law to appoint Robert Hope as Deputy Chief of the Hilton Union Fire Department.
Carried
The clerk reported that the level of the petty cash fund has not been increased for thirty years and with the increase in such things as the cost of postage over the years $40 is not sufficient. As well with the increase in postage costs and the fact that most people now have use of the internet the need to send the minutes to people by first class mail is greatly reduced as they are posted on the Village website. Thus only those who confirm the need for this service will receive them in the future. The minutes will still be circulated locally by bulk mail.

12-17 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to increase the petty cash fund to $200.
Carried

A letter was received from the Township of St. Joseph protesting the elimination of counter service at the MNR office in Sault Ste. Marie. The Village, as well as other municipalities, had not received the notification from the Ministry. It was decided to wait until further clarification was received to consider the issue.

Notification of the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund allocation was received. There has been a $12,100 reduction in the amount of the grant but there is reported to be a $30,100 upload of costs to the Province for an $18,000 benefit to the Village. However over the years the reported uploads haven't necessarily coincided with the actual uploads. The budget of the Algoma District Services Administration Board will provide more detail.

Councillor Crack reiterated the problem of ambulance service costs a portion of which are borne by the municipalities through ADSAB levies have increased as wait times to off-load patients are increasing due to cut-backs leading to back-ups in the emergency wards. The hospital budgets are separate from and thus not negatively impacted by increased ambulance costs. The ambulance attendants cannot just leave their patients until hospital staff takes over their care.

The Hilton Union Public Library has continued to upgrade the services and recent reorganization of the stacks, etc. has improved the appearance.

This year is the 50th Anniversary of the St. Joseph Island Museum. There will be special activities. Watch for announcements.

Donna Schell notified Council that she has prepared a DVD of the Village activities in 2011 and it will be available shortly. It is copyrighted and not available for distribution but will become a part of the archives of the Village. Council member and staff expressed their appreciation for this endeavour.

Council had to go into closed meeting for an issue protected under the Act.

12-18 Moved by L. Crack Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to go into closed meeting to consider the following subject matter in accordance with the Municipal Act S.239(2): personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees.
Carried

12-19 Moved by R. Hope Seconded by C. Barich
Resolved to return to open meeting.
Carried

12-20 Moved by C. Barich Seconded by R. Hope
Resolved to adopt By-law #1042 being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council meeting held February 1st, 2012 and confirm the taking of any action authorized therein and thereby.
Carried


12-21 Moved by C. Barich Seconded by L. Crack
Resolved to adjourn to meet again March 7th, 2012 or at the call of the Mayor.
Carried





APPRECIATION CORNER

• To the Moore Family for once again taking care of the rink. In spite of the unpredictable weather the rink has been well used. Of course anyone who wishes to help can contact Darren or just take a shovel in hand if there is some touching up to do. This is a community rink and all labour is volunteer.

• To those who put the tables and chairs back after the community potluck including all the ones that were put on the stage during the major cleaning, waxing and polishing of the floor. This was big job and thanks go to Randy Fiegehen, Bob Hope, Ian Hoover and Bob Tisdale. The hall looks spectacular now after this annual work.


CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

The Tenth Annual “Chocolate Everything” will be held on February 12th from 1 – 3. If you wish to enter please do so. Children are encouraged to participate as well.


FAMILY DAY

Family Day is February 20th. The Committee is planning activities. Closer to the time it will be easier to gauge whether there will be ice on the rink.


FEBRUARY COMMUNITY POTLUCK

The theme will be Italian – an annual favourite. It will be on Feb 25th. As usual if you bring a dish you do not pay, and if not, the cost of the supper is $5. Everyone is most welcome.


BEADING WORKSHOP

The Recreation Committee is sponsoring an” introduction to beading” workshop for all ages. On March 3rd from 10 – 12. The cost is $10 per participant. There will be a choice of items to make. The class will be limited to 15 participants. The instructor is Briana Walsworth. Call the Office at 246-2242 for more information or to register.

ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH

The Recreation Committee is planning some activities for youth. The first one will be a “pool night” to be held March 13th from 7 -9. It will be held at the Tilt’n Hilton and there is no cost to participate. The Committee will buy one pop and one bag of chips or similar item for each participant. Board games will also be available and the youth are invited to bring their own. All youth aged 12 to 14 are welcome. There will be adult supervision.